Riu Merengue: Rooms need updating

Rui Merengue offers a typical all-inclusive resort experience. The rooms and grounds are kept clean, the food was good, the staff was friendly and helpful (for the most part). There are a few things that could be done to improve the experience: 1. Updating the rooms - the beds were old and uncomfortable, the bedding was clean but dated. The pillows were as flat as pancakes! 2. We booked a "family room" for 2 adults and 3 kids (ages 1, 4 and 6). We were told there would be 2 double beds and a twi [... read more]n bed. In reality there were only 3 single beds in the room! How do they expect us to sleep a family of 5 with that arrangement??? I was very disappointed ad were told that we already have the biggest room. Yes, the room is larger than most, but useless unless we have enough beds! Although we booked a crib for our 1 year old, we had to make many trips to the front desk to enquire about it and after a big fight a crib was eventually delivered to our room (after one of the front desk staff offered that we could buy a crib! Really!!) Aside from these issues, we had a great time, the beach was awesome and I would consider booking with this resort again if the configuration of beds could be improved.

Riu Palace Antillas: Riu Palace Antillas

Definitely not what I expected from a "5 star Riu Palace" Public areas were nicely renovated, but food quality and service were lacking. Pool area was understaffed and rarely were you able to get a drink pool side unless you got it yourself. No one cleaned the pool straws cups and other debris littered the pool by 1pm and no one cleaned it unless you asked them to and then they only did one little area. Absolutely no beach service. Food was either cold or not available, room service gave no opti [... read more]ons; ham & cheese sandwich, nachos, fruit plate or chocolate cake, THATS IT. Our room had not had any renovations done on it, old stained carpet and furniture, reeked of mold and mildew, carpet was wet enough to put towels down. And the topper was the wet sheets when you went to bed because the carpet was wet the entire room humidity was extremely high. So much so that our luggage was 9kg heavier then when we came in and we were charged $180 USD cash only upon departure Some staff tried very hard to help make your stay enjoyable but when your so disappointed it's hard for them to make anything right. Others could care less and made that very apparent. As for entertainment, there was none. Never would I recommend this "resort" not even to someone I didn't like.

Riu Palace Paradise Island: not a five star

this resort has a great location but is a old building in great need of upgrades . the rooms where damp and smelly ( remember you only sleep in the room ) . staff was very friendly and helpful but the meals where just brutal . i would give this a three ( and half ) star because of the location ad staff only.

Riu Ocho Rios: This is a 3.5* - terrible service, roaches, dirty.

This is a 3.5 star resort at the most. Terrible service, terrible food, dirty, roaches, ants in bathroom, old resort that needs Lot of repairs, most of the beach chairs are broken-- for more details see my review on trip advisor (Paula Owens) I go into a lot of detail in this review.

Riu Emerald Bay: RIU EMERALD BAY

We stayed at the hotel January 6-January 13, 2015. The weather was perfect and the beach was very nice. The hotel staff were very hardworking, always mopping, picking up and cleaning the resort. All the rooms have a great ocean view. There was ample food choices for all guests. The only negative comments we have is the Internet service is incredibly inconsistent and painfully slow. This was a great value for a vacation

Riu Santa Fe: Good value

I was disappointed because my only prior experience with thr Rui resorts was my stay at the Rui Palace. But the price is cheaper hence it's unrealistic to compare it to the Palace. However I would have preferred more staff in the restaurants and at the bars.

Riu Ocho Rios: Incredible Vacation

We stayed in the deluxe wing from December 27 2014 to January 3 2015. We travelled as a family with our daughter and son in law and our son and future daughter in law. From the moment we stepped on to the property until our departure we had a wonderful vacation. Our check in was superb...very fast, professional and extremely friendly and welcoming. Our rooms were what we expected, clean and comfortable. We had booked three ocean front rooms and we got what we asked for. I would request rooms on  [... read more]the second or third floor another time, as we were on the fourth floor. Our room had a great view, but the other two had the cement railing and a smaller balcony, but it was really no big deal. The food was amazing. Always a lot of choices in the buffet. The breakfast buffet was our favourite, several choices of yogurt, eggs, omelet stations, breads etc. We had and have read a few negative reviews regarding the food...personally, we never had an issue. I am always amazed that some people find the smallest things to complain about. The new year's eve buffet was impressive...from the shrimp tree to the ice sculptures, the staff went above and beyond. The grounds and the resort itself was beautiful and the gardeners, maids, etc., work tirelessly to keep it this way. Now for the pool bar staff....Tyrone is a gem. Always friendly, always upbeat and always there with a big smile with a new drink for you to try. We never found they asked for tips...he just did his job, and if given one, huge thanks, but not necessary. We found the beach and ocean to be very clean. We walked the beach several times a day, down past the public area and on to the little vendor at the end of the beach. Great deals by him. Tasmine, with Nexus, arranged a golf day for my husband and son in law...called over to the golf course office to find out conditions for the day, made sure they got a good deal, right down to the taxi ride. This was our third time visiting Jamaica, our family's first. We have stayed at the Riu Montego Bay and a different resort. We loved the Riu Montego Bay, but we loved the grandeur of the one in Ocho Rios. Negatives...the long 2 hr. shuttle to and from the airport. Also, we found the entertainment to be very good, but very loud. We wound up sitting by the front lobby where we could still hear it at a comfortable level. Unfortunately, one of the big negatives were some of the guests. As I said, we stayed in the adult section, and there were some parents with older teens (18+), and the teens stayed in their own rooms...we had a couple of nights when the noise level was almost unbearable...slamming doors, yelling, staggering down the hallway and banging things, but once New Year's day came, this seemed to stop. We can't fault the resort for rude guests.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Better tan average for Cuba . Staff great

Resort was clean and very well maintained. Pool and beach awesome. Staff very kind. Sunwing rep great .. Food was Luke wArm at best, and we both got stomach issues after eating If your looking for sunshine, safety and to drop a few pounds definately go to Cuba...plane was delayed 2 hours leaving and 1.5 leaving. Really for no reason

Riu Merengue: Want a great HOLIDAY! We love this resort!

The Merengue offers so much more than luxurious, luscious grounds, 2 swimming pools, and a great layout for those with mobility issues. The staff is exceptional, the food is plentiful and variety quite good. We stayed at the Merengue Gardens, but were able to enjoy the facilities of all 3 resorts, offering many eating and bar stations. The beach and entry into the water is a bit rocky! Even though the Riu offers so much they could get better at acknowledging their repeat customers. It is quite  [... read more]shameful. They could also acknowledge these reviews, with a reply!

Riu Emerald Bay: Very nice

Very nice but beach too rough and should have coffee pot in room although the food was excellent and lots to choose from been there before and also good resort for childred took my grandson and he had a blast

Grand Memories Varadero: Fun in the sun at the Riu

Riu was an amazing resort, the grounds were often cleaned, surroundings were all taken care of. Our room was clean and bed comfortable as being in my own bed. I was most shocked about the water pressure and temperature of the shower, better then home. We ate at the buffet daily and as a picky eater each day I found myself full and satisfied, lots to choose from. The pool was warm and clean and always a great time to be had. The service that was provided whether for drinks, food, questions and of [... read more] coarse the most amazing time in Havana was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend this resort and the Sunwing guided tour to Havana is a must see. We will be returning again this year with our family!

Riu Vallarta: Cant ask for more

Good Hotel, everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Nicely set up with everything close by. Walk down the beach to see the turtles nesting... and maybe get to see baby turtles making there way to the sea!

Riu Emerald Bay: Poor service

After coming back from the Riu Palace in Puerto Vallarta let me just say we expected way more. The hotel itself was clean and nice and the food was good but what we missed most was the service. The restaurant staff was poor at best, friendly but non existent. Most. Mornings we got our own coffee and juice and rarely did we see anyone cleaning our table. Getting a drink at the pool bar was all up to you. No pool side service. Let's just say we saved a lot on tipping

Riu Ocho Rios: Great vacation disappointed with the Resort.

We were thankful to win the trip to Jamaica. The flight was great, the hotel however has much to improve on. The food was mediocre at best. We had to change our hotel room the first room we were placed in the toilet seat was broken. They were kind enough to switch us to another room but the hotel itself needs an over all. It's not a 4 star anymore. having been to this hotel in the past it has gone down dramatically. Riu should make it part of their standard that if you visit one you should be ab [... read more]le to visit the others on a day pass similar to like what Sandals does. The hotel is big so if you like crowds it is for you. For those who want to relax and have a quiet time find a smaller resort. This one is commercialized and you don't really get the true island feel.

Riu Cancun: Dream vacation

Everything was perfect , peaceful and relaxing the staff was very hospitable, helpful and kind really enjoined it and special thanks from entertaining crew. I hope everybody could experience such an amazing trip.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: RIU Palace Costa Rica - Awesome holiday

My husband and I have been considering Costa Rica for a vacation for quite some time, and I am now wondering what took us so long! Our flight through Sunwing and Package through Nexus / Signature was seamless and enjoyable. The country is beautiful; the food was outstanding; the rooms at the RIU Palace were immaculate; and the service was second to none. As part of our vacation, we signed up for two excursions: (1) Africa Safari - Good and (2) Borinquen Safari (Natural Spring / spa / zipline, e [... read more]tc.) - Awesome! We took a shuttle to Coco Beach which was a cool outing for the day. The beach was picturesque and the little shopping town had local made souvenirs, but much much more (clothing, banks, pharmacies, etc.). Out of all the locations we have been to, this has been our best vacation ever, and we're already planning for our return next year. We want to say a special thank you to Gilbert and Orion from Nexus for the being the ultimate tour hosts. They were extremely helpful and demonstrated the importance and appreciation of the tourists who visit Costa Rica. Also, a special thanks to Karol Chareza at Trip Central for taking such good care of us in booking our holiday and being so knowledgeable in answering any questions we had about our vacation and the resort. We highly recommend RIU Palace Costa Rica for a vacation spot! The recent publication on a survey that was done stating that Costa Rican people are the happiest in the world stands true - and now we know why!

Riu Bambu: great resort

The grounds were beautiful. The food was excellent. I really enjoyed the pool. The rooms were okay a little disappointed there were no machines in the rooms. Overall a great stay. I'm not as big on Punta Cana. I perfer La Romana. But would go back to a Rui

Riu Palace Antillas: Miss Leading review of Rui Antillas

Assya & Mikes Aruba Jan 3 till Jan 10 ,2015 Rui Antillas Adults Only Price $2400.00 Per Person Here is my side of the story that I encountered at the Rui Antillals 5 Star Resort Every aspect of my story is true My wife and myself decided to go to Aruba. It is our first time there and we booked it with a lady at Trip Central "Debbie". I told her that we like to go to a place without kids as we prefer to have "peace and quite".She suggested Rui Antillas and we looked forward to that trip. We book [... read more]ed it only 3 weeks in advance so the price was higher than other guest on the resort. Our flight was delayed ninety minutes due to ice storm in Toronto so we did arrive in Aruba at 12 midnight.When we arrived at the hotel I went directly to the front desk and asked the young fellow if I could Upgrade my room as I wanted a room overlooking the ocean and his reply was that if you want a different room you will have to see someone the following day. At midnight, we were all hungry so we found a place where they had food for 24 hours as they said, but there were only empty dishes and no one to help... The hotel is old Western bought by Rui and opened before the rooms were renovated. They are small with dirty carpets and small bathrooms. Far from the suites we expected. Sunday morning I was going to talk to the front desk and there were others complaining already . Most of us managed to change their rooms only to realize that the new ones were no better. Later that day I wanted to make reservation for dinner in the special dinning rooms but I notice there were 17 in line in front of me and Only one lady taking the reservation WOW.We did wait 15 minutes and the line did not MOVE.I did not wait any longer and left. On Tuesday morning I met the General Manager Richard Velasco of the resort at 10 am and introduced myself and explain that I had a couple of concerns that I hope he could resolve. I complained about the rooms, also I mention to him that I was not willing to stand in line for 2 hours to have dinner in one of your two restaurants. He agreed to look and find a way for the problems to be fixed. On Monday night which was Jan 5,2015 Canada was playing Russia in the finals in hockey on TV. Approx 40 guest from Canada packed in the casino bar since that was the only place with the game on to enjoy our country playing for the Gold Medal. All of us were told not to seat at the bar seats because they were for cash drinks and if you are not purchasing a drink you cannot seat. There were only about 10 chairs available. We still watched the game but were not impressed with the staff . It looked to me that people working there were not concern if their guests were happy. I noticed the same attitude at the buffet restaurant and the beach bar. We have been to many Riu hotels in Mexico,Dominican Republic,Costa Rica,Bahamas that we liked and we expected to enjoy our stay in Aruba as well. Of course I must give credit to the things that were great and positively nice. The food was very good, a lot of variety and good presentation. From crab legs, jumbo shrimps, lamb chops to prime rib and beef Wellington. Fantastic taste and enough food to make your vacation a big indulgence. And there were people who did their best to please their guests . Jerry,Mery,Gerardo and Johnny from the pool bar did a very job. Lidia too was very helpful. Well done. Also Sherwin Maduro, the fron desk bell boy had always a smile on his face. He was very helpful every time I asked him a question,I would hire him to work for my pastry company in Toronto. We did go for lunch and dinner at the Rui Palace next door and what a difference it made when you can sit outside to have your meal. Something that was not available at our hotel. To end my story about my trip to Rui Antillas Resort I must say it is not a FIVE STAR HOTEL as it leads people to believe. I heard a lot of guest from Canada complain about one or another thing which come down to the answer.... They will not RETURN to that Rui Resort and they would not recommend it to family and friends. When I spoke to the general manager I mention that I was going to send him a copy of this letter with my concerns. Will I return to your Hotel. NO Will I return to another Rui YES I hope you can look at all my concerns as I took the TIME to write my comments Thank You Mike

Riu Ocho Rios: Great food fun and times!!!

Great resort, food was wonderful rooms were well beautiful and the staff were second to none! I would recommend this hotel to anyone. We be going to a Riu resort in the future because they really know how to make an enjoyable time!!

Riu Palace Tropical Bay: Beautiful Resort

Beautiful resort on seven mile beach. Service and food were exceptional. The bathrooms in the rooms could use an upgrade but everything was clean. Thank you so much to our wonderful servers Winston, Sherean and Powell, to name a few, for making us feel at home and welcome.