Riu Palace Tropical Bay - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8561 reviews

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  Holiday with our grandson

  We stayed at Rui palace tropical bay hotel with are grandson who is only 12 who also had a greet time at this hotel. The rooms are very clean with very comfortable beds if you are really fussy about things grouting on bathroom tiles is not good in parts but clean also cracks on toilet system (room 4222). Buffet food ok always found something to eat, booked Krystal restaurant very forgettable, also steak house restaurant ok not able to get reservations at the other restaurants. Breakfast buffet was good as you are normally served by the same staff we were served by Damien and Duval who had an orange stripe on uniform they also made a great start to the day always so friendly and made sure we had are coffee and juice as we sat down but slightly annoyed as on the last day we left a tip and a women with a green stripe on her uniform someone who we had never seen came from nowhere and took the tip from the table and I believe she put it in her pocket I would have said something but I don’t like confrontation wish I had, so I would say if you leave a tip make sure the right person gets it. Also will say the pools are really clean you have a pool bar for adults, party pool that the entertainment team use and a relaxing pool witch is actually that very relaxing. Beach is very nice and you see a beautiful sunset everyday, only downside beach beds are a bit stained. But I would recommend this hotel with the little issues I have pointed out.

  Sep 09, 2025
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  Very honest review. Family of 7

  I wanted to write a honest review as I was so appreciative and worried before going to Tropical Bay after reading some very negative (and imo now very unfair) reviews. I will be as honest as I can. After a very long flight from the UK we headed for the transfer which I was nervous about after reading that it was hell but it was actually fine. Yes it was long but we already knew it was going to be. The roads are not the best but again it is what it is and the bus driver explained to us it was going to be bumpy but overall it was ok. We arrived at Riu Palace Tropical Bay and wasn’t wowed but the outside but headed in to be greeted by big smiles and friendly staff offering drinks. Check in was very easy and pain free. We were a big group of 7 of us and had requested 3 rooms next to each other but when I asked, the lady said no we wasn’t next to each other! I was quite disappointed at this as I had asked our travel agents to request it and also emailed the hotel to ask. After a few mins she did then say she had found 3 rooms close which was much better and we was very appreciative of this. We headed to our rooms and were happy with our selection, the rooms are a good size, looked clean and had everything we needed. We had a slight sea view which was a bonus. I want to give a huge big shout out to Renie the TUI rep who’s at the hotel most days. She was so helpful and friendly and so caring. She went above and beyond for us a family a few times while we were there and we can’t thank her enough! THE FOOD: Buffet - Breakfast was fantastic, had everything you could want for breakfast. Lunch and dinner could be a bit samey but had lots and lots of choice and we always found something to eat (even the fussy ones of the group) I’ve got to give a big shoutout to Diana and Natalie who looked after us as a group every morning and lunchtime, making sure we always had a table for us all and even went the extra mile on our daughters birthday by decorating the table for her. Very lovely ladies. Steakhouse - we ate here twice and loved it. Steak was a good size and cooked to perfection each time, could have done with a steak sauce but not a big deal. My son has the lobster and said it was delicious too so all round a big hit for us. Italian - we only managed to get in here on our last night which I’m gutted about as it was definitely up there as one of our favourites of the holiday. Starters are a help your self style and had such a good range of choice, we was very impressed. Most of us then had the lamb to follow and it was exceptional! We would have definitely gone back here if we could have. Japanese- we booked here for my daughter’s 18th birthday and it was ok. We wasn’t wowed by it but it wasn’t bad. Just ok. Fusion - Again this was ok, nothing amazing but also not bad. Of course this is all by personal preference. Definitely all worth a try. THE BEACH! As a group we are not massive beach/sea people but I can honestly say after being here we are converted. The beach and sea here is hands down the best and most beautiful we have ever seen and been to! It’s absolutely stunning. The water is crystal clear and warm and we also saw some marine life while there which was a huge bonus for us. I would go back to this hotel just for the beach and sea and I never thought I’d ever say that! The entertainment was good, again was appreciative about it after reading lots of reviews saying there was none and what was there was rubbish but it was actually very good. Always having a show on in the evening which is what we wanted. It wasn’t crazy or a lot but it was just right for our family. The entertainment team do a great job and do their best. Very friendly and lovely. Shout out to Coco, Diamond and Toni-Ann who remembered us and played cards with us. Always with a smile and friendly face. I’ve got to say in all the places we have been on holiday I can honestly say on this holiday we met some of the most friendly, kind, chilled, helpful and just all round lovely people we have ever come across. We would go back to Jamaica just for the people. Another shout out to Vilton and Mathew the life guards. They really made our holiday with their friendly, happy faces always smiling and joking with us. They are real assets to the place. Great guys. We done 2 excursions while there which were both amazing. One to Chukka park where we done Zip lining, horse riding in the sea and quad biking. It was a lovely day and well worth the money. We then done a catamaran trip with the guys on the beach and this was an excellent day and very good value for money. Would highly recommend both days. I would have given this a 5 star review but unfortunately there were a few minor things that stops me doing that and as I said I wanted to be completely honest so here are the few negatives. On one occasion our toilet in the bathroom overflowed and flooded our bathroom and some of the bedroom. We rang straight down to reception and they were there to sort it within about 15 mins. Fixed the problem and sorted the room very quickly, obviously not ideal and I was worried it was going to happen again but it didn’t but on a second occasion we came back to our room to a big puddle under the aircon which was leaking through one of the lights! Again rang down to reception and it was sorted and fixed very quickly. These things are a pain and not what you expect when you spend so much on a holiday but also understand these things happen so not going to hold it against them. We was also a bit disappointed with the swimming pools. As a family we are big pool people but they are quite small and boring but the beach and sea do make up for it so not going to complain to much. Overall we had the best time and would 100% recommend and would go back.

  Sep 01, 2025
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  Nice but, wouldn't go back.

  Good food. Great entertainment. Waitstaff 10. Beach bar staff 3. Front desk 4. Gift shop *rude/unapproachable. Grounds- boring, lacks color or decor. Beach - very nice, but, THOSE BEACH CHAIRS!! YUCKKKK!

  Aug 30, 2025
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  Amazing Experience. Riu Never Disappoints!

  It was an amazing experience celebrating my birthday at Riu Tropical Bay. Firstly, this is a FAMILY RESORT located in Negril. It may be quite a distance to travel, but the journey itself is part of the experience, offering views of lush vegetation and beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arrival, the hotel staff were exceptionally friendly, and the food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from. The 24-hour lounge was a great touch, perfect for snacks, light meals, and coffee or tea at any time. Drinks were flavorful, with just the right balance of alcohol and taste. The rooms were spacious, clean, and well-maintained, with a mini bar stocked with a good variety and replenished daily. The TV offered a wide range of channels, from Cartoon Network to keep the kids entertained, to BET and other adult-oriented options. What stood out most was the entertainment—there was never a dull moment. From kids’ games and cinema nights to lively events like the RIU White/Neon Party, karaoke, beach parties, Bingo games, and even a silent headphone party, there was always something exciting happening day and night. Overall, it was an experience full of fun, relaxation, and memorable moments. CONS: There were a few inconveniences during the stay: there weren’t enough electrical outlets near the bed, the rain shower in the bathroom was not functioning, and the blow dryer was quite small, requiring extra time and patience to use. Walk with hats and sunscreen because when the sun is out, it is extremely hot!

  Aug 27, 2025
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  Our Family Vacation Was Ruined — Disgusted and Heartbroken

  I’ve been to Jamaica multiple times and have always loved the people and culture, but my family’s stay at Riu Palace Tropical Bay (July 19–26, 2025) was hands down the worst vacation experience we’ve ever had. We arrived expecting a relaxing, family-friendly 5-star experience. Instead, we were met with: ROACHES in the room AND restaurants – yes, roaches crawling across our room, inside bedding, behind furniture, and even across our table at the buffet and down the wall at Hakuchi restaurant. Drain flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and filthy rooms with urine-smelling sheets, hair on bedding, and moldy bathroom grout. Housekeeping didn’t arrive until after midnight—with a dirty broom and a can of bug spray, asking us to wait on the balcony. No-smoking policy? Not enforced. My kids and I have asthma, and we were repeatedly exposed to cigarette and marijuana smoke at the pools and outside restaurants. When I reminded a guest of the “No Smoking” sign, a RIU staff member replied, “It’s okay, she’s with me.” Not one staff member enforced the rules the entire week. Food safety was just as alarming. Fruit flies swarmed the uncovered fruit trays daily, and we watched staff fill water pitchers using a garden hose sprayer. The buffet floors were so greasy I nearly slipped. Drug solicitation on the beach—daily offers for weed and edibles right in front of my children. Overall, this is not a family-friendly environment. Between the smoke, filth, drug exposure, and health risks, I would never recommend this resort to anyone traveling with children—or anyone who values hygiene and peace of mind. We lost hours trying to fix problems that should never have occurred. The staff was dismissive, slow to act, and corporate’s only “solution” was a 3-night stay voucher, which is insulting considering the documented health risks and time lost. I’ve attached photos and videos that speak for themselves. I’ve reported this situation to the Jamaica Ministry of Health and urge others to do the same if they’ve had similar experiences. RIU should be ashamed to call this place a 5-star resort.

  Aug 27, 2025