- Cynthia_R
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 28
- Reviews
FANTASTIC TRIP ALL AROUND!
- June 21, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Before booking at the RIU Tropical Bay, I must have read every review from every all-inclusive in Negril. You never really know what you're going to get, and this resort seemed to have the "least negative" comments, and a lot of positive attributes, so that's what we booked. We had an oceanfront room on the third floor which was okay. There's a lot of tropical vegetation on the beach, so don't expect a clear shot view of the water. We could see some of it, but the trees were nice, and hearing the rippling of the water in the morning and night was a nice touch. It is true that the rooms smell musty, but honestly, you get used to it after you're in it for a couple minutes - it never bothered us too much. It's Jamaica, after all! It's really hot and muggy - it's TROPICAL! But there was NO mold anywhere, and the rooms where spotless. The rooms are also very spacious, with a separate seating area, and good mini-bar area that was restocked. A couple times we had to call room service because they forgot to restock it. We also ordered room service a few times for that late afternoon snack and cocktail. We were expecting it to take a while - it's Jamaican time, no hurrying - but it was actually really quick, most often within 10-15 minutes. We also ordered coffee and fruit every morning, and they were pretty close to our requested 7:30am. The restaurants were good, but you do need to get reservations in the morning, usually around 7:45am - bring your coffee and hang out so it's relaxing! And BRING A TRAVEL MUG for cocktails - you'll get more than the little plastic cup, and it stays COLDER!!!
TERRIFIC TRIP! RESORT IN NEGRIL..
- June 16, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I have been to 20+ island resorts over the last 40 years and this one was wonderful. It is large, elegant three story buildingg. The room (jr.suite ocean front) had a nice sized balcony with cusioned chair/loungers, a sofa, chairs and table sitting area, 2 queen beds, dressing area and bathroom with marble tub . cr The room had crown molding, inlaid tile floors, matching furniture curtain, and spreads, mini bar , large bath sheet towels, flat screen tv's and 24 hour rooms service. The resort had a large buffet dining area that was both tastful and eye appealing, with gracious waiters. The four specialty reataurants were excellent, but not well attended by the guests so it was quiet and comfortable. There was a live show every night by a hotel staff and pool/beach activites during the day. The beach wand water was very clean and warm, but no sea shells without digging. I like being in Negril. You felt safe, even to the point that I as a 60 year old lady could be dropped off at a small shopping are or a beach and was guaranteed the cab driver would return to pick me up at a given time. He asked for no money up front, with me paying only after I was returned to the hotel. Plenty of lounges on beach and pool, plenty of beach towels, drinks and food.
It was June, therefore the rainy season; but, the overcast kept the heat down. It bring out the bugs (gnats). They did sprayfog the resort each late afternoon. Each night there was a towel sculpture left by our turn-down maid that was filled with fresh flowers. I would have preferred if they had left the flowers on the shrubs for everyone's outdoor enjoymnent.
This place is FABULOUS!!!
- June 9, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Traveled with my cousin in May - we were both very pleasantly surprized with this hotel. It was just beautiful ! The staff was great ! The room & beach was wonderful. 24 hour room service and a bar in the room??? WOW! The food was unbelievable, fresh & tasty. Activities at the beach were great as well,& kayacks, snorkling gear and catamerans were free to use. The locals down near the fence at the beach are selling everything, but they can take no for an answer.The guys selling trips and tours down near the pool are the ones to go through - better deals.The Rick Cafe sunset cruise was fun. Mayfield falls is beautiful (we did book that through the hotel), but bring good water shoes as the trek in & out is a bit dangerous.I did bring my camera at my own risk, it was fine - the guides will help transport stuff across the river. Don't expect a full body massage as it says in the hotel info - I guess that's a joke. It refers to the waterfall massage you get in the river. ? Our driver was awesome and stopped to let us take photos and at a roadside stand had some guy cut us some fresh sugarcane! Biggest complaint about the hotel I can come up with is, they do not serve cream with the coffee.Just milk. Oh who cares...when you are in paradise you can drink it black - No Problem Mon! PLEASE PLEASE don't forget to tip the help!!! They work so hard for so little!
The Beach Was Perfect!!!
- May 28, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The beach offers lots of trees for shade. There is also plenty of full sun areas. The sunset is to die for. Ok now for the room - it was very nice and well appointed the mini bar was restocked daily and houskeeping was very good. The AC never worked 100% but it wasn't anything unbearable. The shows were ok but we didn't go to Jamaica to see the shows. The buffet was ok and we usually could find something we really liked there. Reservations for the other places were tough to get if not there by 7am Mon. Wed. and Fri. The Steak House was good to very good and the service everywhere was very good. The pool bar was the best X (the bartender) is very entertaining and funny. Tip: don't order the Bob Marley drink he will make you pay with a huge shot. At the end of the beach you can find anything you want. Dont be afraid to talk to the guys in the boats they are reasonable and can take you almost anywhere you want to go. If that's not your thing ask for X at the cab station. He truly made our vacation and can show you some great places to go. Dinner at a small resort called X will be a must do from now on when we go to Jamaica. Ricks Cafe is also a must do but they only make change in Jamaican currency. Finally if you go, although tipping on the resort is not required, I reccomend it and if you plan on tipping make sure to bring plenty of ones, fives, and tens. American money is hard to come by in Jamaica especially if you are looking to break a larger bill. Riu is Awsome...
Fabulous!!!
- May 24, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is crazy My cousin and I had a wonderful 8 days in this lap of luxury, found the staff eager to please & the amenities pleasantly surprizing. The room was clean and comfy. The food was just beyond belief - such an expansive buffet - fresh & tasty to say the least. The only reason I didn't gain 10 lbs. is due to walking the beautiful beach and swimming & snorkleing in the crystal blue water. There were parts of the beach left neglected & with trash, that was sad...but all in all, the beauty of Negril is so amazing. The entertainment was a blast! The locals trying to sell you stuff can be a bit overwhelming. When approached, I'd say no I didn't need anything, but asked if I could take their picture if I paid them $ and they were more than happy to comply! They have SO LITTLE to our TOO MUCH. One dollar is a lot to them. All my money went on things like that or on tips. PLEASE don't forget to TIP THE HELP! All inclusive does not mean don't tip! They work so hard to make our stay perfect, and always with a smile. Check out Mayfeild Falls, the trek in is a bit treacherous but the falls were beautiful and our guides - awesome! We did the hotel deal, and our driver was really cool but it would be cheaper to arrange it through a local if possible.Bring lunch & sit in one of their huts to eat.Hotel supplies snorkling gear, use of catamarans & kyacks. Transportation is too expensive - try to hook up with someone from the staff!