Riu Palace Paradise Island - Bahamas

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Stay away from Riu Paradise Hotel. Visited: December 2008 Posted by princessjl We were not happy with the room provided to us. The room (bathroom) was dirty. The pictures advertised on web site are very deceiving, and were a total misrepresentation. It was definitely not a five-star accommodation. A male staff member entered our locked room without knocking. I had gotten out of shower. Aside from being totally mortified, I quickly covered. The guy said there was leak coming from faucet. The front desk person called saying she had to move us. Her attitude toward us was unacceptable. The way that she handled the situation was totally unprofessional, since she told me to go over to the Atlantis Hotel. This is not how a five-star resort should be run or how guests should be treated. The staff told us it was not their fault, but it was our travel agents fault for not informing us about their poor conditions. In addition, the second room had brown stains on the sheets, and the room was dirty. We called numerous times for someone to come up to change our sheets. No one ever showed up. I have never been so disgusted, not only with the unprofessional service and attitude, but with the unsatisfactory condition of the hotel and the dirty room(s) that were provided. For the expensive rate we paid for our trip, I was 100% dissatisfied and could not wait to return home after our second night. The hotel should not advertise the hotel as being a five-star hotel when it does not provide the services and accommodations of a five-star. This property definitely does not deserve a five-star rating based upon my previous experiences while on holiday where the resorts were immaculately maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure that their guests thoroughly enjoyed their stay. The Riu Paradise has a long way to go in terms of customer service. 7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a nightmare in Paradise. Visited: August 2008 Posted by nightmareinparadise The rooms need refurbishing. The pool and pool area were very run down. Some guests sang and shouted at the pool bar until about 5:00 am without security telling them that they were disturbing the guests in the hotel (as well as the guests in the hotel next door!). The lifts were always breaking down. There was a limited choice of food - which was also poorly prepared. Every time I ate in any of the restaurants, I got food poisoning. The restaurant staff was very unhelpful, and only served us when they felt like it. It seemed as if they would rather chat amongst themselves. All in all, this was a nightmare in paradise! 9 users found this review helpful. 6 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Paradise Island was beautiful. Visited: May 2008 Posted by scottishlass We stayed in the Riu in May on our honeymoon, and we would go back in a flash. We had an upgraded ocean view room on arrival with the most amazing views from our huge balcony - the sunset and risze were amazing. We enjoyed the beautiful beaches and surroundings. The food was fantastic, and when we made our reservations for the Steakhouse, we did not have to line up for more than a couple of minutes. We found the buffet restaurant more than enjoyable with traditional Bahamian food each evening to sample. The only thing I would say was that the room could have benefitted from a lick of paint - but for all the time we spent in it that didn't matter. The pool was slightly smaller than we expected, but who needs a pool when it is a 20-second walk into the tropical, warm ocean? We had an amazing stay, and we were actually quite emotional leaving some of the staff as we were looked after so well. I can't wait until we go back. 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Stay anywhere else. Visited: February 2007 Posted by traveler893 The decor of the Riu's "restaurants" was only slightly worse than my high school cafeteria's. And that is the nicest thing I have to say about the Riu. The food was inedible. The liquor was about three levels below the lowest quality liquor you could name. The beach was conveniently located right in the shade of the towering hotel, and half the rooms were treated to the sound of the "show" every night, which apparently consisted of repeatedly playing "Barbie Girl" at a high enough volume to disturb guests nine floors up with their doors and windows closed. These rooms were also lucky enough to have a view of the loading dock of the Atlantis, which was where we should have stayed. In addition, the pool was crowded, the towel and chair service closed arbitrarily early, and the outdoor eating areas were plagued by plate-diving pigeons. Our stay here was an absolute nightmare. 9 users found this review helpful. 8 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Riu Paradise needs a lot of work. Visited: November 2006 Posted by linda9014 I found the rooms to be very old. Everything above the beautiful lobby was in serious need of renovation. The beds were very hard and our floor lost power to the bathrooms every night! They have three on-site restaurants that required reservations, gourmet, Japanese and the steakhouse. But there was a catch - guests had to line up by 8:00 every morning to book the restaurant they wanted that evening. And let me add - you will be in line a minimum of 80 minutes. Again, we had to do this every morning. After two days of this 8:00 am nonsense, we opted to eat at the buffet or off site. The Japanese and the steakhouse were a three out of five-star at best. The buffet was terrific, and breakfast, lunch and dinner all had a lot of variety. The beach was spectacular, with soft white sand and warm water. However, it could be very choppy, but they had a lifeguard on site. There were lots of chairs, but no umbrellas on the beach,. However, guests could rent them for $20.00 and up for the day from local vendors. We never had a problem getting chairs or umbrellas around the pool. I found the pool water to be too cold, though. The staff seemed very indifferent. It was hit or miss here, some were nice, but the majority just seemed to not want to be there. It could be difficult at times to get a drink, but they did have a pool and lobby bar. Entertainment was okay. The same staff who tried to get guests up for pool aerobics also sang in the evening band! It was a two-minute walk to the Atlantis next door. This tower will take you to the casino, shops and the aquarium. At best, I give this place three stars. 21 users found this review helpful. 5 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I was unimpressed. Visited: April 2006 Posted by jmjc4 Unfortunately, this was our second and last visit to the Riu . We love the island and we brought friends and family this last trip. We were embarrassed about how we hyped the Riu up from such a fabulous trip last June, only to be very turned off this time - and so was our group. The hotel staff was less friendly, the manager was not cooperative, the elevators were always jammed packed, and we had to always wait five-ten minutes a time to get the elevator. Also, if you had a room close to the elevators, you heard them all night long. In addition, the pool water was very cold, and they ran out of pool towels for quests. The buffet really never changed - we pretty much ate the same food day and night. Lastly, we had some laundry washed for us, and they had no laundry bags or laundry paper to fill out. Our housekeeper helped and said give it to her she would send it to the laundry room. We asked the front desk, and they told us to give it to housekeeping - which we did that afternoon. We got it back with a $150.00 bill. If we knew the price of that, we would have never had our t-shirts and shorts - two bags washed. When we complained about the amount, the manager seemed to have a "so what" attitude and told us we should have inquired more. Not one room had any information pertaining to the laundry, so please do not do your laundry here. I am now booked with the Atlantis and will be staying at their Harborside condo for next year. The Riu has lost my buisness. 11 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Royal Holiday Scam Visited: November 2005 Posted by islander_jtn My wife and I were sold a group of "nights" from Premier Holiday Travel (aka Royal Holiday) while staying at the Sheraton on Paradise Island in late 2004. Most interesting is that they use the first floor of the Sheraton. We were told that in two weeks to at most one month we would receive a new color catalog of all the places available to us to use the “nights along with a membership package. In the mean time we could use their web site to see what dates/places would be available. The web site was up first time I tried it, but no places/dates were available. Upon attempting to use the "nights" approximately 5 weeks after returning home I contacted PHT and were told their was no record of us being a member. I immediately called MasterCard had them stop all transactions from there aka name which appeared on the MasterCard including the deposit of $875. MasterCard granted the request for any new charges but not the down payment of $875.00. By this time the web-site was down. In an attempt to get MasterCard to credit my account for the deposit, PHT sent MC the “contract” and MasterCard would not credit the account. In a letter dated 3months after my deposit was debited from the MC, PHT stated that if I wanted a brochure it was going to be another $100. Still no membership package. I spoke to PHT on the phone, and told them as soon as I receive my membership package and the latest brochure, I would pay the remaining amount. Finally I was ready write it off to a bad experience, the hell with the $875, it would cost at least that for a lawyer, etc. Never heard again from PHT. Then in December of 2005 (1 1/2 years later), we heard from Monterey Collection Services (aka Monterey Financial) of Oceanside, CA. They stated we owed $427.00 maintenance fee on my "nights". The “nights” which were never used and I could not use because my account was not in good standing/paid up. We hired a lawyer. The collection agency told him that if we pay the $427 plus just half of our original debt, they would stop harassing us. And what exactly would I have for this purchase - nothing but a clean credit report. As we’ve never been extorted in this manner before, we told our lawyer to tell them to sue us. As we are certainly going to sue them. See the yahoo news group Royal_Holiday_scam 7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I thought it was just so-so. Visited: October 2005 Posted by lp630 We just returned from a visit to the Riu - we were here October 28 - November 1. The weather was bad during this time. We had clouds, heavy winds, the beaches were closed, and we had rain at some points. So I can't really comment much on the beach and pool areas considering we didn't really spend much time there. As you can imagine, bad weather was a bummer, but we did our best to make the best of it and ended up having a pretty decent time. As for the hotel itself, the lobby and restaurant areas were nice, but the rooms were very unimpressive. Let's be real clear - they were about the equivilent of what you might see in your local Comfort Inn or Fairfield Inn. It was basic, poorly decorated, with small bathrooms, loud and dripping air conditioning units, worn carpet, thin sheets - you get the idea. They are in desperate need of a remodel. We thought the service left much to be desired. Check in was very poor. The front desk was short-staffed and those who were there were not very friendly to us. They almost seemed irritated to have to help us. We also got put in a room with double beds - even though we requested a king room. After getting pretty feisty about it with the manager, they amazingly enough found a king room for us. The poor service was pretty much the same for all areas of the hotel - bars, food, etc. This was unfortunate and definitely had an impact on my review. To my surprise, the food was actually very good for an all-inclusive. We enjoyed the buffets, as well as all of the gourmet restaurants. My only complaints would be that they didn't open for lunch until 12:30, which was a little later than I would like. Also, I didn't like the whole reservation thing for the gourmet restaurants. We had to be in the lobby at 9:00 am, and wait in line each day to get our reservation. I have no idea why they just don't do it like regular restaurants, my guess is it has something to do with the service and staff required to manage it. The entertainment was mediocre - it was funny more than anything. We went to the variety show night, as well as the band and dance night. After several drinks, anything's fun, though, right? All in all, our trip to the Bahamas was great. We had a good time with our friends, and enjoyed eating and drinking 24-7. However, I would not recommend the Riu as a hotel to stay at if you are someone who typically prefers great service and nice accommodations. Oh yeah, and don't go during hurricane season! 6 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? med-resort Visited: August 2005 Posted by gabylicious88 i stayed at the riu resort for 3 nights and i found it to be not at all what i have expected to be. 1. small pool 2. the food was always infested w/ flies 3.the service was terrible (the bellboys/waiters/waitresses/ reception/cleaners) were constantly talking and would need repetitive reminders to get serviced i would not suggest the resort to anyone! 8 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Riu Paradise was not a good choice for us. Visited: July 2005 Posted by gshirl20 I think people will really be disappointed when they see that the pictures of the resort and pool look nothing like what's in the book. The pool was very small, dirty and over crowded. We had to stand in a long line to get a reservation in one of the restaurants. You can almost foget about getting in the gourmet restaurant, which only seated 40 people. We had a terrible view of the ocean, and they wouldn't change our room. We found it was a big disappointment staying here. 8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? not good Visited: July 2005 Posted by gshirl20 People will really be disappointed when they see that the pictures of the resort and pool look nothing like what's in the book. The pool was very small,dirty and over crowded.You had to stand in a long line to get a reservation in one of the resturants. You can almost foget about getting in the gourmet resturant which only seated 40 people.We had a terrible view of the ocean. They wouldn't change our room.It was a big disappointment staying there. Another thing was that we were told not to drink the water. They had signs posted. Something about a broken water main 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Terrible Visited: July 2005 Posted by gshirl20 This Hotel was rated a five star by apple but my ciusins and I rate it a two star. The pool looked nothing like the pictures.It was very small,dirty, and over crowded.There was a swim up bar,which is not seen in the pictures that made it even smaller.They closed the pool on our third day there to clean. We left on the forth day in the afternoon and the pool was still closed.Our view from our room was bad. we were located over the air conditioning units. when we asked for another room they were rude and said there was none.We could never get in the ghormet room for dinner.you had to line up about 8:00 in the morning and wait until 9:00 for them to open.It only seated 40 people.The food wasn't all that great. Our tub was stopped up and was rusted around the edge.The sliding door was broken.if you locked it you couldn't get it open. The elevators were very slow. You constanly heard people complaining about there rooms and not stocking there room bar.The entertainment was a JOKE! a couple of hotel employees dancing every night.We will never stay there again. 5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Riu Paradise provided a fantastic setting with nice people. Visited: June 2005 Posted by cobycat1 This hotel and its staff were wonderful. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was lovely in presentation, and delicious in taste. The specialty restaurants and the buffet were good, and the snacks offered late at night were nice. The Rui's location right next door to the Atlantis was another bonus. It was just a few yards' walk to the casino. The beautiful, pristine beach was right out the door from the hotel, also. The only drawback for me was the air conditioning, as I like my room cooler than most, and we didn't think we had control over the temperature. My husband didn't think all the drinks tasted that great, but we both loved the Bahama Mama drink, and the wines were very good with the dinners. We would definitely recommend this hotel. 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? What a wonderful vacation! Visited: May 2005 Posted by burnettwa We spent a four-day weekend at Riu. The hotel lobby was beautiful, and our room was lovely, complete with mini-bar which was included in the price. Our room overlooked the pool and the ocean. The employees went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed and really couldn't have been nicer! The all-inclusive was a great deal - but, you have to like buffets for breakfast and lunch. Dinner at the various restaurants was good, but not terrific. Our only complaint was that the pool was freezing when we were here. No one could go swimming. I would go back in a New York minute! 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Web site photos did not seem to be accurate. Visited: April 2005 Posted by whatup The lobby was nice, but the rooms were not. The rooms were very dated. The web site showed very nice photos of the grounds and pool. It was excellent photography, which made the pool look large. It was not, however. Do not be fooled by the pictures! The elevators were shut down to be worked on a lot of the time, which really made the (one) working elevator a pain to wait for - and full to the max when you did get on it. Staff was pleasant, and very nice. However, we will not go back to this hotel again. 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was definitely not a five-star hotel. Visited: March 2005 Posted by slaramee4 My wife and I stayed at the Riu for three nights, and we were not at all satisfied with the service provided in general. First of all, the second day, we had to request for towels in our room. Then, on the same day, I went to the gym to work out and there was only one treadmill in working condition. Making a reservation at one of the gourmet restaurants was a challenge because we had get up at 7:00 am to ensure that we had a reservation for that night. Then, we ate at the steak house and I had to ask the server three times in order to get our glass refill with wine. I was told that that Riu resorts are the "best of the best", but I guess this was not the case for the Bahamas. I will never go back to the Riu in the Bahamas. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Our hotel stay was wonderful! Visited: November 2003 Posted by crml_dlite I won a contest off of the radio. They flew me to the Bahamas and paid for me to stay at this wonderful hotel. The people were very courteous. The bellman (Jermaine) was very friendly. The shops inside of the hotel were also wonderful, I spent about $200, but I came out of the store with so many nice items. I loved it! The food was kind of expensive but it was delicious! I stayed on the 14th floor and I had an ocean view room which was nice, but the TV didn't work! It was cool though, because I stayed out all night in the Atlantis Casino. Overall, I highly recommend this hotel. I had such a wonderful time. I wanted to cry when I checked out because I wasn't ready to come back home. I plan to return to the Bahamas this year sometime in April, and I plan to stay at this same hotel. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Great ...but Visited: July 2003 Posted by rluckock The beach and hotel staff was very good but the constant sales pitch by the time share people took away from the stay. They should be removed from the lobby! Their hard sell does not meet the professional standards of the hotel! 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We had a great vacation. Visited: July 2003 Posted by betc72 We stayed at the Sheraton for four nights and, all-in-all, had a great time. We didn't get the all-inclusive deal which I recommend because the food everywhere was expensive! I also would recommend arriving during the week. It seemed like lots of people arrived on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and I think you would get better attention from the front desk staff if you arrived during the weekdays. The Sheraton was much less crowded and noisy than the Atlantis resort, so if you don't want to be up all hours of the night, stay here. Also, the rooms on the pool-side of the hotel at the Sheraton were the best. When we arrived, we didn't have a good view at all, but the Sheraton moved us the next day to a much better room with a georgous view! The staff at the hotel was very helpful, but the phone system was way out of date. We could not use US calling cards or cell phones over here. We could call collect, purchase a calling card, or charge the call to the room which was beyond expensive. Take lots of money - you'll need it! 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Not Happy Visited: July 2003 Posted by icre8styles I want to say first off I made my reservations 5 months in advance and they required 2 nights to be paid up front. My husband, son and myself arrived on July 2nd for a check out day of July 7. To my surprised the sheraton overbook so therefor they bumped me out for 2 nights, putting us at the radisson on cable beach(which was better than the sheraton in the first place an on the other side of the island) I was told by management that I could check in at the sheraton on saturday, when I got there at 3:00 (which is check in time) my room was still not available...so my family and I had to sit in the lobby for 3 hours w/our luggage. There was never any entertainment,the service was horrible, everything was super expensive and the beach was very crowded. I would have rather stayed at the Radisson on cable beach. They offered many free activites like, aqua cycling,snorkling gear, para sailing etc... ALL FREE with your stay. the beach was not as crowd,there were tanning beds available and the hotel sat directly on the beach so you didn't have to walk far for anything. I have stayed at many Sheratons and this was by far the worse..it was like a Best Western with a beach. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?