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 Would I come back? Definitely! Visited: December 2009 |
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| Posted by wavyhair77 | |
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Hi, my name is Michelle and I'm a Sandalsholic. I'm a three-peat user, and I can't get enough of it. My husband and I travel to the Caribbean about once a year, and we always have a great time at a Sandals resort. We arrived in Ocho Rios on the 18th of December. Once we retrieved our luggage, we went to the luxurious Sandals lounge (I knew about the lounge from other posts) and relaxed with a Red Stripe in our hands and waited for our shuttle. Once the shuttle was ready, the porter (not a Sandals employee) took our luggage to the bus and we traveled about an hour and a half to the resort. As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were greeted with an almond scented fresh towel and a glass of bubbly. The front desk person checked us in and I think our room number was 2717. From our balcony, we looked out directly to the main pool and could see the ocean from afar. About five minutes after we settled in our room, there was a knock on the door. We were surprised with two warm chocolate cupcakes and a pair of t-shirts for the returned guests. Also, there was an invitation to the returning guest dinner. Having been to another returning guest dinner before, we knew we had to go to this one. Each morning, we checked the activity planner and planned our day accordingly. I like to be active while getting a tan, so the planner was great for me. Being that the weather didn't cooperate, we went hot-tubbing quite a bit. Try different ones around the resort. Some are hotter than others, and some are hidden! We ate at the Market Place for breakfast. Everything tasted fresh and there was lots of variety. Hubby has a sweet tooth, and he said Jamaica has the best dessert/bread out of all the countries we've been to in the Caribbean. Each night we had dinner at a different restaurant. We went to Valentino's, Manor, and Kimono's. Also, the beach party was awesome. If you can, stay for the show after on the beach, because it was hilarious. If it wasn't for Colin's help at the front desk, we wouldn't have been able to go to Kimono's at Dunn's River. Originally we had a reservation for 6:30, but afterwards, we realized that our shuttle to Dunn's River didn't leave until 6:30 and we weren't going to make it on time. Colin called and got us a reservation at 8:00. I'm glad he did because our "Blasian" chef was very entertaining. We had three full days of rain, so one day my husband sent me to the spa for a treat. I got the head to toe facial and foot massage combo. My face felt so good, and I was so relaxed afterwards. We didn't get a chance to do any excursions or water sports because it rained so much. However, we did get to hang around the bar and watch people play games to win prizes. The gift shops at either the Manor or the Riviera side both had drawings at 6 pm. You need to fill out a ballot and be present at the shop by 6, and you might get lucky and win some free merchandise. Altogether, we won three bags of Blue Mountain coffee, a Sandals baseball cap, a CD and a t-shirt. We were lucky! The returning guest dinner was great. We were treated to an appetizer of lobster, and the dinner was turkey with all the trimmings. After the dinner, we were given a 1L bottle of rum and a Sandals necklace as a gift. They really know how to say thank you and make you feel special. All in all, it was a great vacation despite the sucky weather. Would I go back? Definitely! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 It was a complete nightmare, and earns no stars. Visited: December 2009 |
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| Posted by true-critic | |
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This was the worst vacation ever. I had the most horrible experience anyone could ever have. I have already notified all my friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, co workers, distant relatives - everyone I know - that Jamaica is not a good place to visit. I thought the people were rude, condescending, unhelpful, not courteous, and overall very unpleasant. When I arrived, I was directed to a travel booth upon which I was told to stand in a spot in the airport for two hours until the shuttle picked me up. Then, it took another one and a half hours to get me to the resort. When I was greeted by the staff at the resort upon arrival, it was the first and last time I ever was shown any type of "customer service" or "hospitality". I was harassed by a guy who claimed to be "head of security". I was also constantly followed and haggled by other male staff members who were trying to flirt and make advances. I was very, very displeased with the customer service at the reception desk. The women working would act like they didn't see me, and would just stand around and chat with each other. Then, they would act put off if I spoke up to get their attention! The food was awful. Even fast food is better than what was being served in the restaurants here. I also got sick from the food. I think the theory is to serve enough liquor and keep everyone drunk so they don't care about the bad food, bad service, and overall bad feel of the place. The food was buffet style for the majority, unless you made reservations to eat at the two fancier places. It did not matter though, because all the food was horrible. I tried to go scuba diving and started having ear and chest pains in the pool before the dive. I opted to quit the pool lesson and not do the dive because I was worried about my health. I was offered no refund, even though I had not even completed the pool portion of the lesson. In fact, I was still owed $1 because the girl taking payment said she did not have change. I was instructed to come back at the end of the day to collect my change! This is just bad customer service and bad business ethics. I ended up leaving my vacation two days early to return home, because it was that horrible. I was notified that I would not get a refund and would have to buy a new ticket home, as if this fact would change my mind about leaving. I paid $600 just to get home because anything was better than being stuck in Jamaica. It amazes me that a place that is stimulated largely on tourism could be so rude and have an overall lack of any customer service or hospitality. Even now I get sick just thinking of the bad experience and the rudeness that I encountered. If I had even the slightest clue that the trip would have been even half as awful as it was, I would have never even gone! I will continue to tell people about my bad experience in Jamaica and my worst Christmas ever. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 This place was definitely affected by the recession. Visited: November 2009 |
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| Posted by nhadin | |
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My family and I stayed here in November of 2008. The place was great. The food was good, and there were plenty of things to do. The staff was accommodating, too. However, the beach was horrible, but we already new this and were willing to make due. In 2009, exactly one year later, we came back with double the size of the group (because we ranted and raved about this place). Everything was gone. The water trampoline was gone, the decent main dining room meals weren't there, and the friendly staff was gone. The restaurant that served traditional food is no longer there, either. Also gone are the piano bar with karaoke and strong alcoholic drinks. We spent the whole trip reminiscing about what this place use to be. The worst part was we still had to make due with the crappy beach. That was my last time staying at this hotel. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was very disappointing. Visited: October 2009 |
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| Posted by anne_mon64 | |
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I am not a very picky person. I just want people to be aware of the fact that this place does not look at all like the pictures they post on their web site. The service was horrible. I rarely saw a smile on one person in the lobby. The gentlemen who ran the guest services made it seem like he was too good to help anyone. He was so preoccupied on his cell phone or the computer. The quality of the room was way below average. The furniture actually had spots of rust coming through the fabric. You will have to climb back up a mountain to get to your room once you go to the beach. The restaurant service (or lack thereof) was very disappointing, too. For example, I ordered soup at one and it was never brought to me. When I brought it up to the server he said "Oh, did you order soup?" I said yes, and he said he would bring it right over. Needless to say, I never got it. On another occasion, I stood at the beach bar for ten minutes and was never helped. I actually saw two other people walk up next to me and get helped. Keep in mind it was not busy. There were only two other people at the bar when we finally just walked away. If you buy anything in the gift shop, check the receipt. We were overcharged even with the label price on everything. We experienced way more bad than good here. The only things that hold this hotel together are the social directors, Miguel and Shellie-ann, and the food. I have to say the food was the best I have ever experienced, though. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was a great vacation. Visited: October 2009 |
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| Posted by jeffrey_97 | |
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We had a fantastic six days at the Sandals Grande Ochio Rios. The staff was outstanding, prompt and went way out of the way to ensure everything was "no problem". I read some negative reviews prior about long dinners and poor food. We experienced none of that. The food was on par with expensive Charleston, SC type fair. Dinner was four courses, thus about two hours. That is standard for luxury dining. This wasn't McDonalds...it was a resort proper. The rooms were clean rooms, and the private pool was visited by cleaners twice daily - not even a leaf. Also, the stocked bar remained stocked. Excursions are excursions. Folks at those venues want to sell..but that's what they do. Water was not as pretty as other places, and the reefs were in bad shape (close in). However, that is a Jamaica problem. The Sandals staff is just fantastic. If you're used to luxury and country club perks, they have it here. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| This is a raggedy resort that provides rude service. Visited: July 2009 |
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| Posted by kenlynwil | |
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We stayed here for seven days - including wedding reservations. The elevators (only three for 15 floors) were hot with no ventilation. They frequently got stuck. The lights totally shut off three times while we were here. Children were screaming their heads off in the pitch black dark. Stray cats roamed the dining area in search for food. The only resolve was that they asked you to feed them. Also, the female cashier who sits to the left when you walk in was rude and acted as if she was loaning us money instead of giving change or conversions. We had to call Crystal (operator) every day and ask for towels. We were told by housekeeping that they did not have any more that were clean. Hmmm. Crystal and I were on a first name basis by the time I left. The games in the gameroom were broken. Housekeeping came in and spot cleaned. For the entire week, the sheets were not changed on our beds. They passed a mop over sand and dirt, which made mud and back to dirt when it dried. The final straw was on our last night, the AC went out! I called housekeeping and they sent the maintenance guy. I watched him rig a styrophone cup to hold some bar up inside of the vent. The air finally came back on for about three more hours, then went off again. We left the next day. The wedding coordinator, Esther Bandoo, was awesome. The wedding was very well organized and nice. The fruit punch they served when you got here was also great. That was about all for the good stuff. Spend a little more, and stay somewhere else. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was far from luxurious - don't buy the ads. Visited: December 2008 |
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| Posted by sandalsl90 | |
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After spending eight days with my fiance at the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios between December 19, 2008 and December 27, 2008, I can honestly say that Sandals' claims of providing you with a "luxury included vacation" are simply marketing hype to get you to part with your hard-earned money. If being served lousy food in a pretty environment is your idea of luxury, you'll be happy at the Grande Ocho Rios. If you expect more for $600-$800 a day, you might want to shop around a bit before buying into Sandal's multimillion dollar advertising campaign. |
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| 8 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We received terrible service! Visited: May 2009 |
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| Posted by bassgroo20 | |
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As someone who rarely complains, this is difficult but necessary. I could not imagine worse service than that we received. The bartenders chose to wash dishes before acknowledging our group, not once but always. This was a tipping resort if you want service - even though they advertise otherwise. The food was not even warm most the time, and we usually had to wait for someone to get to our table for abut 15 minutes. The San Gennaro had the best food. Please spend your money in the states. In my opinion, these Jamaican ungratefuls don't deserve money in this economy. We spent close to $5,000 on this trip - and what a waste. I am crying really. I felt like I was a nuisance to most of the staff. All I wanted was service when I am not working. I just dont want to see my fellow Americans waste our money to people who really didn't seem to want my wife or me there. To sum up - don't go! |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 17 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Here there were good people, but not so good rooms. Visited: June 2008 |
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| Posted by anny | |
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I stayed at the Crane Ridge Suites in June 2008. They were renovating, and as a large group, we stayed in old and renovated rooms. I think it was in the old room the phone wasn't working. Also, I asked if they had a microwave before I got there, but there was none. However, the people were very nice, patient, and accommodating. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We didn't have a good experience at Sandals. Visited: December 2009 |
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| Posted by kalbers | |
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We decided to book a trip to Sandals Whitehouse for February 2009. Our flight was good, just 45 minutes through Customs. We got our bags, and headed off to the Sandals lounge. The staff at the Sandals lounge told us to check our bags with the bellman. My husband took care of this. Several minutes later, he had not joined us. After 15 minutes, I spotted him on the phone at a desk in the lobby. I walked up and he said "let me let you talk to my wife, she booked it". It was the Sandals Whitehouse executive office telling me "the booking company you used has gone bankrupt and did not pay for your trip". After arguing, I said "Expedia has not gone bankrupt!". She said "our records show you booked with Marquis". She kept saying we booked with this Marquis company. I kept telling her I was positive I used Expedia! I gave her our confirmation number, and she told us she'd call back. Fifteen minutes later, she called and it was straightened out. However, if I had not been persistent, we would have been on a plane back home! I was upset, embarrassed, and stomach was in knots. Others on the bus got arrival packets and shown to their rooms. Not us. We asked, and a couple minutes later, were given packets, and shown to our rooms. Our keys didn't work, so the bellman let us in and said he'd be back. When he came back, the keys still didn't work. He told us to go eat, and he'd find us. Two hours later, after we were finished with dinner and watched the sunset, we decided to find someone to let us in (still had no keys). Our room didn't have an ocean view, as Whitehouse catch-line "all rooms ocean views" says. However, we didn't come for the room. I emailed Expedia when I got home, and they don't use third-parties so the error was Sandals'. The Whitehouse manager said since I didn't come to the office while I was there to complain, there was nothing they would do. Why would I go to the office to raise heck about an issue with the booking company? I sent complaint e-mail to Sandals, but they don't seem interested. With Sandals reputation they could have handled better. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 7 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We had a not so nice honeymoon here. Visited: February 2008 |
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| Posted by comcastuser | |
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My husband and I got married at the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club in Montego Bay, and honeymooned at the Couples Resort San Souci. I was very disappointed upon arrival at the outdated decor, and it got even worse as we got to our room. The room was dark, and the furniture was dirty and outdated. The resort sat on a cliff, and to get from our room to the beach and restaurant was a hike. The restaurants were mediocre - if not bland. We paid in full before arrival, and if it was not for that I would have returned to Rose Hall. The one nice thing was that most excursions were included in the fee. However, at $500 a night, this resort was a let down. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We loved it! Visited: September 2008 |
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| Posted by tatum02 | |
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My husband and I spent our honeymoon here in September. The trip started out bad because the staff at the airport was so rude! However, when we arrived at the resort, the staff at the front desk was awesome. We had already paid for a oceanfront suite, but they upgraded us when we told them it was our honeymoon. The room was great, and the view was amazing! The entertainment staff was great, too. They had different shows nightly, and always got the crowd into it. We had a great time at Riu, and have told friends about this resort. We are already planning another trip. The only down side was that the mixed drinks were very weak (but the beer was not!). |
| 17 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was perfection. Visited: August 2008 |
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| Posted by honeyxjx | |
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We stayed in Sans Souci in August 2008, and had a wonderful time. The hotel and grounds were welcoming, charming, and clean. The staff was very friendly, and the food was to die for. We had a penthouse suite with views over the ocean. It was pure bliss. It was an amazing holiday. There were lots of excursions, too. We visited Italy on our engagement, and didn't think anything would top it. Boy, were we wrong. We are going back next year. I can't wait. It is certainly worth a visit, although don't tell everyone - we don't want to spoil it! |
| 11 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 This was a great place to stay. Visited: January 2008 |
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| Posted by patricia | |
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We had a great room, the staff was nice, and we enjoyed the food. I would stay here again. Our room had three decks and two baths. It was huge, and the room was kept clean. Also, the food was good, and there was lots to do. My only complaint was that they ran out of rum cream at each bar. |
| 7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was less than enjoyable. Visited: January 2008 |
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| Posted by patricia | |
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I was very disappointed with this hotel. The rooms had a smell, were less than clean, and the breakfast wasn't much. The walk to the room was long, and we received major attitude from one of the staff here when we sat by the pool. I wouldn't stay here again. There were no pictures taken because I didn't want to be reminded of this place. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It is truly amazing. Visited: September 2008 |
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| Posted by mizzkingston | |
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Riu Ocho Rios is truly amazing! I was here in September for my first vacation ever, and I was stunned by the people, attractions and the atmosphere. I was so happy with everything that I am hopefully coming back in February. I can't wait to see all the entertainers who were so sweet. Also, the staff was simply awsome. Hope to see you there! |
| 10 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Riu Ocho Rios was amazing. Visited: September 2008 |
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| Posted by loveablememartin | |
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We do a girls trip to Cancun, and stay at the Riu Cancun every fall. We love Riu Resorts. This was the first year we ventured to Jamaica. The entire trip was amazing. The hotel accommodations were great. The employees went out of their way to be polite and friendly. The food was really good. We may never go back to Cancun. I recommend Riu Ocho Rios very highly. |
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| 20 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We enjoyed our honeymoon here. Visited: August 2008 |
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| Posted by lindsay | |
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We stayed here, and had a superb stay. The grounds were well kept, the oceanic view was impeccable, the rooms were immaculate, and the staff was very friendly. We are definitely spending another vacation here in a few months. Hats off to the management! |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 We had an unsatisfactory holiday. Visited: July 2008 |
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| Posted by holidaylovers | |
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My family and I stayed at Club Ocho Rios for two weeks. The transfer time from the airport to the hotel was about an hour and forty five minutes. The bus had no air conditioning. Check in took too long. My daughter, who was 19, was given a red band (which is used to notify the bartenders not to serve alcohol to children). My husband had to go through all our bags to find my daughter's passport to prove her age. The employees on the main desk were very rude! I had to buy calling cards from there, and they were $20 each - ten pound sterling - and they tried to rip me off on a numerous of times (even though the manager told his employees that the money I was giving them was correct!). The room itself was lovely. The design and decor was good, but it smelled very moldy. The beds weren't that comfy, either. The housekeeping staff did a good job when they wanted to, but came in at innapropriate times. The breakfast was great, American style! We found the burgers tasted like processed meat, though, which you wouldn't expect from a six star hotel. Also, dinner time got boring with the same food. The line to make reservations for the restaurants was long, and the Chinese restaurant was disgusting. Entertainment at night was the same. The Michael Jackson show was the only good one. The sports bar was very cheesy - and same with the disco. The kids club was no good! They didn't watch the children in the pool! It was very dangerous. At the end of it, we had a big bill to pay for the connection of the phone. £127.98p - even though we had calling cards! |
| 17 users found this review helpful. 10 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We would definitely return! Visited: February 2007 |
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| Posted by ontario,canada | |
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We traveled to Jamaica for the first time in February 2007, and stayed at the Riu Ocho Rios. It was absolutely fabulous! We had no complaints whatsoever. We traveled with our two teenaged sons (17 + 15 years at the time). My husband and I had one room, and the boys had another. We had no problems! The staff was friendly. They had an amazing selection of food. The rooms were clean (I am very particular). Also, they had a clean pool. We made reservations for a special dinner one night - great steak food. We enjoyed the continually stocked fridge, also. We had no complaints. Also, we did the Dunn River Falls excursion, which was amazing. It is a definite must do. We would definitely return. Actually, we are thinking about going back to Jamaica early next year (2009), but might try the Montego Bay new Riu location. |
| 13 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Sponsored Links | ||
| Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort All Inclusive Jamaica Resort, boasting the Largest Water Park in the Caribbean. Great for Families! | Riu Montego Bay - All Inclusive All Inclusive Jamacain Resort right on the shore of Montego Bay. Book Online. | Beach House Villas Luxury Villas directly on Negril Beach. Any closer to the water & you'd be swimming! |
Caribbean Jamaica Ocho Rios Area Reviews