All Inclusive Jamaica Resort, boasting the Largest Water Park in the Caribbean. Great for Families!
Luxury Villas directly on Negril Beach. Any closer to the water & you'd be swimming!
Small and secluded all-inclusive resort on private beach and cove near Negril, Jamaica. Perfect place for a caribbean wedding!
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Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
 Riu Ocho Rios was amazing Visited: September 2008 |
| 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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| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We enjoyed our honeymoon here. Visited: August 2008 |
| 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! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
 We had an unsatisfactory holiday. Visited: July 2008 |
| 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!
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| 4 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
| We would definitely return! Visited: February 2007 |
| 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. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
 Warning - think twice before going! Visited: August 2008 |
| Posted by nctraveler090 |
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We just returned from a stay at the Riu Ocho Rios. Here is what I noted on our stay: Only about 70% of the staff were actually friendly and helpful
Don't rely on their Internet service. I found it extremely frustrating after paying so much for a stay at a resort, that what is now a basic commodity (internet) could only be found in the smelly sportsbar. Oh, and you have to pay $9.00 per 30 minutes of access.
The largest of the two pools was absolutely disgusting! Every day, there was a consistent layer of oily film on top of the water and a gathering of what looked like sunscreen foam in the corners of every step, etc. There were drink straws floating everywhere.
The pool was closed at least twice during hours for "treatment", but it never looked clean, didn't smell like chlorine, and didn't burn my eyes when I went under (which means there was barely any chlorine in it - scary).
The dinner reservation process was ridiculous! Each day we had to wait in line in order to make dinner reservations at any of the restaurants (besides the buffet) for the following evening. That meant we had to stop whatever we were doing each day at 4:15 and go down to a hallway near the lobby and get in one of the four lines.
The staff didn't show up until 5:00 or after to take the reservations, so we were stuck until then. However, if we got there any later than 4:15, we wouldn't get to eat until 9:00 every night. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 6 found this review unhelpful. |
 I has everything you could ask for. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by mr_andmrs_hernandez |
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My husband and I decided to honeymoon in Ocho Rios. Couples Hotel was the best place we have ever been to. The service, staff, food, and drinks were incredible.
We are planning to revisit in 2009, and we can't wait to come back. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I thought it was overrated and over priced. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by flatrap |
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I thought the food was gross. Also, the drink and liquor selection was poor.
I found it to be a tourist trap that was not worth the price. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 8 found this review unhelpful. |
| I loved everything but the beach. |
| Posted by cinz1234 |
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The only thing that I was disappointed with was the beach area. The ocean was not warm, and the sand was not white. Also, it was a very small beach with not enough palapas or beach chairs.
The rest of the hotel was beautiful, and the food was awesome - especially room service. |
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| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| We had a fantastic honeymoon. |
| Posted by stephanie_007 |
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My husband and I chose this place as our honeymoon destination, and we had a wonderful time.
The rooms were adorable, and pretty much what we had expected. We had a fantastic view over the ocean, and loved the little day trips offered for a little extra fee.
One down side was that only the house wine and house beer were free. If you want a different wine or beer, you have to pay for it. However, mixed drinks were also free - and they were delicious.
The food was great, but we tended to find the same flavors used in all the restaurants whether we were eating Italian or Oriental.
The amenities were tons of fun, and we enjoyed everything from kayaking and snorkeling to the day spa.
Overall, we had a time-to-remember and plan on visiting other Sandal resorts in the future. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Sans Souci was the best resort we have ever visited. |
| Posted by tamara |
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Sans Souci felt like home with all the beautiful trees and terrific views.
They had a marvelous beach, and the food was fabulous.
The band needed more energy, and should perform more reggae songs. Trevor was extremely great on the piano, though. He was very energetic and entertaining. That guy sells the hotel big time, and he deserves a reward! We will be telling other visiters to come and see him perform.
Moreover, we will be back. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| You don't always get what you pay for. Visited: December 2007 |
| Posted by amassed |
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We shouldn’t have ignored the negative reviews. It’s true “The rooms are in much need of upgrades and repairs.” This used to be a great location for the money, but with the new ownership and management, the place seems to be falling apart.
We initially negotiated a two-bedroom suite with an ocean view. However, upon our arrival, we were informed that the staff needed a few more hours to prepare our suite. Three hours later, management informed us that the suite was actually under construction.
So, the staff then escorted us to a substitute suite that was dark, damp and secluded with no view. After a review of our booking information and itinerary, the staff apologized and moved us to a third suite with a semi-ocean view.
We didn't want to be the ‘complaining couple’, so we decided to work with what we had. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out as well as we had hoped. Repairmen visited our suite so many times we lost count.
Problem #1: Three of the four electric stove tops did not work, and the one range top that did work was temperamental.
Problem #2: The Jacuzzi leaked into the bathroom downstairs (even though the Jacuzzi was empty).
Problem #3: Ants were all over the kitchenette.
Problem #4: Management claimed to have called us to apologize for the inconveniences, but we never received those calls because the phones in our suite weren’t working.
Problem #5: Service was unusually slow, and not one of these issues was ever repaired or resolved.
This all happened within four days! They then offered to move us to a fourth suite, but we decided to check out early and eat the bill as management made no realistic effort to compensate us, other than redundant apologies.
There were a few good things, however. If you plan to walk into the market and interact with the real people of Ocho Rios, attend reggae concerts, visit Dolphin Cove, hang at Margaritaville and climb Dunn’s River Falls, you will find the location ideal. But you could probably find better accommodations nearby.
If you should stay here, try not to take your frustrations out on the staff as most of them are good people with lively spirits and great attitudes. They had a decent continental breakfast, too. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Couples is a beautiful place with great staff. Visited: April 2007 |
| Posted by chuckryan |
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It's truly a wonderful place within the gates of the resort - outside not so much. The resort offered beautiful views and a comfortable bed.
The negative aspects I encountered included:
1. Construction that spoiled the tranquil setting.
They need better glassware. All our drinks were served in elementary school type small plastic (well used!) cups.
3. Trying to find bottled water as we walked the grounds was very hard. The staff did not seem concerned that we needed water stating "the bar is not open yet". Bottled water should not be so hard to get.
4. The towels were also a hard to acquire commodity. I know the place is trying to be "green", but we are on vacation! If I needed another towel, it should not be like pulling teeth. |
| 13 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
 It's a bummer, it was once a great place. Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by ilovejamaicawhathapp |
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My wife and I recently returned to a hotel that was called Eden - before taken over by Sandals. I will make this brief.
After it rained, the faucet water turned muddy. The resort management thought this a non-issue since they provided bottled water in the room.
After advertising four restaurants, they admitted they keep one open per night, even though they frequently run out of food by 9:00 PM!
Many Jamaicans came up to us on the beach or rode up to the beach on wave riders shouting "hey you", in an effort to sell drugs and other contraband - not to mention T shirts, and other items. Sandals found this not to be a problem, since the beaches in Jamaica are all public.
The locals - including Sandals' own security team - asked the vacationers to get them food from the beach restaurant, which was always open.
Also, the cuisine was forgettable. However, if you like to drink, this is your place!
I received a response from them via the mail and they are not to be held accountable for the following. And in addition, hope that these "problems" will not influence a stay at Sandals again. Give me a break! It is interesting to note that Sandals' main office referred this back to the place we stayed!
Please bring back "Eden II"! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Run for your life - do not stay at this shabby hotel! Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by helene_curran@yahoo_ |
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I could go on and on about all of the negatives, but I will spare you and tell you about our main gripes.
When we arrived, our room wasn't ready for three hours. They were obviously over booked and unorganized.
The staff was beyond rude to us, which was surprising because I thought the motto was "no problem." Everything seemed like an effort to them, and there were barely any smiles.
It rained almost the entire time we were here, so we had to remain inside of the leaky hotel for the majority of the time - even the gym floor was soaked! There was caution tape and buckets everywhere! The floors were covered in water everywhere we went in this hotel.
When we did have a day of sunshine, we went on the poor excuse for a beach. It was just a narrow and small beach. We had about 50 feet from our resort steps to the ocean, and it was very narrow. The hot tubs were cold also, so we couldn't enjoy those either.
For the kicker - this was an all inclusive resort-, and we paid ahead of time to eat here. We had to eat buffet (poor quality food) all week, and could not go to the two places they offered as "fine dining" because my husband didn' t have pants on!
It seemed to be no loss anyhow, because our friends who did go said it was terrible food. We had to spend extra money to go out of the resort and eat (we recommend the Spring Garden.)
The management was non-responsive, and didn't resolve any problems. In fact, they made us feel like we were a problem for reporting all of our inconveniences!
This was a waste of time and money in our opinion. It was just one thing after another. |
| 13 users found this review helpful. 31 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was wonderful, mon! Visited: November 2007 |
| Posted by chiefhqh |
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Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel special the whole time we were here, and we were a group of nine!
Special kudos to Francine, the assistant food and beverage manager; and Nadia, bartender at the swim-up bar. Thank you both for all you did to make this a very special vacation.
We are already planning our second trip for next year. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Riu Ocho Rios , Ocho Rios Area traveler review
| I suggest you stay somewhere else! Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by pkubacki |
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Upon arrival at the hotel (no rum punch greeting), we were given Junior Suite #1275. The room smelled like mold or mildew. A maid said that the whole side of the hotel smelled bad because the rooms didn’t get much sun.
Our refrigerator was empty - except for a jug of water. Also, two lightbulbs, a lampshade, and a balcony chair were missing. The safe didn’t work, and the TV was broken.
The front desk told us to wait in our room, and they’d send a maintentance person up. After half an hour, my husband called the front desk, and was told the maintenance man would be there in a few minutes.
Over the course of 2-1/2 hours, during which time we were trapped in our room, my husband called the front desk six times. Finally, I called. I was not quite as nice as my husband had been, and we had a maintenance man there within ten minutes.
He got the safe open, but could not fix it. He did find lightbulbs, and a chair. Because of the broken safe, we were told we could have another room at 12 the next day. We checked the next day from 12 until 4:30 pm, when a room was finally available.
I did notice several people in the lobby still waiting for their rooms.(Check-in time was supposed to be at 3 pm).
The new room was a big improvement-1131. There was no smell, and the only thing broken was the hairdryer. Once again, the refrigerator was empty - except for water.
The housekeeping supervisor called about the refridgerator for us, but it was still not restocked by 1:00 pm the next day. So, we went to the front desk, and carried the soda, and other items up to the room ourselves.
We left a tip for the maid, and the result was that we got fewer towels and no toiletries (which were in the room when we got there, so I would assume these were supposed to be replaced).
The sheets were never changed during the five nights we spent in this room. I know this because there was a stain on the sheet when we checked in, and it was still there when we checked out.
As for the food: My husband eats almost anything. Breakfast wasn’t too bad. However, lunch and dinner were abysmal. Even my husband had trouble finding something that was appealing to eat.
The food in the specialty restaurants was better than in St. Ann’s buffet (or the so-called Italian Restaurant). However, it still left much to be desired. This was a complaint we heard from all of the people we met at the resort.
Don't expect Jamaica’s famous coffee –they served Nescafe! The drinks were tasty; but there wasn’t much alcohol in them. A joke among the people we met was that you could drink all day and still be totally straight by nightfall.
On the positive side-the beach was beautiful. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 10 found this review unhelpful. |
| What a fantastic hotel! Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by marcia,chingford |
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We are just back from a wonderful stay at the Sunset Grande. Our flight was delayed by five hours, so we didn't arrive at the hotel until 4:00. We were greeted by a cheery front desk person, and we were offered refreshments as our luggage was taken to our room.
The food was fabulous. The only restaurant not worth visiting was Ginger Lily. I thought the Chinese food was rather ghastly. I had heard other diners complain about it, but wanted to try it for myself. I'm afraid they were right. The other restaurants, especially South Beach, were fantastic, though.
The pools were clean, and it was good to hear reggae music all day long. Cocktails - especially the Hummingbird and Rum punch - were delicious. There was a good atmosphere at the hotel.
The staff was courteous and helpful, also.
We loved it so much we got engaged here. We hope to marry at the Grande, too. |
| 27 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| Well done, Sunset Jamaica Grande! Visited: August 2007 |
| Posted by roberts |
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We checked into the Sunset Jamaica Grande on the 14th of August, 2007, and were greeted by a bar person serving us a chilled fruit punch.
The service from the staff in the reception and lobby bar was excellent.
Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff who work here. I hope that this testimonial is passed onto the staff, as I felt they needed a morale boost. I felt that they were not recognized by the management for excellent manners and hard work.
During the hurricane, we were kept safe, well informed and fed with food one only imagine in such difficult circumstances.
I would recommend this wonderful resort to anyone who wants to rest and enjoy wonderful people, food and surroundings. |
| 28 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| Returning here is like coming home. Visited: November 2006 |
| Posted by lsuth |
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This was our eighth visit to Couples Ocho Rios. We first spent three nights at Couples Sans Souci, then seven nights here.
We had mostly rain which did put a damper on our stay. However, the staff worked hard to keep everyone happy.
The food was great, and the drinks free flowing.
We will be returning again this coming February. |
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Butler service comes to Sandals Ocho Rios! Visited: May 2007 |
| Posted by jamaicabusiness |
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This fabulous and famous resort known as a top wedding spot now has a new feature: a unique Butler Service that is being offered in their Concierge Suites.
I recently had an opportunity to experience first hand this new service. Arriving at Sandals, Ocho Rios one is immediately taken by the lush vegetation and the manicured grounds…this fine property goes from white sand ocean front to hills overlooking the coastline, a rise of over 600’.
Upon checking in, my butler, Franklyn, met me at reception. It streamlined the checking in process, and my bags were delivered to my rooms.
Upon my arrival, I discovered that all my clothes had been expertly put away. Franklyn then sat down with me and explained the many options I had for my stay. I was handed a cell phone with a direct connection to him, so I could call whenever he was needed. “I will make your dinner reservations for you and escort you to dinner to make sure all is in order, I will take your drink or wine order and get you settled in, if you ever need me, just call on the cell”.
This Butler program has been in effect for a year now, and it is very successful. Each candidate is trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers of London, England.
David Roper, General Manager, told me “The success of our program is proven by how many butlers get hired away by guests, it shows how well we train them”. It is so successful that Sandals is now implementing this service in other properties.
Since weddings are one of the main attractions at Sandals Ocho Rios, the butler service has become very much in demand. Anyone who has been through planning a wedding knows that there are a multitude of last minute things to do and decide. Having someone right by your side that knows everything and everyone at the resort can greatly help all go smoothly.
I came in before sunset from sailing only to discover that the slacks that I had planned on wearing for dinner were wrinkled, now where is that cell phone? Called Franklyn, he came up, took my pants and shirt away and returned 15 minutes later with them pressed to perfection.
It was wonderful having someone to arrange all my activities, making sure I got to them on time, press my clothes, serve me coffee or meals in my room - and then, the absolute best, having Franklyn pack my bags. I am the world’s worst packer, so I just let Franklyn do it all and guess what? I had space left over in the same suitcase that I brought in stuffed! I have to learn to fold like that! |
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| 15 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
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