Riu Palace Aquarelle

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1626 reviews

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  Our summer vacation

  Just got back from Riu Palace Aquarelle in Jamaica August 18 to 23. We stayed 5 days was very disappointed with the house keeping department. They really need to make that department do better job with cleaning the rooms and especially the bathroom.and shower room seems like they dont disinfectant or wash the shower room floor? On our 3 day we put in to have room clean had call 3 times finally she came around dinner time insisted cleaning room while we were at dinner I declined said just give us clean towels wash clothes. I noticed all the bathrooms on property was a little messy at times some workers were sitting in corner playing with there phone.This is very expensive hotel was disappointed with house keeping department. IN Breakfast buffet one lady next to me ask the cook that was making omelet to use a clean bowl for her eggs this lady body language showed she was upset because the lady ask for clean bowl ? I would gave the property 4 start. Entertainment team was very good they came around and greet the guess was very pleasant. The ladies and guys in the bar very pleasant and helpful.Over all nice property was disappointed we beach to much seaweed.Hopfully management will make sure the cleanliness of the property gets better for the price people pay for this hotel.

  Aug 29, 2026
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  Our Stay at Riu Palace Aquarelle – Montego Bay, Jamaica

  My husband and I recently stayed at **Riu Palace Aquarelle in Montego Bay, Jamaica, August 2026**, to celebrate his birthday. It was his first time visiting Jamaica and my second time, and overall, **we had a great experience**. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed, which set a positive tone for our stay. All of the staff we encountered were friendly and hospitable. A special shoutout to **Shaniece at the front desk**, who was friendly, professional, and welcoming. Our room was **spacious, clean, and comfortable**, with a king-size bed, sofa, balcony, and a nice bathroom setup. Housekeeping was timely, clean, and thorough throughout our stay. Our **favorite bartender was Jaydin**—he took great care of us and always made us feel welcomed! The resort property is **modern and vast**, with elevators, a lobby bar, five restaurants, a sports bar, gift shop, gym, and spa. There are three decent-sized pools, including two family-friendly pools and an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, plus another bar behind the adults-only pool. Families can also enjoy the children’s pool and on-site **Splash Water World** aquatic park. The resort offers daytime and nighttime activities for adults and kids, live music, and themed RIU parties. The **beach was amazing**, with white sand and beautiful turquoise water. The surf was a bit rough, but not too strong, and we were still able to enjoy it. There was some seaweed/sargassum, but the beach remained accessible, and the staff did a good job cleaning it up. The food was a mixed experience. The **breakfast buffet was fine**, with the usual options catering to American and international tourists. The Asian restaurant was okay, but nothing to brag about. **Pepe’s lunch buffet was delicious and had really good Jamaican flavor.** Our best dinner was at the **Steakhouse—the steak and spinach & shrimp mac & cheese were delicious!** We were not fans of the Sports Bar food or room service. **Be sure to make restaurant reservations in advance, as they book up quickly.** One major disappointment was an excursion we booked with **Neal from Destination Services**. The excursion was not as it was explained to us when we booked it, and unfortunately, we were very disappointed with that experience. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, celebrated a special birthday, and made some wonderful memories together. Despite a few areas that could be improved, we would definitely consider returning to **Riu Palace Aquarelle**. 🇯🇲❤️ **Ya mon!**

  Aug 27, 2026
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  Amazing hotel

  Aug 2025 Amazing hotel Entertainment team is one of the best I’ve seen Staff are super friendly x

  Aug 25, 2026
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  Horrible experience

  On August 14, my husband and I arrived in Jamaica for our anniversary and my birthday trip. The trip had been planned months in advance, and my husband paid for the room in full using a credit card. When we attempted to check in, a young woman with a dark complexion, short stature, and small braids—who identified herself as a supervisor when I requested one—refused to allow us to check in unless the same credit card used for the reservation could be processed for a $1 incidental authorization. We contacted the credit-card company, which explained that the card could not be processed outside the United States. Despite being informed of this and despite the room already being paid in full, she continued to refuse us accommodations. After a long flight, we were understandably frustrated and asked for some consideration. However, she repeatedly said no and appeared to smirk during the interaction. We offered several other credit cards to keep on file for incidentals, but she still refused to accept them. I have stayed at many hotels and have never experienced a property requiring the exact card used for payment to be presented for incidental charges. After approximately three hours of arguing, my husband—who has a heart aneurysm—became extremely upset and began crying. At that point, I asked the representative to refund the payment. As a result, we were left stranded in Jamaica at approximately 8:00 p.m., carrying our luggage and uncertain about where we would stay next. None of the staff appeared concerned about our situation or made a meaningful effort to assist us. This was the worst birthday and travel experience I have ever had. I have stayed at multiple Riu properties in Cancun and other destinations, and I have never encountered this type of treatment. Unfortunately, following this experience, I will no longer support or stay at a Riu property. We were frightened and distressed, but we eventually found another hotel. The following day, we booked the Azul resort, where we were treated exceptionally well. Unlike Riu, Azul had no problem placing a different credit card on file for incidental charges. The swim-out accommodations were beautiful, and the food and beaches were outstanding. The resort was also considerably more affordable, and I was treated with genuine kindness and respect. In hindsight, I would have chosen Azul first. Because of this experience, I will not be returning to Riu.

  Aug 23, 2026
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  Problem with Cash here

  Great hotel. Very generous all inclusive offering. A party hotel - the Ent Team are amazing. Problem with cash here. There is no ATM or cash exchange facility but ALL Excursion & Taxis operating from and through the hotel expect payment in cash. Nearest ATM 11miles away and they’ll charge you extra to get there. Cards are useless. Otherwise we had a great time. Food, service & hygiene all great. Beach/bay location perfect. Prob wouldn’t have my wedding there - tight spaces and a noisy / party hotel vibe.

  Aug 20, 2026