Riu Palace Aquarelle

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

862 reviews

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  Would stay again

  I was hesitant to book this hotel, due to the reviews. This was a last minute planned trip, and I have never stayed at a Riu before, I like a different caliber hotel. I booked directly with Riu, took advantage of the fee airport transfer, that all went smooth. Check in, I would say dont expect to check in early on your day of arrival. Upon getting my room (which was a 2bedroom family suite Oceanview), upon entrance I was disappointed. The room had no view at all, there is a big white brick wall that is on the balcony, so you have no view unless you are standing to hang over the balcony. These rooms should not be marketed as ocean view. The manager on schedule tried to help change rooms, but that ultimately didn't work out. because we would've had to get two separate rooms down the hall and that defeated the purpose. The rooms were clean and very spacious, and bed was comfortable. I was able to get restaurant reservations, as I researched and was prepared for this. We stayed 4 nights, dinner at the buffet one night, and had specialty restaurant reservations every other night. The food was a 10/10 for all inclusive, and I am picky. I ate from the Jamaican station in the buffet for breakfast daily, and it was delicious. drinks were as expected at an all inclusive. Pools were nice, beach was nice too, some rocks but nice and clean. service was great from the service to entertainment. I think it was family friendly, but didn't seem overrun with little ones either. I traveled with a teen and a young adult, there are two adult pools that have swim up bars, and no teens or children are allowed in that water AT ALL. The entertainment went pretty late, they don't have a club, but they have parties with DJ's on the beach, foam parties and lots to do. We were never bored. I left today and after 5 days of being there, yes, I would return for another visit.

  Mar 16, 2025
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  Weekend Getaway

  The entire property was well kept and the staff were very friendly and respectful. The entertainment package throughout the day was superb. Food quality did not match my friends and I expectation but overall we had a good time to relax and unwind from our busy everyday lives.

  Mar 16, 2025
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  Amazing Hotel

  We had a wonderful stay at this hotel in Jamaica. The hotel staff and housekeeping went above and beyond our expectations. The food was amazing, the drinks were spot on, and most of all they were very friendly and courteous towards hotel guests. Would recommend everyone to vacation at this beautiful resort. Thanks again!!!!

  Mar 16, 2025
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  Mostly great.

  Everything about this place is 5 star--except the food. The food was generally edible but nothing to write home about. I could definitely figured out what to eat and what to avoid after a couple of days. Peppes was actually the best restaurant they had. Great and warm staff. Super clean. nice beach. the only other downside is that it was VERY LOUD all day, until 1 or 2 in morning. Lots of fun activities but not the place if you are looking for a quiet retreat.

  Mar 15, 2025
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  Reservations Needed!!!!

  This was our first experience at a RIU that required dinner reservations. All the other RIU’s we have stayed at did not require reservations. They say they are “working” on it. View from room was beautiful, beautiful beach. We had no problem getting chairs by the pool. Food was good. It is very loud at night as they have music on the beach til 1 am, so very difficult to sleep if you go to bed early & want decent sleep.

  Mar 15, 2025