Riu Palace Aquarelle

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1487 reviews

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  Excellent Vacation - The People Made It

  Having read many negative reviews before our holiday, coupled with the aftermath of hurricane Melissa, we were a shade apprehensive before travelling. Totally needless. All of the staff from check in to check out were an excellent advert for how customer service should be, nothing too much trouble, and always with a smile. The hotel is spotless, with staff taking an obvious pride in keeping it that way. The food in the buffet restaurant was excellent quality with tremendous variation for all tastes, pepes food was brilliant. Personally, we felt that the speciality restaurants were a little underwhelming, with possibly the Krystal Gourmet being the exception, we didn’t return visit to any as the buffet exceeded expectations. The entertainment team were absolute stars morning, noon and night and their energy was remarkable. Their Michael Jackson and Rockstation evening shows, self choreographed, were outstanding, as was the Silver Birds Steel Orchestra. The resilience of the Jamaican people after the hurricane is commendable. Thank you - One Love.

  Feb 12, 2026
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  Remarkable Value Highly Recommended

  My family and I have been to numerous all inclusives in Jamaica and the Riu Aquarelle is probably the best value of them all. We visited for a week at the end of January 2026 and after a short 30 minute taxi from the airport arrived to very welcoming staff and a tropical drink while we waited for 10 minutes to check in. Naomik was a manager on duty and was more than accommodating as I arranged an upgrade to our room (I typically do this when arriving). Smiles and friendly staff are the norm here (very much like the staff at Sandals hotels) and some stood out including Cheryl at the Sports Bar who went out of her way to ensure our family felt taken care of. The internet service is awesome everywhere on the property however the tv in the room did not have a HDMI connection so we couldn't use our Apple TV or connect our Nintendo Switch console. The buffet food was great - with a very similar menu as the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Jamaica however the onsite restaurants were much more accessible and the Italian one was better than any other I've been to at any all inclusive. That said we weren't as impressed with the cuts of meat at the Steakhouse but then again we're from Alberta Canada and are spoiled. The standard rooms are large and very nicely appointed but be sure to book a room with more than a partial ocean view (very affordable upgrade) or you could be staring at a rooftop outside your balcony. The white sand beach is the second best one I've seen on the north side of the island only eclipsed by Sandals Montego Bay. Also there are rocks under the water when walking about 20 feet in from the Riu Aquarelle shoreline which was annoying so we prefer the coastline on the West side of the island. The water slides and kids water areas are super, as are the two swim up bars. There are lots of shady and summer spots/lawn chairs on the beach and by the many pools - and lots of staff bringing drinks whenever desired. The bars had a good variety of quality alcohol including Bailey's which I've only seen at Sandals resorts before. Overall the buildings and grounds are beautiful with lots of flowers, trees and grass. For the price this is a very very good value and should be experienced at least once.

  Feb 10, 2026
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  Jamairican

  This was my second time there at this location and even though the weather was not favorable I still enjoyed it The resort is so clean and the staff makes you feel like family, especially The Crazy Lady❤️. The Michael Jackson show on Monday night was awesome! Martin was a great host and I remembered him ftom The white party in May 2025. I will visit again.

  Feb 05, 2026
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  Thankyou all the staff for an amazing vacatiin

  We arrived at this hotel on Jan 17th 3 days after being transferred from Riu Ocho Rios which was overbooked and we were very happy to change hotels. We’re not happy at Riu Ocho Rios and we were very welcomed at Riu Aquarelle compared to Riu Ocho Rios. The reception lady Sherice was so happy to see us and being a Diamond member she gave us an oceanfront room and my niece an ocean view. We have been to many many Riu’s and never have the staff been so outstanding. The entertainment team work so hard they start at 10 am singing Good morning along the pool and beach. Then they do games during the day and Sparks does the Riu fit plus dances in the shows. Miguel who is so fun and always happy to see you. We only saw him once as he was off on a break but every single person on that team sorry I do not know all your names make the hotel so fun and welcoming. There shows at night are amazing their dancing professional. And they keep going after the show they go to the sand pit for more music and socializing. It’s unbelievable how much and how hard they work. The waiters the bar staff everywhere you go they are always smiling. At the beach or by the pool they come around and ask “do you need anything” or “are you ok” always making sure you are taken care of. It’s just incredible. The only negative point I have is for the Neon and white shows they do it at Riu Ocho Rios they provide a bus but it’s too far and why can’t they do the shows at the hotel very disappointing. But besides that the buffet is great the à la carts are good service always so good. We have been there twice before and was not planning to go again but thanks to Riu Ocho Rios we were give the chance to be there again with my niece her husband and two children and they loved it. The kids club is also amazing. We would recommend this hotel defintely again and again. Thankyou to all the staff whoever you are for a wonderful vacation Very very happy

  Feb 03, 2026
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  Exceptionally beautiful experience

  One of the best hotels everywhere. The building is huge and in a wonderful spot right on the beach. Rooms are spacious and very comfortable and the set up is brilliant with restaurants and shops on each side. Staff are welcoming and very friendly with entertainment surpassing Broadway. Every moment and everywhere you go is brilliant. Wholeheartedly congratulations to everyone to opening the hotel in such a short time after the hurricane. Experience is absolutely brilliant and you feel sorry when you have to go.

  Feb 01, 2026