I absolutely adored the hotel and can hardly fault it at all. It had everything I would want from a holiday; gorgeous weather, wide sandy beaches, delicious food, yummy cocktails and much more!
The staff and entertainment were exceptional. The staff were unbelievably energetic and lively, despite the ridiculously long hours that they worked. They would always try and get you to join in with the shows and dancing afterwards, but understood if you didn't want to. They did the vast majority of the evening entertainment, and you could sometimes find them practicing during the days to perfect that evenings show. It was probably some of the best entertainment I've ever seen at a hotel and I have been staying at 4 or 5 star all inclusive hotels at least twice a year since I was very young (I'm now 21).
We didn't really venture out of the hotel much as we were happy relaxing by the pool or by the beach, and there was plenty going on to prevent us from getting bored. However, we did go on a shopping trip and also to Rick's Cafe.
The shopping trip perhaps wasn't worth it. The hotel has local crafts people come to the hotel several times a week, and they had all the same things as you could find in the shops and more. We also felt much happier buying from the people at the hotel as they were obviously considered to be safe by the staff and they did not pester you as much.
Rick's Cafe, however, was definitely worth a visit. It was my third time there and I loved it just as much as the first time. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day. Several locals dive off the cliffs into the sea, and the public are also welcome to, but from a little bit lower! You are asked for a tip from one of the men but he would only ask once and was grateful for whatever you gave, even if it was a little bit. The sunset was very pretty and apparently meant to be one of the best places to see it whilst in Jamaica.
The people in general were very friendly, apart from a few people when we went into downtown Negril. As my boyfriend and I are young, we did actually get approached about drugs, but I have been to Jamaica two other times with my family and we've never been approached.
The sister hotel Riu Negril is just down the beach. I stayed at this hotel when I came to Negril with my family, and to be honest there wasn't much difference between them, although I think that over the summer the Riu Tropical Bay has been upgraded to a palace, so perhaps that is the nicer of the two now.
I can't really think of anything negative about Jamaica or the hotel. We were initially put into a room that had a funny smell, but as I've already said, the hotel has now been refurbished so I don't think that would be an issue anymore.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone thinking about it, and Jamaica is a gorgeous island. I will definitely be returning in the future!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
A very good first review- always pleasing to see! Welcome to Ciao. Fionaxx
redeyes22 21.11.2008 00:44
great review aggy
torr 20.11.2008 19:34
Welcome to Ciao. This is a pretty good first review and just about worth a Very Helpful rating in my opinion, though it could be improved by more detail on how the rooms were furnished and equipped, and by saying something about the price.
Nov 20th, 2008
very helpful by (100%):
