Riu Negril

In 11 trips to the Caribbean never before have I felt like staff didn’t want us here. Especially female staff, my mum is I. A wheelchair, she’s been given dirty looks, had rude comments, it started with check in. I asked to pay for a room upgrade. The lady checking us in completely dismissed me. I visited the Royalton blue waters on my previous trip to Jamaica and the staff were amazing. It’s such a shame to have such a negative trip this time, where it’s made me feel this will be my last time visiting Jamaica.

The front desk staff and restaurant staff provided my family and I with conflicting information. When we sought clarification from Tamika at the front desk, she showed absolutely no professionalism and she is the front desk assistant manager. That will tell you all there is know about the service here. Thanks to Tamika and the Sports bar staff, my family and I will not be returning. Royalton is by far a better option to book your stay in Negril. Big up to Mario at bar though!

Live review. October 11th 2026 Here now as I’m writing this. The beach is very nice! There are some spots that have algae in the sand but you can see your feet thru the clear water. Just walk around it and you’re fine. There is a lot of sea life which I personally LOVE! We can see pelicans fishing and that’s very cool! We saw starfish, stingrays and all kinds of different fish. Lots of beach chairs. There are people selling things on the beach and they are great! Walk down towards the blue tents, feed the dogs and say hi to the locals and buy souvenirs from them. My wife and I were bringing food for one of the dogs and one young lady. We gave some food to her mom to give to her daughter and when she saw we had more food I told her it was for the dogs but she can have it. She insisted I give it to the dogs. I ended up giving it to her but this just shows the good nature of some people. Now before I go too far let me just mention that my wife and I both tip. The cooks, entertainers, waiting staff are great! Always smiling and offering to help. Entertainment is fun. Rooms and hotel in general are well maintained. Food is ok. Nothing to brag about but quit a bit of variety. Most bartenders is where I have a MAJOR issue. Not all of them but most of them are very rude, unwelcoming and one guy (beach bar, I forgot his name) was, excuse my language but eye-banging my wife right in front of me. I understand a glance but damn it man I’m right there lol. Every time we go get a drink they seem bothered and need to smile. I understand you can have a bad day but every day since we’ve been here they’ve had the face negative attitude. Personally, my wife and I probably won’t be coming back to this hotel because of the bartenders.

One of the best riu’s we’ve ever stayed in. Fabulous room, great beach, clean and clear waters, loads of sun loungers, great entertainment, food delicious in the buffets ,snack bar and restaurants you can book into. Fabulous, friendly, helpful staff. Only downside is slightly out the way, so need taxi or hire a car as we did (Elvis car hire) as too far to walk to 7 mile beach, supermarket etc. great choice of exercise classes if that’s your thing. Free hire of pedlo, paddle boards etc. really are enjoying every minute of our stay. It really is paradise, even watching a local pelican each morning dive for fish. Went snorkelling just off the beach and saw plenty of fish including a puffer fish.

I went to RIU Negril in early October 2026 with my son. Accommodation: We were allocated a room on the second floor of block 1, with a side sea view from the balcony. No lifts (elevators), so we managed to get our steps in! ;-) If you have any walking difficulties or problems with stairs, request a low floor apartment nearer reception. Location: The hotel is ideally situated on Bloody Bay Beach with access to water sports, fitness facilities, a gym/spa, several pools (including a children’s area and a “quiet” pool). It is a short walk to the nearest ATM, though if you ask, it is generally suggested to get an Über. It isn’t much further to walk to 7-mile beach, but you can also get an Über there, or the free bus in the morning. Entertainment: Entertainment is supplied throughout the day, but excellent in the evening, where the regular team put on spectacular, professional performances. These are generally themed, and go on until the DJ takes over and dancing continues until late. Drinks: There is a minibar in the room with mixers (Coca cola, orange, & tonic water, water, and Red Stripe), renewed every two days, and 4 optics (rum, vodka, whisky, & gin) all included in the AI package. Various bars around the resort mix cocktails, have soft drinks, water, and beer available. Food: The buffet (Green Island) has a variety of local and non-local foods covering every taste. Pepe’s Place is great for lunchtime, though you have to avoid leaving any food while you go for drinks, as the thieving blackbirds and egrets will steal from your plate! The Mandalay restaurant is buffet style Asian and is also very good. There are three specialty restaurants that need to be booked in advance: Luigi’s Italian restaurant, The Steakhouse, and Kulinarium (posh - the only one where you can’t wear shorts). These are difficult to book even via the app, as seats are snapped up early morning the day before. You have a 48 hour window and I suspect most bookings are made before 9am! TIP: If you are awake after midnight, it is probably best to book one then! Note: we preferred the steaks at Luigi’s to the Steakhouse ones. The Beach: Bloody Bay is a lovely, calm, white-sand cove with clear water, interesting fishes, pelicans, and features glass-bottom boats, hobby-catamarans, fishing boats and other water sports. The beach has several market stalls set up, offering souvenirs, tee shirts, carvings, and other local goods (ganja is legal here). It is a smaller version of 7-mile beach, a short walk, boat- or taxi ride away. Local lobsters are on offer here at various food stalls. In summary: The RIU Negril is a great place to holiday, whether using it as a place to relax, a basis for Island Tours & Excursions, or to celebrate a major life event. Weddings & Honeymoons/Blessings can also be arranged in the grounds.