We just returned Sunday evening , after a too short 5 day stay. From the minute we arrived, the staff was welcoming, made you feel at ease, and the normal check in that one usually experiences, was hassle free. The staff had received and accomodated our request for a first floor room due to some of our physical limitations. I did not find any of the issues I read previously, i.e. people trying to get in your room, noice, or bugs. If you leave food out on the balcony of course you will get bugs! Our room was fantastic (ocean front is the way to go), I too read the reviews that the room decor was outdated. We found our room spacious, clean , and inviting. The complimentary liquor dispenser was a nice touch for pre dinner relaxation on the balcony. We had no problem with a request for extra towels and turn down service in the evening was a nice touch, with more fresh towels and refreshed water, soda in the fridge. The beach is the star , and the staff works hard to keep it clean. I was offended by some guests boorish behaviour of leaving bottles, and garbage on the beach, which was cleaned up by the diligent and friendly hotel staff. The pool is on the small side, but the in pool lounge chairs are a nice touch and felt good after a hot day in the sun. The food was excellent in all areas we went too, we missed the Japanese restaurant but made it to all the others. Service was excellent and the lunch time buffet, and we never felt we were rushed , ignored, or needed to ask for additional service. The staff at all times was accomodating and kept our glasses filled! The entertainment was fun, and you have to give them credit, they work hard to put on a good show and they deserve kudos.We cannot say enough good things about this Rui, and plan to return in December.
CT

My husband and I just returned from our second trip from the Riu Palace Tropical Bay Resort. It was just as wonderful this year as it was last year. Staff were exceptional and genuinely cared about making sure you had what you needed and/or wanted. Mario remembered us from last year and again made our stay more enjoyable always making sure we were taken care of and had a table to sit at. In addition, he enlightened us on the history of Jamaica as we had many questions about how the locals live and the Jamaican culture. Andrew at the swimup bar was as entertaining as ever. The food was excellent and I know I said this last year but I have to say it again: if you can't find something you like to eat here I would say that you are too picky and there is no pleasing you. My husband and I went to the seven mile beach for a couple hours one day and both agree that we are happy about the location of the Riu Palace, it is much cleaner and you don't have the hagglers trying to sell you their goods. The only bad thing I would say about our trip this year was housekeeping wasn't as good as I would have expected. Two mornings when I got up, there was no coffee left in the room and one day I had to remind her after she was already done with the room. I do think she was distracted by conversing with other staff and did not pay as much attention to doing her job as she perhaps should have. I would still however, recommend this hotel to anyone who wants luxury and relaxation. Thank you again to all the staff at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, already looking forward to seeing you next year.

It had been five years since staying at this hotel, and it had been completely remodled. The resort is very attractive and has a great beach. it is a gradual shallow beach that has crystal clear water and little wave action. Has some shade from trees, but no other shade options.
The first night dinner was unlimited lobster, but then after that it was ok to good. They were full and seemed to run out of things like lettuce. Best food bet is jerked chicken from the beach grill for being great each day. The specality resturants were difficult to get into.
Room service was very limited and just fair. Snack options were poor from the menu.
Drinks were high quality. No funny brands and all the options inclluding exotic tropical drinks.
Could not get rooms towels and wash cloths because they were out twice?
Internet service is very poor, and only available in the lobby.
The gym is very limited and small.
Staff overall were nice and friendly. The pool bar staff were great; and friendly to everone I saw served.
The reggae and other beach entertainers were great, but the hotel could get better control from the guy's selling rolling papers, and something for the papers. We saw them stealing food and drinks from the hotel after bugging people for them...made you concerned to leave much out on the beach.
Overall a great vacation. Hotel is a great value; but not at the same level as the Couple's resorts we have stayed at in service and food quality.

Travelled from feb 4-11 for a destination wedding. My wife and 17 month old son had a great stay. Food was great, beach was fantastic and the staff were extremely polite. My only complaint was with a man on the beach named Kenny who was representing scuba caribe where u cN rent jetskis, scubadive etc. I made arrangements with Kenny to rent two jetskis for one hour each and before we took off, they told my father and I that they would simply wave us in once our hour was up. Well we were waved in after 29 mins of ridding, and we complained to the staff that our ride was only a half hour and we paid for an hour. They responded with " no man, u were out for your time". We knew we weren't going to win this battle so we left upset. Kenny never strolled our section of the beach for 2 days. I believe he knew he was wrong. The day before we left Kenny came to appologize and said that his guy told him we had 45 mins, so still even at 45 mins we were still short our full hour. I'm only venting here for others to be aware that it's your word against theirs and guess what.... Odds are u won't win. Anyone wanting to rent a jetski please make sure you wear a watch and confirm with the rental staff what time it is so you don't get screwed like we did. I told Kenny I would let everyone on tripadvisor that I would complain about my experience with them and I don't think Kenny liked that to much but this is a lesson on how not to conduct business especially with tourists spending their hard earned dollars in a foreifgn country. The rest of my vacation was superb and I would return again. Hope this review helps and provides a little caution to those wishing to have a little fun on the ocean.
Allan, Tara and Benjamin
welland, ont. Canada