Riu Palace Tropical Bay - background:
The Hotel Riu Tropical Bay is an all-inclusive in western Jamaica on Bloody Bay Beach, 4 miles from Negril, and 50 miles from the Montego Bay Airport. Negril is an eclectic tourist zone with 7-mile beach (great sunsets), shops, and many beachside restaurants.
The Riu Tropical Bay has Victorian-style architecture, and 396 rooms, each with balcony or terrace, most with ocean view; adjoining rooms and junior suites available.
The resort has buffet and specialty restaurants (reservations required) ; fitness center; spa.
Riu Hotels and Resorts is a Spanish company with over a hundred properties worldwide. Riu has two properties in Negril, and is expanding elsewhere in Jamaica. (See Riu.com for updates.) Guests at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay have privileges at sister resort Riu Negril.
Features at the Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay:
- white-sand beach, crystal-blue water, gentle shore
- three pools, including children's pool
- complimentary Sunfish sailing (instruction not included, though), snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking, body boards, complimentary scuba lesson in pool
- watersports at additional charge: fishing, waverunner, waterskiing, scuba
- gym, ping-pong, volleyball, tennis; golf nearby (extra charge)
Riu Palace Tropical Bay for families:
Kids are welcome at the Riu Tropical Bay, but don't expect the multiple programs for different ages found at some all inclusives in Jamaica. The kids' club is for ages 4 to 12; check recent visitors' comments (links below). There's also a kids' playground. Parents of older kids should read visitor comments; be aware that "ganga" may be an open secret.
Keep in mind about the Riu Palace Tropical Bay:
- the resort is 4.7 miles from Negril's West-End, 3.7 miles to shopping centre. Read more about Negril.
- the transfer from the airport can be long for little kids; bring water and snacks
- at the beach, the water is shallow for quite a distance: great for little kids*
- for good snorkeling, you'll need to take an excursion (extra charge)
- this property had a major renovation in 2008, and joined the Riu Palace brand
Find out more:
- check recent visitor comments at TripAdvisor.com
- also check comments at Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews
- Check prices
- see resort details at the at the Riu site
- read about Riu Palace Tropical Bay at the Apple Vacations site
This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check resort sites for updates.
