RIU Palace Jamaica

Having visited for the first time December 2025, we had such a fantastic time we booked up again within a week of our return. I have to say 2nd time around was amazing and i have to say the entertainment team are the best in the world that we have come across. Genius, Astro, Dineiro, DJ unstoppable, Stringbean, Chocolato, Rihanna and Neeka all made our time there fantastic. Also I cannot forget the amazing staff generally, 5 star service and always happy to engage in casual talk and so accomodating at all times. Having now been home nearly 2 weeks now it took very little time for us rebook again for the third time for June 2027. The hotel is very clean and tidy but the rooms are in need of a bit of TLC, but speaking to staff we did find out the the hotel is closing in August 2026 for a refurbishment, one of the main reasons we wanted to visit again. I can safely say the best holidays we have had, have been spent at this hotel!!!

Compared to the hotels either side I’m glad we chose this one. We prefer a quieter place to relax and unwind. This is probably the smallest hotel we’ve ever stayed in, in the Caribbean. We didn’t have to get up early for a sun lounger or cabana at all. Plenty of space around pools and on the beach. The room we were allocated wasn’t a great view, it appears that they are reserved for elite club which they will try and upsell you when you arrive. An extra $1000 for 11 nights!! We heard the rooms are the same but have an ocean view, top shelf drinks in the bars, a separate pool and another restaurant. It appeared that most rooms were reserved for the American guests. The standard rooms are very tired and need renovating, which is why we think they are closing in August. The restaurants on site were amazing, steak house and Asian were our favourites. We did enjoy the vast amount of drinks available however I’m dubious about the content in some of the popular brand bottles. The Malibu I saw poured definitely didn’t taste like Malibu but a cheaper alternative. There were suggestions from others that the drinks were watered down.

Staff at this hotel were lovely, friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. Our room was spotless everyday and the drinks topped up in the fridge without asking.

The things I loved about this hotel was the smoking arrangements, there is no smoking allowed in rooms or balcony’s, around the pool or sun loungers. There are designated areas only. This is great especially as a few like to smoke the local offerings which are readily available as soon as you arrive at the airport!

My only observation that disappointed me was the rudeness of some of the American guests. The amount that think it’s acceptable to sit in a restaurant and have full blown loud conversations on loud speaker of their phone right next to you. The rude demanding & entitled attitude towards the staff, left us absolutely gobsmacked.

Came here 4 years ago, loved it so came back. Things have changed not all for the better , riu elite now a thing. Extra cost for dedicated breakfast and dinner area with staff taking your order and bringing it to you , instead of choosing yourself from buffett. All the ocean facing rooms and small quiet swim up pool bar is all elite. Staff service is mixed some friendly and attentive others surly. Beach is lovley , noisy round main pool lots of music playing. Some american guests can be noisy and swear a lot for no reason.