Riu Negril or Riu Palace Tropical Bay
Which Riu In Negril Is Better?

Which Riu In Negril Is Better | Riu Palace Tropical Bay (Photo: riu.com)

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

When you think of resort chains in Jamaica, Riu is often on that list. They have 6 all-inclusive locations on the island, two of which are in Negril.

Which of the two Negril resorts is better? What are the differences between them? Let’s see.

Riu has three types of hotels, Classic, Palace and Plaza. Classic Hotels are better suited for families, friends and other larger groups that have decided to vacation together; Palace hotels are best for those who which to introduce a little more luxury and Plaza hotels are usually located in cities which makes them perfect for those travelling on business or who prefer to vacation in busy hubs around the world.

Riu Negril is classified as a Classic Hotel and Tropical Palace is, you guessed it a Palace hotel.

Prices

Riu Tropical Palace is the more expensive of the two with rooms costing at least $40 more on average than Riu Negril. If modern updates are essential to you, then it is worth the price to stay at Riu Tropical Palace as this resort has recently been renovated. It also includes more premium drink options.

Rooms and Suites

Riu Tropical Bay has a more updated look and feel than Riu Negril in everything from furniture to decor. Tropical Bay also has more spacious rooms with their smallest room being 28 m2. All the rooms at Riu Negril except for their Junior Suites are 26 m2.

Tropical Palace also has more accommodations which offer oceanview or partial ocean views.

Amenities

Both hotels have similar amenities, watersports, Wi-Fi, room service and the list goes on. Booking Riu Tropical Palace also gives you access to Riu Negril but not vice versa. This means guests staying at Riu Tropical Palace can utilise the amenities of Riu Negril but not the other way around.

Location

There is no advantage one way or the other when it comes to the location of these resorts. Not only are they both located in Negril, but they are also both located on Bloody Bay Beach.

Kid Friendly

Both hotels have amenities for children including children's pools, Riuland Kids’ Club and designated playgrounds.

Riu Negril is the more kid-friendly of the two, just because adults tend to visit Tropical Bay without children and Riu Negril if they are travelling with kids, especially younger ones.

Your children will have more opportunities of meeting other children at Riu Negril (if that is something you would be comfortable with). The pool at Riu Negril also has a slide, which I think might sway your decision just a little.

Restaurants and Bars

Both hotels have 5 restaurants, one main and 4 themed restaurants where you can expect local favourites or international fare. There are multiple bars in each resort as well, with one conveniently in the pool.

Spa And Fitness

Both hotels have the renowned Renova Spa on the property. But, as with most, if not all resorts, the spas come at an additional charge.

Both hotels have a free gym and whirlpool bath but Riu Negril also has a Sauna.

There is an age restriction on the use of the gym, whirlpool bath and sauna. Guests who wish to use any of these amenities must be at least 18 years old.

Entertainment and Sports

The games room is located at Riu Tropical Bay and has slot machines included. Outside of that, both hotels share the same entertainment package with daytime entertainment for children 4-7 and 8-12 at RiuLand as well as day and evening entertainment for adults each day.

Both hotels have floodlit tennis courts, Windsurfing, catamaran, snorkelling equipment and kayaking. Riu Negril has a beach-volleyball court, multipurpose sports pitch and group fitness activities in the Riufit (fitness centre) for those who work out as a group.

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References & Sources For Which Riu In Negril Is Better?

1. (no date) Riu Negril - Jamaica Riu Negril - riu negril hotel - all inclusive. Available at: https://www.riunegrilresort.com/all_inclusive.asp (Accessed: October 12, 2022).
2. (no date) Riu Palace Tropical Bay - Negril, Jamaica - Riu palace vacation specials - all-inclusive. Available at: https://www.riupalacetropicalbay.com/all_inclusive.asp (Accessed: October 12, 2022).
3. City Hotels: Urban Hotels: Riu plaza (no date) City Hotels | Urban Hotels | Riu Plaza. Available at: https://www.riu.com/en/posts/hotels/business-city-hotels-riu-plaza.jsp (Accessed: October 12, 2022).
4. White, J. et al. (2016) Your perfect holiday at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, RIU.com | Blog. Available at: https://www.riu.com/blog/en/your-perfect-holiday-at-the-riu-palace-tropical-bay/ (Accessed: October 12, 2022).

Which Riu In Negril Is Better | Written: October 18, 2022

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