RIU Montego Bay

Good-ish

Jamaica has fantastic weather compared to snow and cold! The beaches were nice and clean. Pool was fantastic. There are many opportunities (+$) available with buses/taxis always ready within minutes to get you anywhere (+$). The food is pretty good but don't expect high quality. You should think ordinary buffet in the US.

The only specialty restaurant that you should go to is the steak place. Unfortunately, like the other places, you won't be able to get a reservation even though the place WILL be empty when you walk by repeatedly. So, just go 15 mins after seating and then you can jump right in (done). Except for the steak place, the Italian and Asian food can all be obtained in the regular buffet line so it isn't very special. If you have food allergies/issues, you are on your own. Service everywhere is hit or miss. You'll be amazed by the service and then let down the next hour. I think training would go a long way. The amazing service is pretty much just the attitude of the employee. If you are looking for fun only, this place is great. If you are looking for luxury/quality/food/etc, go elsewhere.

Typical Riu All Inclusive

The fresh fruit juices, jerk chicken on the beach, the water aerobics

The lack of available restaurant reservations, by the time we checked in they were all taken for the entire duration of our flight. The food was full of MSG, the buffet was like a shark tank feeding frenzy, dangerous at times with people running every direction and trying to get their food before you. The bar line was always a 10-15 minute wait, even after we tipped the bartenders generously. The pool chairs were completely reserved before 8am, reserved with towels but people were not there the entire day. We never once had a chair at the pool and there were 60+ each time just sitting there reserves but their "owners" we're no where near the pool area. The staff should not allow chairs to be reserved all day long whenever people are not using them. We paid the same amount for the all inclusive and did not enjoy a chair at the pool, a meal in the speciality restaurant!!!! The shops across the street were a rip off and the locals demanded tips for everything. They were not helpful, just wanted our money and were not shy in asking for it. I will never travel to Jamacia or any Riu properties again, this was my second Riu and was worst than the first sub par property.