Most hotels once you check out you’ll probably never be back. But that’s not the case with the Riu Negril Jamaica. There are very few hotels in the world that we’ve been back to. Actually, now that I think about it there are only 4 other hotels.

We checked back into Hotel Riu Negril twice, but Hannah’s parents, on the other hand, said our 2017 trip was their 14th time staying at the Hotel Riu Negril. In order for us to return to the same hotel it has to be special, here are nine reasons why we’ll keep returning to the Hotel Riu Negril Jamaica.

When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Jamaica check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

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9 Reasons We’ll Go Back | Hotel Riu Negril Jamaica

Swim-up bar

I’m not going to lie; my favorite spot at the Hotel Riu Negril is at a bar stool submerged in the pool. I could easily spend half my day making friends at the swim-up bar with a strawberry daiquiri in hand. You are guaranteed to meet a fun and rowdy bunch here.

Beach

It wouldn’t be a Jamaica vacation without a beach. There is a huge beach with tons of beach chairs and a good amount of palm trees to seek shade under. You can walk the beach from Hotel Riu Negril and after about 10 minutes you’ll reach Riu Tropical Palace.

Further down the beach is Couples Negril and Royalton Negril Resort but then you’ll run into the end of the beach, there is no way to walk to Seven Mile beach. Trust us we’ve tried…You’ll have to jump in a taxi for about $10. It’s a great place for a week-long Jamaica honeymoon.

Sunsets

Negril is our favorite place in the world to watch the sunset. Head to the beach bar to grab a drink and watch the FREE and epic daily show (the sunset). Make sure to stick around a few minutes after the sun literally sets, sometimes the sunset puts on a pretty awesome aftershow of colors.

Location

Negril is the perfect beach escape close to home. Traveling to Jamaica is super easy, and there are more and more direct flights than ever. Even direct flights from our hometown, Milwaukee to Montego Bay and then a 1.5-hour shuttle to Negril. You’ll be checking into the Hotel Riu Negril in no time.

On our recent trip, our flight from Orlando (MCO) on JetBlue was only $99 one way and $235 one way back to Milwaukee.  We love the beaches in Koh Lipe Thailand or Summer Island Maldives, but each of those destinations requires over 24 hours of traveling. 

Entertainment

The entertainment is nonstop at the Riu. During the day, there are water aerobics, pool games, dance lessons, and much more. Every night on the stage, there is a rotating schedule, so you’ll never see the same thing twice.

If you need a day off the resort, consider heading to the Pelican Bar, which is the coolest bar in the world in the middle of the ocean. You need to take a boat to get here. It’s awesome. On the way, consider visiting the famous Dunn’s River Falls to cool off.

Jerk Hut

Every day at noon the guys in the jerk hut serve up the best jerk chicken in Negril. We have tried jerk chicken at several restaurants in Negril, and none are as good as the Riu’s jerk hut. There are two types of jerk sauce. We love the spicy one!

Don’t be afraid to order your chicken “no chop.” That way, they don’t chop it up. If you prefer white or dark meat, just ask. Our next favorite jerk place is Three Dives Jerk Chicken in the west end. We suggest heading here just before sunset.

Traveling with Kids – Beaches Negril Jamaica Resort Review

Unlimited Minibar In-room

The perk of unlimited alcohol continues in your room/ Each room not only has a refrigerator stocked with beer & soda and full bottles of liquor. It’s nice to mix a drink in your room and sit on the balcony listening to the waves crashing at night.

Friendly Staff

The staff at the Riu really is what makes it extra special. Many of the bartenders will know your name by the end of the second day.

My parents are on a first-name basis with just about someone at every bar & restaurant on the property. They love going to Hotel Riu Negril not only for the vacation but also to see their friends.

No Beach Vendors

If you want to take a nap on the beach and not have someone tapping you on the shoulder to look at their sunglasses or towels, you can! Even though all beaches in Jamaica are public, you won’t be bothered by beach vendors. You’ll be thankful for this when you head to Seven Mile Beach and realize how many beach vendors there are there.

When you do run into the beach vendors, be polite, and we highly suggest the patty man selling Jamaican patties his bicycle and the ice cream man. Make sure to check out our complete list of things to do in Negril Jamaica.

Pools

There isn’t just one pool at the Hotel Riu Negril but three.  Four if you got the massive pool in front of the beach. There is always somewhere to jump in and cool down.

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Rui Club vs Riu Palace in Negril Jamaica

There are actually two Riu hotels in Negril, the Hotel Riu Negril and Riu Tropical Palace. They are very similar, but there are some differences. Both hotels are on the same beach and right next to each other.

On our last trip, we were offered a free upgrade to Riu Tropical Palace. The Riu Tropical Palace is slightly more expensive. When writing this article, it was roughly $50 extra a night. That extra money gets you top-shelf alcohol and free room service.

If you stay at the Riu Tropical Palace, you can use all the facilities at Hotel Riu Negril, but not the other way around. Hotel Riu is family-friendly and has a children’s pool, whereas Riu Tropical Palace is more suited for couples. If you are planning a honeymoon in Jamaica, we would suggest Riu Tropical Palace.

Check Rates Online | Orbitz | Expedia

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Have you stayed at the Hotel Club Riu? We know we’ll be back!

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Thanks to Riu Negril and Visit Jamaica for hosting us. As always, all opinions are our own. 

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• 25 Best Things To Do In Negril Jamaica – 2023 Travel Guide
• Beaches Negril Jamaica Resort – 2023 Family Review
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• How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in Jamaica