Sandals/Beaches vs. RIU

[atjorgensen]

I chose sandals because i researched a lot and sandals is what we were looking for....we wanted no children, a nice resort with things included but not restrictions that i had found at riu and some others, and everyone i talked to about our resort that had been there loved it. it is young but not too young not too old. it is us his mom and dad sister and bro in law so it is perfect for us. my fiance has been to a riu before in cancun and loved it but we were looking for something a little different.

[IrieBride08]

I chose Sandals (Grande Ocho Rios) because it was a huge resort and like Lizz, thought it would offer more variety for my guests--many of whom have never been to Jamaica. I liked that all the food (9 restaurants), drinks and activities (snorkeling, scuba, etc.) was included, and when I booked, Sandals was having a killer sale on it's rooms. I also thought it was cool that my guests could "resort hop" to experience the other Sandals (Dunns River) for no extra fee.

 

Honestly, when I was researching, I didn't look into Riu closely. I possibly would have chosen them depending on how things priced out, but I loved the many perks that came with Sandals with a large wedding party (free welcome reception, rehearsal dinner, etc.)

[christenew]

The two c's, plain and simple. Children and Cost.

[Stormsong]

I chose Sandals BECAUSE we didn't want kids at our wedding. Or, even want kids around. Nothing against children...but we wanted the adults and parents to have a break and a vacation away as well. Something romantic that didn't include kids. (Plus, most parents don't spend NEAR enough time together once they have kids.) So, we felt that if we chose a hotel that allowed children, half of our guests wouldn't come, somply because they would have to pay for the child. So, we took that option away from them.

 

Added to that....my neices and nephews LOVE me...i didn't want to have to entertain them all the time! lol. Early morning wake up calls and constant shadows!

[nancylou7]

We chose the RIU because of the kids

[bobbi-francis]

same here...me and honey have a lot of kids in our family (including our daughter) any resort with a no children policy wasnt an option for us.

[Shenmaat]

I chose Riu because I have a lot of kids coming as well and I didnt want to have it at Beached. Compared to the Riu, Beaches looked like an amusement park to me also.

[stei0419]

We chose Riu for the wedding b/c I have a teenage brother and b/c of the cost-much cheaper! But, we decided to honeymoon at sandals, so we get both!

[drbrainfreeze]

It was a tough choice for us, but we wanted somewhere where kids were allowed (neice is 2) but wasn't overrun with kids. If my neice weren't around, though I would have gone with Sandals and just made it no kids allowed! Can't wait to see the RIU in person though!!

[chicago88]

I was just married at ROR which is right next door to Sandals Dunn's River. My sister took a tour of Sandals while she was there (she's a travel agent) and it is definitely a different vibe over there. It is very small compared to the Riu and quite. The rooms look & feel older and it just didn't seem as fun. Of course, if that's what your looking for, small & quite, then that might be a good place for you...

 

I absolutely loved ROR - so beautiful!! You will not regret it if you decide on this place!!