HELP RIU NEGRIL OR RIU OCHO RIOS

[Denise]

Still Undecided Where We Are Going The Week Of April 5-12

Any Ideas?

One Has 856 Rooms And The Other 420?

Are We Just Another Number At The Big One

Has Anyone Been To Both? Which One Is Better?

 

We Do Have Children Going Ages 1, 2, 8, 12 & 15?

Which Ersort Is More Kids Friendly?

 

Thank You For You Help

Denise

[chicago88]

Hi - I also looked into Riu Negril when I first started planning. Here are a couple of things I've learned.

 

1. It is a little more expensive.

2. They do not guarantee your dinner/reception spot until you get there. Obviously if you have a large party going this would not be good.

3. The drive is shorter from the airport to Negril versus the airport to Ocho Rios - Perk!

 

My TA told me that ROR accomodates DW's more.

 

Hope this helps.

[Denise]

THANK YOU THAT DOES HELP..

[gwynemark]

Hi Denise, I have not been to either of them but have found over the years that the larger resorts are better staffed and handle DW better. HOwever, a 400+ room resort is no slouch so I dont see a downfall with either.

 

Now with your bringing kids. I would recommend Negril mainly because the waves and currents are not nearly as strong as the Ocho Side. Thats of course if getting in the ocean is somethnig you plan on doing.

[Spazz]

Denise, I was undecided between the 2 also. I chose RIU Ocho Rios because it seems to me that it has more to offer (restaurants, bars, etc). I have also heard a few negative things about trying to plan a wedding at Negril (hard to get in touch with the WC, won't guarantee a reception). Don't get me wrong, they are both beautiful, but I am very happy that I chose RIU Ocho Rios (especially because there are more than 10 of us on this forum that are going there, so it helps with planning!). Whichever you decide on, I'm sure you will have a great wedding!

[Jerzzygirl]

Just a quick note about the ocean waves in Ochi, there were none...lol 1 day we did have a stormy day and there were small, small waves. More of a ripple...lol

[twinkletoes]

FYI: When I did a search for Riu Ocho Rios in April, there were no more times available at all!!! The Riu Negril had a couple of days open. However, you can contact them and see if the date you want is actually confirmed. I think the Riu Ocho Rios is becoming very popular! Just wanted to warn you

[ashakm]

I was originally having my wedding at RIU Negril. I looked into both the Club Hotel and Tropical Bay. A friend of mine went to Negril ClubHotel in August 07 and had a great time. She sent me pictures and it seemed really nice. But - when I got on this forum, I wondered why everyone was getting married at ROR. So, when I compared the two:

 

ROR was larger, newer and a lot more luxurious. Looks like a palace. Got better reviews on Travel Advisor. Wedding locations were gorgeous -nicer than Negril's choice to me. Seems to be cheaper. I also heard a few times that the WC is hard to get in contact with at Negril and they don't keep their word on a lot of things, unlike ROR. Also, they don't offer the Free Wedding Package. I have a 4 year old son and more kids will be going around his age. I think either resort would be fine for kids - they are all kid friendly. I heard Tropical Bay was old and not so nice. Club Hotel Negril is newer, but not as nice as ROR.

[ashakm]

Oh, and ROR seems to be getting very popular. There are hardly any dates available until you get to August 08. I think that is because they only have 2 or 3 weddings at ROR a day. I had to change my date a few times just to get a date at ROR. I know that most of the dates are available at RIU Negril.

 

And if you request a date and change your mind about it, they will not release the date for a long time unless you email them to cancel the request. I did that (had them cancel the requests) because I realized that I was holding like 3 different dates (which was keeping others from booking them).

[starchild]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerzzygirl Just a quick note about the ocean waves in Ochi, there were none...lol 1 day we did have a stormy day and there were small, small waves. More of a ripple...lol

Yep the water is very calm and relaxing. It stormed our last day and we were in the pool with 2 other crazy couples, it was awesome. So if it rains remember to get in the pool....lol

Also, when we honeymooned at ROR it did not feel that big. Even though there are 800 rooms it is laid out well and we didn't feel crowded at all. We were there in June, maybe that's a slow season...not sure. But don't let the size intimidate you. Most times late at night we sat on the beach and were the only 2 people within sight. The staff treated us exceptionally well and it seemed they paid that attention to everyone.