Riu Ocho Rios vs Negril

[geology_rocks]

How come there are so many Rio Ocho Rios brides as compared to the 2 Rius in Negril? I may have to change my wedding location because the Grand Lido Negril isn't honoring their price quote and actually want to charge us EXTRA for a group to guarantee they won't send my guests to Hedonism. I was looking at the Riu hotels but there is no availability left at Riu Ocho Rios. Can anyone shed some light? Thanks in advance!

[Heidi]

I chose Ocho Rios for the following reasons:

 

1. Slightly cheaper than Negril

2. Guaranteed semi-private reception dinner (not guaranteed at Negril, I believe)

3. The EXCURSIONS!!! (Our #1 deciding factor) - there is sooooo much more to do in Ocho Rios that we're interested in: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Waterfalls, Canopy Tours, Horseback Riding, Swimming with Dolphins, Bob Marley tour, exotic gardens, etc...

4. It's a HUGE resort, we can easily lose our guests if we want some privacy. Not as easier at the smaller Negril resorts.

[geology_rocks]

Thanks Heidi, those are good reasons.

 

I'm pretty choked. We have our flights booked so we're kind tied to Jamaica and our date is flexible only within a few days. Ugh, I hope this works out!

[jmhein]

The Rius in Negril look really nice too. Our main reason for picking the Ocho Rios over the Negril ones is that the ROR is newer, so was getting better reviews in that regard...

[amandalovesryan]

i picked ROR for the excursions and the size, like heidi did. My TA said that the resorts are about the same in quality and that the food is about the same. She said that what it comes down to was whether or not we like to go places on vacation. She said that NEgril is beautiful and secluded but there are no excursions. That is pretty much why I chose ROR. Hope that it helps a little. Good luck

[Heidi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by geology_rocks Thanks Heidi, those are good reasons. I'm pretty choked. We have our flights booked so we're kind tied to Jamaica and our date is flexible only within a few days. Ugh, I hope this works out!

Have you checked out other resorts? I was really interested in Sunset at the Palms in Negril (my first choice!), but they required guests to stay for a week, and we have a lot of people staying only 4 days.

Are you working within a certain budget? How many guests do you think will join you? Does the resort have to be all inclusive? Let us know if we can help at all!!!

[AmyFled]

I have also noticed that there are only a couple of us having weddings at Riu Negril!

I liked Negril because the beaches there are absolutely beautiful! I have nothing against OR, but my sister went to a wedding in OR and was displeased with the murky beach (it was not at Riu though). My other sis went on her honeymoon at Riu Negril and loved it, so my choice was easy.

 

Also, I have been assured by my travel agent that there would be no problem with confirming the reception.

 

Yes, you are correct that OR has a little more to do outside of the resort, but since my FH and I are on a very tight budget we probably couldn't afford to do many of them! There is plenty for us in Negril!

 

Again, I think you will be happy with either of the resorts, they are both beautiful and good luck with your change of plans! If you have questions about Negril please let me know.

Sorry this is so long........I'm so bored at work!!! AHHHHH

[Heidi]

Some Trip Advisor reviews on weddings @ the Riu Negril ClubHotel (rated higher than Tropical Bay) - most speak VERY highly of their wedding experiences here:

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - ClubHotel Riu Negril Great Weddings - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - Wedding at the Riu - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - Riu Needs Help - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - A fantastic destination wedding - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - Excellent Time at the Riu - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - Amazing wedding experience !!!! - TripAdvisor

 

Negril: Riu Negril ClubHotel - Traveler Reviews - this place is paradise - TripAdvisor

[geology_rocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi Have you checked out other resorts? I was really interested in Sunset at the Palms in Negril (my first choice!), but they required guests to stay for a week, and we have a lot of people staying only 4 days. Are you working within a certain budget? How many guests do you think will join you? Does the resort have to be all inclusive? Let us know if we can help at all!!!

You guys all rock! So helpful! To answer Heidi's questions...

- We're trying to keep it on the budget conscious side, GLN was offering us a 15% discount with the 20th person free but they cancelled that deal making it a bit out of our league.
- We have about 26 guests right now (including us.) I don't think any more will come.
- I would like the resort to be all-inclusive, our guests were pretty excited about that.

We also were looking at Sunset at the Palms but were a bit concerned that you couldn't get snacks late at night and we have 3 couples who want to stay less than a week. It looks really nice and the treehouses looked really fun but alas...

[Maggie&Darryl08]

That's too bad...now I'm back to being the only GLN girl. hahahaha

 

I think wherever you decide to get married you will be happy. You can't go wrong in Jamaica, it's beautiful, the weather is wonderful and you're getting married!!! I found when picking a resort, there was always something I liked and something I didn't particularly like at all the places we looked at. Just make your choice and I'm sure you will be happy with it. Trying to decide was the biggest stress. Pick...and start the fun stuff....planning.