We just returned from an absolutely miserable 8-day stay at the Riu Ocho Rios, and I feel compelled to warn others: do not waste your hard-earned money here. We spent $8,000 expecting a relaxing, all-inclusive Caribbean getaway and instead endured what felt like a week-long survival challenge.
First, let’s talk about the food – bland, repetitive, and barely edible. Even the “specialty” restaurants were laughable. We were lucky if something was lukewarm and not from the buffet. The drinks? Watered down, inconsistent, and served by bartenders who looked annoyed that you even dared to order.
Service? Virtually non-existent. Staff were often rude, dismissive, and completely disengaged. It felt like we were a burden simply for being there. Asking for towels, clean sheets, or even silverware felt like pulling teeth. And forget about getting a drink or food by the pool unless you want to wait 45 minutes for it.
The room was dated, musty, and not cleaned properly once during our entire stay. We had to call multiple times just to get basic housekeeping. The “resort” is overcrowded, loud, and poorly maintained. Don’t let the pretty beach fool you – the rest of the property is falling apart.
For $8,000, we expected quality, comfort, and service. Instead, we got disappointment, frustration, and the overwhelming urge to go home early. We’ve stayed at other all-inclusives that were a fraction of the price and a thousand times better.