Vacations Close To Blue Diamond Shopping Centre

My husband and I stayed at Riu Palace Aquarelle in Montego Bay, Jamaica, August 2026, to celebrate his birthday. It was his first time in JA and my second, and overall, we had a great experience. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed, and all the staff we encountered were friendly and hospitable. A special shoutout to Shaniece at the front desk, who was professional, welcoming, and helpful. Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a king-size bed, sofa, balcony, and nice bathroom. Housekeeping was timely and thorough. Our favorite bartender was Jaydin—he took great care of us and always made us feel welcomed! The resort is modern and spacious, with elevators, 5 restaurants, a lobby bar, sports bar, gift shop, gym, spa, 3 pools—including an adults-only pool with swim-up bar—and Splash Water World. There are also daytime and nighttime activities, live music, and themed RIU parties. The beach was beautiful, with white sand and turquoise water. The surf was a little rough but still enjoyable. There was some sargassum, but staff worked to keep it cleaned up. The food was a mixed experience. The lunch buffet at Pepe's Food was really good, with great Jamaican flavor, and the Steakhouse was our favorite dinner. The Asian restaurant was just okay, while we were not fans of the Sports Bar food or room service. Breakfast was typical of an all-inclusive buffet. Make restaurant reservations in advance, as they book up quickly. Overall, we enjoyed our stay - Ya mon!

Stayed here a week and couldn’t be happier. The hotel is very cute and outdoorsy (no AC in many places) so you have to be ok with that. The rooms are nice and roomy. The beds are so comfortable! Meals were good, especially at the beach bar. Definitely order the jerk chicken with fries. The staff at the resort were so kind, attentive, respectful and just generally lovely people. There was never an issue of not finding a spot on the beach or pool like you normally experience at larger resorts. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to get away with a couple of books, children free, and have a laid back experience in a beautiful setting.

From the room, to the staff, to the beach view, to the lovely Rose Hall it was an amazing, beautiful, vacation. I loved every moment of it.

The staff were amazing — service was unmatched, couldn’t say anything better about them. Where we struggled was with the food options — seemingly limited, and speciality restaurants barely open, along with no room service or option to get food besides a “burger bar” anytime after 9pm. The buffet was mediocre at best. Really disappointed with food options, otherwise would consider going back.

Would not recommend at all: The service is zero stars. No one is attentive to you, barely want to interact with you. Its as off you need to tip them just to simply ask a question. Had the turn down service, requested for my jacuzzi to be cleaned before use. Staff cleaned it with a broom wrapped in plastic. DISGUSTING ! Food is zero stars. Especially if your from the islands the food is truly mediocre. Overall wouldn’t recommend. Worst vacation I have even spent. Especially celebrating a milestone birthday