Riu Negril or Riu Palace Tropical Bay

[Futurebride]

Hello ladies!!

 

This is the best destination wedding site by far!

 

I'm recently engaged (as of Christmas Eve) and have started to think about a destination wedding in Negril. I've narrowed it down to these two resorts (with a lot of help from the reviews on this site) but, am still having trouble deciding between the two of these. The price difference is relatively minor so I am wondering if any of you ladies on this site can help me with identifying any real differences between the two hotels.

 

Is the beach better at one? Food? Accomodations? Activities? Wedding packages?

 

Also, if you had your wedding at either resort or visited both, I would love to hear your opinion on how the resorts compare and how the resort met/ didn't meet your wedding expectations.

 

Hoping to hear from you soon. Any help is appreciated!

[starchild]

Maybe this will help:

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/43079/riu-negril-or-riu-tropical-palace

 

 

[Futurebride]

Thank you!! I came across that review but, just wanted a little more from brides that have been there about what to expect. I noticed that both Riu's are not on the 7 mile beach. Instead , they are on a man made beach and I was wondering about the quality of this beach and good/bad experiences at either. Maybe picking a wedding destination we've never been too was a bad idea! Lol.

[albellis]

I am interested in getting married in Negril and have tentatively planned it at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay. I am going to meet with a TA later this month to get her opinions on resorts and see what her opinions are of the RPTB. I also have never been to Jamaica, but narrowed down our Caribbean DW to that location based on the cost. The reason I am leaning towards the RPTB is that it allows for you to visit the Riu Negril as well, which I figure would be a nice change for guests if they wanted to check out another resort at no cost. However if you stay at the Riu Negril, you do not receive the privileges to visit the RPTB. I figure for a slightly higher cost, it is worth it.

[redginger]

Riu Tropical Palace has a better beach than Riu Negril. They are both in Bloody Bay, which is part of 7-Mile Beach but more secluded (less beach vendors) and less packed with hotels. As Albellis noted, Riu Tropical Palace guests have free exchange privileges to Riu Negril's nightclub and other amenities (but not vice versa). If price difference is not big, I think Riu Tropical Palace is much better choice. Good luck.

[msanaberry1]

I've also been looking into these two resorts, and I have heard that it it about $200-250 price difference from our travel agents we've spoken to. I guess it depends on what you want your guests to pay, but I have also read that the only major difference noted is that the Riu Negril is more kid friendly with more kid related activities. Both the resorts are side by side so you could go to either beach I am sure. I just feel as though you're going to basically the same area and any hotel you go to it's going to be an amazing experience if you are going to Negril. I am personally going with the Riu Negril. The Riu Palace Tropical Bay is a bit "higher end" type of resort, if that is what you're looking for.

[redginger]

I just recently came back from Negril. Riu Negril and Riu Tropical Palace are not next door to each other...it's about 15 -20 minute walk along the beach between both hotels. Riu Negril's beach is awful and man-made and the water there is not clear -- not what you'd expect from a Negril beach resort. If beach and water are important, Riu Tropical Palace's beach and water are much better.