I've watched tons of videos to help me plan a trip for my son's birthday in October and this one, by far, has been the most helpful. I've been looking for package deals on the sites you mentioned and never would have considered booking directly through Riu and enrolling in their Riu Class program. Also happy to hear about the additional cost savings with AAA. I truly appreciate the money saving tips you provided for the excursions because I've been researching those as well and would have wasted money purchasing through one of excursion vendors. Thank you for everything! 🥰🥰👍🏾👍🏾
This was a very detailed video. I’m planning to go back to RIU Ocho Rios soon. The first time I did private round trip transportation, that costs me $200 plus a tip. I think I will take my chances with the free transportation since my layover is reasonable. I rather apply that money to something else. I still had to leave early with my private driver because they said I needed to be there 3 hours before my flight. If the free bus is too much to deal with, I would hope I could book one way transportation back to the airport.
I just booked our excursions (4 of them) and spent $1200 for a family of 5. We leave to go in 2 weeks. I’m going to try to get my money back and take your advice. This was very informative
thanks for the info, especially the tubing that will save me a loads as trying to put a package together but there is no way i am paying the massive prices they have set since coming out of covid
You’re welcome! All the excursions we went on were $25 entry fee plus the cab ride. even the ones we did with Viator. I would’ve saved about $400. Glad I could help.
I wish I had Triple AAA so my trip could be cheaper… Also, thanks for the tip about the stamp on my passport. Never knew that and probably would’ve never knew that lol.
Thank you so much for all these great tips. I really appreciate it so much. I’m planning a family trip to Jamaica in 2023 for my family of four. I have two 20-22 year olds. Son and daughter. And, my husband that will be attending. It’s our first time going. One question about the river ride. Does the guide stay with you the entire ride?
You’re so welcome. Yes, there’s a guide with you the whole time on all the excursions we went on. The river tube guide floated right along with us making sure we stayed together. Even at Dunns river falls there were guides everywhere! Hope that helps. Thank you for subscribing! We’ll be back next year as well. Can’t wait!
Thank you for your tips on excursions!!! I do have questions. For excursions and taxi can you pay with a debit card? And what should I tip in us $ for the driver. I'm going to sandals ochi rios in June and Watching as many videos and learning as many tips and tricks as I can 😊. Also for lagoon+snuba excursions who could we book with instead of the restort?
I tipped our cab driver $10 the first day and $20 the 2nd day. Resorts have tour companies that camp out on the resorts. Use your concierge ONLY. Luckily you’ll be at Sandals where tipping is not allowed but I would always have cash for the cab rides and tipping.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 Yess that's why we chose sandals for first time. I was wondering car cabs. I've heard on some other posts, people saying $3 tip and I was just thinking that was so low. I couldn't believe that. Thank you for you info. I'm glad I watched your video before I made the reservations through sandals for excursions online. I wasn't sure if the excursions I would want would be all booked up if I waited until I got there? It's best to just wait until we get there and talk to our concierge? Is that the person that will be checking us in? Sorry ive never done this before lol. They the concierge can get us the best deals?
@@tiffm383 no the concierge is not your check in person. Check in representatives tend to guide you to those tour tables. Your concierge will be alone and might have a list of cab rates displayed. Let me know if I can help you further.
Thanks for the info! How was the beach at the Ocho Rios? I hear it isn't all that great. Is there a particular beach you recommend in OR? Also, did you go to Scotchie's or Margaritaville?
You heard right. The beach is mediocre but most days it was clear, blue and nice. We didn’t go to any other beaches in OR but our driver did have some suggestions. If you’re willing to travel there, 7 mile beach is the most beautiful on the island. Scotchie’s and Margaritaville are great if you don’t mind the crowds and the prices are higher. There are plenty of jerk spots but if you’ve never been, I suggest you go at least once. Also check out Lobster Daves. Glad I could help.
Yes Riu offers free round trip transportation. I was suggesting private for my situation. We had a long layover between flights and Riu Ocho Rios is far from MBJ airport.
Thank you for all The info!!💞 we are family of 4 did you recomen just to choose a taxi and take us private to hotel?? Any idea how much that is and how long g is the drive?
You’re welcome! We had a long layover between flights. So I wished we had paid for private transportation. The bus ride was 2 hours minimum. If you have a nice flight and are well rested I’d take the bus. I don’t know the cost but Viator is charging 50 per person. Expect to pay 20 per person.
When you were at dunns river fall and dolphins cove is there somewhere to change and is there anywhere to put your clothes and valuables please we are going in September 22
@@user-ti2yb7do4c All the excursions I went on accepted US currency. Jamaica is a tourist accommodating country. Also we eat at many fruit stands and street food restaurants and they accept our currency as well. Have a great time! Going back in a couple of months and I’ll be reviewing RIU Tropical Palace in Negril. Be sure to look for that.
Hello I have a trip planned for June 15 to the 21st can I have the link for the pick up at the airport? I don’t want to go on the bus that the hotel provides.
@@joanhylton5557 The RIU concierge. Everyday there will be tour groups set up at tables selling excursions. The concierge will be at the hotel entrance. Book through him.
Hi there, I usually buy all inclusive packages from the usual places. When I check the prices on the hotel sites they always show ridiculously high rates per night. Like $500 per night. With those rates, and assuming you booked your flights separately too? How was the package price in the end + booking yourself vs package from Expedia
Expedia has the exact same rate that the RIU quoted online. I’ll give you an example of my upcoming trip. The starting price for five adults for six nights was $5500. After I applied my points, I got a rate of 5000. I sent in a copy of my AAA card and that brings my total to $4500. AND I accumulated points for a future trip. Even if you got to the front desk to check in with your AAA card and you booked on Expedia, you would not receive the discount. Also, it might be a higher rate because the time of year that you were traveling. Try calling them directly in rolled in the points and ask for a rate. I’d love to know the results if you could write back.
And yes I book my flight separately. I shop around for months. My tip on flights is book in the middle of the week in the middle of the night Eastern time.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 thank you. I booked the room for 6 nights in March ( after the official school break) and it was $2500 cdn for 6 nights for a basic king bed room. Flights were $3000. In the end about the same as the package price. Only plus is I got to pick early flight there and later flight back. Much better than the package flight which gets there late and also leaves way early. Can you share the email where you sent the AAA card? I have a caa cars which is the same but the call center lady didn't want to give me it!
@ Thank you for your response. Bring cash noted. As for as booking I wasn’t very clear. I was asking about booking excursions before getting there or once you get to the resort. It sounds like it’s better to wait until you get to the resort.
@ yes just wait. They don’t sell out. Viator and other tour groups will lead you to believe that. Save your money. There will even be tour groups at the resorts. Anything they’re offering your concierge can book for you along with the transportation. I hope you enjoy Jamaica. Don’t forget to grab some local food. Your driver will stop anywhere you want and makes great suggestions.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 gotcha but when I sign up for AAA which package should I get or do they all include travel? And what month did you guys travel in? Thanks for getting back to me.
I've watched tons of videos to help me plan a trip for my son's birthday in October and this one, by far, has been the most helpful. I've been looking for package deals on the sites you mentioned and never would have considered booking directly through Riu and enrolling in their Riu Class program. Also happy to hear about the additional cost savings with AAA. I truly appreciate the money saving tips you provided for the excursions because I've been researching those as well and would have wasted money purchasing through one of excursion vendors. Thank you for everything! 🥰🥰👍🏾👍🏾
I’m so glad I could help. I spent $550 with Viator when booking directly would’ve costs only $300. I know better now.
I agree. The info was great!
Thank you for that review. It was helpful. I loved the honesty and even tone throughout. Genuine!
Thank you for this video! My partner and I are going to Riu in May and were not sure how to book excursions. This was alot of help!
Best review yet! Im going next week! This was very helpful
Very helpful..we are going this Easter
Thanks for the tips. I am going to Riu Ocho Rios in a few weeks!
Have fun!
This was a very detailed video. I’m planning to go back to RIU Ocho Rios soon. The first time I did private round trip transportation, that costs me $200 plus a tip. I think I will take my chances with the free transportation since my layover is reasonable. I rather apply that money to something else. I still had to leave early with my private driver because they said I needed to be there 3 hours before my flight. If the free bus is too much to deal with, I would hope I could book one way transportation back to the airport.
Absolutely. If you don’t have a 6 hour layover like we did, save your money for excursions.
That was excellent I live in Toronto but I enjoy every bit of it keep up the good work
I just booked our excursions (4 of them) and spent $1200 for a family of 5. We leave to go in 2 weeks. I’m going to try to get my money back and take your advice. This was very informative
Yes please. It’s not too late. Don’t worry. The excursions don’t sell out. Have a great time and enjoy all that money you’re about to save!!!
Omg thank you so much am going in October and I find your review very helpful
So glad I could help. Have a great time!
Thank you for the detailed review with the prices and advice included!!!
You’re welcome! I hope I helped you.
thanks for the info, especially the tubing that will save me a loads as trying to put a package together but there is no way i am paying the massive prices they have set since coming out of covid
You’re welcome! All the excursions we went on were $25 entry fee plus the cab ride. even the ones we did with Viator. I would’ve saved about $400. Glad I could help.
Thanks for the tips !!!we are heading that way soon😃😊
Have fun!
I wish I had Triple AAA so my trip could be cheaper…
Also, thanks for the tip about the stamp on my passport. Never knew that and probably would’ve never knew that lol.
Yes it’s a 10 to 15% discount it’s actually worth getting the membership just for the discount or
Great review and tips. Thanks for sharing ❤
Good review! We're planning to go June 2024
Thank you so much! We’ll be back next July for my hubby’s bday but not in Ocho Rios. Have a great time!
Thank you so much for all these great tips. I really appreciate it so much. I’m planning a family trip to Jamaica in 2023 for my family of four. I have two 20-22 year olds. Son and daughter. And, my husband that will be attending. It’s our first time going. One question about the river ride. Does the guide stay with you the entire ride?
You’re so welcome. Yes, there’s a guide with you the whole time on all the excursions we went on. The river tube guide floated right along with us making sure we stayed together. Even at Dunns river falls there were guides everywhere! Hope that helps. Thank you for subscribing! We’ll be back next year as well. Can’t wait!
Thanks a lot for the tips. When were you there?
You’re welcome! We were there the 2nd week in April.
Moonpalace resort is a good resort if y'all havent checked that out yet
I check and is over my budget 😭
Thank you for your tips on excursions!!! I do have questions. For excursions and taxi can you pay with a debit card? And what should I tip in us $ for the driver. I'm going to sandals ochi rios in June and Watching as many videos and learning as many tips and tricks as I can 😊. Also for lagoon+snuba excursions who could we book with instead of the restort?
I tipped our cab driver $10 the first day and $20 the 2nd day. Resorts have tour companies that camp out on the resorts. Use your concierge ONLY. Luckily you’ll be at Sandals where tipping is not allowed but I would always have cash for the cab rides and tipping.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 Yess that's why we chose sandals for first time. I was wondering car cabs. I've heard on some other posts, people saying $3 tip and I was just thinking that was so low. I couldn't believe that. Thank you for you info. I'm glad I watched your video before I made the reservations through sandals for excursions online. I wasn't sure if the excursions I would want would be all booked up if I waited until I got there? It's best to just wait until we get there and talk to our concierge? Is that the person that will be checking us in? Sorry ive never done this before lol. They the concierge can get us the best deals?
@@tiffm383 no the concierge is not your check in person. Check in representatives tend to guide you to those tour tables. Your concierge will be alone and might have a list of cab rates displayed. Let me know if I can help you further.
Thanks for the info! How was the beach at the Ocho Rios? I hear it isn't all that great. Is there a particular beach you recommend in OR? Also, did you go to Scotchie's or Margaritaville?
You heard right. The beach is mediocre but most days it was clear, blue and nice. We didn’t go to any other beaches in OR but our driver did have some suggestions. If you’re willing to travel there, 7 mile beach is the most beautiful on the island. Scotchie’s and Margaritaville are great if you don’t mind the crowds and the prices are higher. There are plenty of jerk spots but if you’ve never been, I suggest you go at least once. Also check out Lobster Daves. Glad I could help.
You gave great information. Question- I thought there is free transportation from Airport to the Hotel
Yes Riu offers free round trip transportation. I was suggesting private for my situation. We had a long layover between flights and Riu Ocho Rios is far from MBJ airport.
This was so helpful, thank you!
I’m so glad I could help. Enjoy your time in paradise!
Thank you for all
The info!!💞 we are family of 4 did you recomen just to choose a taxi and take us private to hotel?? Any idea how much that is and how long g is the drive?
You’re welcome! We had a long layover between flights. So I wished we had paid for private transportation. The bus ride was 2 hours minimum. If you have a nice flight and are well rested I’d take the bus. I don’t know the cost but Viator is charging 50 per person. Expect to pay 20 per person.
When you were at dunns river fall and dolphins cove is there somewhere to change and is there anywhere to put your clothes and valuables please we are going in September 22
There are lockers at both locations we paid five dollars for a large one
@@angiee.t.c.4033 thank you very much, really looking forward to seeing Jamaica
@@leearmstrong6557 have a great time!
Love your videos 🎉🎉❤. Which night is the beach party all white. Going soon to Jamaica.
Friday night. Have fun!
@@angiee.t.c.4033 Thanks 😊 🙏.
Great review!!
Hi thank you for your review, I’m deciding between the riu in negril vs Ochoa rios, any thoughts? We love a long beach.
Hands down Negril has the best beaches. But for families and more excursion options I suggest Ocho Rios.
Your video was very helpful. Thank 😊
Do you have any tips on what currency to take if you're staying at a resort but would like to go on a few excursions? Is USD or JMD better to bring?
@@user-ti2yb7do4c All the excursions I went on accepted US currency. Jamaica is a tourist accommodating country. Also we eat at many fruit stands and street food restaurants and they accept our currency as well. Have a great time! Going back in a couple of months and I’ll be reviewing RIU Tropical Palace in Negril. Be sure to look for that.
Hello I have a trip planned for June 15 to the 21st can I have the link for the pick up at the airport? I don’t want to go on the bus that the hotel provides.
I’m sorry I don’t have a link. Trust me there will be MANY LICENSED cars or vans to transport you. Shop around before you pick one. Have fun!
Great review
Thank you! I love your channel.
Thanks, very good
Did u have transportation with nexus ?
No our bus was unmarked each way. But there is a nexus rep on the resort everyday.
Do you get discounts for excursions at the airport concierge or at the RIU hotel concierge?
@@joanhylton5557 The RIU concierge. Everyday there will be tour groups set up at tables selling excursions. The concierge will be at the hotel entrance. Book through him.
Hi there, I usually buy all inclusive packages from the usual places. When I check the prices on the hotel sites they always show ridiculously high rates per night. Like $500 per night. With those rates, and assuming you booked your flights separately too? How was the package price in the end + booking yourself vs package from Expedia
Expedia has the exact same rate that the RIU quoted online. I’ll give you an example of my upcoming trip. The starting price for five adults for six nights was $5500. After I applied my points, I got a rate of 5000. I sent in a copy of my AAA card and that brings my total to $4500. AND I accumulated points for a future trip. Even if you got to the front desk to check in with your AAA card and you booked on Expedia, you would not receive the discount. Also, it might be a higher rate because the time of year that you were traveling. Try calling them directly in rolled in the points and ask for a rate. I’d love to know the results if you could write back.
And yes I book my flight separately. I shop around for months. My tip on flights is book in the middle of the week in the middle of the night Eastern time.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 thank you. I booked the room for 6 nights in March ( after the official school break) and it was $2500 cdn for 6 nights for a basic king bed room. Flights were $3000. In the end about the same as the package price. Only plus is I got to pick early flight there and later flight back. Much better than the package flight which gets there late and also leaves way early. Can you share the email where you sent the AAA card? I have a caa cars which is the same but the call center lady didn't want to give me it!
@@a2mann2 great, it’s receptioncallcenter@riu.com be sure to put your reservation # in the subject line.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 thank you.
How did you get free transportation? We are going from Kingston airport to Riu hotel
One of your confirmation emails should include the transportation voucher. If you don’t have it, contact Riu.
So booking once you get to the resort is better? What about using credit card to pay?
@@Stoutmire I would bring enough cash for excursions and tips. You can use your card for everything else with caution.
@ Thank you for your response. Bring cash noted. As for as booking I wasn’t very clear. I was asking about booking excursions before getting there or once you get to the resort. It sounds like it’s better to wait until you get to the resort.
@ yes just wait. They don’t sell out. Viator and other tour groups will lead you to believe that. Save your money. There will even be tour groups at the resorts. Anything they’re offering your concierge can book for you along with the transportation. I hope you enjoy Jamaica. Don’t forget to grab some local food. Your driver will stop anywhere you want and makes great suggestions.
@ Thanks for all the info, it will be our first visit and trying to get all the info we can!!
Where should we book the horseback excursion at or from?
Book it at your hotel. Ask the concierge for all your excursions. I could’ve saved $300.
Boom! Thank you!
How long is the ride to the airport
About an hour and a half to 2 hours.
Which AAA package I need to get for the discounts?
You don’t book through AAA, you book directly through with RIU and then you send a copy of your AAA card to them for a discount.
@@angiee.t.c.4033 gotcha but when I sign up for AAA which package should I get or do they all include travel? And what month did you guys travel in? Thanks for getting back to me.
@@Jovonda18 there is no package. Go to RIU.com and book your room. Once your room is booked email a copy of your AAA card to RIU
@@Jovonda18 we went in early April. The week before Easter. After April 15th it’s their rainy season. December to early April is the best time.
How do you get free transport from the airport? Through Riu themselves?
Yes. RIU provides free airport transportation.
🖤
Great review thank you+