Riu vs. Sandals

Sammyantha13 · July 2014

I've been researching honeymoon options lately, really looking into Sandals resorts. I've heard great things about them, they're in our price range, and they offer a military discount. I finally narrowed it down to St. Lucia (though not sure which of the three resorts there yet).

But this morning FI was talking to his dad--his parents go on a lot of vacations together--and his dad recommended that we go to a Riu resort instead. He said you get much more for your money than going to a Sandals resort but didn't explain what he meant or tell us how much they paid when they went to a Riu place in Mexico. (We aren't interested in going to Mexico.) I started looking at their website and see they don't have any hotels in St. Lucia (bummer) but we wouldn't mind Ochos Rios or somewhere else in Jamaica. Just from a little bit of research I don't really see how it's a better deal than Sandals...it seems to me like they have less to do. For example, I looked at the Riu in St. Martin and only breakfast was included, not lunch or dinner.

Has anyone been to a Riu place and can tell me what it's like? Is it comparable to Sandals, or better?

Sammyantha13 · July 2014

Also, his parents have never been to a Sandals resort, so they may be a bit biased here. I'm sure they looked into it if his dad really believes it's a better deal than Sandals, but I'm still taking their opinion with a grain of salt since they've never been to Sandals...

Jells2dot0 · July 2014

Sandals does offer a lot of activities included in their price, but when comparing them to other luxury all inclusives, Sandals can run quite a bit more because they offer so many room categories and each step up is a jump in price. That being said, Rius are typically all inclusive, but perhaps not all of them are. IMHO, Riu is a step down from Sandals, though not as commercialized.

If you really like St. Lucia, I would stick to your gut (as long as you are paying- he who pays gets a say!) and maybe look at all of your options on the island. St. Lucia has some great non-AI luxury resorts, some AI luxury resorts that are more intimate and more boutique, and they have some resorts that are non-AI but you can add on meal and drink plans!

majesty318 · July 2014

I went to a Riu in Mexico on a girls' trip - Riu Palace, which is supposed to be the nicer one. I would not whatsoever call it luxurious. That said, I am really picky about hotels. I did have fun, but I would not go back.

Never been to Sandals so can't compare that.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

We've never been to RIU (checked out their website and hotels and from what I see, they can't even hold a candle to Sandals) but we have been to four Sandals ( Grande St. Lucian twice, Negril once, Antigua once, Whitehouse once and going back next year).

Sandals truly is the most all inclusive with a ton of activities, bars and pools a strict no tipping policy as it is worked into the room price ( this means,you don't have to worry about how much extra to bring).

Depending on what room level you pick there are even more added amenities (we won't go less than club level*tend to have a better location/view and butler just isn't our style) such as mini bar in room, bathrobes, separate check in in the club lounge and room service* each resort is different on full menu or limited menu* .

From what I have seen of the basic rooms at each of the resorts that we have been to, they are identical to all other rooms just different location and no added amenities. At the four we have been to, it also does not matter what room level you are, you are not treated any differently by staff as they treat everyone equally and with respect (as long as you do the same to them).

I have a link to my website above my siggy pic if you would like to check it out (reviews and a crap ton of pics). If you have any question please feel free to PM me.

silver0319 · July 2014

Riu is a less expensive resort than Sandals. I've never been to Sandals, but I imagine it's more luxurious than Riu.

That being said, H and I went to Riu Ocho Rios in 2008 and had an amazing time. The resort was beautiful and very well maintained. There were a lot of people staying there, but it never felt crowded. It's not couples oriented like Sandals, but we didn't feel overwhelmed by kids. The spa was beautiful and the food was decent. We loved staying there and had zero complaints. I would definitely consider staying at a Riu again.

delujm0 · July 2014

I've been to Riu Ocho Rios, and it was fine. I've also been to Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia and it was nice. I stayed in the base model room at both, and they were similar. However, Sandals had better food options, better upgraded room options, and probably most importantly for your honeymoon, NO CHILDREN. Riu is not adult-only. There were a lot of families there when we went (over Christmas about 5 years ago).

In my opinion, St. Lucia is just a prettier island than Jamaica. i like the mountains and rain forest and all of that. It reminded me of Kauai but much closer (i'm on the east coast). But that's a matter of opinion. In your position, i'd probably do either Sandals La Toc or Grande in St. Lucia, provided that it was in the budget. I think both Riu and Sandals in Jamaica (Ocho Rios) would probably be less expensive than St. Lucia as a second option. But i have heard that Sandals White House in Jamaica is really awesome (though expensive).

jneen101 · July 2014

I stayed at a RIU in Cabo and it was one of my favorite resorts. Sandals seems really dated and gross to me.

magsugar13 · July 2014

We travel A LOT. There are many resorts that are just as nice as Sandals without the enormous price tag. IMO they are so over rated.

Secrets and Excellence resorts are better values imo.

Rius are nice and have a good rep but not on same level.

If you are set on st lucia please look at stonefield villa estates and ti kaye

lnixon8 · August 2014

FI and I stayed at Riu Tropical Palace in Negril, and loved it! We booked the least expensive room but it was still close to the beach, restaurants etc, was always clean, fully stocked bar (notice I didn't say mini bar, they provide you with the mixers and liters of light and dark rum, vodka, gin etc.). We went mid-March (not prime Spring Break/summer vacation) time so when we go on our HM in June we may see more kids there. Baltimore- Jamaica, early Tuesday am- late Saturday pm was $2200 for two people to cover everything.

While there we did the One Love Bar Crawl (I would recommend but only if you don't mind being on a crowded bus for a few miles at a time, its a true party bus). We met two couples that day that had previously stayed at Riu but wanted to try something different so one booked Beaches and one booked at Couples, and both switched to Riu mid vacation.

That being said, a taxi from the airport to a resort is around $100 each way before tip, and it seems like if you book through Sandals or some other travel agencies (not travelocity like I did) transportation is included.

I'm sure you will have a great time on your HM, whatever you choose.

Riu vs. Sandals

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