Riu palace paradise island bahamas

[yankebabie]

Has anyone every stayed at this resort (recently). What did you think of it? Were you happy there (clean, friendly, etc..) We are thinking of taking a break from Disney next year and trying an all inclusive, never done that before. Been looking into this place and just wondering if it is really as nice as some of the reviews I have been reading. Thanks for you help and input

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I was there in Oct (if you consider that recent). I had very mixed feelings on it. I will say I don't travel with children, but I wouldn't want to bring kids here (not sure if you're traveling with kids or not).

The rooms-they were on the smaller side, but clean and serviceable with a decent view. I will note that almost all rooms in the Bahamas can have a bit of a damp/musty feeling so I don't count that as a negative. Overall I'd stay in that room again though I recommend asking for a non-smoking area if you have any issues with smoke smell.

The food- better than expected. I don't care all that much for buffets but the main room had several made to order stations and I loved the fresh juices in the morning. I wouldn't rave about anything I ate though I wasn't disgusted by any of it. The speciality restaurants we tried (the steak and then modernish restaurant) were great though their system for reservations is awful. You have to line up at 7:30am and can pick for the evening and the next. The servers were attentive and friendly.

The drinks-available everywhere and strong. It wasn't difficult at all to get drinks during meals.

The pool-disgusting! Here was my major issue with this resort. I did a split stay here and at Atlantis and spent days at Riu on diving trips, so it wasn't an issue for my trip but would prevent me from spending an entire vacation here. I stopped by the pool after a drive to hop in (I'm a pool person and love being in the water) and it was so nasty. There was a bubbly film over the entire pool and there were huge clumps of hair floating (like somebody got their extensions pulled out huge). It looked the same the following morning after the staff had finished "cleaning". I would not go in the pool.

Location-great! Located on the beach and only a 15min walk to the main Atlantis resort so you can enjoy the shopping and casino (there may be specific hours, after 6pm I think). Easy can ride from the airport and a short walk to some non-hotel restaurants as well.

I love the bahamas (usually just stray at Atlantis) and this resort has many positive points but the pool is a deal breaker for me. Of course YMMV

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

Are you traveling with kiddos?

 

[yankebabie]

No, no kids. Just the husband and me. We looked into staying at Atlantis but a little over budget for us and like the appeal of an all inclusive. Maybe Riu is not for us after all. Any other all inclusives in the Bahamas near Atlantis that you are familiar with?

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

The RIU is really the only all-inclusive in that price range.

If you're not a pool person, I'd say go for it. Or price out a split stay with Atlantis, we really enjoyed that. We had all our drinks while at RIU and since our wristband was good the day we checked out even walked back to RIU for dinner.

We shared an overpriced early pool lunch (not too bad when splitting) and splurged on a dinner a Nobu which I can't say enough good things about. We spent all day using the pools and slides at Atlantis and felt we really got our money worth.

One day we ordered the large $30 cheese pizza but ate that all day. I would also recommend a cab to the fish fry for the grouper and lobster in town.

 

[yankebabie]

So when staying at the Riu you can use the facilities at Atlantis? Is there a fee to go over there and do stuff?

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

You can use the casino and aquarium stuff after 6pm I believe. You can't use the pools or water park.

You can use all Atlantis facilities at any time if you stay at the comfort suites.