Riu Palace Paradise Island Adults Only - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2877 reviews

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  Overall experience

  Food was decent, alcohol was good and beach was beautiful. The staff wasn’t very pleasant, they didn’t really seem happy and if you ever asked them a question it felt like you were bothering them. Shaddy who works in the main dining room was very nice and accommodating. The hotel itself was okay, a lot of the furniture is super old, the bathroom shower was rusty and the hallway always smelled like mold. Overall it’s a 3/5 for me.

  Sep 05, 2025
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  Heads up, solo travelers!!!! Not for you!

  As a solo traveler, I had hoped that past reviewers were off base with their criticisms. But, for the most part, they were pretty right on. The resort is nice. The check in for me was the slowest imaginable while some appeared to whiz through. Just my luck. The room, however, was nicer than most others said. Certainly not new — but it’s kinda nice. Comfy bed. Bathroom big and Clean with just a tinge of sewer smell. Didn’t use the alcohol in the room because it looked like rot gut. Also, you could easily get their other rot gut downstairs. Also, Loved my balcony with view of the pools and the sea. That part was nice!!!! Appreciated the room service delivery in the morning; pretty fast most times. But There is nothing special about the food here. It is definitely meh. But I didn’t starve and the fried fish was pretty good so I ate that most days. Also the jerk stand with chef Rodney is must do! That part was yummy! The pool situation is a bit iffy. People claim chairs that they never intend to use. But I managed to get a chair most days, though sitting so close to some of the other guests gave me pause. Just unfriendly people. The beach was closed the whole time because of Erin, but i don’t think I would have liked laying out there anyway. Just a note, I never saw anyone trying to sell anything on that beach. Paradise Island is just not where the locals hang out. There are some side patio on which to lay out and that was ok. The beach is walkable and I LOVED that part! The resort is close to Atlantis and I went there once for Junkanoo parade. Entertainment at the resort is ok if you need something to do in the evenings. Michael Jackson show was the highlight. The gym is fine, didn’t use the spa and didn’t do the restaurants. There is a little gift shoppe across the street if you need something or just want to get out of these four walls. Also, I liked the little coffee shop downstairs and the calypso bar. Not much going on but convenient to have. Which brings me to the drinks — I’m not a fan of watered down liquor. Enough said! My real problem with this place as a solo traveler is that few people, including staff, were actually friendly. They stuck to themselves and their group. They didn’t even notice others. Pity. With that said, this was an average stay but I enjoy anytime I’m on a beach! So I enjoyed it!!! Three stars!!! Would I come to Paradise Island again, maybe so. Would I come back to RIU, probably not. Would I return here solo, definitely not!

  Sep 04, 2025
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  Mixed Experience: Stunning Views, Tired Property

  The property shows clear signs of aging and is in need of substantial renovation. Several areas had peeling paint on the ceilings and walls, and the bathroom fixtures, including the faucets, were rusted. While the oceanfront view from my room (1032) was outstanding, the room furnishings were outdated and the mattress was uncomfortable. On a positive note, the buffet was very good—tasty with plenty of options. Unfortunately, the other restaurants were disappointing, with food that seemed pre-made and was often overcooked.

  Sep 02, 2025
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  Think of it as a boutique all inclusive

  I am not picky and travel all over. My only non-negotiable is cleanliness. This is my honest review. You can only check in at the designated check in time. If you booked a package, checked in online, or requested early check in you may get lucky and get in your room early. I was given a welcome drink upon arrival. The food was typical RIU but I will say the Bahamian breakfast was great. There is no gift shop on the premises but you can walk to the shops and there is one directly across the street. The prices are a little insane but typical. A taxi ride to downtown Nassau is also worth it if you want to shop for cheaper. Lobby is small but clean and all of the restaurants are off of the lobby. RIU Palace is supposed to have robes and slippers, there were only robes and this was not palace level. Think boutique style all inclusive. A few areas I saw needed updating. There were three elevators and all were running. Saturday and Sunday the resort was sold out and we still did not wait more than a minute for an elevator. My room was freezing with the air conditioning and could not be changed. I turned the fan down and still froze. They do not skimp on alcohol at the pool bar. Purchasing a bottle of wine at dinner is not worth it for what they serve and the price. Get what you like at the airport. Restaurants usually have set dinner times 6:30, 7, 7:30. 8. I did the buffets for breakfast and lunch and booked dinners. Some restaurants are closed specific days during the week so check their schedule. Kulinarium was good. There are small portions but the food is decent. They had surf and turf but I don’t do beef. The grouper I had was overcooked but the Yuca was the best I ever had. Japanese restaurant was decent. They had mahi mahi and it was awful but the rest of the food was good. Bahamas Steakhouse staff were amazing at lunch and dinner. For dinner the food there is great and worth it if you can get in. Coffee is decent at the Capuchino. I always bring my Dominican or Cuban coffee wherever I go but I had no problem drinking their coffee. Coffee is served with milk so make sure you request cream wherever you go or you will get milk. My housekeeper was Sandra and she was amazing. All of the staff there make this place special. I saw some guests being extremely rude to the staff and it was unfortunate. They are not there to be downgraded. Despite the party place it is quiet and I slept great here. The bed was firm and pillows fairly new. The beach seems to be the place for the older adults to float and chill while I was there. It can be loud at times especially during holiday weekends. The hotel does have a policy for quiet in the hallways by 10 pm. Cons: I had to ask for to go cups in my room. Maybe it’s preference but I wanted coffee on the beach. Sand fleas: they are not as bad as other beaches I’ve been too but don’t go near your bed with sand and get the sand flea sunscreen.

  Sep 02, 2025
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  Not a place for peace and relaxation.

  Hotel is older and it shows but is clean. I am not a foodie and did not eat at the speciality restaurants the buffet was good. Only 3 elevators creates a delay to hand from your room. Jr suite ocean view....kind of. Very small balcony that over looked a roof and a vacant lot to see the ocean you had to look left but it is very noisy due to the air handlers. There is one small seating area to sit and relax outside facing the ocean and it is for smokers. Besides your room, only the lobby and bar are areas to relax. Pools are small and I felt the swim infinity pool and swim up bar had a foul odor almost like vomit and was always packed. The beach...beautiful, clear water but no security. People are packed in on top of each other, with no regard for others. Many playing loud vulgar music. Don't plan to read a book, have a conversation or listen to something you might like even with ear buds.. Guests smoking weed attracts the vendors for jet skis who will sit with guests and smoke. One vendor actually sat under my umbrella smoking with the people packed in next to me. If you are looking for a resort that is relaxing with ocean views don't come here. If you want smoke week with the locals this is the pace to be...no security in the beach. And BTW weed is actually illegal here.

  Aug 31, 2025