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RESORT COMPARISON · JAMAICA

Beaches Negril vs Hotel Riu Ocho Rios

Side-by-side family travel comparison
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What the badges mean:FPFamily Preferred — solid family choiceFFFamily First — built around kids & teens
KIDDOMETER RECOMMENDATION

Best for most families: Beaches Negril

FFFamily First

Beaches Negril is an all-inclusive resort with an extensive water park, comprehensive kids' clubs for all ages, and dedicated family entertainment, making it truly family-first.

WHY BEACHES NEGRIL STANDS OUT
✓ Babysitting
✓ OUR PICK
Beaches Negril
FFFamily First

Beaches Negril

$$$$ Per night, avg.

Beaches Negril offers an expansive all-inclusive experience set directly on Jamaica's 7 Mile Beach, making it a comprehensive destination for families. Guests can enjoy a water park with slides and pools, alongside a dedicated kids' club and various activities, ensuring engagement for all ages.

Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
FFFamily First

Hotel Riu Ocho Rios

$$$$ Per night, avg.

This all-inclusive resort offers a relaxed Caribbean vacation experience with a dedicated kids' club and pools for all ages. Families can enjoy beach access and a variety of activities designed for children, ensuring entertainment for younger guests.

AT A GLANCE

Quick Facts

FEATURE
Beaches Negril
Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
Adult Pool
Not included
✓ Yes
Babysitting
✓ Yes
Not included
Price
$$$$
$$$$
Best For
Best for families with toddlers, elementary-age children, and pre-teens due to the comprehensive water park, kids' club, and array of water sports. Families with teenagers may also find appeal in the diverse activities and resort amenities.
Best for families with elementary and pre-teen kids
WHAT THEY BOTH SHARE
✓ All Inclusive✓ Kids Club✓ Waterslide✓ Spa✓ Beachfront✓ Family Rooms
AROUND THE RESORT

Nearby Highlights

BEACHES NEGRIL
→Seven Mile Beach — Directly on
→Kool Runnings Waterpark — 5-7 min drive
→Rick's Cafe — 15 min drive
→Negril Lighthouse — 10-15 min drive
→YS Falls — 1 hr 45 min drive
HOTEL RIU OCHO RIOS
→Mammee Bay Beach — Directly on
→Dunn's River Falls — 10-15 min drive
→Dolphin Cove — 5-10 min drive
→Mystic Mountain (Rainforest Adventures) — 10-15 min drive
→Konoko Falls and Park — 10-15 min drive
THE UPSIDE

Things Families Love

BEACHES NEGRIL
✓Pirates Island Waterpark features gigantic waterslides, a lazy river, and kid-friendly pools
✓Supervised Kids Camp offers age-specific activities for infants to teens, with certified nannies
✓Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street includes daily shows and character interactions
✓All-inclusive dining across 13 restaurants, with diverse cuisines and kid-friendly options
✓Wide array of included water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scuba diving for certified divers
RIU OCHO RIOS
✓Enjoy a dedicated water park, Splash Water World, with slides for all ages, including smaller kids
✓Five outdoor pools offer varied vibes, including family-friendly and calmer options
✓RiuLand Kids' Club offers daily activities for ages 4-12, including soft play and arts and crafts
✓Teens' club available for older children, providing evening entertainment
✓Complimentary non-motorized watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling right off the beach
✓24-hour all-inclusive dining with buffet and specialty restaurants, plus 24-hour snacks and drinks
✓Family rooms with two queen-size beds, minibar, and drink dispenser are available
BEFORE YOU BOOK

Things to Know

BEACHES NEGRIL
!The drive from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is approximately 90 minutes and can be bumpy
!While all-inclusive, private childcare and spa treatments are additional costs
!Some premium restaurants require reservations, so book upon arrival
!Music and entertainment can be heard in rooms late into the evening, potentially impacting early bedtimes
!Resort is smaller than some other Beaches properties, offering a more intimate feel
RIU OCHO RIOS
!The water park and pools close early, with the water park at 5 PM and pools at 6 PM
!Some rooms may feel outdated, with potential for musty smells or limited power outlets
!The kids' club hours are limited, operating from 10 AM-12 PM and 3 PM-5 PM daily
!Dining at specialty restaurants can be tricky with large groups, requiring reservations
!The main Splash Water World water park has a minimum height requirement of 3.9 ft and a recommended age of 12
RATES & PHOTOS

Full Profiles & Booking

Beaches Negril
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Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
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