Kiddometer
HomeResortsHotel ReviewsFamily ActivitiesYour Itinerary
Back to Kiddometer
RESORT COMPARISON · JAMAICA

Half Moon vs Hotel Riu Ocho Rios

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

Best for most families: Hotel Riu Ocho Rios

FFFamily First

Hotel Riu Ocho Rios is a true all-inclusive with an on-site water park, RiuLand Kids' Club, and numerous family-oriented amenities.

WHY HOTEL RIU OCHO RIOS STANDS OUT
✓ Waterslide
Half Moon
FPFamily Preferred

Half Moon

$$$$ Per night, avg.

Half Moon offers a sophisticated Caribbean family retreat with extensive facilities, including over 50 pools and a dedicated playground. Families will appreciate the diverse accommodations, from ultrachic rooms to spacious villas with private chefs and butler service.

✓ OUR PICK
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
Half Moon
Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
Teens Club
✓ Yes
Not included
Waterslide
Not included
✓ Yes
Babysitting
✓ Yes
Not included
Price
$$$$
$$$$
Best For
Best for multi-generational families, families with toddlers through teenagers, and those seeking a resort with extensive activities and personalized service.
Best for families with elementary and pre-teen kids
WHAT THEY BOTH SHARE
✓ All Inclusive✓ Kids Club✓ Adult Pool✓ Spa✓ Beachfront✓ Family Rooms
AROUND THE RESORT

Nearby Highlights

HALF MOON
→Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach — Directly on
→Rose Hall Great House — 6 min drive
→Doctor's Cave Beach — 12 min drive
→Greenwood Great House — 15-20 min drive
→Dolphin Cove Montego Bay (Lucea) — 1 hour 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

HALF MOON
✓Anancy Children's Village offers supervised activities for ages three to twelve
✓Equestrian Centre features pony rides for younger kids and unique 'swim with horses' for older children
✓Complimentary watersports include kayaking, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling
✓Spacious villas with private pools, full staff, and golf carts for easy resort navigation
✓Complimentary bike rentals for exploring the expansive 400-acre property
✓Dedicated teen lounge with games, movie nights, and karaoke
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

HALF MOON
!Anancy Children's Village and Camp Half Moon activities incur additional costs
!Resort pools are generally not heated, which might affect swim time for some
!Dining is not all-inclusive, requiring budgeting for meals and add-ons
!The expansive property means more walking or reliance on bikes/golf carts
!While family-friendly, the resort offers a quieter, more understated elegance than high-energy all-inclusive options
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

Half Moon
Full Profile →
Booking.com →Expedia →Hotels.com →
Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
Full Profile →
Booking.com →Expedia →Hotels.com →
Browse All Resorts →