Having stayed at both, we much prefer the Bahia. Better food, the employees seem to take more pride in their jobs and are friendlier. The RIU tries to add a bit of "glitz" or something but just falls a little short, somehow it just ends up being a tad tacky.

Just my opinion, I'm sure there are others that see things differently.

I see from previous posts that you're looking to perhaps go to Jamaica - it was the RIU Ocho Rios that we were at. We really didn't care for Jamaica at all. If you get anywhere close to the edge of the resort, or try to go on an excursion anywhere, you will be harrassed ceaselessly to buy junk. You will also be offered marijuana, many many times. The entire island just had a different vibe to it that we didn't care for, a lot of deadbeats trying (not very hard) to make a living doing nothing.

Now we have stayed at both and prefer the RIU Resorts. The Bahia principe was way to large for us, too far from town and we enjoyed the food at the RIU much better than the Bahia. I guess it is just a matter of opinion. We like to be closer to Playa and enjoy the smaller resorts right on the beach. At the Bahia we had to pack a beach bag and go for the day. Our walk to dinner everynight was at least 3/4 of a mile. You could take the shuttle, but I dont want to ride a little cart everywhere I go. Both nice resorts, but just depend on your wants and needs.

I second snowflakes opinion.....it is a VERY nice resort....(Bahia), but we prefer the RIU and it's locations.