We stayed at the Ritz June 16th to June 23rd. We checked into the hotel at the airport. This is a nice touch and we were offered water and other refreshments. Our shuttle came quickly and within minutes we were at the hotel.

We got into our rooms within 30 minutes of arriving. The rooms that we received were oceanview as we booked. We were on the second floor a had a direct view of the ocean. We were able to see and hear the ocean from our bed. The room and the balcony were of nice size and very clean. The maid service is terrific and we left a couple of dollars for the morning and evening maids each day. They were very appreciative and always made sure that we had complimentary bottles of water stocked.

Take the Key to Paradise all-inclusive option. Food is very expensive and if you do not you will probably spend between $500 and $600 a day on food and drinks per couple easily. The breakfast buffet was good with plenty of choices. If you do not see what you want, ask and they will get it for you. The only lunch spot besides the Jerk Shack is Mangoes. It was okay. Even for Caribbean speed the service can be very slow. Lunch there was good not great. The Jerk Shack makes outstanding jerk. Dinner at all of the restaurants was very good. We went to the White Witch three times. It was our favorite. With the all-inclusive tips are included despite the reciept saying otherwise. We always added a few bucks in cash anyway. I agree with another writer that said to bring $300 in small bills. It sounds like alot but you will easily go through that.

Go to the lounge at night. It is fun. The music is good. The later it gets the more fun it is.

The beach is small but very usable. It is clean and has ample space and chairs. You cannot walk very far like in Cancun or Grand Cayman but just chill mon and enjoy.

The hotel is very clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. Two managers came up to me in the lobby and asked me about my stay.

Dr. Juice at the pool is great. He makes fantastic fruit drinks with or without alcohol.

Although it seemed to lack a true Ritz feel it was still a great place to stay and relax. I would stay here again if going to the Montego Bay area of Jamaica.

We have travelled for many years and have stayed at such properties as the Grand Wailea Maui, Hyatt Grand Cayman, Hyatt Aruba, Iberostar Paraiso Maya Cancun Riviera, Grand Aqua, Cancun, Fiesta Americana Condessa Cancun, Gran Melia Cancun, Westin Regina Cancun, Atlantis Paradise Island, etc...

I stayed here with my husband and son for a week in June. Haven stayed at other 5 stars properties worldwide, this Ritz fell short. I write this review based on my experience and the room we were allocated.

We were situated on the 4th floor, the room was nothing special. Seen better rooms, but considering that we were in Jamaica the room was ok and there were ants in my room!!!! I also noticed that the sheets were not changed daily - NOT GOOD.

Breakfast got boring after the 3rd day, same thing except the jamaican item. Did not like the fact that flies were perching on the food displayed on the table inside.I always look forward to my first cup of tea in the morning, I had the worst cup of tea here during my stay. The first thing I had when I got home was a lovely cup of Assam tea. And they did not even have Assam teabags - Shocking!

I did not really like the food at the Mango restaurant, Horizon restaurant was ok. My first meal there was horrid. Had to take 3/4 of the plate back to the kitchen. Jerk centre was ok, was a good way to sample some jamaican food. We could not go to Jasmine because we had a son under the age of 16.
Room service took forever - on one occasion it took an hour to get just hot water and 2 occasion food. Also its not what you order sometimes; i.e I asked for medium rear steak and instead and I get a cooked, choky piece of meat with no sauce and more or less raw carrots!

I enjoyed the sauna in the mornings but I was very surprised that even the little sauna did not have a timer! The steam machine in the steam room made such a growling sound, it gave me a fright each time it came on! The spa had most toiletries, just incase you don't bring yours.

The swimming pool was far too small for such a resort. An effort could be made in cleaning the beach. If you are a beach lover, then this is not the place for you. We like our long walks on the beach and picking shells - we could not do this on this beach!

We wanted to go to the craft market, so we called the hotel concierge desk and we were told it would cost 50 usd return, however they did not say there was a fire at the craft market the week before so most of the shops were affected! Luckily enough we were told by the local taxi driver we hired to go into town. If you wish to do something, best get a local taxi driver - everything through the hotel is way too expensive and they do not inform you accordingly.

Finally almost all staff were courteous, helpful and of course you meet the odd ones who are just pure haters and full of jealousy.

And indeed tipping the staff did help.

Would we return to this hotel, the answer is No.

My son got married at the Ritz Carlton, Rose Hill in June, 08. It was a magical, wonderful destination wedding. Everything from the decor, food, and staff were excellent. The wedding planner was a joy too work with. We did everything by phone and email. Two days before the wedding we all got together to finalize the plans. It went very smoothly. We had 57 guests who all raved about their stay and the wedding. I would encourage everyone to get the all inclusive meal plan. Service can be slow, yet your in Jamaica. Beach is rockie. Not much night life yet many quests went into town and they had buses for transportation. If your planning on a destination wedding....go to Jamaica at Rose Hill and create wonderful memories.

I went to the Ritz Carlton with my husband and two children (age 4.5 and 18 months) My sister and her family joined us as well. Overall the trip was just ok. Our stay was for 5nights. I expected the kids club to be a hit however, there weren't any kids there during the day so I wasn't open to leaving my kids alone per say. Even though you have to be 5 for kids club they will provide the nanny service and watch them in the kids club. The child care provider there explained maybe because it was off season.

The biggest dissapointment of my trip was that my sterling silver fashion ring was stolen. I left my watch, ring, and two bracelets on the tall dresser one day while we were at the pool. To my surprise that evening when I was getting ready for dinner I noticed my ring was gone. I did file a report with loss prevention. The first thing the officer said was why didn't you use the safe? I agree I probably should have however, it's a sterling silver ring valued at $250. If that's the case I should have locked up many things valued over that to include sun glasses. Loss prevention explained they would do a report, send it to Kingston and contact me in the states once an investigation is completed.

The overall vibe of the hotel is "stuffy" to me. I guess I'm used to Sandals, and Beaches with smiling and welcoming faces from the staff and guest. Ritz has very limited activities as well. The highlight by the pool is water aerobics! I wouldn't stay there again for a vacation but I am one who likes OPTIONS for activity and when I'm on vacation to really relax and leave the stuffy ways at home.

The food was great I will say. We did an all inclusive package. You will still get a bill to sign that states tipping is not included. Tips are included in "all inclusive" however you can tip more at your discretion. There are some things that are not included in the "all inclusive package" You should be given a letter explaining in detail what is included in "all inclusive" ! Most things are but the premium liquor is not in additon to certain food in the lobby bar. Make sure you receive the letter at check in as I did not. I had to ask the desk for it.

Again, I hope this review helps..the Ritz is not a bad place of course but it depends what you are truly looking for. It doesn't have that spectactular reputation for nothing but clearly I expected just that...."spectutatular"