Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island Introduction

Opened in November 2009, the Riu Palace Paradise Island brings all-inclusive near-luxury to a popular Bahamas destination long dominated by higher-priced pay-as-you-go options like the Atlantis complex. Everything feels fresh and new here. Despite being a renovation of an older hotel, the Riu property excels in quality; rooms, service, and dining options are exceptional. Moreover, the proximity to Atlantis means you’ll have countless activities to choose from, ensuring you’ll never be bored.

Riu Palace Paradise Island Rooms

Rooms often take a backseat in all-inclusive properties as the common belief is that guests won’t spend much time there. However, at the Riu, the 379 guest rooms defy this stereotype and are among the best we’ve seen in this category. The bold choice to avoid traditional tropical patterns results in a bright and fresh aesthetic with white linens, dark wood, and rich purple accents.

While the resort offers a few suites with separate living rooms, most accommodations are junior suites, which generally feature balconies with either indirect ocean views or pool views. Consequently, there’s ample space to relax.

Interestingly, the minibar stood out as a unique feature, showcasing a wall-mounted liquor dispenser stocked with mid-shelf options like Smirnoff vodka and Bacardi rum. Additionally, the fridge is filled with water, soft drinks, and Kalik beer, which is a delightful touch for new arrivals, underscoring Riu’s commitment to an all-inclusive experience with seamless access to drinks and snacks.

Riu Palace Paradise Island Dining

The Riu offers five restaurants, including the buffet-style Atlantic dining room with terrace, a Bahamas steakhouse, the gourmet Sir Alexander, the Tengoku Japanese restaurant, and Krystal, a fusion restaurant focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients designed by Spanish chefs with Michelin stars.

Most guests tend to dine at the Atlantic or the Bahamas steakhouse, as these options provide a more extensive menu. Fortunately, both restaurants deliver impressive quality and variety in their offerings. Breakfast at the Atlantic features items appealing to both European and American palates, along with a sampling of local Bahamian dishes. Additionally, the terrace makes for an ideal setting for an outdoor breakfast, just be mindful of seabirds.

As for lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy a selection of burgers, pizza, and various dishes. While dining at Krystal may not be a drastic upgrade from the Bahamas steakhouse, the experience is still enjoyable, highlighted by a memorable meal of Chilean sea bass. Furthermore, the wine and champagne flow freely, although it’s advisable not to scrutinize the labels too closely.

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island Amenities

During our visit for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the hotel’s spacious sports bar became a lively hub for fans from different nations, cheering and reacting to the excitement on the flat-screen TVs. The bar includes foosball, pool tables, and other games, alongside snacks like nachos and pizza.

One notable feature of the Riu is that guests always feel treated like they are paying for drinks, thanks to friendly bartenders who serve drinks to order. Staff members, despite not relying on tips, ensure guests feel valued at the bar.

The hotel gym, while basic, suffices for a morning workout; the spa, although small, is inviting and offers relaxing services at an additional cost.

However, the resort falls short with its water sports activities, as it lacks equipment like kayaks that many comparable properties offer. Those looking to engage in water activities beyond swimming will need to rent equipment from local vendors along the beach.

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island Activities

The expansive pool area features ample loungers and a popular swim-up bar serving refreshing drinks all day. Staff members organize daily games and activities, from aerobics to beach volleyball, supplemented by live bands and entertainment at the hotel’s nightclub.

The Riu’s location adjacent to Atlantis allows guests to easily explore nearby attractions such as the expansive casino, upscale dining, shopping, and the Aquaventure waterpark.

Guests will find Paradise Island quite safe, making it ideal for novice travelers and families. However, it can feel somewhat detached from the local culture, and interactions with Bahamians outside of hotel staff may be limited unless you venture over the bridge to New Providence Island, specifically downtown Nassau. For a genuine taste of local culture, Potter’s Cay Dock offers fresh seafood and cold beer, nestled at the Paradise Island bridge’s entrance on the Nassau side.

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island Information

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
Casino Drive Paradise Island
Paradise Island – Bahamas
Phone: (+1) 242 363 3500
Fax: (+1) 242 363 3900
E-mail: hotel.paradiseisland@riu.com
Website: http://www.riu.com/en-us/Paises/bahamas/paradise-island/hotel-riu-palace-paradise-island/index.jsp

As is customary in the travel industry, the writer received complimentary services for review purposes. This has not influenced this review, and full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest is a priority.