Riu Pardise Island
We arrived at the Riu Paradise Island and were greeted with two glasses of champagne. Our bags were handled and stored immediately. We proceeded to check in where we were greeted in a cheerful and happy manner.
Since it is an all inclusive we were told, where we could get food as some restaurants are closed at certain times of the day, but food always available.
This was our second stay at the Riu in Paradise island. It has been remodeled since our last stay. The rooms and bath were clean, updated and ample. The room we stayed in was on the 15th floor, corner with a beautiful view of the ocean, bay and the Atlantis.
High
It is always very easy when everything is included. We were only able to try one restaurant which had no line or waiting. I can not attest that this is always the norm. Chutney which served Indian cuisine was decent, but everything on the menu is served and served in tasting portions which doesn’t seem enough, but is. The buffets are plentiful and I am sure something for everyone.
The staff was more accommodating and very pleasant this stay. They were always making sure the windows, floors, baths were clean. The ocean beautiful and the beach, which can get crowded, was still fine. Again, the staff was very helpful in setting up your beach side oasis.
What I didn’t like was the limitation on beach towels and room service choices.
All in all, it was a relaxing stay.
Off to the BahaMar. We arrived and were not overly impressed with the check-in. I stop short of saying it was a downright rude and condescending reception. Yes, I know it’s not all about me and the person may have been having a bad day, but keep in mind we are the paying guests. So yes, it is about me.
The room and view, grounds, pool are all beautiful. The casino big enough. Plenty of restaurants…bring money or go on a diet. Drinks and food are expensive…everything imported.
Reservations were difficult. We did get into Filia without reservations after a wait which we were fine with. I can’t say the wait wasn’t orchestrated, though. When we sat, there were plenty of tables for two open. I did not see a rush of people leaving right before we were seated and it didn’t appear they were concerned about taking our order or getting the food out timely. Food was okay.
The breakfast at 3 Tides was delish.
The pools were many with different vibes at each. Poolside was pretty crowded. More chairs are needed. The beach was nice. We had no problem getting loungers. We liked the food trucks for lunch. The food at El Jefe and Sliderzzz was good. I love the crabcakes slider. The food trucks are along the beach.
The bathrooms by the pool and beach were plentiful and quite cute..little cabanas. Although, BahaMar was clean, I did notice paper on the floor nearby the too small trash receptacles. Just a mention.
We were there during Chinese New Years. The firework display was one like no other. They also had a dragon and junkanoo parade through the casino.
Parade 
There is a short boat ride to a “private” island. It is free of charge from the dock on the property. Worth a go even if for a short while. I believe it launches at noon with one hour intervals which was a bit spotty. Check times when you are there. There was swimming with the dolphins and stingrays which I’m guessing could have been arranged through the BahaMar.
We stayed in the East tower. There is also a West tower, the SLS and Rosewood. It was explained by an employee … Hyatt BahaMar family friendly, SLS, hip, trendy, party vibe and the Rosewood upscale quiet.
Oh, there was an incident at the jazz bar that never escalated and was handled quite nicely by security.
I did enjoy my stay. Loved the fact you can get as many towels as needed at the pool. They also have sunscreen and water at the towel stations. The little things.
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