Princess Grand Jamaica vs RIU Palace Aquarelle (2026 Comparison: Vibe, Food & Who It’s Really For)
- Stacy
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Princess Grand Jamaica and RIU Palace Aquarelle are basically the two friends everyone has. One shows up well dressed for the occasion, no matter the occasion. The other shows up ready to have fun, no matter the occasion. Both are a great time. They're just very different kinds of great time.
If you've been bouncing between these two for weeks, opening tabs, rewatching videos that don't actually answer your question, welcome. I've personally experienced both and have sent enough clients to both that I can save you the scrolling.
Here's my honest breakdown for Princess Grand Jamaica vs RIU Palace Aquarelle.
P.S. If you're the type who wants the "wish I knew this before" details before you book, come hang out in my private Facebook group. It's where I talk about the stuff people usually find out after they’ve booked.
Princess Grand Jamaica vs RIU Palace Aquarelle: Quick Breakdown
Feature | Princess Grand | RIU Aquarelle |
Vibe | Elevated, “special trip” vibe | Fun, lively, easygoing |
Best For | Families, couples & longer stays | Short trips, entertainment lovers |
Drive | Longer | Shorter |
Dining | No reservations | Reservations |
Kids Club | Large & structured | Smaller |
Entertainment | Chill | High-energy |
Upgrades | Swim-outs, club level | Plunge pools |
Princess Grand Jamaica: Big & Beautiful
Princess Grand has main character energy. It's huge. It's modern. It feels intentional. Even if you booked it for a random Tuesday getaway, it feels like an occasion.
This one tends to win over families, couples who love a beautiful space, and anyone who enjoys a good upgrade. The seated check-in and delicious welcome drink set the tone for what's about to come next.
Rooms at Princess Grand Jamaica
Princess Grand Jamaica gives you a few options depending on how you want to spend your trip.
You have:
Princess Junior Suite
Swim Out Princess Junior Suite
Princess Luxury Junior Suite with Hydromassage
Swim Out Princess Luxury Junior Suite with Hydromassage
Princess Family Junior Suite with Bunk Beds
Swim Out Princess Family Junior Suite with Bunk Beds
Platinum Junior Suite
Swim Out Platinum Junior Suite
Imperial One Bedroom Master Suite
Swim Out Imperial One Bedroom Master Suite
2 Bedroom Master Suite
Outside of the master suites, bathrooms are open concept with a curtain separation. That sounds like a small detail, but privacy matters more than people expect, especially when you're sharing a room with someone who is not your partner.
Every room gets a daily replenished mini-bar (water, sodas, beer but no liquor). Room service costs extra unless you're in a Platinum Suite, where it's complimentary.
RIU Palace Aquarelle: Lively & Easy
RIU Palace Aquarelle has main character energy too, just a completely different kind. It's high energy from the moment you check in and it feels like something is always happening.
No seated check-in, but you're still greeted with a welcome drink. This one is great for short trips, social travellers and anyone who wants shows and entertainment.
Your room options at RIU Palace Aquarelle are:
Junior Suite Partial Ocean View Junior Suite Ocean View
Two Bedroom Family Room
Two Bedroom Family Room Ocean View
Two Bedroom Family Superior Ocean View
Junior Suite Ocean Front
Swim Up Junior Suite Adult Only (18+)
2 Bedroom Junior Suite Partial Ocean View
2 Bedroom Junior Suite Ocean View
Swim Up Junior Suite Ocean View Adult Only (18+) All Inclusive
Suite Ocean Front
Similar to Princess Grand Jamaica, you get a mini-bar but it also comes stocked rum, vodka, gin and whiskey, refreshed daily. Pair that with 24-hour complimentary room service and you've got everything you need for a quiet, relaxing day if that's your vibe.
Food Options
Let's be real, food is subjective everywhere. But here's the practical difference:
Princess Grand Jamaica: No reservations needed. You can hop between every specialty restaurant on a whim, try it all, no planning required.
RIU Palace Aquarelle: Reservations are booked through the app, but you might find yourself up past midnight fighting for a 7pm slot.
Both resorts genuinely offer a wide variety at the buffets as well and even picky eaters find something to enjoy daily.
Kids, Activities & Entertainment
Both resorts bring water parks, daily activities and nightly shows to the table.
Princess Grand Jamaica: Goes big on the kids club, large, structured, password pickup system, ice cream trips, fashion shows, even a VR lounge for the 13+ crowd and nanny services if you want a night to yourselves.
RIU Palace Aquarelle: keeps the kids club smaller but turns up the entertainment schedule. The whole resort just feels more lively, day and night.
If kids programming is the priority, Princess Grand Jamaica wins, hands down. If entertainment is the vibe you're chasing, RIU Palace Aquarelle is your winner.
Amenities
Princess Grand Jamaica: Brings butler suite options, a Platinum lounge, floating breakfasts, and that "special occasion" atmosphere, plus the option to upgrade into a kid-free environment at Princess Senses the Mangrove next door. Even without the upgrades, the whole resort feels elevated.
RIU Palace Aquarelle: Leans into entertainment, a lively atmosphere and simplicity instead. Not everyone wants a butler some people just want vibes and good drinks. And you can absolutely still enjoy a floating breakfast if you book one of the swim-up rooms. Here you will also have exchange privileges and the chance to explore Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace Jamaica and Riu Palace Tropical Bay if you're in the area.
Location
RIU Palace Aquarelle is about 30 minutes from the airport, which makes it a great option for a long weekend and puts you close to Dunn's River Falls, Blue Hole, Bamboo Rafting and the rest of Falmouth's and Ocho Rios' greatest hits.
Princess Grand Jamaica is 90 minutes or more depending on traffic. With your arrival and departure days mostly lost to travel, I'd recommend a minimum of 5 nights so you actually get 3 full days to enjoy your trip.
In exchange, you're close to Rick's Cafe, sunset catamaran cruises, the famous 7 Mile Beach and more.
Who Should Choose Princess Grand Jamaica?
Pick Princess Grand Jamaica if you:
Want a “wow” resort
Love modern design
Are travelling with kids or want the adults-only option
Are staying at least 5 nights
Enjoy upgraded amenities and suites
Who Should Choose RIU Palace Aquarelle?
Pick RIU Palace Aquarelle if you:
Love energy
Want a shorter transfer
Enjoy shows and activities
Are staying 3-4 nights
Want easy logistics
The “best” resort is the one that fits how you actually vacation. Some people want lively and easy. Some want spacious and elevated. Once you know which one you are, the decision gets way easier.
Still Researching?
Most travellers spend weeks second guessing this stuff and more.
I share resort reviews, planning tips and the “wish I knew this before” details in my private Facebook group.
It’s a good place to be while you figure out what kind of trip you really want.
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