Last I heard, they were still arguing whether they had to remove the entire illegal fourth floor or not.

I too would be concerned.

I was at SRC next to the RIU site and it looked like they were already removing the the top floor.

travelnut321: Is that good or bad? I saw pics of them tearing it down from flowerlady, which looked like a war zone. :-( We are scheduled to arrive 9/5/08. Unless I hear that things are up and running before we leave, we'll be switching.

Hi

My husband and I are travelling to Jamaica in November, we are booked into the Riu Montego Bay for 14nights from 4th November, I have called Riu today and have checked repetidly with travel agents here in the UK, the hotel IS set to open in September, I can honestly say that if they knew that there was to be a delay I don't think they would still be taking bookings for this hotel.

Riu haven't got prices on the website, but all of the UK agents who deal with RIU are taking bookings.

I like the idea of this being a new hotel, I have been to a new hotel before/new hotels before and have had a fantastic holiday- the hotels were not too busy and the staff always went the extra mile.

For the record, I did not get this holiday cheap- it is the same price as the older Riu's..virtually- BUT I am still chosing the Montego Bay, if for whatever reason we do end up in another hotel it wil lbe a bonus. I cannot imagine that any tour opertator would make us holiday around major building work, especially not here in the UK.

We may see you there....no doubt I will be the one at the pool bar for 2 weeks solid. I am sure that anyone going to this destination will have a fantastic time!

Simone, UK xxx

Simoneand Chris,

I applaud your spirit, but have to warn you based on openings and re-openings of previous hotels. Bookers care about getting your money. If the resort is not complete you will be shipped elsewhere.

With a resort of this, I can almost guarantee there will some sort of construction happening.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just want you to go with realistic expectations. That way, you are not disappointed.

Enjoy your trip!

"I have called Riu today and have checked repetidly with travel agents here in the UK, the hotel IS set to open in September, I can honestly say that if they knew that there was to be a delay I don't think they would still be taking bookings for this hotel."

Wow. This type of thing happens all the time (in fact, it happened just this past week at the Palladium in Lucea where people actually showed up at the hotel and they were turned away) and you "can honestly say that if they knew that there was to be a delay I don't think they would still be taking bookings for this hotel"?

I am sorry, your inclination is not correct. There is an established precedent in this regard.

"I cannot imagine that any tour opertator would make us holiday around major building work, especially not here in the UK."

This happens ALL THE TIME.

I really hope, for your sake, that things are better by November. History, however, begs to differ.

Isnt Thomsons in the UK? Areent they the ones sending people to the Fiesta?

^^^

Yes.

i wouldn't recomend stayin at any new hotel for grand opening unless it was vegas baby! lol i see they are offering 99.00 pp for the special! i may ride the short bus but no way no how would i go to or book a vacation at a grand opening of a hotel in a 3rd world country sight unseen!

So the RIU can book rooms at the hotel even though they know they won't be open? Seems a bit unfair to me.