Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya - All Inclusive

“Another wonderful holiday”

I stayed at the Riu Palace for two weeks with my partner and we had a lovely trip. I had visited the hotel back in 2014 and in my opinion the standards are still on par. The rooms are a bit on the run down side and could do with a freshen up. However they were always clean and tidy, with plenty of… more

I stayed at the Riu Palace for two weeks with my partner and we had a lovely trip. I had visited the hotel back in 2014 and in my opinion the standards are still on par. The rooms are a bit on the run down side and could do with a freshen up. However they were always clean and tidy, with plenty of mini bar items stocked up and very spacious. Sadly we had a room at the back of the hotel looking out onto building works, but it didnt really bother us. What sets this hotel apart is the staff. I can’t thank German and Antonio at the pool bar enough for their amazing service. Proper branded spirits (including aperol spritz) and the cocktails were flowing! All of the staff work unbelievably hard. Another shout out to Estaban in the buffet, Luis, Carlos, Alba, Gabean - however they are all wonderful and a credit to the hotel. The Coffee bar is fabulous too. The food is of a really good quality for an all inclusive. Lots of fresh and varied options everyday. We didnt personally use the a la carte restaurants much apart from the Italian once, but we loved the buffet options and were perfectly happy for the two weeks. Breakfast was great, loads of fresh fruit, and I enjoyed having an omlette made most days. I also really enjoyed the lunch options and having the options of Pepes by the pool was also great. The pools are fabulous and well maintained. All of the grounds are immaculate. Yes there is seaweed at the beach, but thats just nature!! Once in after 2metres or so, you can swim no problem. I witnessed staff cleaning the seaweed at various points, mostly in the mornings. The Riu Fit team and entertainment during the day is brilliant. I loved yoga with Ferando, volleyball, ‘crazy games’ etc - always lots going on! I would definitely return to this hotel again!

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“I could not have enjoyed this stay any more than I already have. It is genuinely fantastic.”

I am writing this review after yet another wonderful vacation at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya. This was my second time staying at this hotel and with great certainty I can say, that there will be a third. This hotel excels in many ways, which others have never even seemed to aspire to be. Food The… more

I am writing this review after yet another wonderful vacation at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya. This was my second time staying at this hotel and with great certainty I can say, that there will be a third. This hotel excels in many ways, which others have never even seemed to aspire to be. Food The food is divine. There is no other word for it. Honestly, there has never been a single time I did not like what was on my plate. Though the main restaurant is absolutely great, I also have to applaud the chefs in the steak restaurant. Rarely have I eaten meat better, be it in Germany, France or Italy. Restaurant service and waiters As good as the food is, the service is what makes this experience excellent. The attention to detail as well as the general kindness are one of the few qualities which have caught my attention. In particular I would like to mention Lorenzo, Mendez, Cielo and Francisco. Furthermore I would like to mention Fernando and Eduardo, who have often worked the evening shift on the plaza by the theatre. Their ability to handle even the most stressful of evenings without making any mistakes in orders, as well as making absolutely perfect recommendations given the person has impressed me and my parents deeply. A similar sentiment I would like to share for Enrique who worked at the pool bar and the beach. His hard work is outstanding. Other Services Notably not to be referred to as the entertainment team but as the team of the other services, I have grown quite fond of them as well. In this case it is honestly hard to single out anybody in particular, just because they are fantastic as a group in what they do. So instead of mentioning anybody in particular for praise, I have something to say about every one of them, starting with those responsible for the Riu Fit area. Jair, Fernando and Erick are all incredible dancers. The energy they bring to the table on any given day is more than impressive. Each one of them I have seen handle frustrating situations with an amount and calmness and understanding, which has impressed me deeply. Each one of them had a very different style, when it came to handling the courses, which led to every course being interesting in a very new way. Most often found in the kids area are Cristina and Acxel. Being able to work with adults is one thing but not everybody is good with kids too. Though we did not travel with a child of relevant age, I have seen the way those two work with the children. Not only were they able to keep a smile on the faces of these children at all times, you could also tell how much they loved being where they are. Furthermore there are Eliot, Emmanuel and Kimberly, which were often in charge of further activities, such as Spanish lessons or Ping Pong. Shining through similarly in energy their patience and ability to keep an eye on multiple things at the same time is what impressed me the most. Last but not least, the second manager Jo, who was the picture of professionalism.

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“Mexican Magic!”

We spent 2 weeks here, flew premium with Tui (very nice) smooth transportation to the hotel after the nightmare that is Cancun airport. We had a lovely room but outward facing - we knew this was the case and liked to watch the animals out there playing so we were happy. Coatis and Agoutis mainly. D… more

We spent 2 weeks here, flew premium with Tui (very nice) smooth transportation to the hotel after the nightmare that is Cancun airport. We had a lovely room but outward facing - we knew this was the case and liked to watch the animals out there playing so we were happy. Coatis and Agoutis mainly. Drinks all good, service excellent round the pool and at night. Little bit of waiting necessary but nothing major. Unfortunately I had a bad tummy for a few days but I still left the room, just stayed close by. Entertainment à good standard. Usual Riu standard. The entertainment staff are very good they put in 100% at all times. À good location as in you can walk to Playacar the little shopping plaza and then venture further out on foot to 5th Avenue but we took a taxi being hot and lazy of course. I didn’t like the area at Playa Del Carmen. Smelt of sargassum and was scruffy in my opinion. I don’t like it as much as Cancun and my personal favorite is Puerta Vallarta but this is of no consequence if you like to stay in resort. Pools clean as can be. Beach nice and picturesque. Rooms spotless, very comfortable and a lovely cool little haven when it’s hot outside. Cleaning staff work tirelessly and if you ask for the mini bar to be re filled they're there within 10 mins. All staff à credit to Riu. No complaints. If you’re booked to go you will enjoy for sure!

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