Riu Palace Costa Rica: RIU Palace Costa Rica - Awesome holiday

My husband and I have been considering Costa Rica for a vacation for quite some time, and I am now wondering what took us so long! Our flight through Sunwing and Package through Nexus / Signature was seamless and enjoyable. The country is beautiful; the food was outstanding; the rooms at the RIU Palace were immaculate; and the service was second to none. As part of our vacation, we signed up for two excursions: (1) Africa Safari - Good and (2) Borinquen Safari (Natural Spring / spa / zipline, e [... read more]tc.) - Awesome! We took a shuttle to Coco Beach which was a cool outing for the day. The beach was picturesque and the little shopping town had local made souvenirs, but much much more (clothing, banks, pharmacies, etc.). Out of all the locations we have been to, this has been our best vacation ever, and we're already planning for our return next year. We want to say a special thank you to Gilbert and Orion from Nexus for the being the ultimate tour hosts. They were extremely helpful and demonstrated the importance and appreciation of the tourists who visit Costa Rica. Also, a special thanks to Karol Chareza at Trip Central for taking such good care of us in booking our holiday and being so knowledgeable in answering any questions we had about our vacation and the resort. We highly recommend RIU Palace Costa Rica for a vacation spot! The recent publication on a survey that was done stating that Costa Rican people are the happiest in the world stands true - and now we know why!

Riu Bambu: great resort

The grounds were beautiful. The food was excellent. I really enjoyed the pool. The rooms were okay a little disappointed there were no machines in the rooms. Overall a great stay. I'm not as big on Punta Cana. I perfer La Romana. But would go back to a Rui

Riu Palace Antillas: Miss Leading review of Rui Antillas

Assya & Mikes Aruba Jan 3 till Jan 10 ,2015 Rui Antillas Adults Only Price $2400.00 Per Person Here is my side of the story that I encountered at the Rui Antillals 5 Star Resort Every aspect of my story is true My wife and myself decided to go to Aruba. It is our first time there and we booked it with a lady at Trip Central "Debbie". I told her that we like to go to a place without kids as we prefer to have "peace and quite".She suggested Rui Antillas and we looked forward to that trip. We book [... read more]ed it only 3 weeks in advance so the price was higher than other guest on the resort. Our flight was delayed ninety minutes due to ice storm in Toronto so we did arrive in Aruba at 12 midnight.When we arrived at the hotel I went directly to the front desk and asked the young fellow if I could Upgrade my room as I wanted a room overlooking the ocean and his reply was that if you want a different room you will have to see someone the following day. At midnight, we were all hungry so we found a place where they had food for 24 hours as they said, but there were only empty dishes and no one to help... The hotel is old Western bought by Rui and opened before the rooms were renovated. They are small with dirty carpets and small bathrooms. Far from the suites we expected. Sunday morning I was going to talk to the front desk and there were others complaining already . Most of us managed to change their rooms only to realize that the new ones were no better. Later that day I wanted to make reservation for dinner in the special dinning rooms but I notice there were 17 in line in front of me and Only one lady taking the reservation WOW.We did wait 15 minutes and the line did not MOVE.I did not wait any longer and left. On Tuesday morning I met the General Manager Richard Velasco of the resort at 10 am and introduced myself and explain that I had a couple of concerns that I hope he could resolve. I complained about the rooms, also I mention to him that I was not willing to stand in line for 2 hours to have dinner in one of your two restaurants. He agreed to look and find a way for the problems to be fixed. On Monday night which was Jan 5,2015 Canada was playing Russia in the finals in hockey on TV. Approx 40 guest from Canada packed in the casino bar since that was the only place with the game on to enjoy our country playing for the Gold Medal. All of us were told not to seat at the bar seats because they were for cash drinks and if you are not purchasing a drink you cannot seat. There were only about 10 chairs available. We still watched the game but were not impressed with the staff . It looked to me that people working there were not concern if their guests were happy. I noticed the same attitude at the buffet restaurant and the beach bar. We have been to many Riu hotels in Mexico,Dominican Republic,Costa Rica,Bahamas that we liked and we expected to enjoy our stay in Aruba as well. Of course I must give credit to the things that were great and positively nice. The food was very good, a lot of variety and good presentation. From crab legs, jumbo shrimps, lamb chops to prime rib and beef Wellington. Fantastic taste and enough food to make your vacation a big indulgence. And there were people who did their best to please their guests . Jerry,Mery,Gerardo and Johnny from the pool bar did a very job. Lidia too was very helpful. Well done. Also Sherwin Maduro, the fron desk bell boy had always a smile on his face. He was very helpful every time I asked him a question,I would hire him to work for my pastry company in Toronto. We did go for lunch and dinner at the Rui Palace next door and what a difference it made when you can sit outside to have your meal. Something that was not available at our hotel. To end my story about my trip to Rui Antillas Resort I must say it is not a FIVE STAR HOTEL as it leads people to believe. I heard a lot of guest from Canada complain about one or another thing which come down to the answer.... They will not RETURN to that Rui Resort and they would not recommend it to family and friends. When I spoke to the general manager I mention that I was going to send him a copy of this letter with my concerns. Will I return to your Hotel. NO Will I return to another Rui YES I hope you can look at all my concerns as I took the TIME to write my comments Thank You Mike

Riu Ocho Rios: Great food fun and times!!!

Great resort, food was wonderful rooms were well beautiful and the staff were second to none! I would recommend this hotel to anyone. We be going to a Riu resort in the future because they really know how to make an enjoyable time!!

Riu Palace Tropical Bay: Beautiful Resort

Beautiful resort on seven mile beach. Service and food were exceptional. The bathrooms in the rooms could use an upgrade but everything was clean. Thank you so much to our wonderful servers Winston, Sherean and Powell, to name a few, for making us feel at home and welcome.

Riu Palace Macao: Great location but avoid Sunwing at all costs!!

The food was hot, excellent favors and the selection was fantastic. We had both red and black caviar, lobster, crab, smoked salmon, a selection of fish dishes, beef dishes, lamb, duck, chicken, pasta, roast turkey, roast beef, roast pork, roast chicken, multiple salads, pizzas, multiple vegetable dishes, exotic fruit, multiple deserts including a chocolate fountain. The list of food types and variations goes on and on... Cleanliness was clearly evident as staff members continually run around mak [... read more]ing everything look perfect. The rooms were clean, bright, cool, and no musty smell whatsoever. Every staff member was very pleasant and eager to accommodate all our wants. There is even a pool waiter bringing you drinks as you lounge in the sun around the "clean" pool. The ocean and beach was both warm and clean with plenty of loungers, umbrellas, palm trees, and space whether you wanted full sun, shade or anything in-between. The white sand on the beach which stretched from the pool to the ocean (over 200 feet) was free of buts and finer than sugar. No, there is no slide at the pool, no mini golf, and no giant chess board, as this is an "adults only" resort. On the other end of the scale, this is also not the Ritz where you "must have" designer clothing. Those who are looking for those types of atmospheres may not appreciate this place and should go elsewhere. To end, both my wife and I had a great time at the Macao and look forward to our return if, "and only if", we can get there without flying Sunwing as there inability to maintain a schedule resulted in a total delay time of 30 hours, 16hr on the way there and 12 on the way back....I can say that I now know both airports like the back of my hand...

Riu Vallarta: the grounds

the grounds were really nice the only thing was the elevator close to our room was not working and it made for a bit of a walk every time you needed to go to your room I think at night they should have dancing for our age group and the bar open till 100 p.m. for our age the disco is for the young crowd they should think of having a singing bar for people at night something more than the sports bar

Riu Cancun: Beautiful resort

Riu Cancun is an excellent resort I highly recommend it. The staff are very friendly and helpful the grounds are very well kept and and extremely clean, The food was amazing a lot to choose from for all tastes and great wine...can't forget the wine and drinks lol.. I totally would go back without hesitation. Loved it

Riu Playacar: Great Time

Nice resort. Smaller than most, but great service and access to Rio Tequila and others if want more action. Great beach access. Can walk easily into Playa Del Carmen. Buffet food was excellent. Lots of variety and high quality.

Riu Emerald Bay: not bad not bad

entertainment is average; hotel is nice and clean; staff is very friendly and really trying, however lack command of English considering a big number of English speaking guests; food is excellent; some bar tenders are a bit judgmental but very fast; property is relatively small; vendors are on the way to the ocean....always in front of your eyes...; no hot water in peek time; toilet bowls need more water to flash properly; no festivities on the beach, programs plus self serve dinner;

Riu Caribe Cancun: Most incredible New Years!

Been to the Cancun area three times and this was the absolute best, perfect resort for 20-30 year olds (I went with my boyfriend, early 20s) who want to party in a more sophisticated than spring break kind of way. The a la cartes were really great (especially the steakhouse), the decor was amazing and really well kept and by far the best service I've received anywhere (including Canada). Trip of a lifetime, will be returning.

Riu Vallarta: Good solid family resort

The Hotel is a great choice for families, there are lots of activities for kids, a nightly show 8-9pm, which caters to the young ones, our grandson enjoyed it every night we were there. The food was really good, the buffet extensive. Not enough beach chairs, though we were there during high season so hard to judgel

Riu Guanacaste: Going back again

This was the most beautiful resort I have been to. The hotel is surrounded by untouched beauty and wildness. The food was amazing and healthy. The only downfall was minor but if you speak English don't expect to wind down with a program on tv. It is entirely Spanish. Overall a must see.

Riu Bambu: Felt like family!

From a younger woman's perspective, the resort is amazing! The resort staff treated us like family and always made sure that we were well taken care of. My favorite part would have to be the organized entertainment from 8am to 11pm with a three-hour break in the afternoon. Best resort I've stayed at so far. Staying at Riu, you get to visit the other Rius as well and I must say Riu Bambu beats them all. We spent a few hours at one Riu and 30 minutes at the other because we knew we were missing t [... read more]he best entertainment at our resort! Apart from the entertainment, the food was delicious - although I am a picky eater.. I should probably say the food that I like is delicious! There are many choices because you also get to eat at the other Rius as well. Drinks were great! You can ask for anything and they will be sure to make it for you. One bartender I would like to acknowledge is Ivan - he took care of us when we said we were sick. Gave us a drink called LA BOMBA and we felt better within hours! Thanks Ivan! The resort is huge with 700+ rooms so I would definitely recommend, when checking-in, to ask for a closer room. One thing that I disliked was how much seaweed was at the beach - not a fan of seaweed so I stayed at the pool a lot, and also dislike people asking me if I want to purchase something. A lot of sellers walking down the beach but they got to know me first couple days and didn't bother me for the rest of the week! Anyway, hope this helps out a bit! If you're like me and love entertainment, dancing, partying and those kind of things then I recommend this place %100.

Riu Emerald Bay: get what you pay for!

The hotel was so so. Check in was seamless and fast however but the airport home was a mess and they took us 4 hours early and there was a food cart only passed security that charged 14 American for two bags of chips and a beer. That was the worst exit of a country ever terrible, terrible, terrible waiting 3 hours with no food or drinks but from a cart and with a pregnant friend traveling with you not a healthy situation. Please warn people to eat before security. The hotel was Good for families [... read more] not good for young people at all. Very quiet maybe ok for couples but alot of kids and locals. The hotel was so quiet everything was shut down and sooooo quiet by 10 pm! Services in restaurants and bars sucked and they certainly catered to the local patrons. Canadians were always last to be served even when standing in line with tip money in hand ! Food was horrible!!!! there was variety but not great quality... I ate pasta for dinner for a week. The al a carte restaurants were awful as well. The Italian one was only a buffet and a worse buffet than the normal one! And most nights they were closed, reservations were only taken in days they give you. Night shows were boring and the drinks were not great either. Coffee was disgusting!! I have stayed in many riu hotels and this was not what a riu standard I have seen. Late night snacks were meat and bread buns left in a fridge all day and molded fruit! there was also a sexual assault on the beach of a fellow Canadian that was sad and disrupting to say the least, hotel staff did what they could to help so at least that. But all and all the view and beaches were spectacular and a great little market and restaurant was near by was a great reprieve from hotel food but everything was actually super expensive to our suprise so it's good we paid so little for our trip! If it was more than 1000 I think I would have been severely disappointed for sure, however we got an amazing deal and we got away and had a nice relaxing vacation. So for 880 all in including everything I can't complain too much! :) lol definitely checked off the bucket list and won't be back to mazatlan. But a good experience and met alot of new friends that we are still talking to daily.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Decent and Family Oriented

The best comment of this hotel is the amazing staff. The dining staff, the entertainment staff, room service staff, lifeguards, gardeners, mini club staff, most bar staff, most bellboy/golf cart transport staff and most front desk staff were helpful and genuinely friendly and accommodating. The second best are the number of pools and easy access to pool and beach chairs. Easy access to bars however the buffet reastauarnt is a bit far from some rooms as it's located by the front lobby. Third best [... read more] was the selection of restaurants and buffet options, even though the food itself was mediocre, the selection was good for both veg and non-veg eaters. The not so good was the large grounds of the resort that made it a bit of walk to get around plus the many stairs all over the resort. Not a problem for most, but if you have mobility issues or have small children you may find yourself relying on the golf cart transport but they are not that frequent especially when a new group of travellers arrive. As a parent with a young child that was most frustrating in the evenings and after the entertainment shows. Best room area is the 400 and 500 series as they are closest to the main things you want (beach, pool, dining, bars). The main dining room seemed to run out of juice and coffee which was odd and no straws available on the entire resort...not a big deal, but it was odd. The rooms were spacious and clean, but the washrooms need an update as they are quite run down. The beach was fine and you could walk out into ocean pretty far as it was shallow. I have been to Cuba twice before and other resorts prep the sand and clear the seaweed a little more often; if the beach maintainance was improved it would much better. I think other parts of Holguin may have better beaches. Overall, for the cheap price we paid it was a decent resort. I would not necessarily return though until they undertake some renovations and improve resort transportation logistics. Shout out to our beach bar runner/server ... So amazing and always tried to get fresh fruit to eat by the beach! I recommend the hotel if you get a very low price.

Riu Ocho Rios: First Time in Jamaica

Our stay at the Riu Ocho Rios was good. In all our 20 years of travel, the food was great, good selection and quality. During our stay, it rained 4 out of 6 days. We still made the best of it, even swam in the rain, didn't want to waste time. As for the beach, not as nice as Punta Cana or Varadero. We would love to return to Jamaica overall but the airport experience was bad. Not enough airport staff to support the amount of tourists going in and out. Especially leaving Jamaica, worst experience [... read more] ever in all our travels, not enough security facilities to accommodate the volume of tourists. Travel from the airport to the hotel took 2 hours. Way too long after waiting in Toronto, then flying 3.5 hours and another 2 or more hours going through customs, etc at the Montego Bay airport, the whole day, 12 hours was travel time. Jamaica looked like a beautiful country and the people really friendly and respectful but for the reasons listed, we will not be returning.

Riu Palace Bavaro: Nice Place

Very nicely kept resort!Not very big so it is easy to get around;the staff is very friendly and do an excellent job at trying to accommodate their guests.The food is somewhat limited in choice though.

Riu Santa Fe: Very Poor

We visited Riu Santa Fe on 25/12/2014 and have the worst holiday. The service at check-in was terrible. The front desk staff is not friendly at all. The pictures on resort website do not show the real resort just block 7 which is the only breach front area. If you don't have a room in block 7 you are treated like a second rate citizen. The entire resort was very very crowded. The food menu at the buffets was the same every single day. The reservations for the restaurants need to be made 4 days i [... read more]n advance. There are 3 bars at the night entertainment area and on an average it took us 20 minutes to order a drink. The beds were terrible. The rooms and the towels had this weird stale smell. We almost had to wait for hours to get a spot at the pool side chairs as they were always occupied. The resort has over 900 rooms and not enough pool area or beach area or chairs. This resort is supposed to be a 5 star hotel but our experience was that of a cheap motel. All in all I would recommend to not stay at this hotel.

Riu Palace Antillas: Riu Palace Antililas

Grounds are kept quite clean, rooms were dated and very poorly cleaned, restaurants were always full and difficult to get a reservation, but when walking by they were half full. Buffet always had same food.