Riu Playacar: Awesome resort

Enjoyed staying at riu playacar in Playa del carmen amazing attentive staff food was great resort was clean I would definitely give this place a 5 ⭐it's also central to all the great excursion that this part of .Mexico has to offer

Riu Playacar: When Can I Go Back!!!!!!

This is one of the best resorts in Mexico I have ever visited, and I have been to quite a few. From the front desk when we arrived, to the grounds staff, our servers in the restaurants and the entertainment and recreation crew....whom were beyond excellent.

Riu Palace Costa Mujeres: Riu Palace Costa Mejures, almost a perfect recipe for the colors of tranquility

Our vacation took place from November 14 to November 21. We chose the Riu Palace based on the fact it is very new, the one-year anniversary of opening was November 17, 2018, and the mostly favorable reviews as seen on Tripadvisor and other vacation review sites. We went with an open mind as we always do, and this is what we saw, our observations and how we felt during our stay. Check in and arrival went quite smoothly after a roughly 45-minute trip from the airport. Let us get aside the minor  [... read more]quips, but need to be noted. We had requested an ocean view room, as it was our honeymoon, and, one checked in, we were surprised when the concierge bringing us to our room pressed the button for a floor a level down from the main lobby. We were given room 143, which was nice, but was anything but a true ocean view. Yes, it did face the ocean, but to see it, we had to really stretch our necks to see over the shades, and other pool equipment between the room and the ocean. Not a room where one could simply sit and see the views. The air conditioning was not working, I saw at once a sensor was missing on the sliding door, this was rectified in short order. The fellow who had checked us in, Francesco, did what he could do to help us out, we found we needed to go directly to the front desk, rather than telephone for help with things; otherwise the calls for assist were never done. I had asked for a couple of things, several times, for the celebration of our honeymoon, to be delivered to our room. That too, never happened. We had asked Francesco, our Sun Wing rep Giovanni who wrote this down so he would not forget. Somewhere things were getting mixed up because we would have room service calling upon us with things such as towels, Tequila that we never ordered! To note, we did ask for a true ocean view room, but this never happened. We left it alone as we wanted to concentrate on the colors and shapes of the resort, we were really only in our room to sleep, enjoying everything the place had to offer sunrise to sunset. Enough of this, now let us get to the resort itself that more than made up for the above! In a few short words, we loved it! Roughly broken down: Lobby area: very nice and bright, the décor and colors will catch the eye. Like every spot in this resort, it was always being cleaned and kept spotless. Just about everything you need is at hand in the lobby. There is a neat little 24-hour snack bar in a separate room in the lobby area as well. It would have a reasonably wide variety of foods and drinks to satisfy most hungry cravings, ranging from hotdogs and hamburgers, guacamole, even smoked salmon from time to time just to give bit of mentioned choices there. Grounds: Immaculately kept! The gardeners and landscapers were always busy doing things there, and were always giving a cheerful Hola! To you when you would walk by. Cutting the grass, trimming or planting more plants, always something being improved upon in the garden. Even for being only a year old, there is already a pretty nice variety of plants with beautiful flowers for the senses. Give this a couple more years to mature, and it will be even more colorful and lush. There are many small water features and ponds around the resort to accent the flora and one can also see lizards basking in the sun on the grassy sections. There is a path you can take close by the beach, this will meander on a colorful way to the sister resort next door, the Dunbar. All paths are baby stroller and wheelchair accessible. One path, later on to be mentioned, not so much. In between the Palace and Dunbar is a water park with a children and adults section. It was fairly popular amongst the guests. Pool areas: Very nice, kept clean, and the waiter service for drinks was top notch. There was always service with a smile. There are five swimming pools, each one having a slightly different flair from the others. Children are allowed in all the pools, even the pool bars. Some have complained about this, but we never seemed to be bothered by the kids, they add some spice and laughter to the scene. One memorable event is the pool foam party! Much, much laughter and entertainment! One never had to scramble or play the before sunrise towel game to snag a recliner at a choice spot by the pools, there was always plenty of room. The Beach: A very pretty one indeed, every day, depending upon cloud cover, would be wonderful colors of aqua, green, many combinations. A few days had yellow caution flags flying, there are lifeguards, and the slope of the beach being gradual means that even with some waves, it is quite safe with prudence to enjoy yourself a bit in the ocean. There is a long row of palm trees planted along beach to provide plenty of shade for folks seeking a respite from the sun during the day. The sand is very, very soft, not too hot on your feet. As with the pools, there is never a problem finding loungers on the beach. A tractor comes by a couple of times a day to clear away any sargassum which may have washed up upon the beach. There is volleyball nets on the beach area between hotel and loungers and games are organized every day for willing participants. In between the palace and Dunbar, the beach has an area where water sports equipment such as wave runners and small catamarans can be rented if ocean conditions permit. The beach is quite free of any vendors, and if any do come near you, a simple “No Gracias” will suffice to send them on their way. Waiter service can’t be beat on the Riu beach. Service was frequent enough, and the folks doing this did not have an easy trek going back and forth between bar and beach serving guests during the day. Part of the problem is no paved or hard surface leads reasonably close to the beach, making this particular path a hard or impossible one with mobility issues. One gets a pretty decent workout especially going up to the hotel from the beach with the deep soft sand. Imagine the waiters doing this all day! Compounding this, there are no beach washrooms, the closest ones being up that slope in front of Pepe’s Restaurant, a popular eatery at lunchtime. Supposedly this problem of beach access is being looked into, and if it is, the beach would truly be a perfect ‘10’. Restaurants and food: Always a very subjective subject! We will honestly say that the Riu Palace had the best and most tasty selection of food we have experienced in our travels of AI resorts. We are referring to the Buffet, we only did one A-la-Carte, more further down. We are real foodies and are quite fussy about such. Yes, the buffet is that, a buffet, but the offerings were never anything but satisfying. Each night has a different theme, but there are always staples offered every night for those who wish to stick with the same thing. Thursday evenings is lobster night at the buffet, and that is a very nice evening in itself. For seafood lovers such as ourselves, it was so nice to see all types of seafood offered every night. Shrimp, squid, octopus, baked salmon, smoked salmon, sushi, Mahi-mahi, swordfish, you name it! Meat lovers are not left out of the deal either, there is a large variety of meat and chicken dishes as well. We were never disappointed with that selection either. Vegetarians need not fear, you are also quite decently accommodated too with a big variety of salads, individual fruits and vegetables and also for the baked goods folks, many selections of rolls and breads. Breakfasts in the buffet were amongst the best we have had, and the selection is large. Marinated salmon and other things we don’t usually see every morning at other places were aplenty at this place! Omelet station was nice, pick your ingredients, and the folks at the cooks would make the omelet any way you asked. Breakfast was always held at the buffet, and it was wonderful eating outside if you wished watching the sunrise if you are an early bird. & AM is when the breakfast buffet opens. Again, for those going on excursions which leave early, remember there is the small cafeteria just off the main lobby! 24 hours folks! As for the A-la-Cartes, we did the Italian. Meh, we were not thrilled, pure and simple. We had lunch at Pepe’s a couple of times, the food was good, but many guests were being disorderly with regards to manners, such as using hands instead of tongs to handle food from the trays, ETC. We chose to go to the calm of the buffet after a couple of tries. In all fairness, the food at Pepe’s was great as well! Very nice selection given the space they had to work with at the counters there. We can’t offer any other reports on the others, as we did not go to them, please see other reviews from other folks about them. In all honesty, the buffet was so enjoyable and full of variety, we kept going there. Bars and entertainment: Very nice! The bartenders were at your service, quick courteous the ambiance especially in the lounge was just right, the views from the windows could be paintings, so relaxing was the view. We were able to get cappuccinos, pastries, cakes, and light snacks in the lounge to accent the beauty of the large and airy room. The other bars had quick service, clean and orderly. The drinks themselves, no matter which bar, were always potent! Beware folks who are light drinkers! Logistics, etc: The Riu Palace is quite isolated, but this is changing rapidly. One can see many construction cranes all along this relatively unspoiled strip of beach, many new resorts are going up. With this, in the future there will be local entertainment. For now, however, folks need to take a taxi or rent a car to get to the much more lively Cancun district. If you simply want to stay on the hotel grounds, there is enough activity on sunny days at least to keep you occupied. Excursions and related: Even though the hotel is relatively isolated, there are many excursions folks can partake in for extra cost. These can be arranged through vendors on the hotel grounds or through your travel rep on the grounds. Do your research, see what the deals are, and what suits your own tastes. There is a very large selection ranging from simple transportation to get from the hotel and back, scuba diving, trips to Chichen Itza and beyond. We chose an excursion to Isla Mejures on a catamaran, included was a nice box lunch, drinks, and a stop along the way to snorkel. The time we were allowed to explore the island was very short, next time we will fix to get a taxi to the ferry (Ultramar is one which sails every half hour or so) and be able to explore the island at our leisure with a rented golf cart. Many other forums can be found on Trip Advisor, etc, to discuss these sort of things. By the way, the sunsets seen from Isla Mejures are absolutely spectacular! Summary, would we go back to Riu Palace?: Yes, we most certainly will, but we will be more cautious with the front desk and hope to have a better experience then we did with a few things. Paltry in the sense, but when paying a decent amount of savings this should not be. We have enough Spanish to get by and Google Translate is your friend at certain times so it was not a language barrier, it could honesty be the front desk folks getting their legs working at this beautiful resort. Everything else was absolutely great, we would recommend the resort to our friends and family for sure. The 4-stars from us are only because of the front desk encounters, the rest is definitely a 5-star, and will get better as things develop and get sorted out! Thank you for reading our long-winded report!

Riu Palace Las Americas: Great Resort!

Beautiful resort, grounds were great, food was excellent, big beautiful lobby, very clean all over, the only critic I have it was not a quiet group of people at the swim up bar, very loud and I prefer to be more on the quiet relax time.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Riu Palace Costa Rica

The resort was superb. Clean, modern and the staff were wonderful. The pools were excellently maintained and the beaches were close by and clean. The rooms were clean, comfortable, with air conditioning and a fan, bathroom and shower were great, beds comfortable and nice balcony. One of the most enjoyable parts was the food. The buffets and the restaurants had excellent choices and great quality. We will definitely return!

Riu Reggae: Great resort

We had a great vacation at the Riu reggae. It is a small resort, adults only which is great. Rooms are clean and beds comfortable. Very nice bathroom and large shower. Food was fantastic lots to choose from. Al a cartes were all good and service was excellent. Drinks great as well, lots of choices. Entertainment crew are awesome, shows pretty good at night as well. Great vacation all and all

Riu Palace Paradise Island: Riu Palace - excellent!

First time to the Bahamas - first time to a Riu hotel. The grounds, rooms, employees, and especially the food was first rate!! Cannot think of a single complaint in 7 days of being there. I would have no hesitation to go there again, and would definitely recommend the hotel to any friends thinking of going to the Bahamas

Riu Flamingos: Great vacation spot.

The resort was overall very good. The grounds were beautiful and there were many great areas to chill out. No shortage of chairs at the beach or pool. The food was great and we enjoyed all the al la carte restaurants.... with no reservations! The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We'll definitely go back.

Riu Montego Bay: Mainly pros, some cons

Beautiful hotel, especially the stunning lobby, large pool, and sparkling clean rooms. Food was hot and varied, and there were plenty of lounge chairs both around the pool and on the beach. We found the staff friendly and chatty (esp. Lady Chocolate), and they really added to our experience. The only 'cons' from my perspective was the frequent passing of airliners overhead, as the resort is very close to Montego Bay airport. And the beach frontage is not huge, because guests are not allowed to p [... read more]ass onto the Sandals beach next door, nor the other Riu property on the other side. Having said that, there was lots of shade, and the 12-3 daily barbecued jerk chicken on the beach was yummy.

Riu Montego Bay: Beautiful Resort

The spaces in this hotel were large and inviting - with lots of areas to choose from at different times of the day, and for different activities. The lobby was an airy space for lounging and talking, or chatting over a drink from the lobby bar. There was a beautiful covered portico for breakfast (as well as air conditioned eating areas). The best was the people at the resort - all were friendly and helpful - from the waiters who explained the Jamaican fruits to the entertaining staff who made [... read more] sure everyone was having a wonderful time. There was plenty of shady and sunny loungers around the pool and on the beach to make that relaxing holiday come true - and the Jerk Chicken on the beach was a lunchtime favorite. The wetbars were very well stocked, and all amenities were excellent.

Riu Palace Antillas: Older resort

I have been to several Riu resorts and have enjoyed all of them so picking the Riu Antillas was a no brainer. I feel I should warn people what to expect from this one though. Rooms are in need of a complete renovation. Musty smell in our room, patio door was off/broken rollers. Sink would not drain, patched hole in wall not finished or painted. Had gfi breaker fail in room which they fixed right away. Closet bifold door was broken/worn out so door wouldn’t close properly. Water marks fro [... read more]m past leak. I talked to front desk right away and asked if they had a refurbished room, but was told I “didn’t pay for an upgrade ??” but would just change the room for us. Got a call from the manager two days later and asked if I had any complaints which I did. He said he would look into a redone room and get back to me next morning...he never did !! We don’t spend much time in the room but expect it to be a 5 star I would rate it at best a 3 star resort. The Riu that was built from new was next door for families, it was much nicer. I must say this, the staff was friendly and helpful (except above), food was great, pool and beach were also great. Perfect weather with always a nice breeze. It was our second time to Aruba, first to this resort. I will check another resort when we go back next time.

Riu Ocho Rios: Still a beautiful resort with amazing qualities!

The resort was still amazing as it was two years ago. Amazing staff, food, drinks,entertainment and beach. However it is now a family resort and if you don't want crying babies or toddlers having tantrums this is not for the mature adult. If you have children and want a family environment by all means. Wonderful water park added. My next resort will be adults only.

Riu Palace Paradise Island: Nice Resort/ Did not get what we paid for

Paid for an upgraded superior suite, a couple of family members went with a Jr. Suite, ended up their suite was identical to ours with a better view & for considerably less money. In speaking with RIU Management, they suggested that this was an error on behalf of our travel agent. Also paid $240.00 for Premium Elite Plus Service; family members paid $200.00 & were given the exact same privileges including the $50.00 rebate per person if they filled out a questionnaire.

Riu Tequila: TRULY AWESOME

Riu Tequila is a wonderful resort. It appeared to me early that this resort had a great management team with strong leadership skills. No matter which area or corner of the resort you were in the staff and workers were extremely positive, polite, friendly and eager to please. Such pleasure to see and feel. The food was terrific, great varieties and excellently prepared. Rooms are newly renovated, modern and refreshing. The pool's and pool area's are spacious with lots of chairs and palaps. Even [... read more]ing shows and nightly entertainment are very musical and colorful, with lots of dancing and singing, especially the White Party (60's 70's 80's tunes). A definite must see. The spa treatments are fantastic. Initially you think "WOW" this is a little pricey, however after you indulge in a massage, you gravitate to a different zone and a special level of appreciation. Well worth the price. Entrance to the beach is a short walk and even shorter ride. It is somewhat majestic, a long corridor with white pillar architecture, beautiful vegetation and greenery, also the occasional small monkey. It opens to a gorgeous sandy beach. A massive area decorated with palm trees and beach chairs. Very, very comfortable and relaxing setting. This is a truly awesome resort that caters to your comfort. I shall return!!

Riu Palace Punta Cana: Stunning resort

We loved everything, the grounds, the beach with natural shed under the palm trees, the food, the outdoor restaurants, the specious rooms with high ceiling, with a big flat TV, everything working like a clock amazing service, everything was resolved in literally no time, a lot of facilities for old people, the tennis club coaches especially Christian and the day entertaining especially Jaime, the dance teacher. We had awn wonderful stay !

Riu Palace Paradise Island: First time back since the renovation. Very clean. Food was great. Resort service was very good.

The only downfall that the six of us found was that the restaurants in the resort was too loud and noisy. Something should be done to reduce the noise level. I literally had to put ear plugs in my ears in two of the restaurants.

Riu Palace Antillas: Lovely vacation venue

The grounds and entire facility were very clean. The rooms could use an update. The food was great with everything imaginable. The staff were efficient and so warm and friendly. The pool and common areas were lovely, white sand beach, and a nearby plaza within walking distance and easy bussing to downtown for shopping. All very safe. Unfortunately there is not a cappuccino machine near the pool. I left my white hoodie, with writing Niagara 2021, in the room, and called about it and it was no [... read more]t found. It was definitely left in the room. The weather in Aruba is fantastic, sunshine every day. No bugs or bites this trip.

Riu Flamingos: nice resort

For a 4 star resort it certainly needs upgrades and a good cleaning. In our room the ceiling fan could have used a good dusting, the curtains needed a wash and the fridge needed cleaning. If you look past all that it is a nice resort. The food was okay. The loungers needed cleaning or replacing, very uncomfortable. Not enough little tables. The resort seemed to be short staffed. The beach was not as clean as other beach we have been to. There is a bird problem that needs to be addressed  [... read more]because they are all over the tables and chairs in the open air parts of the restaurants. Lots of kids at this resort. The slide in the pool 2 slides were closed off. There was a kids pool but most of the kids were in the bigger pool. The washrooms around the resort need help, either the toilets would not flush or the sinks would not drain or the hand dryers did not work.

Riu Palace Antillas: Piece of Heaven

We were in the Villas section of The Riu. Our room was first class all the way. The grounds around our Villa were well maintained lovely pool private to Villa guests only. Nice beach and ocean view from both room and pool area. Staff cleaning our room in the morning were excellent and always friendly. The main Hotel Tower lobby was very nice well kept friendly staff at check in and checkout. Had a chance to see rooms in the main tower and for what people were paying for was far from five star ac [... read more]commodation. The rooms were very dimly lit very old decor and paint on the walls wold have to rate them at best three star. Restaurants okay buffet good variety. Ala Carte restaurants no reservations required meant people were lining up forty five minutes before they opened. We found that in the two we tried the food was just average and not that great so we opted for the buffet. All staff in the restaurants were excellent in the service they provided. The outdoor areas outside of the Villas ,pool bars grounds were well maintained. All in all our stay was five star others I’m sure would rate their stay closer to three star.

Riu Vallarta: Excellent resort and service!

Beautiful hotel. Excellent staff and service. Food was great and drinks were awesome. .