Late review...Stayed here in July. Excellent hotel with a grand lobby and beautiful grounds with some wild animals running around at night which wasn't a problem.They were nice to see and didn't bother you. large swimming pool with plenty of loungers and even more on the beach. Very friendly staff. The young lad who made up our room worked so hard and made lovely animals out of towels for us which was nice. Tipped him a few times but there was no pressure to do this. Food was good with plenty of choice and also tried most of the a la carte restaurants which were nice. Had a free upgrade to a superior room. Got this by emailing the hotel in advance to say the holiday was for my partners 50th birthday.The room had a bed about 8 feet wide by 8 feet long, so comfortable!!!!! The room was spotless with a liquor dispenser, fridge minibar, free safe, large walk in wardrobe, sitting area and dressing table. Aircon and a ceiling fan, tv with limited English channels but plenty of films in English on at night if you wanted to watch them. The beach itself had lovely fine sand with lots of small shells in but wasn't rough on your feet. And beautiful clear waters with a light tide. It sometimes got busy there but was so big you could just move somewhere else if you so wish. The resort of Playacar itself has a number of shops and other hotels. To get into the resort via transport we went through a security controlled gate which made us feel totally safe. The weather when we went was low to mid 30's so drink plenty of water as well as your free beer and exotic cocktails. Would definitely go back again. Truly 5 star.

Long overdue review. My husband and I stayed here for 6 days in March - before we were engaged. We loved the service!! We ordered rrom service four times - part of the inclusive package - and the servers brought red roses to our room each time. The caesar salad was great. Each room as a bar with four bottles of top shelf liquor, and a fridge stocked with juice, soda, and domestic beer. The food overall was above average with a wide variety. We loved how the resort had atleast five bars to choose from. The service was excellent. I especially loved the Japanese and Brazillian restaurants. My husband loved the breakfast buffet. The swim up and tiki bars were also our favorites. Just a short walk away is a little market square with a few boutiques, a pharmacy, and souvenir shops - indoors and outside. Downtown Playa Del Carmen was just a $10 taxi ride - a must see! The grounds were beautiful as are the pools and beach - very clean; friendly stay. We had a garden view room, but still our stay here helped make Riviera Maya one of our favorite trips.

Ok- long over due review.
We stayed at the riu palace in July this year. Myself, my partner and 16yr old daughter. We chose this hotel for my partners 50th birthday, after reading many of the reviews. We like what we like, as we all do, but the overall opinion is of a particular high standard. That's why we chose this place for our special event.
There's not really much more that anyone can contribute to an already immense trip advisor following on this hotel, however I would just like to add our touch.
Right- our daughter has suffered with asthma- the hotel provided us with an ionizer for the room to ensure a comfortable stay and peace of mind. I might add, I didn't request this it was a personal touch. The room was more than acceptable, yes dated!! but very clean, and maintained to an exceptional standard each day.
The complex/hotel was very safe. Very appealing to all age categories and more than comfortable.
The beach area was great! Cocktails brought to your sun beds ! What more do you require or want. A special mention to the amazing Alonso! Nothing was too much trouble, in regards to his service in whatever area he was in.
I don't really need to mirror all the previous reviews, I just would like to take this opportunity to support them.
The staff and management really care about all guests having a phenomenal time! Truly.
Many guests there this year that we met had been to this hotel more than once, some several.
That's an accolade in itself.
We as a family will definitely return next year after the refurbishments without hesitation.
So, in a nutshell. From a well travelled family, don't hesitate, food just superb! Service- up there with the best- entertainment- what you would expect! Cindy and crew!!! Well done.
Certainly, would have no issues in recommending this hotel! The negatives quite clearly cannot be pleased.
Thank you To all in the Riu Palace Mexico. We will definitely be seeing you all again?

We enjoyed our stay here. Beaches were nice, food was great. Steakhouse just ok. Overall service was great and we enjoyed ourselves. Location was safe and clean. We liked having the freedom to enjoy other Riu properties thatwere close by if we wanted. Would definitely stay here again.