After returning from a week at the Riu Palace, we felt we had to write a review. We spent many hours poring over all the past reviews on Trip Advisor and we want to thank them for helping us make a decision we will never regret. After having stayed at the Riu Vallarta last year, we had an idea of what to expect, but this was even better! One of the main things that we liked about staying in this area is that it is only a 15 minute walk into the heart of Playa del Carmen and 5th Avenue. As well, the neighborhood lends itself to walking or running at anytime.

From the moment we walked in the doors and received a welcome cocktail, we knew we had made the right choice. As we were celebrating our 10th Anniversary and travelling without kids, we were hoping for an upgraded room and they came through with an unobstructed ocean view room near the beach.There were no bad smells as others had reported.

We were happy to see that, despite some reviews we'd read, there was, in fact, a great beach. We never had a problem finding chairs and had lots of shade or sun options. Try not to set up in the open area by the bar - you'll be asked to move when a soccer game sets up. Serious beach walkers like us can walk quite far, once you get past an obstacle course of "Geotubes," huge sandbags that prevent erosion of the coastline. Kids seemed to love playing on them even though it's officially discouraged. The water was a gorgeous turquoise/blue and fairly warm. Waves were really rolling while we were there, but the Geotubes break up most of the good bodysurfing momentum. Nonetheless, this swimming area was better than most. Under the water is mostly soft white sand, a touch of seaweed (literally) and a tiny bit of exposed rock that was prickly but not sharp.

If you like activities, the staff were very entertaining, particularly with kids. There were surprises like fresh coconuts cut for us at the beach.

The food was great. We are not meat-eaters (though meat eaters were raving about the choices), but there was more than enough to fill us - from fish to fruit to everything in between and endless guacamole and salsa! The cocktails were never-ending and the service at the buffet, on the beach and around the pool was exceptional.

The reservation-only retaurants had top notch food. We tried the Japanese restaurant (quite good) and Krystal - still called Sir Oliver (excellent). Be sure to get your reservations ASAP and line up 15 minutes early.

The staff go out of their way to make you feel that you are special - the front desk staff, the maitre d's in the restaurants, the bar staff and the cleaning team. The are constantly working to keep the resort in the best shape. We were responding 'hola' all the time to the friendly staff.

The turn down service was a nice touch, the towel animals are really quite remarkable and the mini-bar was refilled daily. When my husband's shirt was mistakenly picked up with the towels, we alerted the front desk and they reimbursed us the cost of the shirt when it couldn't be found. Very classy!

We would return to the Riu Palace Riviera Maya without a doubt!

We loved staying at the Riu palace Riviera Maya. The hotel is amazing. Very clean from the lobby, bars restaurants and rooms. Staff are very friendly. The hotels are behind a security gate, so you can feel very safe walking up and down the streets to shopping and along the beach. After hurricane wilma, they brought large sand bags in to help save the beach, this was the only downfall for our whole vacation, just because they obstruct the beach and view, although needed to help save the beach from erosion. For our excursions we went horse back riding to la marona ranch, and we also went to Xel ha. for snorkeling, dolphins and it also is all inclusive if you pay a litle more. we did the Xel ha and Tulum ruins together, next time I will do them seperate, as you need a full day at Xel ha to see everything. Back to Riu now, the food is good, I am picky and could always find something to eat. We had so much fun can't wait to go back

I stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya over Spring Break from March 15 to March 22. From the moment my party arrived we were greatly pleased with the environment and the services of the Palace. We arrived before check in so we had to keep our luggage off to the side in the main lobby where everyone else kept theirs before check in. We changed into our suits and went to eat at the Chilis buffet and spent the day on the beach.

After reading many reviews I was a bit leary about the beach. I was very pleased with the state the beach was in. There was plenty of room to walk down by the water and the giant sandbags made it possible to enjoy the water without getting thrown around by the waves. People were always on top of the sandbags playing in the waves so it added some extra fun.
The rooms were very clean and spaceous. I was in a room with 3 other guys and we had plenty of room to keep our things seperate. The two double beds pushed together made one huge bed so the sleeper arrangments were a bit tight but we managed. There is also a small love seat down in the seating area which is sleepable if you dont mind having your feet hang off the edge. New towels were brought daily and beds were turned everyday. The mini bar was fully stocked each day so we had no worry about running out of water or beer.

The restaurants on the property were always being reserved early so you need to get in line early to get a spot. The Japanese restaurant was our favorite. I never really ate sushi until I ate it here. The entrees were just as delicious as well as the desserts. The steakhouse was our second favorite. The grilled lobster and steaks were full of flavor and fully cooked. The Brazilian restraunt was nothing special. The food was salty and had spices in the meat that dont settle well. If you decide to give it a try, my advice is to stay away from the sausage. The last restraunt we tried was the French one. By far the worst one on property I thought. Many people in our party ordered the sea bass. It was served to us undercooked so we returned it only for it to come back uncooked yet again. The waiter apologized and was angered by the chef's lack of service. The portions are very small so you will be left hungry after you leave. The buffet does not need reservations and it tunred out to be one of the best places to eat. They had a wide variety of food every night and their theme changes every few nights.

The pool is a great place to relax and catch some rays. I didn't think I would as much time as I did in the pool because the beach was so close but majority of my time was spent at the pool bar. Peter or "Pedro" is the BEST bartender you could ask for. Islas is also fun but I found Peter to be my favorite. The drinks are small so order in large amounts...ask Peter to make you "especial drink" and you will not be let down, he takes good care of you.

The sports bar is a great place to close out the night (or morning). Eduardo takes good care of everyone at the bar late at night and knows how to have fun if the noise level is kept quiet or else security becomes involved. Ask for Eduardo's Tequila Boom Booms for a little fun. The lobby bar is the place to go for a pre-dinner drink. The piano music is soothing but can become repetative if you stick around too long.

All in all the Riu Palace Riviera Maya was a fantastic experience and a destination I plan on returning to soon. Since we visited over Spring Break it was very busy but the staff handled everything exceptionally well. You won't see as many teens at this resort because it is one of the more pricier resorts in the Riu chain but there is still plenty for all age groups to enjoy.

We stayed at the Palace for 7 nights in January with our 20 month old. The location is fantastic. We walked to Playa del Carmen in less than 15 minutes. Upon arrival, check-in was quick. The hotel is extremely clean and the service is exceptional.

We enjoyed the food. Our favourite restaurants were the Japanese and the Gourmet. The dinner buffets were outstanding too, especially the LOBSTER NIGHT BUFFET!!! Its a MUST!

All 3 of us enjoyed relaxing on the sand, near the ocean because of the numerous palm trees. There was constantly a breeze. We never had a problem finding lounge chairs at the pool or the beach. There is Bar Service on the beach area of the hotel. The infinity pool is great. However, we were very disappointed with the children's pool and playground area.

The hotel is very quiet in the evening. The Riu Palaces are known to have a more relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, which we enjoy, especially with the little one.

We are big fans of Riu Palace Resorts. We find them to be very accomodating and luxurious.