We booked our vacation with sunwing vacations before I read the reviews and I was expecting the worst from them when we headed to the airport. We had no problems with Sunwing whatsoever. Our outgoing flight was only 1/2 hr late (not a big deal) and yes, the plane was tight but it is a charter and we expected that. Our Sunwing representative was at the resort every day during the hours he said he would be (Frederick was awesome) and was disappointed that other Sunwing customers did not utilize his services. He set us up on a couple of great excursions with no trouble. Leaving the resort, the bus was, again, 1/2 hour late, and again, not a big deal but we arrived at the airport in plenty of time for our flight. Sorry to hear that other people had a bad experience with Sunwing but ours was good. No different that when we had flown with any other vacation company.

The resort was nice, it was all close to the beach and pool and the wait staff was attentive. A couple of good tips left on our pillow ensured that we always had fresh towels and a clean room. The food was good, typical of the all-inclusive hotels and the New Years Eve buffet was great. Nice to have a restaurant near the pool. Being able to walk to town in 10-15 minutes was a perk and we went to Playa del Carmen a few times to look around or to try a restaurant. Plenty of ways to spend your money there!

All in all, it was a good family vacation. I would return to Playa Del Carment and to the Riu again.

We have been to the RPRM twice in the last 2 years (January 2011, and again in February 2012). Unless something drastically changes, we will be going back many more times.

We cannot say anything but good things about this resort: the architecture and accommodations, the manicured grounds, the beach!!, the sun & relaxation, the food and beverages, and ... I could go on and on. But, above all, it is the dear people that are part of this resort's staff that really make this resort so special. I think Americans would do well to take some lessons in happiness and work ethic from many of the people that we encounter in the Playa area.

We have eaten at all the specialty restaurants, and we enjoyed them all. On our first trip (6 days), we ate at each of them, and waited in line for the reservations, etc. On our second trip (8 days), we decided that a more relaxed approach to dinner meal times was better, although we did eat at the Krystal and Mexican specialties. The dinner buffet has a wonderful variety, and although we could never try everything available, we enjoyed nearly everything that we tried.

Nightly entertainment is the only part of the regular life at the resort that we cannot comment on, except for the Mariachi band! We went to their shows each time we’ve been to the resort, and they are incredible! Make sure to attend. Other than this, we usually walk in the evening, and settle in to our room early

The staff treated us as if we were at a palace. They are such friendly, hard-working individuals, and they are truly enjoyable if you take an interest in them. We asked questions of them, thanked them for their hospitality, and tipped them regularly (they deserve every dollar!). If you take the time to show genuine interest in the staff, it will enrich your life and vacation experience.

I’d like to give thanks to some of the staff that really made our last vacation so special (but there are many more): Nicodemo, our breakfast waiter; Juan, the breakfast Matre D’/manager, Minerva, our lunch waitress; Jose and his assistant Carlos, our dinner servers/waiters (these guys made us feel so special!). Papito, the saleperson at the palace jewelry store. All of the housekeepers that attended to our room (leaving a note of thanks, some chocolate, and a tip is so appreciated and deserved).

This resort has a special place in our hearts. We consider these fine people our friends, even after being there just 2 separate weeks. I am shocked by any negative reviews. I know that some are probably legit. However, I would bet that many of them are from people that likely just have a negative attitude about everything in life, which is indeed, quite sad.

I have read some of the last reviews and unless something has drastically changed which i doubt. We are about to go for our 7th visit on the 9th march, since 2008 to travel 10 hours we must love the place. The staff are so friendly the beach is fantastic. Any kind of food you want is there and fantastic. What more can you ask for.

This was my first time staying in Mexico, although my partner had stayed in Playa del Carmen before - just not at this hotel.

Unquestionably, the approach to the hotel is impressive - naming this "a palace" has credence. Similarly the vast reception has palatial aspirations! Our room was on the ground floor and overlooked the long causeway that runs along the hotel. Amusing to find optics in our room complete with brand names rum, white rum, brandy and tequila - it went largely untouched for the holiday though! The bars did a fine job of providing alcohol...

So rooms and hotel good; beach was fine with sun loungers available for hotel guests - service on the beach though was inconsistent.

The long buffet catered for just about every type of food imaginable - cold meats, salads, fish, eggs, pasta, sweets, cheese - you name it, it's there. And maybe there's the problem - how many times can you stand at that sort of table and find it new and diverting? In haste, let me say we're not ungrateful: the catering staff work hard and with stunning results. But the wealth of food verged on the extravagant and you just cant help wondering about the waste... After 10 days, I'm ashamed to admit that we found the buffet unexciting as the novelty had worn off.

Overall, we had a fantastic stay - one real problem though... The terrible noise from the animation team from 9 'til 6 every day at the pool! Reading this back, I know we sound like complaining miseries (!) but the din from that team in the daytime was seriously unpleasant!

Finally, you might expect this to be a Riu Club Hotel rather than a 5-star hotel.