We were very excited to stay at the Riu Palace. Although I had seen several negative reviews on Tripadvisor I was skeptical of them . After all this is a Riu Palace.
But they were correct. No need for me to say more , just read the reviews.
If you like oily, greasy, deep fried foods you will love the Riu.
If you like to be woken at all hours of the night, you will love the Riu.
If you like being treated rudly by the reception staff, you will love the Riu.
And there is much more. The other negative reviews on Tripadvisor are very very accurate.
If you want to have a relaxed enjoyable vacation in Cabo,
I suggest you look at other resorts.
Good Luck

There was absolutely no theft when we visited February 28th through March 3rd. We paid $50 USD for a lock, left our suitcases open in our rooms; and not one thing went missing. Also, to address to another review that I read about stolen Wedding rings; I would NEVER allow for my Wedding ring to be stolen because I would NEVER take it OFF, especially leave it unattended!! When we visited the Riu, it was my 30th birthday, and the staff and restaurant wait staff went out of their way to entertain and please us. We went with a newly engaged couple and got VIP treatment. Security on the beach was phenomenal. We have stayed at various resorts in Cabo, only to be accosted by beach "combers’" trying to peddle you their goods. Food quality was consistent and fresh fruit abundant. Only complaint, there were not enough open reservations for the specialty restaurants. Sometimes, we had to wait up to one hour to book. Buffet was not that fantastic. Must eat in town. Try 'Fish & Shrimp Cabo' , 'Cabo Wabo Cantina' ( Sammy Hagar's restaurant & Bar), or ' Mi Casa' ( VERY authentic ) for great food. The resort offered great work out facilities and spa treatments- massage services were great - had deep tissue massages one morning and was very therapeutic and relaxing.
Also, between 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m ; you can watch whales breaching from the deck of the infinity pools - and off in the distance, blow holes. A must visit!

We originally booked a room in the adjacent Riu Santa Fe but were immediately told when we went to check in that we had been "upgraded" to the Riu Palace. I knew the two resorts were similar, so I didn't worry about it very much. The desk staff blatantly lied to us, however, saying that the Palace had more pools and restaurants than the Santa Fe, which was not true.
Our room was pretty nice, a garden view close to the beach and with a partial ocean view from the balcony.
The grounds and the rooms are kept immaculately clean, and now I have a better idea why our room was so clean. While we were at the pool, a friendly staff person thoughtfully "cleaned" the inside of our safe and helped himself to over $100! I didn't notice the theft until I arrived at the airport to leave, and actually thought that the security screeners there had taken the money. But after reading the string of reviews reporting theft, I'm sure it was taken from my safe.
Other than that, the staff was friendly and the food was pretty good. The system the hotel has for dinner reservations, though, was simply idiotic. After waiting in line for an hour to get a number, we sat for another hour waiting for our number to be called. All this was at 10 AM - not a great way to start a day. When we got to our restaurant, half the tables were empty and we could only order off a set menu. Reservations - not worth the wait.
All in all, it was a nice relaxing vacation tarnished by theft and some questionable administration.

If you find a great deal on this place, consider it. But I would recommend looking at other options.

We arrived via scheduled air at the Cabo airport. The airport is top shelf. I will say the timeshare people after security are extremely aggresive and will lie to get you to book with them. Just ignore and move on. Do not stop or acknowledge.

We arrived at the RIU Palace and check in was a breeze. We booked an oceanfront room and were given one as paid for. Now some people were upset at thei ocean view rooms. They paid for view and wanted front...
there is a diffrence in category and price. Know the difference before you book. It will save you frustration upon arrival and disappointment when you get to room.

THE ROOM: well appointed, clean stocked fridge, nice balcony, cable TV (the english channels are 2-10 and 12-16). We used in room safe without incident. We kept cash, diamonds, passports and rolexs..none stolen. We left tips for maid and she did not take the first cuople days. We approached her in the hall and gave them to her.

ROOM SERVICE: We used once. It arrived in 15 minutes at 11pm. The selection is minimal. I imagine it was plucked from the fridge in the main bar.

THE FOOD: We ate at the gourmet, the steak house, the japanese and the buffet. We did not do the mexican except at lunch and it was italian. The buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner was well above average for resort and buffet food. We also ate at the Santa Fe buffet which is better and larger. If you get bored, try not eating everything on the buffet for every meal!!!

The steak restraunt was the best get the ribeye and ask for grilled shrimp with it. The gourmet was second best get the chocalate torte for dessert. This was probaly the best dessert I have ever had in Mexico (traditionally weak in this area see FLAN ).

THE SERVICE; Friendly, fast for Mexico..be patient fellow US travelers they are not culturally on the same pace as us. [----] and complaining will not change this. Smile and tip will get you further.

POOLS: Ther large pools are heated. The center pool is not but does have a pool swim up bar. There is pool drink service. If you want front row get up to reserve at 6am. The pools were very clean.

BEACH: The ocean was cold. The beach has a large flat area with chairs on top. It is very steep on the way to water. We witnessed 20 foot waves on the first day. WOW incredible. We also walked down to Mango Bay Bar and The Office. It is about 30 minute walk.

MISC: You do have to make dinner reservations for the ala carte. They hand out numbers at 945am. Get there at 930. I saw the highest number at 51. Keep in mind there are two seatings to four restraunts. If you got there at 1030 you could probably still get reservations. This is an area where people like to [----]. Relax you are on vacation. $10 cab ride to downtown each way. If you want to go deep sea fishing. Take a cab to the main marina at 630am and book direct. Do not book at hotel. It is cheaper at last minute. Dont worry there are plenty of boats. We paid 250US for 5hr 31ft boat including bait and license. The palace is for an older crowd 30-60 age group on average. If you want more action wander over to the Santa Fe bar it is jumping. The entertainment is typical Mexican lame hotel. Lots of effort not so much talent. It is better at the Santa Fe.