Just got back from Riu Palace after a week-long stay. I typically don't write reviews, but I had read what others wrote before we left and wanted to comment. My wife and I (mid-30's) had a great time. The resort was beautiful with awesome views. The grounds and our room were very clean. People cleaning constantly. We tipped the maid a couple dollars a day. Food was usually very good and available from breakfast through late dinner, which is good for both early or late eaters for any meal. Buffets always had a lot of selections. If you like to do activities, they can be booked right at the hotel. Sunset cruise is a must.

Cabo is a great town. If you like to go out, there are a number of niteclubs plus small, quaint sidewalk bars. Recommend dinner at The Office, which had great food and tables on the beach.

There were only a few negatives. One of which was the dinner reservation system. I got to the designated area about 9:30 am to get a number. They started to give out numbers about 9:45. I usually got a number in the 20's. When my number was called I had no problem getting what I wanted, and I was done by 10:15. The Gourmet restaurant was our favorite, but the Steakhouse was bad. Reservation times only for either 6:30 or 8:45.

Pools were a little cold and beds were a little hard for our liking. Entertainment was cheesy. Other than that, the trip was great. Cabo is beautiful and Riu Palace a beautiful resort.

We have stayed at other RIu hotels and never have been unsatisfied with our stays there. A bit upscale on the pricing but feel it is worth it.. The location is a little remote but also is in a secured gated area. Another RIU hotel Riu Santa Fe is walking distance away. Security at the entrance appeared to be very effective. Cabs were stopped and checked before allowing into the area. Being all inclusive the Palace did not leave anything to your wants. Food and drinks just kept coming. The buffet was the most expanded we have ever experienced in any hotel. The evening entertainment was average for this location. Again the drinks were plentiful at the evening show.
The elevator number / floor level system takes some getting used to but in a few days you will have it under control.
You could possibly find another hotel equal to this one but I do not know where. JDE

My sister and I recently stayed at the hotel, although it wasn't the most horrible experience ever, for that price we could have gone somewhere nicer or even spent a couple of dollars more and been happier. The service was very good overall. the food yuck yuck yuck. I've seen some of the reviews that say it was excellent, but if your a foodie like myself this is not the place to go. Although they offer a large variety i prefer quality over quantity in my dining experiences. If you like Mandarin then go for it, but if your more of a quality person stay away. Even their Mexican night sucked?????? Maybe growing up in Toronto I am spoiled with great cuisine....The resort itself it beautiful and picturesque but we could not swim in the ocean that put a damper on our experience. The undertow is very strong and we saw many people attempt to go in and fail. so if you wanna stuff your face in with crappy food and swim in pool all day getting drunk off food colouring ,ice and tequila this is the place.................

Just retruned from the RIU Palace, and wanted to write this before the memory fades. One thing that doesn;t fade, the RIU rates 5 stars in all categories. I have visited other all inclusives (e.g. Gran Bahia Jamaica) but there is simply no comparisaon. The main reason that the RIU is superior is simple, because it so well managed. Several times during my one week stay, I complimented the management staff on what an EXCELLENT job they do!

Here for your consideration are the reasons why this property rates so highly:

1- professional, hard-working, courteous staff, they go the extra mile to please you!
2- mini bar in room was ALWAYS re-stocked every day with Coronas, soda, water, etc.
3- housekeeping did an excellent job with keeping everything spotless, including turndown service, towel folding (animals, etc) extra towels at night, etc.
4- there is WALL TO WALL food and drink throughout the property, pretty much at any time or any place! This includes all outdoor bars, lunch buffets @ main building and San Jose, pool and swim up bars, and more that I have missed. Don't forget the pool side buffet everyday!
5- Restaurants - all are good, some are excellent, esp. the Steakhouse and the Sir Lawrence Gourmet.
6- Activities - there is always something going on, and you can be as active or lazy as you like. You will especially like the antics of the RIU Entertainment Staff, exp. Hector. He is enegetic and wonderfully entertaining. He is the BEST!
7 - Fantastic ocean views, from all corners of the property and most rooms (including mine)

OOPS, almost forget about the self service CORONA beer on tap and the cappucino machines!

Everywhere you look, you will find hard-working dedicated staff, from the pool cleaning crews, landscapers, buffet and kitchen cleaning, chefs, maids, etc. There is not one square inch of the property that gets overlooked. Examples: polishing the wood moldings at the ceiling of the theatre (on a 14' ladder), and wiping down one of dozens of lamp posts all across the property (also on a ladder). This is unprecendented!

Obviously the staff and management takes so much pride in the property, to be the very best, and it definitely shows.

For all of these reasons, the RIU Palace in Cabo San Lucas earns my highest rating. Even for the most discerning traveler, it will exceed all expectations. Thanks RIU --- I can't wait to return!