My family and I just come back from a week of vacation in Riu 2/07-2/12. I have no words, it was the most amazing resort I ever been to, and trust me I've traveled alot and know alot about the hotels. The people who complained about the hotel and the services had nothing else to do or nothing to say. I also read all the reviews and was afraid to go there, but we are glad that we didn't listen to any of the complains and the negative reviews.

The food was great, and both my mother and I have problems with our stomach so we need it to be careful what we eat, but we had no problems what so ever.

Our rooms was always clean and it had the best view. Our room was 1027 and it over looked the ocean with the arch.

The entertaiment was great, the really tried hard to please everyone, especially on the rainy day. The director of the entertaiment Carlos is very bright individual and I had a pleasure to be with him in the other Riu hotel.

When making reservations to the specialty reastaurant you need to get there early but who can sleep late when you in paradise. We had a chance to go to two restaurants the Steak house and Gourment and both were amazing.

I'm already planning my next trip to Riu in July for my b-day and can't wait. If you need more infomrmation or pictures contact me and I'll be more than happy to share any information with you. Go and enjoy the beauty, don't listen to the people who has something negative to say about the hotel, they just simply like to complain and have nothing better to say.

I'm glad it has finally gotten better. We were one of the unfortunate families that went prior to Christmas (Dec. 12 thru Dec.23). We had the same room problems that everyone else seemed to have. The room we were first given and walked into was occupied. We were the first to occupy the next room they gave us and the Mini Bar didn't work nor did some of the electrical. It was fixed within 2 hrs. The A/C never did work but that was okay with us, we didn't need it that time of year. Our 1st 6 days there were magical but I guess that's to be expected when the resort is only 40% occupied. They had over 1,000 people arrive at once on our 6th day and went from 40% to 100% occupied and that's when chaos erupted throughout. A large part of the hotel cleaning staff and restaurant workers walked off the job the next day. We didn't get our room cleaned for two days until they finally got to it the following evening. You had to fend for yourself for breakfast and lunch, they didn't have enough staff. Sounds like they've got their bee problem under control. The enitre resort was swarmed to the point that you couldn't have breakfast outdoors, you couldn't lie by the pool or anywhere else. It was a bit comical when everyone was trying to find pool seats after breakfast only to be inundated by bees. I went for a workout in their gym and when I came back both pool areas were deserted. It's good to hear that they have gotten their act together. The Riu is just too good a brand not to. We loved Cabo, the resort is gorgeous and the people incredibly hard working and accomodating. I don't know if we would go back. There are so many great places and different resorts to visit in Mexico. I got up early a few days for golf and had to laugh as I passed the scene of 100+ people lined up before 7am for the ala carte restaraunt line, there's got to be a better way.

Okay, let me start by saying that we were really afraid when we read some of the reviews before we left for our vacation. I am really glad that we did not rebook at another hotel but went to the Riu Palace to find out for ourselves. We were 2 couples in our late 30's, did not bring our children this time. I will start from check-in.

Check-in- We arrived at the hotel after about a 40 minute drive from the airport. The drive seems like about 10 minutes because you are looking at everything along the way. When you arrive they like for you to wait in the bar area (where they bring you a drink) so that it doesn't cause congestion at the front desk. A Tip- after you get your room # in the lobby bar, go and get your suitcase and bring it to your room yourself , that way you can get your vacation underway. That is what we did and we were at our room about 15 minutes after we arrived at the hotel. All in all, this was probably about the best check-in we have ever had at a hotel. Fast and efficient.

Room- They upgraded us to a junior suite at no extra charge, not sure why but we didn't complain. King size bed, with small sitting area. We did not care what our room was really like anyways, we did not plan on spending a lot of time in it. Doors did not slam, unless your balcony door was open. I had read some reviews that pointed out that the aircon did not work unless the balcony door was shut, this is true. However I would not leave my doors open with my aircon running at home either, would kind of defeat the purpose and would certainly up the cost of resort rates by having the aircon running in every room 24 hours a day. Maid was wonderful, everything was spotless in the room. Tipped maid $2.00 a day. Blowdryers in rooms are powerful, so there is no need to bring your own from home.

Food- The food at the buffet was wonderful. Lots of selection, beef, chicken, fish, pasta etc. The meat was very good, did not have that gamey taste that meat usually does when you travel. If for some reason you can not find what you like then go and explore the beautiful downtown and find something you do. We only made 1 reservation, it was at the Mexican restaurant. We did not like it at all. Itwasn't what we would consider Mexican food. When I think Mexican food, i think tacos, burritos, fajitas etc. This is not what it was, if you want to have AMAZING Mexican food, go to Margaritaville on the boardwalk. Good prices, huge portions, amazing
MEXICAN food. We ate a few times downtown, but the food at the hotel buffet was great.

Bees- I am allergic to bees so I was concerned. No reason to be. The only bees I saw were the ones at the swim up bar, so we sat at the tables in the same area and it was fine. Bring an epi-pen if you are concerned, that is all you can do. If you are allergic you should always have it with you anyways.

Night-life on resort- Each night they had dancers and different shows. I thought they were really good. Amateur? Not at all, these people have danced their whole lives, and it shows. If anyone in the crowd thinks they can do better, than get up there and give it a shot. This resort is not what I would consider a party resort. If you want a party go downtown Cabo, I guarantee you will find it there. We went one night and the town was alive. It costs $10.00 to cab it or 6 pesos to catch the bus. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to have a great time in town. Don't go find it yourself.

Beach- This is not a swimming beach!!! It is beautiful, but do not swim. Ther is a massive undertow, you are putting yourself in great danger if you do. If you want to swim on the beach, take a walk and go closer to the marina, there is a swimming beach there. We saw whales about 5feet off shore, that was amazing! I have never seen that anywhere I have gone before. That was not normal however, they came in and played for about an hour and then left. You can see whale jumping if you look out into the water. If you don't and you want to see some, take the Zodiac tour ($40.00) a person, you can book it right on the beach at the hotel. We did and loved it, don't forget you camera. You do not get wet on the Zodiac tour. I was also worried about getting sea-sick, i took a quarter of a gravol and was fine, I think I would have been fine with nothing. You do not get sea-sick on these boats. This tour takes you to see the sea-lion colonies and get you close enough to lover beach and the famous arch for you to take great pictures.

All in all , this is a great resort. Big, beautiful, great food selection, great drinks. Definitely not party orientated, go into town for that. Go with a positive outlook and you will have a great time. Tipping will make your stay that much better too. Don't be cheap! When you go to the bar order a Dirty Monkey, they are really good. If you don't find what you want to drink on the drink menu, they will make you anything. They have really good vodka and cranberry.

We went February 2nd to February 9th.

Oh Ya.....weather. It gets chilly at night, bring warm clothes for everynight, I only brought a few warm things with me and started running out of clothes by the end of the week. Had lots of short and tank tops left though, that didn't get worn. We had a few really hot days, I find the weather here is all over the place. We had a day and a half of rain. Remember, the resort is not responsible for the weather. Go and have a great time, we did!!

My wife and I just got back from staying at the RIU Palace in Cabo San Lucas (Feb 2 - Feb 9,2005). For the most part, our experience was great.
Yes, they are working out some bugs so if you can't stand the odd hick-up, don't bother going. Apparently, it only rains ten or so days in the region, we happened to miss one the day before arriving and experienced a wet Friday afternoon. Mornings were a little cool, but by 11:00 or so, it warmed up nicely.
Our only "negative" account was about housekeeping...our maid had somehow missed us on our first full day. So by 4 or 5 in the afternoon, my wife happened to find the head of housekeeping. She and another maid came and did our room. After that though, our room was "perfect". One negative thing RIUs are apparently known for are how they take reservations for their special restaurants...one line for any of the 3 or 4. We didn't go to any of these, we were quite satisfied with the buffets. Another hick-up was that it may have taken a couple of minutes for a waiter to bring us coffee or wine (at night), but for the most part, the staff could not do enough for you. Most of the staff are quite willing to talk to you in English and they do their best.
The only time we saw whales was from the "quiet" pool with our binoculars.
We did talk with guests who did the tours and were very happy they did.
My wife and I did the A.T.V. tour with Baja's. We had a great time...take a wind breaker though, it gets a little cool...we did the afternoon trip...well worth it. The beach is not easy to walk on, and no you cannot swim in front of the hotel. You can go further down...about 20 minutes down the beach where is is safer. We did walk to town and took about 50 minutes...wear running shoes and socks.
Vendors?...yes...for the most part, they will understand "no"...one or two were a little more persistant.
All in all, try the RIU Palace in CSL. Admittedly, my wife and I like the Mayan R. area but wanted to try something new and enjoyed ourselves. But as I said, if you need a little extra pampering or can't stand the odd thing happening, don't go.
Blair Sargeant - Huntsville, Ontario