I stayed at the brand new Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas for 5 nights. The hotel itself was HUGE, very easy to get turned around. It took me a good 2 or 3 days to figure out where everything was located (restaurants, bars, bathrooms, etc). 2 big pools, cold water. NO JACUZZI'S!!! This was big for me as I like to swim for a while and then soak in a nice hot jacuzzi, but there were none!! This was especially dissappointing because the pools were so cold and you had nowhere to warm up. I found out about the third day, though, that there were 2 jacuzzi's located in the salon/spa. I went to check them out and they were small and not hot, just barely warm. The food at the buffet's was terrible. I only ate when I was absolutely starving. Beyond the food tasting bad, what should have been hot food was usually just warm or cold. Buffet food was also attracting to flies, plates and cups were dirty, and it just didn't seem very sanitary. Food in the restaurants, which were available for dinner only by reservation, was much better than the buffets. I would highly recommend making reservations for the various restaurants on the property. They were all free (included as the hotel is all-inclusive). Our room was okay size. Free bar (alcohol included in your room), and fridge stocked with bottled waters, 7-up, orange soda, and Corona's. Staff was friendly but a little pushy. Hotel about a 15 minute taxi ride to town. Very nice view of the ocean and the fabulous arch. Pool activities, like water aerobics and "crazy pool games" were silly but fun. There weren't too many kids at this resort, so it was fairly quiet near the pools. Overall, my experience was just OK. I would probably not stay at this hotel again. Although for the money, and because it was all-inclusive, I guess it was a bargain, but I would still look elsewhere. This hotel still has some kinks to work out.

My husband and I stayed at the Riu in August. We were with 4 other couples. Definately the way to go. Vacations are so much better with friends. Our rooms were great and the mini bar in the rooms was an excellent amentity! We loved the pools and the guys enjoyed playing sand volleyball. We took the boat ride to lovers beach, which we highly recommend. Our favorite part of our vacation was going to "Cabo Wabo" We got there around 7:30 and had the best table. The band was great and played 80's rock.

For the price and accomodations you can't beat The RIU. The food isn't the best, but we didn't go for fine dining.

After returning from our one week honeymoon at the RIU Palace, I really feel the need to defend this resort.

The RIU is stunning, the staff was super nice and extremely hard working, the food was great (we really liked the buffets) and overall, it was just a great vacation.

The negative reviews that you read are from people who are just too hard to please and expect that the food should taste the same as at home, everyone should speak English and everything should be just as it is when they are in their own element. I have news for these people, the whole purpose of traveling is to experience new things! If you want the same comforts of home, don't leave home. Simple as that!

We had no problems with this resort. The only thing I didn't really like was the Japanese restaurant and my only complaint is some of the other guests who were just rude to the hardworking staff.

There was a time where I didn't feel well but that is my own fault. Over-indulgence! When you drink too much and eat too much, you're gonna get sick not matter where you are.

We were so pleased with the resort, the staff, the food and Cabo in general. We went on a snorkeling with Paz Gato. I highly recommend this one, it was a lot of fun and not too crowded. We didn't like the shopping in Cabo. Overpriced junk really.

We would return to this resort. Unless you are someone who is hard to please, you will have a great time. Enjoy!

No question, this place is a good value at $108 per person...until you factor in your losses from the theft. It is rampant. Read the reviews, most people have something stolen. We had two couples traveling together. Cell phones stolen out of both rooms...and used heavily in Cabo before we could get them cancelled.

The front desks' response to this information was interesting....as if you had told them the sun was shining again today. No shock, just business as usual. No help at all...just a reminder that "unless you lock everything in the safe, nothing is safe."

Enough of the soap box...here's the real deal.

I have stayed in Cabo many times in many places. This place will save you money and provide you a nice trip. It is almost identical to the experience you'll have on a cruise ship. If you like that, you'll do just fine. Nice surrounding and adequate to good food and service. But, if your expecting the beauty, service or food of other lodging...like in the "corridor area", you will be disappointed (such as the Hilton, Fiesta Americana, Westin, Ritz, or of course: Palmilla)....if you can make it over there for a day by the pool at these other places, you'll be glad you did. Be careful of drinking by the pool at Palmilla (it's very expensive) It's like going to La Jolla when you've been in San Diego...both are nice, but the "corridor area" is spectacular.

We changed rooms a couple of times until they put us out on the the end..beach side. Rooms 2026-2029 are all on the beach. That was a nice experience.

This place has been thoroughly reviewed from prior vacationers, but here are a few suggestions.

1. the dinner reservation system is not that big of a hassle...just get there before 4:00 pm.

2. Go to town...Cabo night life is pretty fun, but the city of San Jose is a better experience for day shopping.

3. Eat at the "Office" on a full moon weekend and you'll think that your in a movie. Eat at "Aqua" at Palmilla on a full moon weekend and you'll think you died and went to heaven (you'll also see a movie star
while your there).

4. If your hanging around the resort...be nice to people. Go out of your way to meet people. You'll see them 5 times a day and will make some great friends.

5. Take a Kayak over to Lover's beach. It's too long with the free ones at the Riu, go down the beach as far as you can and rent some from the locals. Take a mask and fins, it's good diving on the way in the Kayak. Take pictures with the sea lines (they'll be there, I promise...on the rocks) and under the arches.

6. Take a drive down to Santa Maria beach with a mask and fins from the resort ($10 a day down stairs). It's free to park there and it's nice diving and a beautiful beach. Anyone can tell you how to get there.

7. Get up and watch the sunrise...sunsets are no good from this location.

8. Go to Costa Azul...the beach in front of Zippers restaurant in San Jose to ride nice waves...if you want to be by yourselves and enjoy world class waves in a desolate area, drive up to Pescadero and stop off at "surf Camp".

9. This place is not dangerous, but locals consider petty theft from tourists part of their entitlement.

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