We stayed at the RIU Palace from Dec. 20-27 and had a wonderful time. We went with a family of 10 people and they all had mixed reviews. My husband and I stayed in room 1040 and had a view of the pool. The other rooms were on the lower floor (019,020,021,022) and their view was not great. Also, our room was always cleaned well and promplty at 9:30 every morning. The others were not. So I think it depends on the maid. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The food at the buffet was good but not great. We went to the Gourmet and the Steakhouse restaurants and they were better. We found the drinks at the pool bar quite strong. The nightly entertainment was alright. We watched it but we weren't overly impressed. We went snorkelling one day on the Caborey and that was fun. We went past Lovers Beach and it was packed with people and small. Another day we went ATVing and I highly recommend that. It was the highlight for many of us. Like the other review says, Juan Jose was a lot of fun. Overall I would have to say the hotel was nice but not quite a 5 star, in my opinion, because of the food and entertainment. Yet, if I would have known that before we went, I still would have gone. Also, we are never travelling with Sky Service. Our plane was delayed going there and coming back and when we finally did get on the plane, my seat and floor were covered with chips from the person who sat there from the last flight. That left a very bad impression.
Overall, it was a wonderful holiday.

Just returned from RIU and am appalled at the service, the overall dirtiness and standard of service. New Year's buffets were very good but the rest of our stay, the food was very poor.

The pools and public areas were extremely dirty, towels and trash everywhere and food left out for several days.

Could not have been more disappointed with our stay.

An unfortunate taste of a corupt uncomfortable atmosphere. Something very strange about this resort. Never in all my travels have I experienced a vacation like this. From check in to check out the vacation was one hassle after another. I was told the manager was on holiday (interesting at the busiest time of the year) and all the assistant managers were hesitent to give out their cards. We requested two ocean front jr. suites and got pool views. The rooms were dirty and the water was not restocked unless requested several times. The pool was a major disapointment. We complained it was dirty and food was sitting on the tables and lounges from the day before. After several people complaining the management decided to not allow food at the pool. They set up guards at the exit of the pool restaurant and would not allow people out with food. We asked if it was because of the dishes and did they have paper plates? They said no and that the guests were making a mess at the pool. Were we being punished? What about serving the customer and having the pool area cleaned and watered down at night? The lounges were disgusting caked with dirt. There were water hoses, ladders and many unsafe things in the common areas. I was traveling with children and feared for their safety. On a good note the activity employee named Juan Jose was the best emplyee at the hotel.
The food is terrible. All the silverware and dishes were dirty. The restarant resevations were difficult to get and then given away to other parties. Christmas eve was a nightmare. After making reservations at the special dinner I arrived to find my table given away. It took 45 minutes to get a new table and find a high chair. My children were extremely fatigued.
The vacation was expensive and i feel that we should get some sort of refund. This is no where a 5 star resort. perhaps a 2 star. The internet site is also misleading. Beware of this resort. The employees were rude. Infact, two employees at the ceramics painting at the pool asked my 10 year old daughter to get them pina coladas at the bar. Most of the employees seemed angry and were disrespectful.

Let's start on arrival....As many have suggested in their reviews, we to have enough experience to know that this Riu Palace is a waste of time and money. Every meal was ruined by reservations that were given to someone else. The total lack of responsibility, respect and simple caring is rampant EVERYWHERE. The management, or lack there of, is truly embarrassing. The only thing these people didn't do to us was spit on us. Dirty rooms, terrible food and pool areas that had trash under lounge chairs, the Riu Palace needs a total management change before any traveler spends another paso, euro or dollar. I am sure I could easily turn this Riu property into a world class experience. Compared to what they are doing now that would be easy. The frame work is there. Reading the reviews here I notice that the ONLY way someone could leave an excellent review is if they were being paid by this properties management team. In other words, THEY WORK FOR THIS POOR EXAMPLE OF A R E S O R T!!!! This is not about saving your money. Nobody should have to work so hard to relax on vacation. DO NOT take the chance on your rare vacation time. I would rather you stay ANYWHERE than the Riu Palace in Cabo, Mexico.