We stayed at the Riu 5/5 to 5/12 and had a delightful time! Some of the previous reviews had us concerned, but everything was above average. Our room had a great view and was very quiet(420) and we had excellent housekeeping service. Tipping goes along way in Cabo, as everywhere else, to promote good service. My husband kept an eye out for what others were tipping and found that those "demanding" guests were the ones who never tipped the bartender or server. We found the food to be plentiful and fresh, and with lots of choices, so no matter what your dietary restrictions are, there are choices at each buffet. We really liked the Japanese restaurant and the Italian lunch buffet. The steakhouse was our least favorite but the traditional mexican place was good as well.
The pools were clean and slightly chilly, but I really enjoyed the pool bar with the jacuzzis. It was nice that there was a party and a quiet pool. The concierge service was helpful and we did the Jazz and Wine Cruise- very nice! We had an Apple package and upon departure learned that Apple is considering this place for a "golden status" and Apple guests were given a diffeent colored wristband to target for good service. The committment to service seemed prevalent, so I don't think our bands made the difference.
If you plan on shopping in Cabo, check if the cruise ships will be in port before you go. You'll do much better on the non-cruise days with your bartering. Taxis seem to be a flat rate at $10- you can walk into town, but bring water, it's about 2 miles. The water taxis are cheaper, but really hard to disembark from if there are any waves. We shared taxis with other couples as recommended by the bellman at the hotel. Time share salesmen are everywhere- just don't make eye contact and you will be fine. We'd definitely stay there again if in Cabo.

My family and I just returned from a 9 day stay at the Riu Palace Los Cabos. May 22-31 My 17 month old son joined us for his first vacation. Not having been to Mexico with a small child I was nervous about what to expect. Needless to say my poor husband lugged a huge bag filled with jarred toddler food. Fortunately for us he was able to enjoy all the foods we did without any problems. Be aware you must drink only bottled water, as the water in the hotel rooms is NOT for drinking or brushing your teeth with.

Aside from that, the Riu was a beautiful place. The grounds are amazing and like some of the other reviews listed the staff is always working round the clock. Be careful as they do tend to clean the tile floors quite often and it can be slippery. The pool was great and the service was good. You definately get a long way with a little tipping. We wanted a room next to my parents and after a bit of tipping amazingly the room next to them had just opened up. :) The drinks were ok. If you like fruity drinks order a Miami Vice. It was pretty good.

As far as the restaurants go, we actually preferred the buffet. Each night is a different theme. We did try the Steakhouse which was ok and the Mexican restaurant, which we did not care much for. For lunch try the reastaurant near the activity pool. They serve Italian food and it was much nicer than the normal burgers and fries at the snack bar. Breakfast was by far the best meal. The selection and presentation of the dining room was amazing.

The nightly shows were fun and although they may not be Broadway they were entertaining.

We went into town several times. The cab fare was usually $12.00, sometimes $10.00. My dad and sister did walk along the beach to town but decided to take a cab back. It was a very long walk.

All in all we had a very nice vacation. I would definately recommend the Riu. I think it is a great place for families and couples. I am not sure I would book it for a honeymoon due to the fact that like us there were quite a few families with liitle kids.

This place was awesome. Beautiful location, excellent food, great service. A couple of bucks would get you a lot in Mexico. For activities, shop around. We found the same activities in the center for $40 less than at the hotel. Highly recommend the ATV tour, it was a lot of fun. Also, the rental car offered at the hotel (National Car Rental) was MUCH, MUCH cheaper than the Avis reservation we had set up from the US (we had to return the Avis car early and get a National one). All shops and the car rental at the hotel give you 20% off when you sign for the Riu Rewards card (free). The Japanese and Medano Restaurants (inside the hotel and included in the price) were outstanding. We would definitely go back.

This place was great! When you travel every summer to CA. and stay in marriotts etc. up and down the coast with 4 kids, this place ROCKS! I stayed 7 days, just me and the wife, we are not big travelers and maybe thats why my review is 5 star. But this place was CLEAN, Friendly and all inclusive. The pools were cool, refreshing, once you got use to the water. We would take a few seconds to catch our breath but once we were in the pool we would sit for an hr or so talking and visiting with others. The 7 days we were there the last day had the waves the other are talking about. INSANE waves. That is not normal, at least for the extent of our stay. The food, is good, you know normal everyday restraunt food. Not exquisite, but good. If you want " a night out" dinner, I suggest going into town. The buffett breakfast was great! The liquor was everywhere. We stayed on the first floor and the view wasnt of the ocean but of the grounds, very beautiful. Rooms are nice with a patio, ALL rooms have a patio and face the ocean.
If I had to complain about anything it is true it can get pretty dang stinky at night. whew it did get bad one night, enough I woke up and thought whew! The whole palace is tile !! Tile is noisey and you can hear every sneeze from there to china.
The people are sooo nice, We left tips everywhere, couple of bucks on our bed, couple in our refrigetator, always at the tables we ate at. Come on, $2 bucks here and there is nothing and it makes the people feel great. I bet we spent $30 on tips. And dont get me wrong if you dont tip no big deal, but we did.
RUDE, man people are rude when they are on holiday, the guests can be very ignorant and demanding. GO ON VACATION. RELAX. I cant figure out what good it did to argue and gripe about anything...oh my theres a broken tile, oh my they gave me red wine instead of white. Forget it! Just go you will love it. Unless you are use to the RITZ Carlton of New York, then you might find a problem...oh yeah and if you think you are going to Mexico to make a great deal...forget it, prices are high at any vendor. This place is not tijuana.