RIU SANTE FE was a great place to stay in Los Cabos. Be ready to get your exercise though! This property is multiple buildings scattered to create a village of sort. We enjoyed our room, food, views were breathtaking, kept very clean and staff was friendly and very accomodating for anything we requested. We took alot of $1's with us to give those who went over and above a special tip.



ROOMS

First of all if you want a true OCEANVIEW room you MUST be in Building 7. This building is the farthest from the main entrance of the property Building 7 wraps around several pools and opens to the Sea of Cortez.
Our views of the bay and downtown and multiple cruise ships were fantastic from our room (see our pictures)

Rooms with 2 Double Beds will appear on entering as 1 Bed Housekeeping pushes the 2 beds together. We split them apart but everyday they were made and smashed back together.

Very clean rooms, I neglected to take photos, but they are exactly like the pictures in brochure or online.

FOOD/BEVERAGES

NOTE: When ordering either the Daquiri or Pina Colada make sure you tell them you want RUM in it. The machines are VIRGIN DRINKS We didnt know this until Day 2.

Let me begin saying we werent sure of the BUFFET, but it is absolutely fantastic. Breakfast has so many choices and chefs also available to prepare anything to order. There was a Smoothie Station that seemed very popular.
As I read in other reviews, opt for the Coffee/Cappucino Machine in the far back left corner. (there is one of these in each of the restaurants) but you can get expresso, capuccino or coffee- much better than the ready made coffee available.

Lunch we ate at the buffet out by the Pool (Ocean area) which is the Steakhouse at NIght. Again plenty of choices, from mexican to american (pizza, hot dogs and burgers/fries avlb)

Dinner....Seemed to be the biggest talk of our stay. If you want to eat in one of the Restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Steakhouse, Asian) You must have reservations. Here is the protocol: You must arrive at 7am in the main common area to retrieve a number. Then return at 8am to be there when they start calling numbers. At that point you may make reservations for that night and the following night (2 nights at a time)
Although I did meet a gentleman that gave the gal at the reservation table $5 and got into the steakhouse that particular night at 7pm (unheard of)
We attempted tipping at restaurants in hopes of getting seating and failed to get in. So if you are going to try anything I'd tip the reservation gal.
You will get a RESERVATION TICKET...Hold on to this to take with you when you go to eat. We saw people turned away without them.
Don't worry though, the Buffet (non-reservation restaurant) has great choices and is really good
We preferred the Italian and Steakhouse and dislike Mexican Restaurant.

THINGS TO NOTE

Take a water taxi $10pp from the beach over to Lovers Beach and see the famous arch and the seals Easy trip well worth the views from water.

We took a cab into downtown to shop, not alot there, I wouldn't dare go into town if you see a ship in the town. Too many people. We bought things from the vendors on the beach for same prices as we bargained for in town. If you do buy from the beach make use of the bottled water in your rooms or beer..the vendors will work with you with pricing :)

We also left a few dollars and notes in frig to get MUCHO AGUA in our frig and we were well stocked the entire trip.

The water at the resort in NOT FILTERED so remember that in your room (brushing teeth etc.)

ENTERTAINMENT

The Staff at the RIU did a great job keeping everyone happy.
There were volleyball games, pool games (pool in middle of resort, not beach pool)
Evening shows mimic what you expect on a cruise ship. But keep in mind its much like a Mexican Variety TV Show. Have a few drinks and just laugh with them. They try really hard and do a good job

SPA/FITNESS CENTER

We did book massages. There was 3 of us, so they gave us a 'group discount' Massages were really relaxing and the spa was very clean and professional staff did a great job. Marta did my massage and was excellent!
Fitness Center did not have AC So needless to say I did the treadmill for 10 minutes then opted to leave and run outside in the cool air. (much breezier and more comfortable) The do have great equipment if the AC is working.

Again, Be prepared to walk alot. No matter what building you are staying in you will walk either to the restaurants, the beach, the pools, the spa. Make sure you are able to get around if you are booking at the RIU Sante Fe. I did not visit the RIU PALACE was next door and seemed more compact.

OVERALL

I would recommend this hotel. All Inclusive was well worth the money. Food was above average. I've paid money fand had worse in restaurants The drinks were not watered down. Staff was EXCELLENT from Check In , to restaurants, to Concierge, Bartenders, Entertainment etc.

We did NOT have kids, but there were TONS of families and the kids were having a GREAT TIME Especially the evening shows. They passed out awards from the Days Events and Games.
Considering a family vacation next time at a RIU Resort.

We stayed at Riu Santa Fe from June 7-14, 2008. We are a group of 12--ages ranging from 7 months-50 years old. ( We traveled with my in-laws, mid-20's friends and children)
My husband and I traveled with our 7-month-old baby. We are in our mid-20's. We've traveled to St. Lucia, Dominican, and Cuba.
So, here's our take on Riu:

Airport: Once you get your luggages, please do ignore the timeshare people stationed in cubicles right by the luggage claim area. Your tour operator transportation is outside waiting for you. I'm glad I listened to some of the reviews here!

The bus ride to the hotel is about 20 mins--of desert and cacti!

Check-in: It was quick. Make sure you have your hotel voucher to present at check-in to claim your room key. They only give one key, but can always ask for another one later on at the reception. They give you a sticker with your room number to stick on your luggage and the bus boy will deliver your luggages to your room. Ours didn't take long to arrive in our room, which was great.

ROOMS: The room we had was good. The king size bed was two double beds pushed together, but that was fine. Our rooms were tidied up everyday, but I'm just not sure if they actually cleaned it or if they changed our sheets. Our towels were changed everyday and our fridge was re-stocked regularly.

Our room was overlooking what seemed like a backyard--so basically, there is no view! but that's fine since we spent most of our time by the pool area anyway.

the walls are definitely thin. i'm a light sleeper and i would be awaken by people screaming in the middle of the night. i guess they had too much to drink.

SERVICE: the service is below average. some workers greet you and give you a smile. most of them are hesitant or would just simply pass you by. some are slow in refilling your glass or taking away your plates. but it's no big deal. i guess different country, different service.

SHOPPING: i spent A LOT of money on silver jewelry here. you just have to know how to bargain. I spent average of $20 on each item i bought. make sure there is a 925 stamp on the jewelry you buy to signify that it is real silver. i bought a silver cuff originally being sold to me for $80, but walked away with it for $25.

we went to the flea market which is 5-10 mins away to shop some more! great buys and bargains!


FOOD: There are lots of food in the buffet and they're edible. Some are a little salty, so I'd just get another dish or just have fruits. They do get repetitive as they have the same stuff everyday!

SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS: All the specialty restaurants are BUFFET style. The main course are to be ordered, but the appetizers and desserts are served in a buffet. The RIDICULOUS part is reservations. You have to get a number at 7 a.m. Then, they start booking at 8 a.m. So, if you want to get the STEAKHOUSE, which I think is the best in comparison to the rest, line up at 6:30 to get a number. You can only reserve for the night of and the night after. I still prefer a la cartes offered by other hotels.

ASIAN: Below average

ITALIAN: just ok. there is a trio band playing that goes around asking for tip once you've picked a song!

MEXICAN: Nothing special

STEAKHOUSE: Average--but best compared to the rest.

You can reserve at these restaurants more than once.

Weather: It was VERY WINDY especially at night. I was glad I brought some jogging pants, sweaters, and jeans to wear at night. I even saw people using the fleece blankets provided in the room while watching the shows at night. We were hoping to wear our dresses for dinner, but it's JUST TOO COLD. I've never been to any caribbean destination where I had to wear pants and sweater at night and still be cold. The wind factor makes it worse.

Pools: The temperature of the pool is really cold. Since it's windy during the day also, and then you go to the pool which is cold--when you get out of the water you will be freezing. I was getting goosebumps when i was in the pool!

The infinity pools are very pretty and make great pictures--you just have to stick it out for the shot and get your towels on immediately after! The sunbeds in the water are great for pictures also, but I don't think you can stay in it to sunbathe because you'll freeze.

There is also a children's pool which is great for babies and toddlers.

Sunbeds and shades are plenty--so no need to worry about saving one early in the morning.


BEACH: the waves are very high and strong. they make loud roaring sounds as they crash on the shore. you'll definitely die if you get caught in it! (see pics)

the SAND is YELLOWand COARSE--not powdery like cuba or dominican.

OVERALL SUMMARY: beautiful resort, very cold at night or even during the day, OK food, beach is not swimmable and great place for shopping for SILVER jewelry!

Well where do we start. We booked through our travel agent for ocean view near the pool and ended up in buildng three which is close to the pool, but no view of the ocean at all. The only building with ocean view or access is building seven. They are very reluctant to schedule people into this building saying it costs more per night. It is also the only building with an elevator. The first night we were put in a back room with a view of the street and field behind the resort. All of the rooms are located on one side of the property and the restaurants and entertainment on the other side, about a two block walk. We also as a group of eight requested rooms next to each other. This did not happen. Once we complained about the room view on our room and the climb to the other floors our group of eight were put on the first floor of building three with a pool view the next day, but it took half the day to get the change arranged and the luggage moved., We had three rooms and two were across from each other and the other was on the other half of building three. We spent most of our time at the pool near our room, and did bring food out to the pool area which was not denied but not encouraged. There were no waiters around the pool to ensure you had plenty to drink if you wanted it you had to go to the bar. The bees around the pool get annoying if you leave your drink out in the open, Now I know that a good insulated cup would be a could thing to bring.

Overall the staff was not overly accomodating, even though we were tipping. The bigger issue is the connecting hallways to the rooms as we had a group of teenagers in the next room who would come in the hall late at nght drunk and noisy until I reminded them people were sleeping.

Our granddaughters had a good time, but we did not use the mini club since we like to make sure they are having a lot of fun in the pool and they are little fish. Our youngest went to participate in the childrens part one evening and did not like the game they played of musical chairs grab whatever kid you can this was a little frightening for her since we have taught her to not talk to strangers. Overall we had an okay time, but for the money I would go to the Palace rather than the Santa Fe next time, they are far more attentive and you don't have to deal with some of the immature actions of those who should not be drinking but are allowed to drink in Mexico., The restaurants were ok except for the asian which is not worth wasting time in the morning to reserve.

Arrival at the Airport: June14th thru 21st We flew in from Dallas on an Aeromexico Charter Flight. There was a problem because we had not filled out the immigration papers needed during the flight. After some confusion we were herded into a big room and everyone fill the papers out. We made it through and then received our baggage without anymore problems. We did not have the timeshare problem because we arrived early. We headed outside and the Funjet people were there waiting as well as the other Funjet type people. My wife and I had already made plans to rent a car for the whole week so we did not need to use the shuttle. I will say that the rent car people were not there that early (9:30 am) so I was a little confused on how we were going to get our car. The Funjet people made sure that we were taken to the Dollar Rent Car Lot before they left in the shuttle. I thought that was great service.

Renting the Car:
Now we had done our research and knew that renting a car was going to be a little expensive $500 for the whole week (We opted for all the Insurance) If you rent a car, do this. It is a felony to not be properly insured in Mexico. We had a little extra cash and for what we had planned for the week we would have probably spent more if we had hired a guide. We are the adventurist type so we were up for the challenge of driving and exploring the whole area from Tados Santos to Cabo to San Jose Del Cabo. We were not disappointed. When we got to Dollar Rent Car Lot which is really just off the Airport property, they were there and had all of our paperwork ready. This is when I learned how the power of tipping gets you more! The Car that they had for us looked a little worse for wear and I really did not want to worry about a breakdown. I ask the guy what it would take to get the little 4 door Jetta that was new. He smiled and said you give me $20 and it is yours, same price as the other. Done Deal! We were off to the Resort. Having the car was sooooo cool. We came and went as we pleased the whole week. It was great!

Arrival at the Resort:
We were early so before actually arriving at the resort we rode around downtown Cabo, and caught a bite to eat at Alexander’s there at the Marina. Great view and enjoyed our Cheeseburger. We then hit the Wal Mart for some supplies like a cheap Styrofoam ice chest for drinks out on the road. There is a parking lot out in front of the Check In area. We parked and wheeled our stuff in and Check In was a breeze. They offered to deliver our bags to the room but we just rolled our own to the room.
Room and Building:
We were in Building 7, Room 7222. This room is on the 2nd floor western tip of building. It was awesome! We had paid for a full ocean view room and we were not disappointed. We had a full view of the lands end area and were right over the western pool/bar. We had a true King-size bed and we found it was on the hard side but our bed at home is hard so we slept great. We found out that as time passed we were really lucky to have gotten the room because you cannot specify a certain room number. If you want to guarantee an awesome view and have a little extra cash book the suites on the tips of 7. Else wise once you get your room and you don't like it you might wave a little cash around and you will probably be surprised what happens.
Let me expand a bit on tipping:
We left $2 on our bed with a note that said "Gracias" everyday and we got all kinds of towel animals (the wife loved these) four different ones over the course of a week. Our room was cleaned to a tee and our bed was even turned down for us. We also left $2 everyday in the fridge for the Minibar guy. They say they stock it every other day but we never went dry. One day we had hit the fridge a little hard but a phone call to Bldg 7 front desk and drinks were on the way. Here is a big tip! We found that they stock the fridges in the middle of the afternoons in Bldg 7. On the 2nd day there I caught the guys doing the stocking down the hall and got them to come to my room and remove all the unwanted drinks and got them to stock it HEAVY with Corona and my wife’s Pepsi Light. I threw a few bucks his way and got a bottle of Champagne to boot. So if you can catch those guys actually some where in the building, go up to them, flash a little cash and get ready to receive your bounty!
Pools:
For the young folks or for those people that like to feel young go to the pool on the east / front side of 7. it has a bathroom handy and the restaurant is open to all from 12 noon till 3:30pm and its right there. Lots of stuff to eat. We are more laid back and chose to enjoy the other pool on the west / front of 7. This is definitely a laid back pool. More the older crowd. The problem is there is not a bathroom handy there so you have to walk a bit. We just used our room bathroom since we were close enough. We did not go to the pools in the middle of the resort so look to other reviews for info on those. O yea, just a note, be prepared for the cold water. It really did not bother us as we just used the pool to cool of a bit at times but lots of people were living in them so I guess it is all about how you tolerate the cold. Here is another BIG TIP. For some reason they are having a problem with umbrella pins. I can't tell you how many people we saw looking and looking for an umbrella that had a pin or even a rope to secure the umbrella. I really don't get it. We found a quarter inch by three inch screw in the parking lot and used that all week for our pin. We just took it with us at the end if the day. They will not give out pins at the bars and look at you crazy when you ask for one. So you might have to go on an umbrella hunt and tote a usable umbrella and stand to were you make camp. I hate to say it but once you find a pin hold on to it with your life and you won't be doing the umbrella hunt everyday. Just be sure to leave it on your last day so the next guys will benefit. Hopefully this will get better. I mean really, there is a Home Depot near by and all they would have to do is go buy a few pounds of 1/4 inch screws and let the bartenders hand them out. For the money we are paying it is really unbelievable, come on RIU .......fix this!!!!
The Food:
Breakfast was the best for us. The walk was worth it. Just get there before 10:30am. Like I said lunch is served up in front of Bldg7 from 12pm to 3:30pm. Then you wait for the dinner buffet to open about 6 or7pm where they serve breakfast at the Baja restaurant. We have no complaints on the food. I pointed out that we rented a car and we were able to scoot around the area and ate several times outside the resort so we cannot really comment on the repetitiveness of eating at the buffets all week, but there are tons of choices everywhere. I can't believe anyone would go hungry. Just remember they are feeding a small army of people and if you run across something that has been out to long just politely tell them and they will fix it pronto, we did and they immediately fixed it and apologized. I'll just touch on the reservation process for the restaurants. We did not go through the process. Rather what I did was show up at the restaurant that we wanted to get in and discreetly flash some cash and amazingly a table had just opened up. Imagine that. So if you don't want to go through the process try that. I wouldn't give more than $10 dollars though to get in.
Beach:
The sand is like cat litter, big, but it’s cool. It can be a little hard on bare feet if you are tender but we really liked the fact that it was so different from any beach we have ever been to. Please be VERY VERY careful near the water. The waves will fool you. They will roll you up and yank you off your feet in a heartbeat. Beware of taking a Water Taxi right from the resort. We can't tell you how many people we saw that got soaked cameras and all and we also saw many people that got hurt. We saw one man that broke his leg getting off and they had to emergency evacuate him. Remember this is Mexico and the ambulance is a backboard and a 4 wheeler. That man was fortunate that a bunch of guys ran out to him and toted him up to where they could get a vehicle to get him to the hospital, but he lay there 20 minutes before anything happened. We caught a Glass bottom boat from the Marina and it was great to ride out around the Arch and see the Sea lions lounging around. You can walk down the beach toward the Marina if you want to get in the water, it is calmer there. It is cold but tolerable. If the Vendors start in on you, just develop a thick skin and try not to get mad. Tell them NO! And mean it, and then move on. They can be persistent, so don't give them any wiggle room. You'll thank me later when you experience this yourself.
Overall:
We had fun, seen things and did things that we will never forget. The weather was beautifully Sunny and a bit windy and a little cool especially toward sunset, so if your cold natured, bring a light jacket. Well that’s about it. Please feel free to E-Mail me on anything. I'll try to answer as quickly as I can. Remember to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy yourself. Life is too short. I hope this review will help.