We've just arrived home after a 7 night stay at the Riu Santa Fe (July 4-11). We stayed in building 2, towards the back of the resort and loved the location. Very private and not too far away from anything, including the restaurants, bars, pools and beach.

First things first, the Mexican restaurant is FABULOUS, way better than the steakhouse. Admitedly, the steakhouse location is lovely (great views of the beach) but the staff were distant and aloof and the food was average. Overrated. The Mexican restaurant on the other hand had lively and fun staff (keep an eye out for wonderful Victor, he's since been transferred to the Italian restaurant) and our night there was by far the best. I do agree with past reviews about the reservation system - it is a MESS. I'm not sure they could inconvenience guests more if they tried. To get the reservation you want go to the stand at 7am, get a number, then have breakfast while you wait for your number to be called.

We felt like we were in Dirty Dancing, what with the entertainment staff smoozing the crowds during the day and performing cheesy lipsinking and dance acts at night (including dancing with the audience at the end of each show). Avoid Pacha like the plague, go into town instead. Cabo Wabo was a favourite. Beware of pickpockets.

We had a few mozzies in our room at night but nothing too bad. The bees at the pool are NOT an issue. Mini bar was restocked daily but the liqor dispensor wasn't touched even though one of our bottles was empty. Who cares though when you've been drinking solidly for a week right?

Book your room at the Riu via the internet, you'll save about $40 per person per night.

If you love to sleep in, drink copious amounts, laze around the pool, and siesta, then this place is for you.

We loved the Riu Santa Fe! Stayed there from 7/7-7/11 and booked through Funjet Vacations. As mentioned in previous posts after arriving at the airport, you will be bombarded with timeshare offers inside the airport. Go straight outside of the airport and look for the guys with the maroon shirts. Our shuttle had cold beers and waters awaiting us (for a charge). We arrived at the hotel and were greeted with a cocktail in the 90 degree heat. Check-in was uncrowded and the place was impeccably clean.

With two hungry teenagers, we are now all-inclusive fans. We mostly ate at the Baja California Dining Area and enjoyed the huge assortment of salad bars and food. Bring lots of dollar bills for tipping, everyone works so hard! Our breakfast waiter, Harry always gave thanks to God for every tip he received. Very touching. We did check out the Palace briefly, which did seem to offer higher-end amenities like shaded beach chairs and slightly different food, but we were quite satisfied at the Riu.

The entertainment is pretty cheesy, and barely tolerable with a few drinks. Unbelievable that there are full bottles of alcohol in the rooms! The value is incredible. We did venture into town a few times, but you will pay American prices for dinner. We had to buy Nacho Libre wrestling masks.

There seems to be some friction between the taxi drivers and the shuttle folks. Our taxi driver was not happy to take us back to the airport and drove like a maniac. If you are flying Alaska or United, make sure they drop you off at Terminal #3. Our driver could not wait to get rid of us and left us off at Terminal #1, which is quite a trek. Other than that, everything was great, especially considering our whole vacation was the cost of just the airfare to Hawaii.

Would like to check out other Riu Resorts.

We just returned from a week at the Sante Fe Riu and had a wonderful time. We went as a family of nine....ages 20 to 75 and everyone loved the entire experience.

There is walking to the pools and the restruants, but it is not a major walk. It really is not long enough considering the needed exercise after all the eating. The layout of the resort is perfect and safe. I would wake up every morning at 6:00 and walk without any issues.

There is plenty of food and it is not bad at all. We like the buffet better than the other restruants that you needed reservations for. I was able to get reservations without difficutly, but did go at 7:00 and got my number. I was usually between number 3 and 11 so had not troubles.

The entertainment at night is weak but it is a new resort and my hopes are that they are still working out the growning pains. There were times it was difficuclt to sit through.

The room was always clean and our refridge was stocked daily. My sons never had enough Coronia's and called when they were out and more was delievered. We also took what we did not use out of our refridge daily so they would restock ours and then give it to my sons. Liquids are not a problem.... it really is unlimited. You just need to ask.

Beautiful place with no complaints....can't wait to go back someday.

Any questions please feel free to email me.

Deb2ed@comcast.net

We were at the Riu Santa Fe from June 28 - July 2. The resort was nothing but pleasant. We were in building 7 due to reserving an ocean view room. Some people were complaining that they booked "ocean view" and had to hang off the balcony to see the ocean, but after some probing it was discovered what they booked was "partial ocean view" and there is a difference! The rooms were clean and pleanty large and cool. We did not experience any of the theft or bugs others mention. However we always used the room safe and when traveling to Mexico we do not take many valuables. The food was average, not spectacular, but what do you expect from an all inclusive? I will say we never went hungry. The way you sign up for dinner is a bust! We only did that one night, the rest we went into town. There is a restaurant called the "Old Trailer Park" it is a must visit. Just a quick $10.00 cab ride into town. The best lobster!!! The ocean is a no go. We booked a private snorkle trip which also turned out terrible. They did not tell us until after we had paid and were on the boat that Jelly fish are a real problem. We looked for them before we got in however with the dark water they are not easy to see until you are in the water with them!! And then it is too late. We talked to people after we got back to the resort and we were not the only ones who came home with jelly fish stings! So our suggestion.....enjoy the cool pool, the warm sun, and the strong drinks!