Riu Palace Riviera Maya - All Inclusive

Beautiful property and wonderful staff. Only problem is with beach chairs and pool chairs. There is a mad dash in the morning where everyone clips a towel and is gone all day. We wanted to hang out for just a bit in the afternoon and not once could we find somewhere to sit. I just don’t understand why people “reserve” their chairs just in case they feel like coming back.

Loved this resort, food was amazing, staff was amazing, pool, right on the beach. Small gym, spa. More of a relaxed environment then a party spot, but you can always pop over to their sister resort rui tequila for partying or coco bongo. There is a small pharmacy just outside the hotel, a small shopping spot within walking distance. Only thing i would have wish they had eas hammocks haha but thats such a minor thing. This resort is great for couples and families even singles that just want relax.

Overall the resort is beautiful and easy to navigate. The service everywhere except the pool area was great. The bar tenders at the pool where hit and miss and several days at 5 or 6 pm when they closed the bar (way too early) they would start throwing water from the pool onto the patio to clean whether you are sitting there or not. The food was disappointing , other than the steak house.

Everything was generally good however the two larger swimming pools were too hot. Not at all refreshing. Not sure if they were heated but definitely didn’t need to be

Melhor all inclusive que eu já fui! Comidas maravilhosas, muita qualidade e opções. Entretenimento a noite muito divertida! Quartos amplos, ótimos serviço de quarto, ótimas atividades fitness, ótima área de piscina, praia limpa e bem cuidada, hotel bem cuidado! Staff atenciosa e gentil! A academia que não é boa. Tem vários hotéis da mesma rede por perto que vc pode passar o dia. E o hotel fornece translado do aeroporto o que já é uma grande economia.

The spa is wonderful. Rooms and property super clean. Helpful staff. Private beach access is fabulous.

Our stay was truly wonderful from start to finish. The resort is beautifully maintained, which puts you in vacation mode immediately. The rooms were very clean, spacious, and comfortable, with a well-stocked minibar and a great balcony view. Housekeeping did a fantastic job every day. We loved the dining options with plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and consistently good quality. The buffet had a wide selection, and the specialty restaurants offered a more elevated dining experience. The Japanese Restaurant was our favorite. Drinks were well-made and easy to get. We loved the Cappuccino Bar. The beach is beautiful and well maintained: soft white sand and clear turquoise water. There were always loungers available, and the staff kept the area clean and inviting. The pool area was lively, and we had the best time at the foam parties. Service throughout the resort was exceptional. Staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help. Whether it was at check-in, the restaurants, or during activities, everyone went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable. We had an amazing experience at Riu Palace Riviera Maya. We will definitely be back.

Top notch customer service by all hotel staff. Foam party was a blast but wish the RIU party isn't just on Fridays and should be at least 3 times during the whole weekend.

Everything was great. We didn't have the room cleaned while we were there. We gave the workers a break. haha The place was great. Loved the balcony and the view. Also loved the birds and animals just roaming around, even on the balcony. The entertainment was too loud for us because our room was so close. We'll plan it next time. Being able to just roam around and eat and drink anytime was great. Loved the pools and beach. Great massage, too. Everyone was so friendly and nice. All in all we had a wonderful time and well worth the money. My daughter recommended you and did all the booking arrangements.

We had a pleasant stay at Riu Palace Riviera Maya. The hotel is beautiful, very clean, and the housekeeping team does an excellent job. I also loved the 24-hour lounge — it’s convenient and well maintained. The only downside is that the resort territory is quite small. There are four pools + one tiny pool for kids, but there isn’t much entertainment for kids. There is a kids’ club, but the area is tiny and the evening activities last only about 30 minutes. The staff really tries their best to make the stay enjoyable, but compared to other resorts with bigger kids’ clubs and more activities, it falls a bit short. We went for a walk for other Riu Hotels in the same area, and they looked nice.

Everything was awesome! Had a great time until my last day, saw a huge roach by the desserts. I was disgusted.

Friendly staff, very clean, food excellent. Will be back to this hotel.

Clean room

Food not the best, choices are very limited in places to choose for lunch and dinner. Found roaches in the room bathroom. Need more authentic Mexican menu because there’s almost none and that is what we go for.

Muy rica la comida, todo súper limpio cuartos, baños, pasillos 100% garantizados buen servicio, todo el personal muy amable y atentos

Staff was great!! Hotel very clean!!

The only thing I did not like was the room we were given it was next to the workers maintenance room day and night loud noise people talking moving things around it was hard to really rest ! Also it had a strong smell of mold !

Honestly, our vacation at RIU was perfect! The hotel was gorgeous. The cleanliness was on point. The staff were awesome! The food was delicious. Many options to chose from. We will be going back again soon.

Although it’s not a brand-new hotel, the facilities are extremely clean, and there was always maintenance staff around taking great care of the property. The overall staff is friendly, and the pool and entertainment crew were a lot of fun. The only downside is that I felt there was a lack of variety in the restaurants, especially during the midday hours (12–6 PM). I’ve stayed at other resorts that, aside from fast food, also offer tacos or seafood options. That said, everything was in great condition and impressively clean.

We had a wonderful stay at the Riu Hotel. The resort was very well maintained and exceptionally clean throughout our visit. The food selection and quality were excellent, with a wide variety of options available at both the buffet and the specialty restaurants. The staff were incredibly attentive and helpful, always going above and beyond to make sure guests were comfortable. There was also a great selection of bars, making it easy to grab a drink and relax anywhere on the property. Overall, it was a great experience, and we would definitely return. Highly recommended!

The only thing that I disliked about the room was the lack of a barrier between living space and bathroom. No privacy. Even amongst family a bit of privacy is necessary especially in a bathroom. One of the dumbest designs I’ve ever seen in a room. This will keep me from booking here in the future.

Food was not great: cold, under or over cooked. Bar tender didn’t know how to make drinks. There was no transportation to local parks unless booked through RIU. Restaurants should have more healthy choices. Restaurants should stay open later. Room has a bathtub next to the bed. Not a nice look.

Very clean , friendly staff, lots of choice for food. Even though kids are welcome the hotel is really quiet. Beach is great. Rooms are comfortable but not much privacy if you aren’t a couple but a mother and son traveling together. Don’t think about having a bath, Bathtub is in the middle of the room. Shower Provide a little privacy. Overall, we really enjoyed our time there.

Pros - Beach 9/10, Food 8/10, staff 10/10, Cleanliness 10/10, Room 10/10. Beautiful resort in a safe neighborhood. Lots of spanish speaking visitors from Portugal, Argentina and Chile. Makes sense since its owned by a Spanish company. What I didn't like were the size of the pools. Much too small. Kids should be in a separate pool, Their kiddy pool is a joke. Too many kids was surprising to me. I wouldn't choose it again for that reason. Also they REALLY need to add door knobs/handles to those drawers. They’re very difficult to open especially if you have arthritic fingers. Had to call down a few times for toilet paper and bottled water. We tipped daily but didn't get our supplies replenished. Not an issue as they usually responded quickly with our requests. Overall a 8.5 vacation for us.

The A/c system in the rooms ( we changed 3 times our suite ) is terrible turn on and off hole night with heavy noise when its on .

My only two complains were testing of the fire alarm during early morning (5-6 am) and the VERY LOUD room A/C. It worked like a charm, but the loud thunder noice it emitted when it kicked on kept waking me up. I wish there was some kind of white noise to muffle it.

The room, the beach area, the pool areas were well kept. We stayed in a remodeled room which was a plus from what I read. The workers were welcoming and always nice. They seemed to be happy to work there. The food was hit or miss. A little disappointed in the specialty restaurants as some items were not good or just ok.

Our stay was truly wonderful from start to finish. The resort is beautifully maintained, which puts you in vacation mode immediately. The rooms were very clean, spacious, and comfortable, with a well-stocked minibar and a great balcony view. Housekeeping did a fantastic job every day. We loved the dining options with plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and consistently good quality. The buffet had a wide selection, and the specialty restaurants offered a more elevated dining experience. The Japanese Restaurant was our favorite. Drinks were well-made and easy to get. We loved the Cappuccino Bar. The beach is beautiful and well maintained: soft white sand and clear turquoise water. There were always loungers available, and the staff kept the area clean and inviting. The pool area was lively, and we had the best time at the foam parties. Service throughout the resort was exceptional. Staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help. Whether it was at check-in, the restaurants, or during activities, everyone went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable. We had an amazing experience at Riu Palace Riviera Maya. We will definitely be back.

All was good, except things we left on the beach while swimming in the sea were stolen, and the football my son forgot at the pool was never found. The Security staff couldn’t be helpful because they did not speak English at all. Also, there was a construction going on right across from our room, it was very loud. While you are on vacation and trying to relax that was very inconvenient and disturbing.

Everything was great. We didn't have the room cleaned while we were there. We gave the workers a break. haha The place was great. Loved the balcony and the view. Also loved the birds and animals just roaming around, even on the balcony. The entertainment was too loud for us because our room was so close. We'll plan it next time. Being able to just roam around and eat and drink anytime was great. Loved the pools and beach. Great massage, too. Everyone was so friendly and nice. All in all we had a wonderful time and well worth the money. My daughter recommended you and did all the booking arrangements.

My recent stay at Riu Palace Riviera Maya was nothing short of exceptional, a truly perfect vacation from start to finish.From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and impeccable service. The staff consistently went above and beyond to cater to my every need, and they did so with genuine smiles. I can't recall a single interaction that wasn't positive and helpful; they were truly dedicated to ensuring we had the best possible experience. A special shout-out to Fernanda at reception! Check-in was an absolute breeze, and she thoroughly explained everything we needed to know. She was incredibly cordial and always available to assist with any request, big or small.The entertainment team was also fantastic. Angel, Jeremy, and Manuel were so interactive and engaging, making sure everyone felt included in the activities. The shows were top-notch, and my daughter especially loved the pool foam party – a definite highlight! The event team ladies were also amazing with my daughter, making her feel so special and always looking for her to make sure she was involved in all the activities. And let's not forget all the bartenders, German, Felipe, Esteban, all of them. They kept the libations flowing and always made sure we were well-taken care of. Our room was always cleaned and spotless, providing a comfortable and relaxing retreat. This was truly an amazing stay, and we will definitely be back soon! I highly recommend this place! Amazing.

Disorganization at the front desk. We were assigned a room for two days that was less than the one we paid for due to lack of availability. We received no compensation for the error, no refund, nothing. There are no facilities for people with disabilities. However, the food is very good, and the restaurant, bar, and cleaning staff are very friendly and polite.

Loved our recent stay at RPRM. The staff are so incredible, they work so hard and really just want you to enjoy your vacation. Our room was clean, comfortable and offered lots of storage. They supply everything in the room including hair dryer, safe, iron, coffee and the beds are comfy. The food was also really good, probably the best food I have ever had at an all inclusive.

Where to start? Expedia informed us that we had a $850.00 resort credit to use during our vacation, but try as we might, not a person at the resort had any idea about it, or how to use it. After showing them the Expedia app and e-mail, they referred us to a RIU app that didn't work and always said "Please try again later". The package included transportation to and from the resort, but doesn't tell you that the details of this transfer are in your Expedia e-mail within the Expedia App, and that they need to be followed several days before you leave, or you won't be able to use the free transfer. Make sure you do this. A bus to the hotel from the airport is $130.00 for two people. The food is marginal at best. This is the only time, that I cam home from an all inclusive weighing what I did before I left (all due to the marginal quality of food and drink). We found the drinks to be watered down, and the meat, generally to be either overcooked or undercooked. The staff, however, were wonderful. We have stayed at RIU properties before COVID and never had this experience. I think, this will be the last time we stay at a RIU, in the future, however.

Very clean, good service

We had constant issues with our air conditioner. The sensor on the door wasn’t working right. We went toe days without ac. They had to change the sensor the first day, realign the sensor the second day, and day 3 and 4 no one would come check it even though they would say maintenance was on the way. There is no excuse for not having an ac due to lack of effort in trying to fix the issue. Due to this we will not stay here again, we will enjoy other resorts.

Our stay was truly wonderful from start to finish. The resort is beautifully maintained, which puts you in vacation mode immediately. The rooms were very clean, spacious, and comfortable, with a well-stocked minibar and a great balcony view. Housekeeping did a fantastic job every day. We loved the dining options with plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and consistently good quality. The buffet had a wide selection, and the specialty restaurants offered a more elevated dining experience. The Japanese Restaurant was our favorite. Drinks were well-made and easy to get. We loved the Cappuccino Bar. The beach is beautiful and well maintained: soft white sand and clear turquoise water. There were always loungers available, and the staff kept the area clean and inviting. The pool area was lively, and we had the best time at the foam parties. Service throughout the resort was exceptional. Staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help. Whether it was at check-in, the restaurants, or during activities, everyone went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable. We had an amazing experience at Riu Palace Riviera Maya. We will definitely be back.

Excellent hotel right on the beach. Hard working staff went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional. Highly recommend.

One of the Most Disappointing Customer Service Experiences – Riu Palace Riviera Maya I’ve never written a review like this, but after our stay at Riu Palace Riviera Maya, I feel compelled to share. We booked two rooms via Expedia for May 28–June 3, 2025. Due to severe weather and flight delays, we missed our connection and couldn’t arrive until 2:00 AM on May 30. The airline rebooked us and adjusted our return to June 4—so we simply asked Riu to shift our stay by one day (May 29–June 4). Same number of nights, same rooms. Expedia confirmed they reached out to Riu Reservations. I also emailed the resort directly, clearly explaining the situation and urgency. Despite being on-site, staying in rooms 0005 and 0006, all I received were copy-paste replies saying front desk and managers couldn't help due to “policy.” Riu Reservations didn’t respond until June 1—denying the request with no flexibility. What’s worse, I saw available rooms online for June 3, yet they still refused to assist. We weren’t asking for anything free—just a shift due to weather-related travel issues. Not a single person showed empathy or took responsibility. We spent thousands to stay here, yet were left scrambling for a place to sleep. Riu treated us like reservation numbers, not guests. We deserved better—and they failed us.

All of the staff was amazing, nice, courteous and happy to serve. The food was great at all restaurants and the hotel was gorgeous. They kept the place spotless and clean. We felt so welcomed and special. This is a place I will certainly go back too.

The property is beautiful and well taken care of. All of the employees were very kind and professional. My only concern was that reception wasn’t always helpful and told us that we would have to go to the other Riu resorts for lunch if we wanted to eat at a buffet. On our 3rd day here we discovered that this was not the case as their restaurant “Chili’s” did offer a buffet for lunch. Other than that, the resort offers endless choices of food, drinks, and entertainment. Everyone in my group had a great time and would love to visit again. Another bonus is that there are a series of shops only a 5 minute walk away which made for a lot of fun when shopping for souvenirs. 5th Avenue is also only a 5-10 minute car ride away and offers endless options for shopping and entertainment.

This is my 4th time staying at this Riu Riviera Maya Hotel and it was not a disappointment once again. I highly recommend it. The staff is overly pleasant and the hotel itself is very nice and clean. The night shows are very nice. It's like 20 min walking to downtown Playa del Carmen. I highly recommend it.

The staff and property are great, food is good and lots of options. Walking distance to fifth avenue and walkable neighborhood around the resort

Very good stay at the hotel. Enjoyed it very much. What we did not like; there was no transfer included airport to hotel and back. Also, the flight back with American Airlines. We had a connection in Dallas and we lost the second flight due to the extremely long line at the Security check point in Dallas. We made it at the very last minute at the gate of the second flight, but AA refused to board us. They put us on the next flight wich was only next morning. This flight was delayed 7 hours due to bad weather. So, our trip back home was BAD.

Seller on the beach are annoying

Great property and resort. The restaurants are good with not much of a wait and you don’t need advance reservations which is the best. People and staff are friendly and helpful. Not a bad walk to the downtown area maybe 20 minutes. Security is great because your like in a gated community.

Everything was perfect! Staff was amazing. Location is in a gated community. Feel safe to walk around.

I've stayed here the last two years. Great place for a Mexico beach getaway. Rooms are nice. Food is good. Staff is friendly and helpful. You can't really go wrong with this pick if you are looking for something that's got a little bit of everything and excels in most. The playacar area is one of the nicest you can stay at in Playa del Carmen as well. Don't hesitate - the rating says it all.

Hotel con una arquitectura bonita, los servicios excelentes así como la atención de personal, buena ubicación en playa de Carmen a 20 minutos caminando de la 5 avenida. Sin dudas lo recomiendo.

Staff very friendly and location was perfect. Shopping area right out the resort gate. A+ It was all family friendly.

The staff and service provided . Dinning options . There needs to be more traditional Mexican food and seafood options

Food was not great: cold, under or over cooked. Bar tender didn’t know how to make drinks. There was no transportation to local parks unless booked through RIU. Restaurants should have more healthy choices. Restaurants should stay open later. Room has a bathtub next to the bed. Not a nice look.

Food was excellent and fresh.

Service and hotel was perfect. The food was not the best. Lack of variety, just nothing special.

Loved our recent stay at RPRM. The staff are so incredible, they work so hard and really just want you to enjoy your vacation. Our room was clean, comfortable and offered lots of storage. They supply everything in the room including hair dryer, safe, iron, coffee and the beds are comfy. The food was also really good, probably the best food I have ever had at an all inclusive.

Where to start? Expedia informed us that we had a $850.00 resort credit to use during our vacation, but try as we might, not a person at the resort had any idea about it, or how to use it. After showing them the Expedia app and e-mail, they referred us to a RIU app that didn't work and always said "Please try again later". The package included transportation to and from the resort, but doesn't tell you that the details of this transfer are in your Expedia e-mail within the Expedia App, and that they need to be followed several days before you leave, or you won't be able to use the free transfer. Make sure you do this. A bus to the hotel from the airport is $130.00 for two people. The food is marginal at best. This is the only time, that I cam home from an all inclusive weighing what I did before I left (all due to the marginal quality of food and drink). We found the drinks to be watered down, and the meat, generally to be either overcooked or undercooked. The staff, however, were wonderful. We have stayed at RIU properties before COVID and never had this experience. I think, this will be the last time we stay at a RIU, in the future, however.

Facility and service was excellent. Ability to go to restaurants without reservations made there use easy when compared to other resorts where you need reservations that are limited, or are charged extra to using the restaurants.

The property is clean and well kept. My only complaint is that the buffet should be open later. We came back from our excursion late and had to rush to get dinner while we were still wet. At least 1 hour later should be ok.

Our stay was truly wonderful from start to finish. The resort is beautifully maintained, which puts you in vacation mode immediately. The rooms were very clean, spacious, and comfortable, with a well-stocked minibar and a great balcony view. Housekeeping did a fantastic job every day. We loved the dining options with plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and consistently good quality. The buffet had a wide selection, and the specialty restaurants offered a more elevated dining experience. The Japanese Restaurant was our favorite. Drinks were well-made and easy to get. We loved the Cappuccino Bar. The beach is beautiful and well maintained: soft white sand and clear turquoise water. There were always loungers available, and the staff kept the area clean and inviting. The pool area was lively, and we had the best time at the foam parties. Service throughout the resort was exceptional. Staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help. Whether it was at check-in, the restaurants, or during activities, everyone went out of their way to make the stay enjoyable. We had an amazing experience at Riu Palace Riviera Maya. We will definitely be back.

Staff were incredible. Resort and rooms were very clean. Staff is attentive. Do tip. Room service was a zero. Italian resteraunt needs more choices. Bar staff needs more experience making drinks. Our fav dinner spot was the Japanese spot. The pool and pool activities was where we spent the most time. Attentive housekeepers. Lots of activities. Shows. Night life.