Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya

The beach was a great spot for a daily walk, and when a storm at sea pushed seaweed onto it, the team worked hard to clear it quickly. The only small downside we noticed was the gym and its equipment, which weren’t well maintained for a hotel of this quality. Across our 11 nights, the hotel impressed us from arrival in the lobby to the day we left. All areas were immaculate, and staff at every level were friendly, helpful, and eager to please. The food was fantastic, with plenty of choice, and it was refreshing not to have to book the specialty restaurants. We’d definitely recommend this hotel.

Elite Club made a huge difference. It gave the place the feel of a boutique resort while still offering the amenities of a large one. After a rocky start, when our Elite Club room overlooked the restrooms, the staff handled things professionally. The property is meticulously maintained, and the buffet and specialty restaurants offer an extensive selection of well-prepared food. Standouts included lobster, stone crab claws, and filet. Top-shelf drinks were available all day. A few things to know: there are no ocean-view rooms, the gym is small and has aging equipment, some of which needs repair. Steam room and thermal pool access is reserved for extra paid spa services. I’m not a big fan of all-inclusive, but if those limitations work for you, this is a phenomenal place.

This was our fifth visit, and we’ve had a great experience every time. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and the food is very good, with options for a range of diets. The grounds are impeccable, the pools clean, and housekeeping does a fantastic job keeping both the rooms and public spaces tidy. I have nothing but good things to say about this resort.

We had an unforgettable family holiday. The hotel and its location are a great choice for anyone wanting to stay away from Cancun’s hassle and bustle. Staff were the friendliest I’ve come across anywhere and couldn’t do enough to help. The hotel was immaculate, and the wide variety of food was excellent. All in all, a superb stay.