Riu Cancun Hotel

We just got back last night and enjoyed 6 wonderful days (from August 23-28) at the RIU Cancun. We had visited Cancun a few years ago and had stayed at the Gran Caribe Real. This year due to our travel arrangements, we were unable to stay at the Gran Caribe. We saw that the Riu Cancun had just opened and we decided to give it a try. Another couple, who had never been to Cancun before, went with us. It was important to us to make sure they had a wonderful experience in Cancun as we had before. The entire staff at the hotel was so friendly and pleasant. They went out of their way to make sure you enjoyed yourself. The rooms were very nice and they all faced the ocean. All the pools were absoulutely beautiful. The food at all the restaurants was better than we could have ever expected at an all-inclusive. The entire facility was spotless, and the grounds were immaculate. Never a day went by that we didn't feel we were in paradise. If you go to Cancun, you owe it to yourself to experience the luxury of the Riu Cancun!

A friend and I stayed at the new RIU the week of August 11th. Of all my trips to Cancun, this was the best hotel I've stayed. The service was great, the staff friendly, VERY clean, and the food was great!It seemed to be a great place for both Families and singles. There are three pools at the RIU, one of which is on the other side of the building compared to the other two. This one is more quiet and good if you aren't interested in the activities going on at the two main pools.The crowd there was VERY diverse. There were lots of couples, both younger ( 23 + ) and older ( 50+). But also, some singles of all ages. Whether your looking for a beautiful place to relax, or a good place to mingle...RIU was fantastic. I will definatly return there next year!But...if I just HAD TO pick out one tiny, itsy-bitsy flaw... it would have to be the beds- Unlike the rest of the hotel which was beautiful- the beds were like a rock.. And I sleep in a lot of hotel beds traveling for work. If you go, bring some extra blankets.Once again, this hotel was awesome!

We loved the Rui! Great staff, wonderful views, close to downtown. The food was excellent, and the room was great. Will definitely go back!

The RIU CANCUN is a wonderful place to visit and spend a vacation -- just make sure it fits your needs as well as it fit our needs! MAJOR PLUSSES: Excellent staff, wonderfully attentive to our requests; English proficiency was very good for all (as was their tolerance of my espanol) except some cleaning staff who spoke only spanish, but with some pointing at an ice bucket and a "por favor" she was happy to lead me personally to the right spot (and yes, it is on even floors (8th, anyway) to the left of the elevators as you look at them around the corner). The lobby is absolutely glorious and reminiscent of the rotunda of our capitol building in Lansing. The rooms are nicely appointed with lots of granite and a well-stocked INCLUDED mini-bar. The food offered was always of a wide variety, of appropriate temperature, fresh, and tasty. The beach is beautiful with sand like talcum powder and lots of thatched palapas for shade, if that's what you'd like. Included was access to the non-motorized watersports (paddleboats, sea "kayaks", a sailboard, and five HobieCats) but do bring $2USD (N$20) each for a donation toward preserving the reefs (you get a wristband which is sturdier than it looks). If you know how to sail, the HobieCats are free (1 hour per day checkout -- more if nobody else is waiting -- tips to the staff are appreciated but not mandatory). The evening shows in the theater are entertaining if not spectacular, but the latin dancing show includes some extraordinary talent. THINGS TO BE AWARE OF: None of the restaurants would be considered full-service sit-down (this was OK with us but other guests were slightly off-put by this ... know thyself). If you don't know how to sail, lessons are $35 USD (N$350 Pesos) -- a bargain by my standards (I learned to sail on Cozumel, so I have a soft spot in my heart for small sailboats in the Caribbean). Learn early in the week and then the sailing's free from then on! Yes, the drinks were in plastic cups by the pool... but my feet appreciated it. And the bartenders will keep them coming if you want more (Muchas gracias, Eloy)! There were families present with small children who were on the whole well behaved (though I hope their parents didn't mind the topless European lady or two by the pool) and there was construction on both sides, but it wasn't an issue for us. BOTTOM LINE: A great value that we booked at good prices through a package vacation tour operator which charters out of DTW among others. We were expecting good food, good service, good attitudes, nice pools, and good sailing. We got it all and never had to leave the resort property! My wife and I (mid-30's) could recommend this destination to anyone who is looking for a beautiful resort with great buffet food and lots of extras included.

My boyfriend and I were at the Riu Canun from July 28th until August 4th and we absolutely loved it. I stayed at the Riu Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta last year and decided to stay at a Riu again because the hotel itself is beautiful. The location is amazing. You can walk to Coco Bongo's, Daddy O's, Hard Rock Cafe, flea markets, and many other attractions. The staff at the hotel were all very nice and very polite. The front desk was very helpful. The food was very good as well, compared to what others told me about other resorts in Cancun. You can't expect lobster and steak dinners, but the food was very good. We ate out twice for dinner. Once at Lorenzillo's which is a seafood restaurant and we were able to pick out our lobster (very pricy, but worth it) and you sit out on a sunset pier which is very romantic. Then we went to El Hacienda Mortero, a traditional Mexican restaurant steps away from the Riu which has a Mariachi band every night, and it is very affordable. All in all, the hotel was great. Unfortunately, no room service but all the rooms have a great view and every room has a mini-bar, imagine that? Alcohol, pop, and water at your fingertips. Not many great channels, but who cares, you're not there to watch TV too much. THe rooms are a good size and the balcony was a great place to sit and watch the ocean. Try the Jungle tour, it is so much fun and truly an experience to remember. We are in our 20's and did not want a wild crazy "People gone wild" hotel at all, the Riu had many families, couples. and singles which made the resort very relaxing. The swimming pools are amazing and one has tables and chairs to sit in. It was so much fun. The beach is clear blue and the only complaint I have is that some parts had rocks, so be careful when first entering the water. I was sooo sad leaving. I can't wait to return to Cancun, and there is no doubt about it, I would only stay at the Riu Cancun. It is so affordable and you get more than what you paid for!!!

We were at the Riu Aug 1-7 and our stay there was great. The service in the hotel was top notch and the hotel itself was sparkling. There were always some cleaning or moping everytime you walked through the lobby. The pool area was wonderful as well nothing like lying back and looking out over the ocean to the clear blue water. Construction around the hotel was not ever an issue at all. The food was great as well I think we ate steak every night we were not even tempted to leave the resort for a meal. The entertainment staff was great as well, they were always trying to get you involved with their activities and I enjoyed the shows put on by them more than the "profesional" shows. On our next trip to Cancun we will not stay anywhere but the Riu!

i spent my 40th birthday at the riu and loved it,this is a great resort with wonderful people from all over and staff that always greets you with a smile ,my only complaint was that i could never find the ice machines,i was told to look on the even floors by the elevators,never found them.and there are no irons or clock radios in the rooms. outside of that, which is no big deal,this is the resort to stay at if you're coming to cancun. 5 stars for sure.

i just returned from an 8 day vacation from Cancun I had a blast! I went on the first week of August the weather was great! Nice and Hot perfect for site seeing, tanning and swimming, Cancun is amazing! What made my vacation the greatest was staying at the Riu Cancun. This resort is truly a 5 star resort!! iI recomend it to everyone that is looking for quality, luxury and relaxation.... the hotel just opened this summer so it is extremely new and clean... It is elegant and worth every penny. The staff is nice and caring to your needs... the only staff that was a bit unpleasant were the women working in the the gift shop of the lobby, but other than them the entire staff was nice and helpful. This hotel is all-inclusive all meals and beverages are included even alcohol! there are nice classy bars all around the hotel even and a mini bar in every room!!! my favorite bar tender was GERARDO HE MAKES GREAT DRINKS!! Look out for him he tenders the main lobby bar during the night! I am definetly going back next August and staying at the Riu Cancun or may even try the new Riu that they are building right next door, I know I am definetly satisfied with my stay at this hotel it is amazing!!

Just returned from the fabulous Riu Cancun Aug. 4. My one week stay can be summed up in one word...EXCELLENT. The resort is excellent in every way and definitely merits a Caribbean 5-star. I was there with a party of 11. The weather was absolutely perfect...we had 7 days of sunshine and not a drop of rain (so much for the forecasts that predicted thunderstorms and rain every day).As a reference point, I've only stayed at 5-star resorts...Bavaro Palace in the Dominican, twice at the Riu Palace in Playa del Carmen, Maho Beach in St. Maarten, and the Radisson in Nassau. I've also stayed at the Waldorf Towers in NYC. Of the Caribbean resorts, the only one that comes close to the Riu Cancun is the Riu Palace, quite an accolade.HOTEL--The hotel is located in a perfect area for shopping, nightlife, and North American amenities. Upon approaching the hotel, one is taken aback by the sheer size of the tower. The air conditioned lobby is incredibly beautiful. It has both an elegant and classy look and feel to it with marbled floors, ornate wood reception desk, domed ceiling, and ornamental lighting fixtures. The grounds are gorgeous and immaculate.ROOMS--We were given an adjoining room on the fourth floor of the annex building with a breathtaking view of the ocean. It was a spacious junior suite with a sunken living room area. The washrooms had double basins and were quite large. The mini bar was always stocked and we never lacked water, beer, or soft drinks. The beds, although firm, were comfortable to sleep on. Essentially, there were two double beds pressed together, but could be separated. The sofa also opened up as a sofa bed.POOLS--We mainly stayed at the infinity pool in front of the annex. It was incredible. To sit on a lounge chair and look out to the pool which melds into the ocean, with Isla Mujeres in the background...WOW. There was an activity pool, a swim up "drinking" pool, and a quiet infinity pool on the east side of the tower. You could choose your pool according to your taste. I found the pool water warm, but it was still a refreshing relief from the oppressive heat.BEACH--Although a bit rocky in front of the annex, a large portion of the beach was sandy and beautiful. The water was many shades of blue. I went out on a catamaran and the water was sparklingly clear, a snorkeller's delight. Each morning the beach is cleaned of a little seaweed. Even so, one should beware of bits of glass, it is a public beach.FOOD---Keep in mind that it is an all-inclusive resort, but the food was excellent in every way. The breakfast was the best meal of the day with various types of omellettes and fruit juices prepared in front of you as you wish. Each day there was something new, with a few favourites available every day. The huge jumbo shrimp and smoked salmon were my favourite, but the food ranged from pork, veal, beef, salmon, seafood of all kinds to north american favourites like hamburgers hot dogs and french fries. Btw, the french fries were amazing. The fruits were delicious, particularly the mangos, but dessert, although plentiful, wasnt to my liking. I did enjoy the ice cream though. We ate breakfast and dinner in the large Don Juan restaurant, and had lunch at La Mision by the pool and beach. We didnt eat at the a la carte Corazon...didnt feel a need to, the buffet was plentiful, varied, and delicious. Of the eleven people with us, only one felt nauseous, and he blamed it on the mixing of drinks.DRINKS---I dont drink so i really cant comment on the quality of the drinks but judging by the number of people with drinks in their hands, i dont think anyone had a problem with them.SERVICE---Excellent from the moment we arrived. Any concerns (very few) that we had were attended to promptly. All the workers are friendly and work tirelessly. The grounds and rooms are immaculate thanks to the attendants and maids. Even the security people gave people a smile.ENTERTAINMENT---This is really a matter of taste, but i enjoyed all the shows from the Michael Jackson impersonator to the Mariachi singers to the parodies put on by guests and animacion staff. The animacion people are fantastic. They work tirelessly and encourage guests to participate. They even sit with the guests at lunch. Kudos to Enrique, Victor, Roberto, Veronica, et al. The activities ranged from beach volleyball to water polo, from darts to bingo, and from stretching to water aerobics. The music at the pool was perfect, not loud at all, and varied in style. It ranged from euro techno pop to hip hop to Frank Sinatra.ISSUES---Construction...on both sides, not an issue at all. Topless women...saw a few on the beach, none by the pool areas. Flies...some by the pool area, not annoying at all. Kids...there were all types of people there, families, singles, couples, and honeymooners. Inappropriate sexual innuendo games by the pool...none that i saw.In summation, this was as close to a perfect Caribbean resort as there is as far as i'm concerned. We met so many wonderful people from around the world who all had a great time. We would return to the Riu Cancun without hesitation!

Just returned from RIU Cancun after having a great time. My husband and I along with our 16 year old daughter spent four nights and five days there. All in all we had a great time. Yes, there is construction going on each side of the hotel, yes there was seaweed on the beach early morning (which was always cleaned up early) and yes all of the meals were mostly buffet. But, we can honestly say that the construction didn't bother us, the seaweed was gone by the time we got there, and there was always something that we liked that was hot and fresh on the buffet. My husband and I found time for ourselves there so i'm not sure that I agree that it is strictly for "families". We took in the sights, sounds and local culture of the area and enjoyed it. One thing that i've noticed in review alot (and I do mean alot) of these reviews on alot of the hotels located in cancun, not one person was ever satisfied with any one hotel in Cancun. It didn't matter if it was the Omni Hotel or the local beach shack. Someone always found fault with it. The one thing that you have to keep in mind when you book into a hotel in Cancun is to go in and read the hotel's web sight to see what all they offer and then pick the package that best for you. No one place is going to satisfiy all of your needs but then i've found very few places in the U.S. that offer that option. While RIU might not have been perfect in every way, it more than met our expectations and we wouldn't hesitate to return there again. Hope this helps someone else.