Escape to Paradise: Riu Palace Mexico All-Inclusive Luxury!
Escape to Paradise? Riu Palace Mexico - My All-Inclusive Rollercoaster Ride! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just returned from the Riu Palace Mexico, and let me tell you, "Paradise" is a strong word. It's more like… a beautifully landscaped, heavily sanitized, and occasionally chaotic version of a tropical dream. Let's untangle this beast, shall we?
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- Keywords: Riu Palace Mexico, All-Inclusive Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Luxury Resort, Spa, Beachfront, Food, Drinks, Review, Family Holiday, Honeymoon, COVID Safety, Free WiFi, Pool, Restaurants.
- Metadata (Example): Riu Palace Mexico Review: Is it Paradise? Accessibility, Food, Fun & Honest Opinions on this All-Inclusive Resort. Find out if it's worth your money and your precious vacation time!
Accessibility: The Highs and the Hiccups
First impressions? Pretty good. The Riu Palace Mexico says it's accessible, and to a degree, it is. Wheelchair accessibility is present, with ramps and elevators readily available to access the various levels of the resort, from the lobby to the restaurants. The grounds are relatively flat, making navigation manageable. HOWEVER – and this is a big BUT – the devil is always in the details. We did a buddy's trip, and he travels in a wheelchair. Some of the pathways could be a bit tight – think a crowded airport hallway, imagine having to negotiate that with a 360-degree radius.
My biggest accessibility gripe? The beaches. While the resort had walkways and the sand was (relatively) compact near the shore, truly accessible beach access was minimal. If you're planning on spending a significant amount of time in the ocean, this might not be ideal. I did notice some beach wheelchairs about, so that was (at least) a good attempt; a proper ramp into the water would have been a much better experience, though.
Rooms: Fancy, Functional, and… a Little Sterile?
Alright, the rooms. They're nice. Really, really nice. We’re talking plush beds, massive bathrooms (with a delightful separate shower and bathtub – big points!), and air conditioning that could chill a polar bear. Loved the free bottled water, a huge plus.
The soundproofing was AMAZING, by the way. Despite the resort's constant buzz, we heard absolutely nothing from our room. We got a room on a high floor, and the view was spectacular!
The not-so-great? It all felt a little… sterile. Yes, the daily housekeeping did a stellar job, but everything was so perfectly symmetrical, so immaculately clean, it felt like living in a museum exhibit. The room sanitization opt-out option was very reassuring.
Internet: The WiFi Shuffle
Okay, let's talk internet because in this day and age, it's practically a human right, right? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A big YES! However, the signal wavered. You'd be streaming something and poof!, lost connection. Thankfully, the rest of the time the Wi-Fi was acceptable; It was mostly consistent in the public areas as well. I am sure there’s a better option than what I got.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuel for the Fun (and Occasional Food Coma)
Ah, the cornerstone of any all-inclusive: the food and drink! Let's dive in, because this is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: There are several restaurants, with a variety of cuisines offered, including international cuisine and Asian cuisine. The buffet was a sight to behold: mountains of food, from breakfast to dinner. It was well-stocked, as was the Asian cuisine restaurant. The food was definitely a step up from some all-inclusives I've experienced. I loved the desserts, but I went way overboard (no regrets).
- Bars and Drinks: The poolside bar and the bar were always bustling, slinging fruity concoctions. One morning, I had a Bloody Mary at the breakfast buffet, and it was the perfect start to the day. The Happy hour (yes!) was a welcome event.
- The "Alternative Meal Arrangement": Some restaurants required reservations, and sometimes, you just weren't in the mood to dress up for dinner. If you did this, you got fed, but it wasn't exactly the high-end experience.
- Safety (and My Hysterical Obsession with Hand Sanitizer): Okay, let's talk COVID. Riu Palace Mexico took the safety protocols SERIOUSLY. The daily disinfection in common areas was evident; every surface was wiped down constantly. Hand sanitizer stations were EVERYWHERE. The staff trained in safety protocol were friendly, efficient, and helpful.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Poolside Bliss
So, what do you DO at an all-inclusive? Well, a lot!
- Pools: There are multiple swimming pools – one with a view! You could spend your entire vacation flitting between the pool and the bar, and you'd have a pretty good time.
- Spa: The spa was lovely. I indulged in a massage that melted away all my stress. (Highly recommended.) They had a sauna and a steamroom too, but I'm not that adventurous.
- Fitness Center: The fitness center had everything you needed to work off all the tacos and margaritas.
- Beaches: Of course, there's the beach. The water was crystal clear, and the sand was soft, although I've already mentioned the accessibility issues there.
- Entertainment: Live music was there in the evenings.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
- Staff: The concierge was helpful for booking excursions and answering questions.
- Cleaning: Daily housekeeping was excellent.
- Payment: Cashless payment service was appreciated.
- Other: Loved the convenience store and the gift shop.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Family/child friendly, with kids facilities and a babysitting service. *I did not have any kids with me, but the place felt relatively kid-friendly overall.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanitized Paradise?
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol were noticeable and reassuring. I actually felt very safe.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer was included.
- Car park [free of charge]: was very convenient.
- Taxi service was readily available if you wanted to venture off-site.
The Imperfections (because nothing's perfect, people!)
- Food: The food was mostly good, but some dishes were hit-or-miss.
- Service: While generally good, service sometimes felt a bit rushed, especially during peak dining hours.
- Crowds: The sheer volume of people can be overwhelming at times.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Riu Palace Mexico isn't perfect, but it's a solid choice for an all-inclusive getaway. The pros (beautiful grounds, clean rooms, good fun) outweigh the cons (accessibility concerns, sometimes rushed service, a slight feeling of manufactured perfection). If you're looking for a relaxing vacation filled with sun, sea, and unlimited margaritas, I'd say, "Go for it!" Just be prepared for the occasional imperfection – after all, it's what makes life interesting, right? And bring ALL the hand sanitizer. You're gonna need it. Maybe I'll see you there next year!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (Could be 4.5 if the beach access was improved.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Rey Arturo Hotel, Pedernales, Spain!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned vacation itinerary. This is my trip to the Riu Palace Mexico, Playa del Carmen, and you’re coming along for the messy, sunburned, margarita-soaked ride. Seriously, don't expect perfect. I'm aiming for real.
Day 1: Arrival, Disorientation, and the Glorious Buffet
- 1:00 PM (ish): Landed in Cancun. Ugh, that airport. A glorious, chaotic free-for-all. Finding the shuttle to the hotel was a minor victory. Mostly because I didn’t get scammed into a timeshare (yet… I’m sure it’s coming).
- 2:30 PM: Checked into the Riu Palace. The lobby is grand, smells vaguely of chlorine (and a hint of tropical dreams). My room? Surprisingly decent. Ocean view? Technically, yes. More like… partial ocean view with a generous helping of palm tree in the way. Minor annoyance, but okay, ocean is blue, so let it slide.
- 3:00 PM: The Unpack. This is where the vacation's real messiness starts. I always overpack. I mean, always. 2 weeks in Mexico, and I could have survived a polar vortex. The struggle of deciding what to wear in 90-degree heat is REAL.
- 4:00 PM: The Buffet is Calling! I ventured into the wild – the buffet, a glorious, chaotic landscape of food. Okay, here's a confession: I judge all-inclusive resorts by their buffet. This one? Promising. Tacos, quesadillas, glistening fruit, a whole roasted pig… I took a plate. And another. And maybe a third. Don’t judge me. I needed fuel for the vacation-ing Olympics.
- 5:30 PM: Beach Reconnaissance. Walked onto the beach. Sand is white. Water is turquoise. Sun is… well, it's sizzling. Found a sunbed. The bliss of doing absolutely nothing.
- 6:30 PM: Margarita Time. Ordered my first margarita at the beach bar. Was it the best margarita I've ever had? No. But did it hit the spot? Absolutely. This is the life.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the Japanese Restaurant (Which Is Really Just a Buffet, But with More Drama). Ok, so they have different theme restaurants, which I thought would be classy, but here’s what happened. There was a little show, which was fun, but the food was just ok. The sushi wasn't great - it was overcooked and soggy, and the chef was trying to be funny and it was kinda terrible. Did I laugh, yes. Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Regretful Decisions
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with the sun. Or rather, the sun wakes me. Apparently, I'm not made for sleeping in. Stumbled towards the buffet for breakfast. Eggs are cooked, omelets are ok, but nothing amazing.
- 9:00 AM: Pool Time. Found a decent spot by the pool. Applied sunscreen. Twice. (I'm a ginger, burns are a certainty.) Floating in the pool, just… zen.
- 11:00 AM: Beach Volleyball. A massive mistake. Seriously. I have no athletic ability whatsoever. I got hit in the face with the ball, a small victory, but I was terrible. My team lost horribly. But hey, at least I got a good laugh.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Beach Restaurant: A little better than the buffet. I ordered grilled fish tacos. They were really, really good.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Relaxation" Time. Which consisted of me hiding in the shade, reading, and occasionally sipping a cocktail. Perfect.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Steakhouse. This was a proper restaurant, not a buffet. The steak was good. The waiter was charming. Overall, a successful culinary experience.
- 8:00 PM: The Shows begin. Never been a big fan of hotel shows, but these are honestly entertaining, if a little predictable.
Day 3: The Cenote Adventure (and a Bit of Existential Dread)
- 9:00 AM: Finally, a proper day! Today: a day trip to a cenote! I booked an excursion.
- 10:00 AM: The cenote was absolutely beautiful. Crystal-clear water, a cathedral-like cave lit by the sun. Swimming in it was ethereal.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near the Cenote: the food was not what I wanted. The area was amazing but the meal was underwhelming.
- 1:00 PM: Went to Tulum ruins. The ruins were so hot. I thought to myself, "why did I come here today? "
- 4:30 PM: Back at the resort. Pool time, beach time, cocktail time. The usual.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Buffet again. I am getting tired of the buffet.
- 8:00 PM: The circus show. I went to the circus show. It was… meh.
Day 4: Sea Life and Minor Panic
- 9:00 AM: Snorkelling trip! Booked a snorkelling excursion to Cozumel.
- 10:00 AM: The boat trip was… rough. Seasickness is a real threat.
- 11:00 AM: Actually Getting in the water. The coral was okay. saw many turtles.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Cozumel. More tacos. It felt like the food was not really authentic.
- 2:00 PM: The boat ride back was better. I recovered.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the resort. Ordered way too many margaritas.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: I skipped the buffet and opted for a late-night snack. Pizza. A little bit of heaven.
Day 5: Relaxation, Repeat!
- 8:00 AM: I've settled into the rhythm of the resort. I know where the best coffee is. Things are good.
- 9:00 AM: Pool time: sunbathing, reading.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Buffet – embracing the chaos.
- 2:00 PM: Beach. More of the same.
- 4:00 PM: The bar.
- 7:00 PM: The buffet, again.
- 8:00 PM: More drinks.
Day 6: (and beyond) – My brain shuts down, and I am at peace.
- The days are a blur: Repeat the cycle… pool, beach, buffet, drinks, sleep. Perhaps a little bit of exploring.
- More food: More sun. More beach. More margaritas.
- Maybe some shopping: I spent too much money on souvenirs.
- Departure: Coming soon.
- Final thoughts: The Riu Palace Mexico is not perfect. It’s not a luxury resort. But damn, did I have a good time. It’s a place to unwind, escape, and unapologetically embrace the chaos of a good vacation.
- Final, final thoughts: I’m getting a little bit of a sunburn. I'm already planning my next trip back. See you there!
Escape to Paradise: Riu Palace Mexico - The REAL Dirt (and the Good Bits Too!)
1. Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the Riu Palace Mexico REALLY as “luxury” as they claim? Because, let’s be honest, all-inclusive can be hit or miss.
Alright, the "luxury" label? Hmmm. Depends on your definition. It's *nicer* than your average all-inclusive, no doubt. Think... a slightly more upscale version of spring break, with a better buffet. (And thank GOD for that buffet, more on that later). The lobby? Gorgeous. Marble, chandeliers, the works. The rooms? Generally, pretty solid. We were in a Junior Suite, which *sounded* fancy, BUT the AC struggled on one of the nights, leaving me to fan myself with the complimentary fruit bowl (because I’m dramatic). That being said, the beds were comfy! And the balcony view? Spectacular. Look, it's not the Four Seasons, okay? But for the price, and the sheer volume of included cocktails, it's certainly a very *comfortable* luxury. Think "comfortably well-off aunt," not "billionaire on a yacht."
2. The Food! Tell me ALL about the food. I live to eat. (And drink.)
Okay, food. This is where things get... interesting. The buffet? The absolute *lifesaver*. Honestly, it’s AMAZING how often I found myself drifting back there. Sure, it repeats a bit, but the breadth of choices is impressive. Breakfast? Omelet station. Pastries. Bacon. Fruits you've probably never heard of (but will gobble down anyway). Lunch? Grills, salads, pastas… you'll be stuffed. Dinner? Themed nights (Mexican night was epic, I'm not even kidding). And the dessert bar... Oh. My. GOD. Pro-tip: Go to the buffet early. While the buffet offers a huge variety, the food quality is sometimes inconsistent at the specialty restaurants.
Now, the *a la carte* restaurants… those are a gamble. We tried the Japanese place, and, well, let's just say I’ve had better sushi (the rice was a little… gluey). The steakhouse? Decent, but nothing to write home about. The Italian place? Surprisingly good! So, yeah, hit or miss. My advice: Book your reservations early. And don’t be afraid to hit the buffet after. I did. Multiple times. (No regrets.)
Oh! And the drinks! A constant flow. They pour them strong, so pace yourself. Which, for me, was a struggle. (The margaritas were a personal highlight).
3. The Beach: Is it picture-perfect? Or seaweed city?
The beach… okay. It's pretty. Really pretty. White sand, turquoise water. *When* the seaweed cooperates. Seriously, seaweed is Mother Nature’s sassy mood ring. During our trip, some days it was pristine, absolutely postcard-worthy. Other days? A bit… swampy. The resort staff works tirelessly raking it away, bless their hearts. Just be prepared to spend some time navigating the seaweed situation, if you like calm water. If not, the pool and the sea is pretty and clear.
Also, the vendors. They’re there. They’re selling everything from trinkets to tours. They're persistent. A polite "No, gracias" usually works, but be prepared for the occasional guilt trip ("You no buy from me, I have to feed my children!"). That's when you feign not to understand and walk away.
4. Pools Galore! Are they as enjoyable as the beach?
The pools? Yes! There's a bunch. One with a swim-up bar (obviously a must-do). One with a gentle slope (perfect for chilling). One that's a bit more lively and filled with people. You will not be disappointed. You do need to get up early to snag a sun-lounger, though. The towel game is STRONG at the Riu Palace. People stake their claim at dawn. I, personally, am too lazy. I tend to simply find an available spot. Regardless, you will find someplace to sit.
The pool staff keeps things clean and the drinks flowing, which is also good. And the overall atmosphere? Relaxed and fun, you can socialize and chill out with your friends.
5. Evening Entertainment: Is it cheesy or actually fun? Because I have a low tolerance for cheesy.
Ugh, the shows. Alright, let's be honest. They're… hit or miss. Expect the usual all-inclusive fare: lip-syncing, questionable costumes, and lots of audience participation. The Michael Jackson tribute was surprisingly decent! The other performances are really hit and miss. But hey, it's free! And after a few margaritas, everything's funnier, right? They also have a karaoke night. Enough said.
The real joy comes from the evening strolls. The grounds are beautiful. So grab a drink, take it easy, and enjoy the sunset.
6. Rooms and Amenities: What should I expect? Beyond the obvious.
Rooms… are fine. They're clean, the housekeeping staff is efficient, and you’ll have a mini-bar (filled with water, soda, and some basic alcohol). You'll also get an in-room safe (always a good idea, especially if, like me, you're prone to misplacing things after a few cocktails). The air conditioning is a bit inconsistent, though.
Beyond that, the hotel has a gym (I didn't use it), a spa (tempting, but pricey), and a bunch of shops selling souvenirs (which, you know, are necessary, especially when you're buying them for people back home as they always remember some silly thing they asked for). Oh, and Wi-Fi. It’s spotty. Expect to pay for reliable Wi-Fi or embrace digital detox. I always embrace digital detox because I don't like paying for the internet.
7. The Staff: Are they friendly? Do they expect tips?
The staff are generally lovely! Honestly, they work HARD. They're friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which is impressive, given they're dealing with people all day. Tips are appreciated, but not *Find Hotel Now
