Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts
All-inclusive brand comparison · Updated 2026
Princess Hotels & Resorts
Large-scale, value-oriented all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico with expansive facilities and family-friendly programming.
23
Resorts
4
Countries
8.00
RF Rating
Riu Hotels & Resorts
A Spanish hotel chain founded in 1953, operating nearly 100 hotels across 20 countries with a strong all-inclusive presence in the Caribbean and Mexico.
74
Resorts
16
Countries
7.92
RF Rating
The Resort Flock Verdict
Princess Hotels and RIU are both large-format, value-oriented all-inclusive chains with a strong presence in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. RIU is the bigger brand (100+ properties) with more frequent renovations. Princess Hotels tends to offer larger resort complexes with expansive grounds. Both deliver reliable, no-surprise all-inclusive holidays at competitive rates. RIU edges ahead on consistency and renovation freshness; Princess wins on resort scale and space.
Brand at a Glance
| Metric | Princess Hotels & Resorts | Riu Hotels & Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Resorts Listed | 23 | 74 |
| Resort Flock Rating | 8.00/10 (23 rated) | 7.92/10 (73 rated) |
| Hotel Star Class | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Total Rooms | 8,569 | 36,910 |
| Adults-Only | 39% | 38% |
| Family-Friendly (Kids Club) | 65% | 69% |
| Beach Access | 100% | 97% |
| Spa | 100% | 97% |
| Destinations | 4 | 16 |
Vibe Profile
Based on the vibe categorisation of each brand's resorts. Percentages show share of that brand's portfolio.
Brand Profiles
Princess Hotels & Resorts
What They Do Best
Princess Hotels & Resorts is a Spanish hotel group specializing in large-scale, value-driven all-inclusive resorts. The brand operates massive resort complexes (some exceeding 1,000 rooms) that deliver a comprehensive all-inclusive experience at competitive prices. Princess's strength is scale — properties feature extensive facilities including multiple pools, waterparks, golf courses, and numerous dining options that keep guests entertained without leaving the resort.
Resort Experience
Princess resorts are mega-properties featuring multiple restaurants (6-10+), large pool complexes, sports facilities, entertainment venues, and spa centers. The Platinum upgrade offers premium service, exclusive restaurants, and enhanced rooms. Family properties include kids' clubs, waterparks, and teen zones. The all-inclusive covers meals, domestic and international drinks, activities, and entertainment. The brand emphasizes quantity and variety of options at accessible price points.
Locations & Properties
Princess operates in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (the massive Bávaro Princess complex and Grand Bávaro Princess — among the largest resort properties in the Caribbean) and Mexico (Grand Riviera Princess and Platinum Yucatan Princess in Riviera Maya). The Punta Cana properties share a sprawling complex on Bavaro Beach with extensive shared facilities. The Mexican properties offer a more modern, recently developed product.
Guest Experience
Princess targets budget-conscious families and groups seeking maximum value and scale in their all-inclusive vacation. The brand is popular with European travelers (especially from Spain and the UK) and appeals to first-time all-inclusive visitors attracted by competitive pricing. Due to the large scale, properties can feel crowded during peak seasons. The Platinum tier offers a significantly elevated experience for guests willing to pay more within the Princess ecosystem.
Riu Hotels & Resorts
What They Do Best
Riu Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned Spanish hotel company founded in 1953 in Mallorca. Now in its third generation, Riu operates nearly 100 hotels across 20 countries, with a particularly strong presence in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Spain. Riu's all-inclusive properties are known for delivering solid value with large-scale resorts, extensive buffets, and reliable entertainment. The brand spans budget-friendly (ClubHotel Riu) to upscale (Riu Palace and Riu Class) tiers, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Resort Experience
Riu resorts are typically large properties (300-700 rooms) with multiple pools, expansive beach areas, and buffet restaurants supplemented by à la carte options. The RiuLand kids' program operates at family-friendly properties with supervised activities. Riu Palace properties offer the premium tier with 24-hour all-inclusive, premium drinks, and à la carte restaurant access. Splash Water World waterparks are featured at select properties. Evening entertainment includes shows, themed nights, and discos. The brand emphasizes a hassle-free, everything-included experience.
Locations & Properties
Riu's all-inclusive portfolio is concentrated in Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta), Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), Jamaica (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril), Aruba, Costa Rica, Panama, Cape Verde, and the Maldives. European properties in Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Morocco round out the portfolio. The brand also operates city hotels in destinations like New York, Berlin, Dublin, and Dubai. Popular all-inclusive properties include Riu Palace Riviera Maya and Riu Reggae in Jamaica.
Guest Experience
Riu delivers a straightforward all-inclusive product that appeals to budget-conscious and mid-range travelers. The brand has a strong following among European travelers, particularly from Spain, Germany, and the UK. Riu Class loyalty program offers benefits like late checkout, room upgrades, and welcome gifts. Online check-in is available, and the Riu app provides resort information and service requests. Quality can vary significantly between properties, so researching specific locations is recommended.
Princess Hotels & Resorts Resorts
Rating8.2Caribe Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
Rating8.4Adults OnlyPrincess Senses The Mangrove
Rating8.0Adults OnlyPunta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa Adults Only
Rating8.0Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort and Spa - All Inclusive
Rating7.3Princess Family Club Bavaro - All Inclusive
Rating8.1Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive
Riu Hotels & Resorts Resorts
Rating8.0Adults OnlyHotel Riu Palace Jamaica
Rating8.2Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Rating8.0Hotel Riu Palace Swahili
Rating8.1Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana
Rating8.2Adults Only