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.

Official Website YouTube74 resorts listed

Operates in:Aruba Bahamas Costa Rica Dominican Republic Jamaica Maldives Mauritius Mexico Morocco Spain Sri Lanka Thailand

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.