Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyGood
Based on 9.1k reviews
Beachfront Beauty
Guests consistently rave about the resort's stunning white sandy beach location in Playacar, offering direct access to crystal-clear waters and ample sun loungers.
Exceptional Service
The staff receives widespread praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and dedication, significantly enhancing the overall guest experience.
Diverse Dining
The array of 7 restaurants and various buffet options, noted for their quality and variety, is a frequent highlight, catering to all tastes 24 hours a day.
Pristine Cleanliness
The resort is highly commended for its immaculate cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic environment.
Abundant Pools & Activities
With 4 swimming pools and a wide range of included activities, from water sports to daily entertainment, guests find endless options for fun and relaxation.
Prime Location & Access
Its location in Playacar, close to Playa del Carmen and offering 'Stay at 1, Play at 5' privileges, provides excellent value and expanded entertainment options.
Bathroom Design
Some guests express concerns about the open-concept bathrooms in certain rooms, where sinks and showers are open to the main living space, affecting privacy.
Toilet Enclosure Size
The small size of the separate toilet enclosures within the rooms is a recurring minor point of criticism for some visitors.
Noise Levels
While generally peaceful, some reviews occasionally mention noise, suggesting light sleepers might consider room location.
Mattress Comfort
A few guests have noted that some mattresses can be prone to movement when one person shifts, potentially impacting sleep comfort.
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Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya's most practical differentiator isn't a restaurant or pool — it's the 'Stay at 1, Play at 5' program. Guests have full access to the amenities and dining at four neighboring Riu Playacar properties, which effectively multiplies the available restaurants and pools without additional cost. Complimentary entry and drinks at the Pacha discotheque round out the nightlife option. For a single resort, this is an unusual volume of included off-property access.
The property is in Playacar — a gated residential and resort community immediately south of Playa del Carmen's Quinta Avenida. The 2.5km distance to Playa del Carmen's pedestrian shopping strip is walkable or a short taxi. This makes the Riviera Maya location more practically useful than most all-inclusives, which are physically isolated from town. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is 55–60km away, approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Opened in 2006 and renovated in December 2019, the colonial-style architecture is a consistent aesthetic — carved stone detailing, whitewashed archways, and a garden-heavy layout distinguish it from the glass-and-tower format of newer Caribbean all-inclusives. The style divides opinion; guests who appreciate the colonial character tend to be enthusiastic about it. The resort explicitly prohibits student groups and Spring Breakers, which shapes the atmosphere noticeably — the crowd skews families and couples.
Seven restaurants are available within the property, with four specialty à la carte options (Krystal, Yashima, Il Portico, Agave) all requiring reservations. Agave's Mexican menu includes grilled octopus alongside fajitas and enchiladas — a more interesting choice than the steakhouse alternative at most comparable properties.