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Rating8.4Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Rating8.0Hotel Riu Palace Swahili
Rating8.1Adults Only
Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyGood
Based on 12.8k reviews
The Energetic Entertainment Team
Guests consistently praise the entertainment staff for their boundless energy, enthusiasm, and the wide array of diverse daytime and evening programs that keep the resort lively and engaging for all ages.
Diverse Pool Experiences
The resort's variety of pools, particularly the massive main pool with its popular swim-up bar and the dedicated children's pool with waterslides, offers enjoyment and relaxation options for everyone.
Beautiful and Accessible Beach
Despite being a short walk away, the pristine, soft white sand beach, coupled with a convenient shuttle service and ample loungers, is highly appreciated for its beauty and ease of access.
Comprehensive 24-Hour All-Inclusive
The extensive 24-hour all-inclusive program, offering diverse dining, unlimited beverages including in-room liquor dispensers, and access to sister properties, provides exceptional value and convenience.
Excellent Value and Staff Service
Many guests highlight the outstanding value for money and commend the helpful, friendly, and attentive staff who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a positive vacation experience.
Potential for Crowds and Noise
Guests seeking a quiet retreat should be aware that the main pool area and the Pacha discotheque can be very lively, crowded, and noisy, particularly during peak times.
Buffet and Show Repetition
For longer stays (exceeding 5-6 days), some guests find that the buffet menu and the evening entertainment shows can become somewhat repetitive.
Early Restaurant Reservations Essential
Specialty à la carte restaurants are popular and can book up quickly, so guests are advised to make reservations promptly upon arrival, often via the resort's app.
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Excellent Rating
8.2/10 based on over 12,000 reviews
Booking.com
Excellent Rating
4.5/5 from more than 16,000 travelers
TripAdvisor
Preferred Property
Travelocity
Superior First Class
7 Superior First Class
Travel Weekly
Hotel Riu Tequila's most practical selling point isn't the resort itself — it's the 'Stay at One, Play at Four' program, which gives you daytime access to Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, and potentially Riu Palace Mexico's facilities. For a family or group spending 7–10 days in Playa del Carmen, this effectively quadruples your pool, restaurant, and bar options without paying for multiple properties. Guests who get bored at a single resort benefit most from this arrangement.
The resort is village-style within the Playacar development — a gated residential and resort area south of Playa del Carmen's main strip. The 2018 renovation updated the gardens, rooms, and pool zones significantly; it's in good condition by mid-range Mexican all-inclusive standards. 664 rooms across a spread-out property with lush tropical gardens.
The critical practical note: Riu Tequila is not beachfront. Playacar Beach is about 800 meters away (roughly a 10-minute walk on a shaded path) or a 2-minute shuttle ride. The beach is excellent — consistent Riviera Maya white sand and calm water — but guests who expect to step off the pool deck onto sand will be surprised. The beach does not belong to the resort; it's a public beach with reserved lounger service. Cancun International Airport is 53–55 km away, a 40-minute drive.
For activities: the weekly Riu Party foam night is included and draws guests from all four properties, making it a high-energy event. The Pacha discotheque is on-site every night. The specialty restaurant reservations should be made through the resort app — they fill within hours of opening each day.