What We Love
- No reservations needed for any of the restaurants.
- This palatial paradise has two shimmering pools, plus a prime beachy location. Sun worshippers, you'll be in love.
- Tucked into a gated, upscale community, the swanky decor here is modern and chic.
- This Beach Eden is geared for families and adults, so the crowd isn't a rowdy party crew.
- Weights. Cardio. Stretching. It's going on every morning and afternoon.
- Dipping into a relaxing steam bath and whirlpool after your stress-smashing workout.
- Carving out some much needed naptime on the beach. The swaying palms will be your lullaby.
Things to Know
- Playa del Carmen offers oceans to do nearby: Mayan ruins, shopping, Xaman-Ha Aviary and golf.
- Beach comb your way up and down the shores. Stop by a neighboring Riu for a free drink or two.
- The exceptionally friendly staff always greets you with a smile and will pamper you the moment you arrive.
- RiuLand keeps the kiddos entertained while you book a stress-smashing day at the spa.
- Looking for some friendly competitions - why not, right? Tennis, ping pong and volleyball are favs.
Resort Details
- Various Lounges/Bars- Bar Cubano- Los Mariachis- Lounge 24- El Palmeral- Beach bar- Capuchino
- Various Restaurants- Don Julian-Restaurant with terrace- Guacamole-Beach restaurant/grill and steakhouse- Krystal-Fusion Restaurant- La Dolce Vita-Italian restaurant- La Bodega-Mexican restaurant- Miyagi-Japanese restaurant
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour room service
- Accessible facilities
- Babysitting,Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Bell staff/porter
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Elevators
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour room service
- Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
- Babysitting, Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Bell staff/porter
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Elevators
- Exercise gym
- Free high speed internet connection
- Free parking
- Gift/News stand†
- Golf, Offsite†
- Housekeeping - daily
- Laundry/Valet service†
- Lounges/bars
- Meal Plan Type: All Inclusive
- Non-smoking rooms available
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Safe deposit box
- Sauna
- Spa†
- Tennis court
- Tour/sightseeing desk
- Wakeup service
- Water sports†
† Fees may apply
- Children's poolThere is 1 children's pool onsite.
- Children's programRiuLand
- Direct access to a beach
- Fitness center on-site
- General †Pickleball Court
- Hot tub2 Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Motorized Water Sports †Jet ski, parasailing, waterskiing, diving, deep sea fishing, etc.
- Non-Motorized Water SportsWindsurfing, sailing, kayaks, snorkel gear, body board, one introductory scuba lesson in the pool, paddle boat, etc.
- PoolThere are 4 pools onsite.
- Sauna
- Spa †
- Tennis courtThere are 2 lit tennis courts onsite.
- Golf †Golf course located within 5 miles of the property.
- On-site EntertainmentAccess to weekly theme parties for everyone
† Fees may apply
Guest Reviews from CheapCaribbean Customers
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
8788 reviews
-
Jan 14, 2026Very nice resort
Very nice time at the Riu Palace Mexico. Staff is very friendly and attentive. We had a slight problem with the lighting in our room, maintenance was there within 5 minutes to fix the problem. Food was very good, much better than comparable resorts in the area. Housekeeping was wonderful, very cute towel critters on the bed and received a "welcome" chocolate ball that was to die for! Pool area is very nice, but I imagine that it would be very crowded during peak seasons. Nighttime entertainment was quite enjoyable, particularly the Silent Disco and going over to the Riu Tequila for party night. Only major complaint is that internet service is not very good on the resort. I was not able to connect at all in my room using my cell service (Verizon), could only get on the internet using resort guest wifi when I would go to the lobby and pool area, it was very spotty in the other areas. Other than that one issue, I would definitely recommend the Palace Mexico!
-
Jan 13, 2026Very Disappointing Stay – be aware of Cockroaches
Very Disappointing Stay – Not a 5-Star Experience We stayed at Riu Palace Mexico, Playa del Carmen, expecting a 5-star all-inclusive experience, but it was extremely disappointing. Our first room was dirty and poorly maintained — broken bathroom, heavy dust everywhere, and very old, worn furniture. We immediately requested a room change. Even after we paid extra for an upgraded room, we were told we still had to wait 24 hours before being moved. When we were finally placed in the upgraded room the next day, the situation became even worse. That evening, after returning from dinner and turning on the lights, around 20 cockroaches ran across the room. It was absolutely disgusting. I am attaching photos and videos as proof. I tried calling the service desk multiple times that night, but no one answered. The next morning, management again told us to wait another 24 hours, which we refused. After several hours, we were moved to a different room. By then, three of our six vacation days were lost. The front desk staff and management were unhelpful and dismissive. When we asked for compensation, they offered a free massage, which did not address the seriousness of the issue. RIU corporate referred us to Expedia, since we booked through them, and we are still waiting for a response. The food was mediocre and mostly tasteless, including the Christmas Eve dinner. The beach was nice, but there was no beach service, towels were old and limited to one per person, and there was very little pool entertainment. This resort should not advertise itself as a 5-star property. Cockroaches, poor cleanliness, and lack of proper service are unacceptable, especially at this price point. I would not recommend this resort. Unfortunately, I can not add a video due to TripAdvisor's policy.
-
Jan 11, 2026
Perfect Mexican Paradise!
Incredible stay at Riu Palace Mexico! Idyllic beach, super attentive staff, excellent food with tons of variety, and flawless all-inclusive service. Beautiful pools, fun entertainment, and comfy rooms. 100% recommend – 5 stars! Would return in a heartbeat!
-
Jan 09, 2026Not the best in service unfortunately
Never in my life have I ever been on a cruise ship or an all-inclusive where I’ve been questioned about asking for an extra blanket and questioned when I checked in why I “just didn’t do it online”. The best part of this resort is “Francisco” and he was my highlight the whole time I was here. That gentleman deserves a raise and you better never get rid of him when you transfer over to “adults only” he is your saving grace. The first face you see and the last face you see when you leave. He’s an amazing person and I’m glad I got to meet him. Otherwise you’ll find me back at Iberostar Tucan ❤️
-
Jan 06, 2026
Better options in Riviera Maya
Not worth the money. I’ve been to Riviera Maya several times and decided to try a RIU. Definitely not even a 3 star resort. Dirty towels in your room and on the beach. Several times we got stained beach towels. Even our white towels in our room were stained yellow. It was disgusting! No beach service. Trash all over the beach. Only one bar for all people at pool & beach. Reception was little to no help with issues that we came across. Never would any of this type of service be tolerated at a 4 or 5 star resort. Don’t waste your money here. Several other resorts other than a RIU in Riviera Maya that offer much better options, service, food, and amenities.
- AdvisoryStudent Groups/Spring Breakers (either groups or individuals, regardless of age) are not allowed at any time during the year. Guests disturbing or generating complaints from other guests or hotel may be removed from the property, at their own expense. Parties in rooms are not permitted.
- AdvisoryThe state of Quintana Roo will be charging a sanitation tax of a minimum $33.94 Mexican Pesos, per room per night. This amount is not included in your vacation price and will be collected at your hotel. This fee is subject to change at any time without notice by the hotel.
- AdvisoryEffective 9/5/2026, this hotel will convert to an adults-only property.
- AdvisoryRiu Palace Mexico will undergo a complete renovation closing on May 4, 2026 and re-opening on September 5, 2026 as an Adults Only hotel.
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 12:00 AM
- Minimum Check-In Age: 18
- General Policies:
Check-in Policy: Deposits or credit/debit card hold authorizations are not requested at check-in. "Minimum age of 18 is required for check-in, an ID/Passport will be requested upon arrival.
Convention Policy : Groups traveling together can book this property for their stay taking advantage of group benefits such as 6th or 11th complimentary guest, Group dinner reservation, One complimentary cocktail hour with a selection of appetizers, One complimentary massage for the group leader, Complimentary room upgrades to the next category, Fruit plate and bottle of wine for the VIP, Private check-in when arriving together, Welcome sign. Applicable with Wedding Collections and Social Packages. Consult terms & conditions.
Transfer Policy: A price may display when children stay free, if your vacation includes transfer to your hotel.
General Information: Room taxes and service fees are included in vacation price. Minimum night stay restrictions may apply. Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.
- Pet Policy : Pets Not Allowed
- Early Departure Policy
- Early Departure Penalty:1 NightApplies: Sunday - Saturday 04Jul24 - 23Dec26
- Early Departure Penalty:2 NightsApplies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26