What We Love
- No reservations needed at any of the restaurants.
- The resort's Art Deco architecture hugged by epic palms that rises up from the sandsational beach.
- The liquor dispensers in the rooms. It's a party. Just add people.
- The treatments at the world-class, delicious spa. Unplug and unwind.
- Supervised fun for the little ones while you savor a drink by the teal waves.
- Teeing off at the 18-hole, championship golf course that's right next door.
- The fitness program that includes Backfit, Aquagym, stretching and bums, legs, tums.
- Dancing the night away at the Pacha nightclub.
Things to Know
- The airport is a mere 15 minutes from the airport so you'll be on that sweet beach lickety split.
- Be sure to visit Cuale Island, a shady and tranquil oasis, to shop for crafty, cool souvenirs.
- Banderas Bay is brimming with animal fun: see the release of sea turtles & swim with dolphins.
- Get up early to snag a beach lounger. They go fast.
- You can go horseback riding in the Sierra Madres, a bucket-list-worthy thing to do.
- If you're more adventurous, there's bungee jumping. Hang on!
- There are oceans of water sports: bodyboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and more. Take the plunge.
Resort Details
- Don RafaelMain restaurantBuffet restaurant open for dinner. Buffets and live cooking stations.
Special evenings: themed buffet (three times a week).
- FlamingoSteakhouse serving A la carte specialities.
- Il GustoItalian restaurantBuffet-style Italian restaurant.
• Poolside restaurant/Theme restaurant - KulinariumGourmet restaurantA la carte gourmet restaurant.
- NirvanaAsian restaurantBuffet-style Asian restaurant.
- Various Lounges/Bars
• Astoria - Lobby bar
• La Boheme - Lounge bar
• Sports Bar
• La Plaza - Bar
• Mezcal - Poolside bar with swim-up bar
*Access to all bars at Riu Jalisco.
- 24-hour front desk
- Accessible facilities
- ATM/Cash machine
- Babysitting,Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Beachfront
- Bell staff/porter
- Business services†
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- 24-hour front desk
- Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
- ATM/Cash machine
- Babysitting, Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Beachfront
- Bell staff/porter
- Business services†
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Concierge desk
- Elevators
- Exercise gym
- Free high speed internet connection
- Game room
- Gift/News stand†
- Golf, Offsite†
- Housekeeping - daily
- Laundry/Valet service†
- Lounges/bars
- Meal Plan Type: All Inclusive
- Parking
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Safe deposit box
- Spa
- Sports bar
- Tour/sightseeing desk
- Water sports†
† Fees may apply
- Children's pool
Children's pool with slides.
- Children's program, onsiteDaily daytime entertainment program for children. "Riu land" kids club.
- Direct access to a beach
- Fitness center on-siteComplimentary use of gym.Fitness activities in RiuFit area.
- Motorized Water Sports †
- Non-Motorized Water Sports
- PlaygroundChildren's Playground.
- Pool
There are 5 pools including one with a swim-up bar. New grill by the pool.
- Sauna
- Spa †Renova Spa with a variety of treatments, hairdresser, massages and beauty salon ($).
- Whirlpool
- Golf †Golf course located within a mile of the hotel.
- Kayaking †
- NightclubsComplimentary access to "Pacha" discotheque at Riu Jalisco (open 7 nights a week); drinks included.
- Windsurfing †
- On-site EntertainmentAccess to weekly theme parties for everyone
- Nuevo Vallarta
- Other Local AttractionsBathed by the waters of the beautiful bay of Banderas and sheltered by the imposing Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most highly-prized tourist destinations in Mexico. As well as excellent beaches and water sports, this destination offers you the chance to enter into contact with unique nature: dolphins, whales and turtles.
† Fees may apply
Guest Reviews from CheapCaribbean Customers
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
9487 reviews
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Jan 12, 2026Great Stay - Great Time
Had a great time at RIU Vallarta. Staff was great. Drinks were very good and the food was all right.
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Jan 12, 2026GREAT VACATION SPOT!!
Super friendly and accommodating. Great views. Great service. Good overall value. Beach was clean and fun, free activities. Pool areas phenomenal. Bartender and wait staff extremely customer service oriented.
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Jan 12, 2026
Amazing stay, staff, and hotel. FYI medical service is expensive
The thing that stood out was the service. Every single staff member, from the front desk, to Alfredo in the Stead House restaurant, was enthusiastic, helpful and genuinely caring. Location is great, beach is lovely, and bars are top notch and fun. The buffet food is above average for a buffet, however, the portions at the restaurants were often too little for my group of avid gym-going friends and I. Also, bring your own medical supplies! There is a doctor available thru RIU who provides amazing services and care, but it was $190 USD total charge to get cleaned, gauze and cream for a simple deep knee scrape. Thank goodness for travel insurance lol. Overall, amazing trip!
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Jan 11, 2026
Loved It!
Loved the facility, the only thing I’d change is allowing some reservations to the Steak House. Have a few food carts going around like the RIU Sante Fe
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Jan 10, 2026
Family stay new years eve 2025
Came with family nen years eve stayed 7 nights was great trip service and food excellent great location say dolphins while out kayaking would deffinitley stsy again
- 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.
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 11:00 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.
Spring Break Policies - Student 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.
Transfer Policy - A price may display when children stay free, if your vacation includes transfer to your hotel.
General Information - Room taxes and service fee 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