As a seasoned traveler, when I go abroad, I always try to keep an open mind. Recently, I took a week-long vacation with my husband to RIU Palace Mexico. I wasn’t expecting what RIU had in store for us.

First off, I completely fell in love with the charming, picturesque town of Playa del Carmen.  When we arrived at the resort, RIU Palace Mexico, I was pleasantly surprised with the upscale accommodations and friendly staff.  The décor of this hotel, both exterior and interior, is beautiful with Spanish type architecture/frescoes, which carries throughout the hotel and an immense lobby full of brilliant chandeliers.   The grounds are perfectly landscaped and their cascading waterfalls made a peaceful setting.  The junior-suite rooms were spacious with turn down service and flower petals in the bed/bathroom every night. Other top amenities include 24-hour all-inclusive and exchange privileges with the other RIU Resorts in Riviera Maya, which we took advantage of for breakfast and lunch.   They have a large court yard and every night there was entertainment with bands, singers and dancers, whom were awesome I might add. I truly felt like I was in a king’s palace because the scenery is breathtaking.   Everything was close and not a lot of walking to get from one area to another. The Theater across from the courtyard had different shows every night from Las Vegas type shows to Magic acts.   The staff was friendly, always cheerful, and there to accommodate you.  I loved their buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  They had such a display of foods from seafood dishes to roasts of all kinds (such as duck, which is one of my favorites and cooked to perfection).  The chefs can cook your steak/poultry to your liking, which is a nice touch.   Their gourmet restaurants, an Asian, Brazilian, Krystal Fusion, El Patio, were all very good. My favorite was El Patio, serving steaks and seafood specialties, and located on the beach.  The lobby bar with the pianist was exceptional – playing various types of classical music to rock n roll pieces.  Top shelf liquor served throughout, mini-bar stocked daily, and with liquor dispensers on the wall, no one should go thirsty.  2 Pools, 1 with a swim-up bar and daily activities, and the other pool for a less active, quiet setting.  And they have a pool bar too!

Aaah….then there’s the beach, and a very large beach with lots of palm trees, waiter service, barbeque/snack area, massage area and plenty of watersports available.  Shopping right across the street on Caribbean Street and Playa del Carmen’s famed 5^th Ave just minutes away.  The hotel is not far from the Tulum ruins with their displays of temples facing the beautiful blue sea is a great ½ day excursion.  If you have time, visit Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world,  is about 2 hours travel time from the hotel and absolutely a must see with so much Mayan history/culture. The famous pyramid, Temple of Kulkulkan, depicts a calendar which the Mayans incredibly designed and is spectacular.  All in all, there is much to do around the Riu Palace Mexico Resort. I definitely was pleased with this hotel and highly recommend it.  In my opinion, and having stayed at several hotels, maybe this hotel should have a higher rating?

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