My husband & I stayed at the Riu last Oct. the 7th - 14th. We met my brother & his fiance and we all had a great time. We hadn't taken a vacation like this before so we didn't have anything to compare it to, but overall our stay was great, we had a wonderful time and would go back in heart beat. The food was good, the service great. The resort & grounds were beautiful. We booked our activities with Adan. We went snorkling, atving, did a sun set cruise, deep sea fishing, went to Los Cabos on a city tour. Everyone that took us some place was great, very nice people, they saw to it we had a great time. The surf was to rough to swim in, but you could still get your feet wet. The drinks were great, although we didn't drink much from the bar in our room. There were a group of Cardinal fans there, and it was the play offs and they were a great group to watch the games with.
Overall we hated to see it end.
Now the down side my biggest complaint would be the tourist. Some people are real slobs. If you carry cups down to the beach - carry it back and put it in the trash, don't leave a bowl full of ice cream in the elevator. There is staff working continually, but let face it - they can't keep up with that. Don't let your manners go on vacation too.
The AC in our room didn't work real well, we had it as low as it would go the whole time we were there. We didn't complain about it though. It was cool, just not cool enough, and the toilet in our room had a leaking seal. Three times they came to fix it, it'd be ok for a little while, then it would leak again. Not that big a deal, we weren't in there that much. I'd still go back and i hope to again in the future.
Don't let the bad reviews keep you from enjoying this place. Hope this is helpful.

Our vacation started upon arrival on 3/23/07 at the RIU resort in Cabo San Lucas. We extensively researched the property including alternate website reviews both of which were positive and negative and we were excited about our decision to stay at the Riu. We were also aware of the 2nd phase development and we specifically requested a room that would not face the construction site aNd that is exactly what we got (see picture attached) – this was the view from our balcony.

Upon requesting to be transferred your staff stated that I would have to wait 3 days before we could be moved. We decided to leave the RIU the following day since we could not use our balcony. We had to keep our curtains closed because of the construction workers constantly staring into our room, even at 9pm in the evening as they continued to work. My wife, my 2 daughters and I had absolutely no privacy!

I requested that our 1 night stay be discounted for our inconveniences and it was rudely denied. It is unjust that I should have to pay in excess of $600 for a night stay when we were not able to use our balcony and 900 of the other guest, probably paying the same or less, were able to enjoy theirs. It’s hard to believe that they were offering a 5 free night stay to anyone willing to tour another one of the facilities. The food was terribble and it was a cattle call. To many people not enough facilities and they are building another 1100 rooms. I hope you will reconsider a vacation at this facility.
We ended up at a beautful resort called the Pueblo Bonita our room looked at the water directly and for less then half the price. We had terriffic service and food. I would not suggest an all inclusive vacation in Mexico the food and drinks are all very responably priced.
Cabo is beautful enjoy another hotel there.
Please see attached picture with the photo. The photo is taken on our balcony that we were paying $600 a night for.

I booked this trip to surprise my hubby who was retiring from Executive Chef position in top Portland, Or. hotel. Since he has served all the U.S. Presidents and their families for the past 35 years... he knows his food and drinks! I was little worried about an "all inclusive resort" as I thought maybe the food would not be up to par and the drinks might be watered down like Kool-aid. No such problem at the RIU Palace!! We were treated royally everywhere we dined.... servers all were cheerful and smiled, with no feeling that they were expecting a tip (of course, we did tip them!!). But, they were just as friendly and attentive to the ones who did not tip them.

The check-in went relatively smooth, but the lady at the front desk could have been a bit friendlier. Not real welcoming.... but our room was in perfectly convenient location and with lovely pool and ocean view. We were very happy with the room ... nice sized and the maid service was just fine. If we had any problem that needed fixing...the technician was there to fix it just minutes after we called the front desk.

We were 4 adults travelilng with one 9 yr old ... It was so fun, as the children are allowed in all areas.... so instead of sticking her in a room with a hotel sitter in evening, as you might do in the U.S.A., we were able to take her EVERYWHERE we went...bars, out to watch the fun nightly entertainment, etc. She felt like a real "grown up" and I am sure she enjoyed this trip better than any others.

The pools are outstanding.... infinity pools with swim up bars, etc. Overlooking the beach and ocean. Fantastic views every direction. Cocktail servers took very good care of us all day long... Was fun to watch the vendors on the beach sellilng their wares.

Food was fantastic...so many choices! We had no problem getting into any restaurant we desired to try. Loved the Japanese, Mexican, and the steak house was good too. We had the best lunches in the main buffet everyday... But, my favorite was my breakfast every morning in this beautiful big dining room.

You can taxi to town for $10... very nice newer vans. We dined at Poncho's Mexican Food...with live Mexican music.... and also one night on the Marina. Was fun...but couldn't wait to get back to hotel to watch their nightly show. Some nights dancers and last night was Mariachi band and singer.

Hated to leave but will defilnitely return. Next time with entire family for fun vacation. Weather was perfect every day... not like going to Hawaii where it might be rainy or windy for entire week... Coming from Oregon...you want to be sure of sunshine!!

Can't believe all the negative reviews I read BEFORE I booked the trip. Glad I didn't let that keep me away... I would have missed out on a wonderful experience and very nice people!
The very best thing of all...after a week of drinking the very best liquor ... all you wanted... and eating divine food, you go to the "check out"... and happily find out you do not owe the hotel one cent!!!!

Lots of bang for the buck... Grab your family or friends and head for the RIU Palace!!!!

We booked our reservations for Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas in January. We read a lot of the reviews both new and older. We were even reading reviews the day before we left. So we weren't really sure what to expect. Most people seemed happy but there were those reviews that were somewhat frightening. I guess we were more fortunate than some because we had a wonderful time.
When we checked in we were given two rooms on the outside wing next to the construction. After viewing the rooms we went back to the desk and were told they didn't have any rooms available at that time away from the construction but they would move us the next day. As promised we were moved to an interior room facing the pool. The view was outstanding.
The staff was courteous and helpfull. Even though there was some language barrier I was amazed at how well the bartenders did.
The food was great. We ate at the buffets at breakfast and lunch. For dinner we dined at the Steakhouse, Mexican and Japanese restaraunts.
Either I'm not refined enough or it doesn't take much to make me happy (beats the heck outta working!).
We're not world travelers by any means but we have traveled enough to know that the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is well above average.