The Hotel RIU Cancun is one of at least three RIU properties in Cancun’s hotel zone. All are located on the North side of the Hotel Zone, and are not as exposed to the ocean, due to a reef and coves that have formed over time.
Those who have vacationed in a RIU resort will expect a certain standard; towels shaped like animals, stocked refrigerators in the room, balconies, buffets filled with food sculptures, a high level of customer service from the staff and nightly entertainment on site. While the RIU Cancun does offer these things, there are shortcomings in the level of excellence that do not meet other RIU hotels. Locals express that the RIU Cancun is very nice, and there is some debate about whether the RIU Palace Las Americas, the property next door, is a better or worse experience. Locals enjoy the Palace Las Americas because many of them think it looks like a cake, and is beautiful.
Layout, Location and Rooms
The beach at RIU Cancun is very small, and is condensed by the RIU grounds in the form of a retaining wall. There are two areas where guests can lounge in the sun, but the building is so tall and expansive that any sunbathing must be done before 2pm, or the entire beach is in darkness. The smaller beach, with a bit more space for lounging, is not eclipsed until about 3:30pm. None of the outdoor pools or the Jacuzzi is heated, and the ocean is much warmer. The only people seen in the pool during this writer’s stay were a small number of Spring Break students, due to the swim up bar. There is one heated Jacuzzi for use, in the spa. This must be scheduled for use, and does not cost extra.
What the beach lacks in lounging it makes up for in activities. Snorkeling is very good in front of the RIU, as there is a reef, and the RIU sits in a cove. Many fish can be seen nearly every day, sometimes large schools. Pelicans also will land and fish near snorkelers, and an underwater camera is highly recommended. The ocean really makes up for anything that may be lacking during the vacation.
The grounds are expansive and clean. Crews work on them constantly, and they are well groomed. The building itself is in some disrepair. Large cracks are seen from floor to ceiling in some areas, and many rooms above the 5th floor can see large rubber mats strewn about on the 4th floor roof, presumably to stop water leaks. Rooms on the 5th floor do not have much of a view, and guests are directed to not walk out on the 4th floor roof to see the ocean or the grounds. Rooms on the 5th floor should be avoided if possible. Water is not potable in any part of the hotel, and has an odor not quite as pleasant as the ocean.
There are a few king suites that are very impressive, on the 17th floor. This can be confusing to a guest, as the elevators only travel to the 15th floor. They are the rooms in the highest towers, and are very private and plush; one must traverse two more flights of stairs to get to them, and they stand alone. The drawback to these rooms is that there is no balcony, and the fluorescent lights that light the towers also light the rooms at night. The windows do not open either, and it can be difficult to see at night with the glare from the lights shining in the windows.
Dinning
As with other RIUs, and many all inclusive hotels, the RIU Cancun offers 24-hour dining and drink service. The buffets are themed, international and varied throughout the stay and the restaurants. They do have restaurants that require reservations at no extra cost. As in any other RIU, reservations can be made in person between 7 and 9am daily in the lobby. The food is good, but does not focus much on Mexican cuisine. It does not taste as authentic as it does at other RIU Resorts, such as The Hotel RIU Jalisco. The food is by no means bad; it is delicious and mostly well done. The selection and quality are just a bit lower than some other RIU locations. Each room has a refrigerator stocked daily and 4 bottles of liquor for mixing drinks in the room. There are many different locations for eating, and they are easy to find. Tipping is not required or requested, as all is included in the price paid up front.
The Clientele
Locals argue about whether the RIU Cancun is a family hotel or a Spring Break hotel, and there is really no answer. The clientele ranges from wealthy Europeans to out of control Spring Breakers from America, to families from Canada. The RIU was very quick to address any Spring Break issues, such as drunken students appearing on rooftops and throwing things in to the courtyards below. They give an impression of striving for a peaceful vacation, and they do work very hard toward that. This writer is unsure if they cater to Spring Breakers specifically, but they do certainly work to provide a restful and enjoyable atmosphere for the majority of the clientele.
Travel Notes
The RIU Cancun does offer spa services at extra cost, as well as water sports such as parasailing and day trips.
Transportation arrangements from the airport should be made in advance with a reputable agency, due to the political climate in Mexico and to ensure a fair price. Taxis are available, but at the Cancun airport it is much safer and more predictable to arrange transportation beforehand. The RIU can suggest good transfer companies, and it should cost about $20-30 per person for a round trip transfer to the airport. The company will arrange a time to pick up guests for their return as well. Expedia and Travelocity can also offer suggestions for reasonable, safe travel. These are waiting outside the airport, and they will have a sign with their company and likely the traveler’s name.
Leaving the Cancun airport there are many businesses offering discounts to local attractions and free taxi rides. These should be avoided, as they come with time consuming, high pressure timeshare presentations. These are not travel agencies, and can eat up a large amount of vacation time. It is worth it to book day tours with the hotel and pay normal price. Many hotels offer discounts if these day trips are booked 2 days in advance, and Expedia and Travelocity also offer these types of trips. It is worth full price to have the vacation that was planned.
Elle Paulson - Elle Paulson is a free lance writer and general inquisitive creature. She has written for Radio Stations, Retail, and herself for 25 ...
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