I just returned from Riu hotels new Palace in Cancun, The Riu Palace Peninsula. The hotel towers over the other hotels in this part of Cancun. It is a stunning structure and you see it the minute your transfer hits the hotel zone. Once you enter the Lobby you realize this is not like the other Riu Palace’s. The Lobby is amazing with new color schemes and a real open floor plan with plenty of areas to relax while you are checking in or out.
Our rooms were very nice with a jetted tub and a rain head walk in shower. I thought the beds were very comfortable and the room had flat screen TV’s. I am sure they worked but I never turned the TV on. The Riu trademark liquor dispensers were full as was our fully stocked min bar. The view was very nice and I especially enjoy the morning view. The view is of Isla Mujeres so you get to see the fishing charters, ferry boats and many of the other marine related activities head out for the day. We stayed in the Junior Suites in the main part of the hotel. The Villa Section looked extra special. This is the room category for adults who want a little privacy and some specialized services.
The main pools were great and we never had any issues finding a chair. They had a gradual edge entry so it was very safe for the younger kids and at the far end some real nice built in lounge chairs. The main activity pool was lively and I enjoyed some water aerobics, a scuba clinic and a little volleyball. The view from the infinity pool was just gorgeous and this was my preferred place to be while in the pool. The swim up bar was huge and set in a separate area between the other main pools with plenty of seating in and around it.
The Riu has a nice sandy pocket of beach but the main shore line does have some rocks. I actually prefer this type of beach. Sand where you need it, under your feet but a lot more to look at along the shoreline. The snorkeling was very good and we actually seen an eel in some of the rocks. One of the hotel employees ran him off with a stick so we went on to body surfing. The hotel offered a lot of activities during the day but the evening shows were the highlight. Each night the hotel had a new show and they were excellent productions. The Theatre is open air so grab a seat outside and you will stay cool while you enjoy some wonderful entertainment.
I really enjoyed the Steakhouse. We all had the surf and turf and it was the only time I can remember my wife giving me her extra Lobster tail! We especially enjoyed our waiter Victor. Victor is simply wonderful and we went to his area to eat lunch and dinner every day of our trip. I also enjoyed the Italian restaurant it does not require reservations and is conveniently located in the Lobby of the hotel. I know a lot of people do not like buffets but the Riu buffet’s are not like most. I thought everything I tried from the Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets was wonderful. My family preferred it over all the dining options. The Riu is truly 24 hour all inclusive. They have a very cool sports bar that is open 24/7. They only offer burgers, hot dogs and nachos but isn’t that what you really want at 2 am. The hotel also offers 24 hour room service.
I had such a great trip to the Riu Palace Peninsula that I am going back at the end of August. This hotel is very similar to the new Riu Palace Bavaro in Punta Cana. so if your thinking of traveling to the Dominican you can still experience a new Riu Palace. If your considering Cancun or the Rivera Maya you must take a close look at Riu’s newest and I think their best Palace hotel, The Riu Palace Peninsula.