"My experience at Riu Palace Riviera Maya was extremely disappointing and did not meet expectations.
The food quality was consistently poor. Most meals were bland or unappetizing, and we found ourselves skipping meals throughout our stay. Breakfast was the only acceptable option, though still average.
We upgraded to the “Elite” level expecting an enhanced experience; however, the only noticeable benefit was access to higher-quality liquor. The designated “Elite” pool lacked food service, entertainment, and overall atmosphere, while the standard pool offered a much more engaging experience. This discrepancy made the upgrade feel unjustified.
The beach conditions were also subpar, with significant amounts of seaweed that appeared to be minimally maintained by the resort.
Additionally, pricing and service issues further impacted our stay. When inquiring about extending one night, we were quoted $1,000—equivalent to the cost of our five-night stay. After booking externally, a minor reservation error (one guest instead of two) resulted in a proposed $600 charge to add a second person. Resolving this took approximately four hours.
During this time, front desk staff displayed unprofessional behavior, including laughing and pointing, which was inappropriate.
Overall, this resort did not provide the quality or service expected. I would not recommend staying here."