Resort Reviews: Riu Riviera Maya Resorts Near Playa Del Carmen Mexico

Riu All Inclusive Resorts has numerous resorts in the Riviera Maya Playacar resort complex just south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The resorts lie between a white sand beach and an 18 hole championship golf course.

The best part about staying at a Riu Resort in this area is you get exchange privileges with most of the other resorts. This greaty expands the number of bars, restaurants, activities, and entertainment options available to you. You have to eat dinner at your own resort, but you can visit the other resorts for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks.

All of the resorts welcome singles, couples, and families with children. The rooms are a little dated in some of the resorts and are known for having very firm mattresses, but you can request a pillow top mattress from the front desk or housekeeping staff. The rooms come with either two double beds or a king size beds. Make sure you know what type of arrangement you want and have reserved. There also are rollaways and bunk bed options for families with children.

Most of the rooms have private balconies, but the views vary depending on what resort and room you are in. The rooms all have liquor dispensers and a mini fridge. While room service is advertised, the choices are pretty limited.

The food in the restaurants is good with a wide variety of choices. For most people, the buffets offer plenty of selection and convenience. If you want to go to one of the specialty restaurants you will need to make reservations in the morning for one of their two seating times. These dining times are usually around 6 pm and 9 pm. The dress code for the specialty restaurants requires men to wear long sleeves and long pants.

In terms of reviews of these Riu resorts, the general consensus is that if you expect a five start resort you will be disappointed. Otherwise, you will be happy with the well groomed grounds, the wonderful staff, the wide variety of food choices, and the white sand beach. As with most Riu resorts, you don't need to leave a tip, but the staff accepts and appreciates them.

Choosing which Riviera Maya Riu resort is best for you depends on what you are looking for. Here is a basic rundown of the resort options along with links to more detailed resort reviews:

Riu Palace Mexico - A large all inclusive resort recognized as a Four Diamond resort by AAA.

Riu Palace Riviera Maya - A large all inclusive resort with exchange privileges allowing visits to the other Riu Resorts in the area.

Riu Playacar - All inclusive resort with exchange privileges allowing visits to the other Riu Resorts in the area.

Riu Tequila - A large all inclusive resort located in the Riu Riviera Maya resort grounds a short walk from the beach. Highly rated with a wonderful staff.

Riu Yucatan - A large all inclusive resort for singles, couples, and familes near a championship golf course.

Hotel Riu Lupita - All inclusive resort set within the Riu Riviera Maya resort grounds a short distance from the beach.