Hotel Riu Yucatan

jenfU6114QG wrote a review September 2025
United Kingdom

Same about the smokers

We stayed for 7 nights and glad it wasn’t longer
We met up with family already out there check in was smooth and the lady checking us in was very helpful and the room requested was taken into account.
Room was clean ,food was ok breakfast had a good selection ,in the evening it was just ok .I found people smoking a big issue this is ment to have designated areas for this how ever people smoked where ever and when ever they wanted and never challenged it was really bad at the show area smoking vaping , some of the servers are really great but unfortunately most are not unless you speak spanish they would ignore you and serve them.
The beach sea and weather was amazing which was the only thing that made the stay enjoyable

Date of Stay: August 2025

Venture34235179449 wrote a review September 2025
Havant, Hampshire, England

Lacking in some areas

Have just spent a week at the RIU Yucatan in the Playacar area of Mexico . The hotel was good enough to give us what we requested room wise and thanks to Selena at the front desk for the friendly welcome and information we needed.It was our Grandson’s Birthday while we were there and this was our reason for being at the Yucatan . We celebrated his birthday at the Steakhouse and it was so nice with good food and the service from the staff was really fantastic even singing Happy Birthday and a lovely cake supplied .A couple of the Bar staff stood out Karen at the bar near the pools and Fernando in the lobby bar thanks for friendly service. It was so hot during our stay and the only air conditioning was in our room the Lobby really needs air conditioning for the comfort of the guests . Another problem with this hotel is the flouting of their no smoking rules even seeing people vaping at the lobby bar while getting drinks this needs to be sorted for the comfort of no smoking guests .We will not be returning to this hotel and will continue to stay at our favourite hotel the RIU Palace Mexico next door as you get so much more for your money

Date of Stay: September 2025

Bighev88 wrote a review September 2025
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England

Glad we chose this

Last minute hotel change due to building work at the place we were supposed to go. I stayed at a riu in the Dominican and wasn’t disappointed so convinced my mum to the a chance here. Not disappointed. We were greeted off the bus by someone immediately to help us with our bags, lovely cool drink whilst we checked in. They immediately clocked my mum having issues with walking and swapped our room out (this property has no lifts) to a ground floor unit, without us having to ask.
Room was lovely and clean, cute towel animal waiting for us.
Took a bit of figuring out what sequence to turn the lights off and on. We like to leave bathroom light on overnight so we can see where we’re going as we are both frequent night users.
Dinner that night was lovely. Food was amazing, lots of new things to try, and being a buffet you have that luxury of being able to have a little of everything to try rather than a fixed meal. You do have that option with the steakhouse/mexican or the Italian place but we decided new food everyday was more fun.
Breakfast next day, equally brilliant. Amazing selection of cakes & pastries, the bagels are huge. Eggs served 5 different ways..3 sausage types… do try the apple & the banana fritters and the hot cake. Very bad for your waistline but ooh so delicious!!
Now to the pool. Water was on hand the whole time, bar opens at 9 or 930, I forget. Mango daiquiri and the melonball cocktails were my favourites. The main pool near the beach has a nice slope to get in as well as stairs. Only downside was the amount of towels put out to reserve sunbeds which is against the rules but people still did it with no enforcement from staff removing them which isn’t fair. Our first day, we went down as soon as we finished breakfast, stayed there til 3pm, the benches next to us had towels on them before we arrived but nobody there until gone 2. Yet other people were walking around trying to find beds.
One of our favourite activities to do there was watch the wildlife. They have Agoutis and Coatis wild on site but they do not want people to feed or pet them. The site did have monkeys too until recently because they’ve been forced to remove them owing to people feeding them when asked not to. A couple of rooms opposite us decided one day to feed the Coatis from their balcony, then got upset because the Coatis started swarming them. I had to call security out to get them to disperse a group of people on the nearby path attempting the same. A suggestion to the hotel management-put a slip of paper in the welcome pack when you check people in, and reiterate that the animals are to be observed only as they are wild and do carry rabies. Those silly tiny signs in random places are not big enough. This saves the hotel from any lawsuits coming from people getting bitten and suing.
Anyhow, on the positive side-about 330 every afternoon we were able to witness the great Coatis running from their den out into the complex. About 30 of them from old males to brand new pups, all looking very much like a scene from the Lord of the Rings movies, all in a mass charge. It was amazing to witness. Sat on the balcony, drink in hand watching nature. There was also a time on the way to the pool one morning where we were lucky enough to witness a mother agouti nursing her baby just in the mouth of the den. There’s a couple of cars knocking about, and various types of birds.
Overall I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the experience here. I implore management heeds my warning about the animal feeding. I don’t want to return to find you’ve had to get rid of all of them due to people’s stupidity.

Date of Stay: September 2025

W8805MHsallyo wrote a review September 2025

Fantastic

We were originally booked into another hotel but transferred due to building work. There are no lifts but as soon as we approached the reception desk and they saw my stick they changed our assigned room to one on the ground floor. This was amazing as it gave us breathtaking views of the afternoon ‘rush hour’ when a horde of coatis regularly turned up. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable with very efficient air conditioning. My only quibble was the very high step into the shower. There are several restaurants but we only used the buffet for our meals and there was something to suit everyone. We called reception a couple of times and in each case it was dealt with within a few minutes.

Date of Stay: September 2025

mihaip702 wrote a review September 2025

A very good resort for average persons.

First a warning for smokers arriving in Cancun airport. You can buy cigarettes in duty free ( yes there you go through duty free at arrival) for us$46 (a good price) as long as you do not have any others packs of smokes in luggage ( any adult can have a max one carton a cigarettes when you entre country). For those extra packs in luggage you will pay 900% tax and they will charge you regardless you put those extra packs in garbage. If you do not need this hassle there is still lots of places to buy smokes witch I will tell later.
From the beginning Riu Yucatan give a very pleasant vibe. The resort is located among others resorts and private properties in a very restricted area, so for tourists is a safe place, like home ( you can see people jogging or walking dogs). Lots of green and clean.
Reception staff is very good, they accommodate us to our needs ( I have a mobility issue follow a surgery).
The resort is a bit outdate as is one of the oldest Riu resorts in area but is very well maintain. Rooms had a tow large beds, all equipment in good order, cleaning staff doing a fantastic job to keep everything clean (rooms, hallways, stairs, alleys- sand from the beach stick to your shoes and leave marks all the way to room). Also the room had a mini fridge well stock with soft drinks, beer, water and a dispenser for hard liqueur ( tequila, rom, vodka and gin) free, but after a whole day in the sun , drinking cocktails who needs the drinks in the room( well maybe the water overnight).
The grounds are well maintain, with lush tropical plants. If you pay attention during daytime the staff is busy keep everything in good order (painting something, keeping alleyways clean, taking care grass and flowers etc.) but not being obstructive.
The beach is nice, kept clean ( this resort was the only one cleaning very good the seaweeds- yes we had a bit of them but nothing major- in spring we heard was a big problem). For smokers yes we can still smoke on the beach but I tried to be considered of other and collect my cigarettes buts and put them in the trash. There is a problem with the shade because the resort opted for palm trees not umbrellas so constantly you have to move the chairs as the sun moves.
The pools are nice, lots of activities but getting a chairs you have to wake up early but this is a problem for most resorts.
The bars are well stocked for almost every taste (I am a scotch guy and there was 4 good brands there). There are very generous when pouring drinks so beware . Staff is working hard to help the guests so you do not have to wait more then 3- 4 min for a drink and also tip or no tip they keep smiling and they not ignore you ( I chose to tip them often for the hard work and good service ).
The food is very good and for everyone were you like pork, beef, chicken, seafood or you are simply vegetarian. There is always a good selection of fresh fruits and juices.
A very good note for a la carte restaurants you do not need a reservation. If there are to busy you have to wait 10-15 min to find a table .
Another good note is that management is always outside supervising or even tending to your needs.
Last but not least the resort do not privileged membership or time shares. Every gust is the same and treated good with respect and in time. In our 10 days spent there we never find somebody complaining about anything.
For outside trips is up to everyone what you chose. Same trips are good( like Tulum) same I found them a waste of money and more important time (like Isle Mujeres- spend 10 hours for nothing or Playa del Carmen). For a nice trip I recommend a nice walk of 10 minutes in the evening to the nearby mall. They have a convenience store, quite a few souvenirs stores, even a Starbucks. Is quite pleasant, clean, prices are a bit lower but not by much than Playa del Carmen and more importantly you feel safe. Please be aware when you pay because there is always a confusion between US$ and Mexican pesos. Just read twice what you pay.
We been traveling for the last 25 years in Caribe and for average Joe this is by far the best resort.
We just wait to return to this resort.

Date of Stay: September 2025

Z6607IBrayl wrote a review September 2025
York, North Yorkshire, England

Could offer much more

All in all, a nice hotel with many great features.
However, the food experience didnt match up to what we have experienced on 2 previous trips to Mexico.
Nothing to rave about at all. Whilst its not offensive offerings, its not a patch on the Riu Palace Las Americas for example.
The ever present scraggy arsed birds flying through the restaurants and browsing on tables is very off putting

The chinese restaurant has great looking dishes, but all lacked in the basic chinese spices...the food was very bland, tasteless.
The on site Italian restaurant is very nice, and by far our favouritte though the menu is limited so repeat visits arent really tthe answer. Shame, looked forward tto this holiday so much, but cant help but feeling very let down

Date of Stay: September 2025

SteveKing75 wrote a review September 2025
Birmingham, West Midlands, England

50th birthday holiday.

Just returned from 7 nights at this hotel. Seen some mixed reviews prior to holiday. However, nothing to worry about. Absolutely fabulous stay. Our room was 3223, the block a minutes walk from reception. It’s one of the quieter blocks as some are right next to the night time entertainment. We had no problems. The room was relatively basic but had everything including air con and ceiling fan. The room was cleaned daily and towels/bed sheets changed. The hotel is situated on the beach, no problems getting a sunbed, bit harder by the pool, but we was up early and at 9am was no problem. The beach is like a dream, pure white sands and clear sea water. The seaweed was not problematic either, just tiny little bits. The all inclusive drinks were plentiful in choice and measures. Service fast at the bar. The hotel has four nighttime restaurants. The buffet, Italian, Steakhouse and Mexican. No booking for any, and you can use them as often as you like. Plenty of choice in the evening and daytime, for breakfast and lunch. Staff were friendly and happy to help, really can’t pick a fault with this hotel. Even when I messaged reception for more hangers, they arrived very promptly. Bonus seeing the wild animals here too, all harmless and in their natural environment. You can also use all the other Riu hotels nearby other than Riu Palace. The white/neon party on Fridays at tequila is brilliant. Also, get yourself a taxi to 5th Avenue. Wow. A fantastic holiday.

Date of Stay: September 2025

susiep753 wrote a review September 2025
Toronto, Ontario

Loving Sunwing Riu Yucatan.

Exceeded expectations.
Julio Hotel rep of Nexus-Sunwing did great job.

Sicilia was our favorite restaurant. Brandon and all the waitresses were exceptional. Best salmon and fillet mignon cooked to perfection. Cheesecake was so yummy. Calamari to die for.

The large buffets were amazing- the diverse variety and quality were exceptional.
Salad items and vegetarian items were labeled.

The hotel beach even had life guards.
Lots of people at the beach and I felt very safe swimming and walking a long distance on the beach to the ferry pier to Cozumel. The staff worked super hard on a few days to get rid of some seaweed.

Many pools for swimming.
Riu pool parties were lively and fun. Pool closest to resort lobby was more reserved and quiet if desired.

Various bars were well stocked and readily available. The main lobby bar was open 24 hrs/day. I did not see any problems with excess drinking. Soft and hard drinks were also available in your room.

Housekeeping was exceptional. Quickly received more big bottles of drinking water and face clothes.

Maintenance arrived quickly when we had some water leak from refrigerator.

Upon arrival no line. we were greeted with a drink and keys at the main desk. He reviewed restaurants and their availability. Explained that there was no need for reservations at Italian, Shanghai He remembered who we were the next day and our room number . His English was great.

Cant wait to go back.

Date of Stay: September 2025

onermc81 wrote a review October 2025
Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester, England

First class....5 Stars!!!

Booked this hotel through TUI and we couldn't have picked a hotel or group of hotels more suited to what we were looking for in terms of food, drink & facilities.....all were first class and we'll 100% be back next year

Date of Stay: September 2025

Y7490SYpeterw wrote a review October 2025
Retford, Nottinghamshire, England

Great trip

Another great trip to yucatan , upgraded to a suite, which suited us perfectly. Food in main restaurant probably our favourite, so much choice. Pools did get a little crowded in the afternoons which is when the locals come out to play. We walked to the other hotels playa car and tequila in the evenings for drinks . Both equally good but the tequila has a very well air conditioned sports bar so was busy but the staff are speedy and always get drinks without a wait . We were rarely back in time to see the shows so can't comment on the entertainment. Its a 30 min walk or 150 pesos taxi ride to 5th bars and restaurants . Could mention staff by name but that would be unfair as they are all excellent.. we will be back again ASAP...

Date of Stay: September 2025

victoriapD4727PB wrote a review October 2025

Horses for courses and not one for us

Looking at the reviews we thought we’d love it. However, if you like quiet, tranquility and are not in to boozing this is not the place for you. The first sign was the free optics in the bathroom. This review is absolutely no reflection on the hotel staff. But just in case you are like minded this might be helpful. The staff work tirelessly, are friendly and efficient. As with most all inclusive resorts the food is ok to average. The noise by the pool is pretty horrific, whooping, shouting, swearing, we twice smelt vomit by the swim up pool. I noticed another review whereby someone had witnessed vomit in the pool. Fortunately we were spared that but had to witness instead a man completely incapable of standing up, clearly inebriated being dragged out of the sea by another guest. There are lifeguards at the beach but they sit and chat at the bottom of their watch out. The next day we had to endure a man being carried out of the Asian restaurant completed p****d by two people. The next thing we saw was the poor cleaner with her mop and bucket. People come and go all night. There is not much escaping noise on the beach either due to music from the hotel itself, other guests playing music on the beach or some other hotel doing a conga. It was like being stuck in some noise nightmare for us with no off button. I’m obviously more cut out for book club and the national trust on a Sunday so like I say. It just was not our vibe at all. A shame as it’s a blimin ling way to go when I could have had a similar experience in my local town centre on a Friday night.

Date of Stay: October 2025

brianhK4311ET wrote a review October 2025
Torquay, English Riviera, Devon, England

Stunning holiday!!

Wow wow wow!!! This is an amazing hotel with great staff, good food and a great location. Staff are outstanding and work so hard to please. Shout out to polo on reception, Alex on the main bar and Karen on the pool bar. The hotel is stunning, the rooms are cleaned every day as if it was your first day. Entertainment staff are amazing. The white party was so much fun!! The hotel manager should be very proud!! The wild life were great too. The grounds peeps keep the place perfect, a must go place!!

Date of Stay: September 2025

KirstyJadee93 wrote a review October 2025
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England

A fantastic holiday - just needs minor improvements

Travelled beginning of October as a couple. Check in was quick as we had already submitted passport details online before arriving. We originally had a ground floor but asked if we could have middle or top floor and the receptionist changed it with no problems. We were aware there are no lifts but didn’t mind. Tax on arrival was around £28 for a week.

Rooms
Rooms were a good size. Beds comfortable and adequate storage. Umbrella, safe and iron and ironing board are in the wardrobe. Alcohol, coffee and fridge are fully stocked. Hairdryer is ok for thinner hair. Aircon worked perfectly. TV has few English channels (we like it on in the background when going to sleep).
There is one plug socket by one side of the bed, one by the coffee machine, one by the hairdryer and one by the balcony door. The rooms could do with an upgrade but overall very clean. Whoever you travel with I advise you like them a lot because it’s an open plan shower room and you can hear everything that is happening inside the bathroom with the toilet as the door is slatted!
Maids do an excellent job. We used the RIU app once to request a fridge restock and it was done within 15 minutes!

Food
The best variety of food at any all inclusive I have been! So much choice. Great choice of meats, salads, Mexican food and desserts. Good selection of cold and hot food at breakfast. Plenty of amazing fresh juices. Sometimes I found the food a bit cold but that would be my only complaint from the buffets. We had the late night snacks in the Italian restaurant when getting back past midnight one evening. Again, a decent selection of food for a night time.
We tried the Italian and the steakhouse.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the Italian menu. I had the chicken pasta which was just plain pasta, chicken and gravy. It was tasty but I was thinking it would be tomato sauce and cheese. Gravy on pasta is unusual. The steakhouse was better. We had the 24 ounce steak which was cooked beautifully. However the menu wasn’t really explained to us very well. We got asked our main order then the waiter left - we didn’t realise the starters of salad and mozzarella sticks would just be automatically brought out and all the sides listed would be included on the plate. The water and pepsi this night that was served to us tasted weird so we didn’t drink it.
Good selection of cocktails. They would make you off menu cocktails if you asked too. I didn’t like that they didn’t have straws. I understand it’s to help the environment but they could use paper like the UK. I didn’t know this or I would have brought my own. I have sensitive teeth!

Hotel
The hotel grounds were always being maintained and cleaned. Every morning the tractors would be collecting the sargassum. This is just part of nature unfortunately. The leaves would be raked and they would constantly be mopping the floors of the sand and water when it rained. The pools were vile unfortunately. They all need to be re-tiled and deep cleaned. There is so much filth in the water and green slime on the sides of the pool. People said the water turned white swimwear green so wash under the shower after swimming and when you get back to your room. I wore white and it’s still white luckily! I liked that during the daytime you could go and use the tequila or playacar if you wanted. The pools were much cleaner.
There was never any problems getting a sun lounger around the pool.
The animals roaming round were a bonus. I loved the coatis! We were lucky enough to see the spider monkeys too. Please follow the rules and don’t feed them!

Location
Location was ideal. We were about 1hour10 minutes away from the airport. Right on the beach. A small shopping area about 5-10 minutes walk with souvenirs, pharmacy, starbucks, tattoos ect. If you want cheaper drinks and snacks than in the hotel look for the shop with the bench that has the day of the dead statues outside. There are plenty of nearby excursions to do also.
We got to use the tequila for the RIU white party which was a must do! So much fun and even though it’s busy the bar staff serve you super quick.

We did the kayaking which was free to rent and the jet skiing. The booth by the towel exchange was the cheapest at $75 for half an hour. On the beach wanted to charge a lot more!

Staff
Staff are brilliant. Leo behind the swim up bar was always so cheerful. Waiters and waitresses are on the ball with topping up water and bringing drinks. Bar staff do amazing remembering and making so many cocktails. The entertainment team are fab. We did a few games with fernando. Always high energy and funny! We didn’t take part in the water gym but the guy with the ponytail (sorry don’t know his name) was always entertaining to watch. So much enthusiasm all the time.
We really enjoyed the silent disco one evening and the coconut party they did one day time.

Unfortunately I got sick one of the days. I was unsure what it was from - I think I may have accidentally swallowed pool water but I did have the weird tasting water from the steakhouse the day before! My partner was fine. Luckily I always carry medicine and I popped to the local pharmacy to get something extra and that seemed to help a lot!

Overall I would say this is a great hotel for its location and the freedom to use the sister hotels. It does need a complete refurb but it wouldn’t stop me from stopping again.

Date of Stay: October 2025

Owens42 wrote a review October 2025
Llandudno, Conwy County, North Wales, Wales

Didn’t want to come home! Perfect holiday at wonderful hotel

Just returned home after an amazing week at the Riu Yucatan, just wish we had booked to stay for longer!
We booked this hotel just a few days in advance, originally looking for a short flight break to a beach location in Europe, like we normally would with our daughters, but as this was first time just the two of us, and with the too good of a deal not to leave, we decided to book our first visit and certainly won’t be the last to Cancun.
Upon check in we were greeted by the lovely friendly reception staff with a welcome drink, I did online check in before the flight and asked for a kingsize bed rather than twin, which they acknowledged, and paid the $25 tax and was very fast and efficient We stayed in room 1502 just to the side of reception overlooking the Ibiza pool.
The week flew by, and I think this was due to the amazing service, and quality of hotel and its staff. We used the Riu app a couple of times to order extra pillows/towels and refill of minibar and the request would be actioned so quickly.
Rooms were cleaned to a high standard daily.
We visited all the restaurants but would say the Mexican was the least favourite. We did have to wait over an hour for the steak restaurant on our last night on Friday, which was disappointing but was worth the wait! Love the Asian restaurant and would recommend a visit there too!
Leo at the swim up bar always so friendly and amazing at creating and making cocktails!
Entertainment at the pool was good, and shocked at so many people getting involved with aqua and the foam party. The staff weren’t too pushy if you didn’t want to get involved, which we appreciated. They were great fun and a credit to the hotel.
Good to have the towel card to have fresh pool towels daily included too!
The beach was stunning, and everything I wished it would be, looked like a postcard with the palm trees, clear blue sea and bright blue sky… didn’t want to come home!!
The weather was mixed, which we were expecting, it did rain but stayed warm and didn’t bother us at all!
We took a taxi to Playa del Carmen from the hotel which cost €10 to be dropped off at fifth avenue. Did get hassled a lot there, and didn’t stay long, instead had to locate the Walmart for some purchases our daughters had asked for us to bring back to the UK, my advice is not to bother, it was rubbish!!
We also visited Riu Tequila for the Grease Show and the neon night. Great bar and service there. but think we were glad to get back to Yucatan!
Love the gardens and wildlife, although disappointed I never got to see the monkeys! The staff looking after the gardens and the beach do a fantastic job
Breakfast and the meals we had at lunch and dinner were 10/10 for choice, never had so many dishes to choose from when we have been all inclusive before! Also loved the fresh paella at the pool!
Overall would recommend this hotel and the Riu group of hotels 100%. Our daughters want to come next time!
Well done to all the team for the excellent customer service and being the best hotel we have ever stayed in. Thank you

Date of Stay: October 2025

angelakI5691QU wrote a review October 2025
Chelmsford, Essex, England

Had a fantastic time would recommend this hotel

My husband and i had a fantastic time at this vety fun hotel.
Have been toe ico 4 ti.es and this is one of the best hotels.
RIU HOTELS ARE FULL OF FUN
The party's are so much fun!
excellent plentiful cocktail
Food is great .
Beach is just stunning.
We had a very overcast week with storms and rain, but still had a fantastic time
atmosphere is fun, fun, fun.
and the staff are always friendly and helpful.
The absolute highlight of our stay was definitely the entertainment team. They create a fun and lively atmosphere throughout the day and really make the holiday special. A special mention to Daniel, Jarome &
Esmaeldra
From entertainment team for there energy, kindness and enthusiasm.
Candy was a waitress we saw a few times in different restaurants we were always
Welcomed with a smile.
Hotel and house keeping by victoria were a great standard
Beach is wonderful
Had a fantastic time would recommend this hotel

Date of Stay: October 2025

scottbZ6603SI wrote a review October 2025

Fabulous return visit

Visited this hotel pre COVID and had a wonderful 2 weeks . Got a great offer for a week here in September via TUI and snapped it up. The pool area desperately needs renovation and I believe it's planned in the near future . However EVERY other aspect surpassed expectations. The food was great , especially the Italian and Asian . The drink was very good - ask for naked brands . Service was outstanding - to a person EVERY staff member from reception to housekeeping to bar to restaurant to groundskeeper were spot on . Thank you Riu Yucatan for another fabulous holiday .

Date of Stay: September 2025