We stayed at the Riu Caribe April 23-26, 2009. Overall it is a lovely property and we enjoyed ourselves. This was a gal’s weekend away, my sister and I. We left the husbands and kids at home for a few days of R&R.
We arrived on time and booked a nonstop transfer through Apple Vacations. All went well and we arrived about 12:30p to the resort. We were able to get our room right away, which was very nice since it pretty much gave us a full first day. Michal at the front desk was very accommodating. Our weather was lovely all 3 days, sunshine, no rain, and a bit on the windy side.
This was the first time I have been to Cancun “proper” in about 15 years. I usually travel with the family to the Riviera Maya as this is an area that we really love with all its large and spread out resorts. Since this was such a short trip, we opted to stay in Cancun. The Cancun hotels don’t have the land that the Riviera Maya has but they certainly are lovely with the most beautiful oceanfront views. My sister had recently stayed at the Riu Palace Las Americas and although she said this is certainly not as new and fancy, it overall has a much more intimate feel to it and a nicer beach area
Our room was a standard room on the 8th floor, with a side view toward the pool and ocean. The view was breathtaking. Our balcony was small because it was a standard room, but it was large enough to sit out on with 2 chairs and a small table. This view (standard at this hotel) would of cost a hefty upgrade in the Riviera Maya since so many of those hotels are long and narrow from lobby to beach and very few rooms actually face the ocean.
The room itself was nothing special but it was clean and everything worked well. The furnishings were average, a little tired, but functional. My suggestion to Riu is that they need updated draperies and bedspreads to add some color to the rooms. I think it would make a nice difference. The blue is a little drab. Overall, we could have cared less, but some people let the little things bother them so I am just commenting. Our mini bar was fully stocked upon arrival with 2 diet Pepsi, 2 regular Pepsi, 5 beers, club soda, mineral water and at least 6 bottles of water. It was restocked daily. We also had the Riu standard four bottles of liquor hanging on our wall to make mixed drinks if we wanted them. We did tip the maid and put a few dollars in the mini bar, not a lot, but something, which we believe, is appreciated.
This hotel was one of the hotels that have been around for a while and I remember it from years ago. It is located next to the Casa Maya, which I had stayed at perhaps 20 years ago. It is located on the older, original end of the strip. Interestingly, they are building some new hotels down in this area and we could see them clearing the land next door on the other side for a new property.
The lobby is open air and A framed with vegetation and vines growing throughout. There are fountains with turtles around the lobby and sitting areas. It is quaint. The lobby bar is a nice size and some nights has live entertainment. They also bring the local vendors in every other night to sell their goods. Two of the 3 ala carte restaurants are connected to the lobby along with the larger of the buffets. .
We enjoyed dinner at all three of the ala carte dining offerings. The Steakhouse was outside in the area used for the pool buffet during breakfast and lunch. It is right over the beach and you could hear and see the ocean from your seat. We thought the ambiance was great. The do baked Alaska right in front of you too. The Mexican was our favorite. They have a nice salad/soup bar but don’t eat too much because the meals are yummy. You could fill up before your entree gets to you. The Asian restaurant was also good, however, even though you make a reservation it is set up as a buffet. Your waiter only brings you the drinks and cleans after you finish each serving. The restaurant itself is decorated really nice. Riu has this same type of buffet/ala carte setup at their Riu Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta. I prefer a full sit down restaurant but the food was very good and it’s much quieter than being at the big buffet. We also loved the pizza bar for lunch. You sit and order and they bring the pizzas and your drinks to you. It’s a nice touch.
We spent our days sitting under a palapa on the beach and watching the waves roll in.
We did get up fairly early to be sure to get a palapa on the beach but it seemed there were still a few there to choose from around 9a or 10a. It also seemed that the pool area was reserved first but we are the type that much prefers the beach and ocean to sitting by a pool (it also got a little loud from the pool games in the afternoon).
We didn’t venture from the hotel much. One late morning we took the bus for less than
$1.00 USD to the Plaza Caracol for a little souvenir shopping. It is just across the street from the Riu Cancun where we had Riu exchange privileges. We did our shopping and before returning had a drink and some lunch at the Riu Cancun. The hotel is lovely, newer, and very big, however, it was much much too crowded and noisy for our liking.
We also walked along the beach to the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. They have a small flea market there to do shopping if interested. If we had had another day, we would of most likely taken the trip over. The roundtrip cost is $16 and it is easily walkable to the ferry from the Riu Caribe.
One thing I forgot to mention, they just added WII FII in the lobby the week we arrived. This is in addition to access to the internet in the sports bar. WII FII was complimentary in the lobby. You did pay for the internet in the sports bar. They also have a spa and a small work out room with jacuzzi, however, we did not use either of these.
In closing, the lobby and grounds are beautiful. The rooms are older more tired. If you area looking for the Ritz or the Four Seasons, stay away, and go ahead and pay lots more for those hotels. This hotel has beautiful grounds and a fabulous beachfront location. It is not overly huge where you feel smashed and on top of the next person. The service was wonderful and you will see lots of smiles from the friendly staff as well as the other guests who are having a great time. I would recommend it to my friends who travel in the mid-range market. This is a winner.
