This is the first time we tried an all-inclusive resort and we discovered it probably doesn't fit our traveling style. If I just graduated from college, I'd probably give this place higher marks. There were people of all ages at the hotel but the all-you-can-drink nature of the place gives it a college party vibe especially at the pool (awesome if that's what you're looking for). This is the type of resort that people wake up at 7am or earlier to put towels on beach/pool chairs to reserve their spot (although they don't show up until after lunch) and line-up to make reservations at one of the three specialized dining rooms (you don't need reservations in the main buffet). Not bad if that's what you're looking for.

The location is good, service was fine (with one exception) and the staff friendly overall. The initial negative experience came from arriving in our room and finding that there was no lock on the in-room safe. We called to ask for for a lock and they said they ran out. We would have to wait until the next day. We thought this was unacceptable since we wanted to lock up basics like cel-phones, passports, cash, etc but we were met with blank stares. There were no locks (safe uses a portable key/bolt mechanism) available and they couldn't really think beyond that. That hurt our overall impression behind front-desk service & hotel security and made us reset our expectations in order to enjoy our 6 night stay.

The staff in the restaurants and bars were friendly and helpful. The entertainment staff was good and we were impressed with the amount of effort they put in jumping from dinner show to bar entertaintment to pool events.

There is no internet connections available in the rooms. You have to go to the open-air lobby to use the free wifi. The connection can become disfunctional (lose connection or too slow) when a dozen or more other people are in the lobby trying to use the internet.

Food was generally good but the Asian or Steak restaurants are not good at all. Go for the change in scenery but don't expect a quality meal. The Mexican restaurant is worth a try.

In the end, we acclimated to our accomodations, enjoyed Cancun and were pleased with our visit. Aside from the issue with the hotel safe, there is nothing negative I would add but we would probably stay somewhere else the next time we visit.

My girlfriend and I just got back from Cancun and the Riu Caribe. Here is an overview and hopefully you find this helpful.

Room - The room was good, not great, but honestly how much time will you spend in your room. The view was great with a view of the pool and the ocean. There is a minibar that is stocked daily and there is a liquor dispenser. The room was clean as well. However, the room is a bit dated and the bed is very uncomfortable. There is a safe in the room and overall we felt very secure.

Food - If you have done all inclusive before, you know it is like cafeteria type of food and that's what the food at the hotel was. The breakfast was really good and the "make your own" donuts were quite tasty. Lunch was ok, but it was the same food every day. For dinner, they had a buffet and 3 ala carte restaurants. We ate at the steak house and it was good. The buffet was ok, but like I said, it was a lot of the same food day after day. We got tired of the food, so we ate in Cancun a few nights. However, there is a pizzeria and it was the best food there. They make fresh pizza and I highly recommend it. The hotel does not have room service either. There is a sports bar that has 24 hour service and food. It has burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. It was ok, but good in a pinch if you're hungry.

Beach - The beach was amazing. There are no rocks, no shells, etc.. and just white sand. One helpful hint is that if you want beach chairs with an umbrella, you need to reserve your chair by 9am or else they will be all gone.

Pool - The pool is huge and great as well. There are two sides to the pool. One side is where all the activities are (volleyball, water aerobics, etc..) and the other side is a little more relaxing. Same tip here for reserving a chair with shade.

Service/Staff - This was probably the best part of the hotel. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. At dinner, they were quick to refill drinks or take your plates away when finished. There was always a waiter or waitress around to take your drink orders.

Location - The location is about 2 miles away from the center part of the hotel zone in Cancun. It is about a $10 taxi ride from the hotel to most of the clubs and restaurants. There is also the bus option, which we heard was safe, but chose just to take a taxi. There is a marina that is about a 10 minute walk and you can take plenty of excursions from the marina.

Shows - There is a show every night, but we only saw two of them: Karaoke and the Couples Show. Karaoke was ok. Half of the people that participate speak Spanish and the others speak English so if you don't know Spanish, then you really didn't know the songs that they were singing. The Couples Show was hilarious. I highly recommend it.

Excursions - My girlfriend did a scuba excursion, which you can buy at the hotel. She really enjoyed it and would recommend it. I was a first timer and tried it, but didn't enjoy it. We paid $99 each and part of that is for the scuba training. If you are a first timer like me and decide not to go out to the ocean after taking the training, then ask for the rest of your money back and they will give it to you. We also took a night trip to Coco Bongo. It was $50 and it was through the hotel. That included our one way trip there, admission, VIP admission and open bar. Alcohol is pretty expensive at clubs, so I'd recommend this if you are planning on drinking a lot. Finally, we took a day trip to Isla Mujeres. I give this an A+. We bought this through the Scuba desk at the hotel for $65 each. That included round trip transportation, open bar on the boat, lunch, snorkeling and holding a shark (trust me, it's fun). For the cost and all you get, it is totally worth it.

Gym - The gym was ok. It had some treadmills and bikes, but the weights and equipment weren't too good. The weights go up to 45 lbs and the machine was an older universal machine.

It could not have been better! From the front desk at check-in where we were given a wonderfully cold drink and encouraged to change into our swimsuits to enjoy the beach and pool until our room was ready to the taxi ride to the airport...it was absolutely perfect.
The staff was front desk and cleaning staff was courteous and helpful and the recreation/sport team was downright fun. We did pool aerobics, yoga on the beach and beach volleyball. There was always something to do at either the pool or beach. Scuba, kayaks, paddleboats, parasailing (additonal cost)...we did it all. Our teen daughters are vegetarians and found plenty to eat at whatever restaurant we went to. As meat-eaters, we had great steaks at the Gaviotas Steakhouse. The food looked good and tasted good. Drinks were good, with quick service on the beach or at one of the bars. They are about 8 ounces. A suggestion from a previous reviewer was helpful for us: take an insulated mug to keep the drinks cold. Most evenings there was a show at the theatre as well as live music in the lobby. Both were good places to relax. We had a junior suite that provided plenty of room for the four of us. We had four glorious days at the Riu Caribe and will likely visit again.

we r only jst home from riu caribe. to some it up it was fantastic. great food drink and stunning beach.eat as much as u like and drink as much as u like. we were only in the hotel 30 seconds and a waitress brought as a refreshing orange coctail. room was well air cond and balcony view was just amazing. mini bar topped up each day with vodka, tequilla, whiskey, beer, 7up, pepsi, water and some various other drinks. entertainment team r fantastic, they work so well and made our trip even better.the micheal jackson night which just so happened to be on the night he passed on is well worth viewing. beach is to die for and u never need to fight for a bed.done jet skis in hotel 3 times, went swimming with dolphines, a jungle tour where we had our own speed boat and coco bongos which was easily the best club in the world. taxis r very cheap and we had no issues with safety. buses run every 5 mins but can b abit jam packed. overall i could not fault the riu caribe. top class and we will be booking to go back next year.