We wanted a relaxing, worry-free vacation without spending tons of money. Riu Caribe definitely delivered. They're not kidding when they say all-inclusive. We stayed 6 nights and had a fantastic time.

Lobby - The open-air lobby is pretty and tropical. There is live music each evening at the lobby bar. The hallways in the hotel are also open-air. We went at the end of October, so it wasn't too hot to handle, but, I can see how this might be too hot in the summer months.

Room - The room is average but clean. Minimal decor and not very large. The bed is very firm, but we didn't mind that. The balcony, gorgeous ocean view, liquor cabinet on the wall and refrigerator stocked with drinks and bottled water make up for anything the room might be lacking. There were swans made of towels on our table when we arrived, and the room was thoroughly cleaned and stocked daily.

Staff/ Service - The staff was so friendly and helpful, and the service was great. Even the guy picking up dishes from the beach stopped to chat. Ask for what you want, and you will get it. Seems like the entertainment staff works almost round the clock. They have games and activities going at the pool all day, a show in the evening, and then they take groups of guests out to the clubs at night. Even though gratuities are included in the all-inclusive deal, we still tipped for drinks and service. Seriously, a dollar goes a long way, and the already great service gets even better.

Beach - The beach here is amazing! Soft, white sand, clear, blue, warm water, plenty of beach chairs. It's separated form other hotels, and not on the main strip, so it feels a little more remote. I loved that. They have kayaks, catamarans, boogie boards and snorkel equipment that you can use. Just go to the little shack and write down your name and room number. We enjoyed some kayaking and snorkeling. Not much to see in these waters. You may want to take a tour for some better snorkeling.

Pool - Very nice. It's large and clean. You can put a pool chair in the shallow section and lounge in the water. The swim-up bar was always a busy spot. They have games and activities going on at the pool most of the day.

Food - We ate mainly at the buffets and really enjoyed it. It was great to have an outdoor buffet where you could just come up from the beach in your swimsuit and get something to eat or drink. There are self-serve soft drink and beer taps at both the indoor and outdoor buffet. You have to get up early to make a reservation at one of the restaurants. We did try the steakhouse, but weren't terribly impressed. There is plenty of food at the buffets. You can have anything from Mexican and Italian food to burgers, hot dogs and fries. We loved the fish and guacamole.

Riu Cancun the sister hotel - You can also go to Riu Cancun to use the beach pool, restaurants and bars. It's a quick bus ride to get there. This hotel has a much more formal feel to it. I prefer the more casual atmosphere of Riu Caribe, but it was nice to spend the day at this hotel. The beach and pool were just as incredible here. We ate at the outdoor buffet. The food is only very slightly different - still yummy. This hotel is more central to shopping and nightlife. This might be more desirable to some people.

You can take the bus anywhere for $1. Just take a map with you, watch for your stop and press the button to get off.

When you arrive at the airport, there are time share people in the blue shirts that tell you they can help you with your transportation. Just say no thank you and pass them by. All the help you need with transportation is outside.

You don't need to change your dollars to pesos. Dollars are excepted everywhere. You may get your change in pesos, though.

You can book any tours you want to go on in the lobby at one of the transportation desks. We used Best Day travel for our airport transports and to book our tour. They were great.

We thought this was a fabulous vacation, and are already talking about going back next October!

It was more than 2 years ago now when I stayed at the Riu Caribe, but I wanted to throw in a review. It was a guys trip and we had an amazing time. We found there was a good mix of guests at the hotel with more of a younger group than you might find at other locations. (By younger I mean in mid-20s).

The rooms were very large and always clean.

The foot was great.

The entertainment staff (may have changed by now) was fantastic.

We have just got back rom riu caribe and had a fantastic holiday. If you are looking to go to either the riu cancun or the riu caribe - pice the Caribe. We went for lunch and an evening drink in the Cancun and the food was cold and there is no atmosphere in the bar area at all and their pool is half the size.

The staff were all very friendly and helpful especially the bar staff and there was a great atmosphere around the bar with americans and brits all exchanging stories. Thought the rooms could do with a spruce up for a 4* Riu and although big and clean and bit tired looking, but thank god for the air conditioning.

Two places you must visit are the amazing Coco Bongo. It has to be seen to be believed and dont be put off thinking its just a night club. Its much much more and for all ages. Simply mind blowing. Also for a special meal out you must try La Habichuela in downtown cancun (get a cab). You can view it on the net. The food and service are extra special.

Dont forget to barter with the cab drivers. Never pay what they ask for the journey. They will want 10-15$ to go into town but never pay more than 5$. Anyway the buses run every 5 mins from 6am - 2am and are only 7 1/2 mexican pesos (about 35p) and its same fare how ever far you go in cancun.

We would definitely go back to Mexico but might try Riviera Maya next time.

Making this short...hotel was clean, beach was beautiful, staff was nice, and food was great for a short stay.
Every restaurant is a buffet except for the steak place so after about 5 days, we were all very tired of the buffet food!
The beach has really nice soft sand, water was warm and crystal clear. It was harder to get the beach chairs by the pool than down on the beach so get up at dawn if you want to be by the pool. Entertainment team did a great job too.
Now the beware part: How convenient that our room wasn't ready when we got there in the late afternoon. Even though we had reservations far in advance, our rooms weren't ready. We were put in a first floor room facing a parking lot. Thieves lifted up the sliding door which unlocked it and broke into our room. Since we were moving to a different room in the morning we didn't unpack anything and unfortunately didn't utilize the safe. They stole $1000 worth of electronics and cash. Very disappointing, especially since it was our first night there. The manager didn't seem surprised. We had read that it happened at this hotel before on trip advisor...never thought it could happen to us. Use Your Safe!!!