Riu Palace 12/7-15 Report

BuckeyeBeachLvr · 12-18-2005

Everyone was so nice answering my many questions prior to the trip thought I'd give a brief recap of my awesome trip to PDC.

Arrived into Cancun about 2:15 on the 7th. Worried a wee bit when we sat on the taxiway 10 minutes as the pilot announced that evidently the airport hadn't approved or assigned a gate to us so envisioned having to turn around and fly right back to Atlanta. Of course, Cancun couldn't pass up our tourist dollars so they found us a gate and we exited into the dark ??? airport. Evidently the power had gone out for a time but came on again as we went through immigration. Green light and onto the shuttle within 15 minutes arriving about 4.

Check in painless and easy. Went to first room and yuck- looking right out over the Viva Maya construction next door where they were going loud and full force. Back to front desk and we moved to 2125 which once again looked over Viva Maya but was the last room in the hallway before you go down to pool so loved the location of it as we wanted to be as close to the pool area as possible and it was that. BUT if you like no noise and go to bed before 1 a.m. beware as the entertainment next door is LOUD and can be heard over the ceiling fan and A/C with doors closed. Music itself was great - rock band doing Santana, Doors, etc. so would have loved actually being there to listen to it but just not when I want to sleep.

Room itself is nice, nothing over the top but more than adequate and housekeeping excellent with nightly turndown service and refreshing of the towels in addition to the daily cleaning. Hubby wanted some whiskey in the room and first day we left a note saying "Early Times Por Favor" and $5 inside the ServiBar and when we came back from the pool that afternoon there it was.
Our main goal on this trip was to get away without kids and decompress. This was the quickest I think I've ever decompressed on a trip ever. We basically did the same thing every day: got up, big breakfast, pool by 9:30 and back to room by 5 pm with beach time thrown in every day as well as lots of water volleyball, water aerobics and rifle tournament for the Mr. followed by a cocktail in the lobby bar, dinner and then usually back to the lobby bar most nights. Never had a problem getting chairs nor an umbrella and didn't notice a problem with people getting up early to save seats.

Did dinner at Sir Edwards twice (our favorite-try the shrimp and scallops appetizer) as well as La Bodega (Brazillian) and the Japanese. Other nights were the buffet which was excellent. There was such a huge selection with something for everyone. Brazilian was ok but not my favorite and Japanese excellent as well. Never made it to the steak house.

Never really hung around for the entertainment at night as it just wasn't our cup of tea but it was for many folks. Everyone we met was nice - both guests and staff. During the day several times we walked to the Riu Playcar swim up bar for a little more excitement as often the swim up at the Palace was empty. Beach looked great and water was clear.

To recap, the service was probably the best I've ever encountered when traveling with the exception of the Ritz. The staff would bend over backwards to accomodate whatever you might need and always with a smile on their face. Miriam at the lobby bar was the best. The service in itself makes it worthwhile. We did tip (usually $2 at breakfast, $5 at dinner and Every or every other round of drinks and housekeeping) but noticed that the number of folks tipping were in the minority. I did notice that there was absolutely no difference in how they treated the guests whether you tip or not which is great but if you are able to afford a few dollars here or there for these hardworking folks- do. These folks make so little compared to their guests (ok - sorry I'll get off the soapbox. The service was just so good that I feel strongly about it).

If you have the chance to go to the Riu Palace - GO !!! It was such a great trip. If anyone has any questions please fire away and I'll do my best to answer them. This will definately not be our last trip to this resort. It won our hearts.

cuffedlinks · 12-18-2005

Hey thanks BBL!

jflattracker · 12-20-2005

Great report! I love the Palace! We've only been once but it was AWSOME!! Your right the people are so nice and friendly! And the food is wonderful! I can't wait to go back!

pporonto · 12-20-2005

Great report... I will be at the Iberostar paraiso Maya the third week of January. I looked at the RIU Palace, and decided I will try this resort first... by the way, you were not on a soap box about tipping... I plan to tip because these people work thier A** off and could use the extra cash... lets face it, 5 bucks for a dinner is not much if you are from the US.....

Badger · 12-21-2005

Hey BBL, Thanks for the great report...we are staying at the Playacar at the end of January and have a ? for you. What is a "rifle tournament"? Been scouring the boards for info since this is our first time in Playa and this is the only reference to a rifle tournament I've seen. Any details would be appreciated, thanks, Badger

jobob · 12-21-2005

Not sure about the other Rius, but the Palace has an air rifle shooting contest every day behind the gym. Winner gets a diploma presented to him/her during the evening show.

yak · 12-21-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBeachLvr

...

Never had a problem getting chairs nor an umbrella and didn't notice a problem with people getting up early to save seats.

...

That's because they post signs that prohibit reserving chairs. (I wish all the places would do this).

Nice report, enjoy the memories unitl next time.

JudyBluEyes · 12-21-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by yak

That's because they post signs that prohibit reserving chairs. (I wish all the places would do this).

Nice report, enjoy the memories unitl next time.

I didn't notice any signs at the Palace. There were signs at the Iberostar, not that they did any good though.

BuckeyeBeachLvr · 12-21-2005

Badger43,

It was an air rifle contest with a small (1" diam) target, medium and large targets worth 1000, 2000 and 3000 points. Each person gets ten turns and scores are then totalled. Fun little activity. When we were there it was at 11 am every morning right behind the gym. They had darts tournament every day but unfortunately it was the same time as the air rifle. They also do ping pong in the afternoon as well as beach and water volleyball. The aqua aerobics is also fun- just enough of a workout to keep you moving but not overly strenuous.

You are going to have a great time. I'm jealous already !!!!!!!!

Yak- I never saw any signs on saving chairs either when we were there. The resort was probably only at about 70% capacity so wasn't a problem but would think in peak season it could be an issue (although haven't been there personally at that time). There was a bit of an umbrella shortage as a few were broken and some were quite threadbare they didn't do a great job of shielding that hot Mexican sun. Oh well, that's what SPF 45 is for on those of us that always burn :-)

BuckeyeBeachLvr · 12-21-2005

Oh by the way, here is what I believe is a new change at the Palace. We ordered an iron for our room the second day from the front desk as I'd read in previous postings that they are not in the room. On our fifth day though, we also rec'd a brand spanking new iron and ironing board still wrapped in shrinkwrap along with the little plastic cup to fill the water on the iron. Iron was marked with our room number and housekeeping confirmed that every room was getting one. So, looks like no more having to request one.

jobob · 12-21-2005

Shucks, missed getting an iron by about 3 days. Wouldn't have used it anyways.

The only sign I've ever seen about not reserving lounges is by the south pool and it was still there 2 weeks ago. But as buckeyebeachlvr says the resort was only about 70% full and probably why there were loads of lounges available. Many people at the beach were using two each, one standing upright to give shade.

Badger · 12-21-2005

Hey BBL, Many thanks for your reply (you too JoBob, usually see you on that other board!). But now I have another ?.....Dart Tournament?? Steel Tip or Soft Tip? Any other details? Thanks again, Badger

jobob · 12-21-2005

steel tip and watch out for Mercedes from the Animacion Team. She throws really wild especially when she does the 360 and then throws.
DUCK!!!

yak · 12-22-2005

I know for sure that they were there when we visited back in April 03. Maybe they removed them.

12-18-2005	#1 (permalink)
BuckeyeBeachLvr lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 20	Riu Palace 12/7-15 Report Everyone was so nice answering my many questions prior to the trip thought I'd give a brief recap of my awesome trip to PDC. Arrived into Cancun about 2:15 on the 7th. Worried a wee bit when we sat on the taxiway 10 minutes as the pilot announced that evidently the airport hadn't approved or assigned a gate to us so envisioned having to turn around and fly right back to Atlanta. Of course, Cancun couldn't pass up our tourist dollars so they found us a gate and we exited into the dark ??? airport. Evidently the power had gone out for a time but came on again as we went through immigration. Green light and onto the shuttle within 15 minutes arriving about 4. Check in painless and easy. Went to first room and yuck- looking right out over the Viva Maya construction next door where they were going loud and full force. Back to front desk and we moved to 2125 which once again looked over Viva Maya but was the last room in the hallway before you go down to pool so loved the location of it as we wanted to be as close to the pool area as possible and it was that. BUT if you like no noise and go to bed before 1 a.m. beware as the entertainment next door is LOUD and can be heard over the ceiling fan and A/C with doors closed. Music itself was great - rock band doing Santana, Doors, etc. so would have loved actually being there to listen to it but just not when I want to sleep. Room itself is nice, nothing over the top but more than adequate and housekeeping excellent with nightly turndown service and refreshing of the towels in addition to the daily cleaning. Hubby wanted some whiskey in the room and first day we left a note saying "Early Times Por Favor" and $5 inside the ServiBar and when we came back from the pool that afternoon there it was. Our main goal on this trip was to get away without kids and decompress. This was the quickest I think I've ever decompressed on a trip ever. We basically did the same thing every day: got up, big breakfast, pool by 9:30 and back to room by 5 pm with beach time thrown in every day as well as lots of water volleyball, water aerobics and rifle tournament for the Mr. followed by a cocktail in the lobby bar, dinner and then usually back to the lobby bar most nights. Never had a problem getting chairs nor an umbrella and didn't notice a problem with people getting up early to save seats. Did dinner at Sir Edwards twice (our favorite-try the shrimp and scallops appetizer) as well as La Bodega (Brazillian) and the Japanese. Other nights were the buffet which was excellent. There was such a huge selection with something for everyone. Brazilian was ok but not my favorite and Japanese excellent as well. Never made it to the steak house. Never really hung around for the entertainment at night as it just wasn't our cup of tea but it was for many folks. Everyone we met was nice - both guests and staff. During the day several times we walked to the Riu Playcar swim up bar for a little more excitement as often the swim up at the Palace was empty. Beach looked great and water was clear. To recap, the service was probably the best I've ever encountered when traveling with the exception of the Ritz. The staff would bend over backwards to accomodate whatever you might need and always with a smile on their face. Miriam at the lobby bar was the best. The service in itself makes it worthwhile. We did tip (usually $2 at breakfast, $5 at dinner and Every or every other round of drinks and housekeeping) but noticed that the number of folks tipping were in the minority. I did notice that there was absolutely no difference in how they treated the guests whether you tip or not which is great but if you are able to afford a few dollars here or there for these hardworking folks- do. These folks make so little compared to their guests (ok - sorry I'll get off the soapbox. The service was just so good that I feel strongly about it). If you have the chance to go to the Riu Palace - GO !!! It was such a great trip. If anyone has any questions please fire away and I'll do my best to answer them. This will definately not be our last trip to this resort. It won our hearts.

12-18-2005	#2 (permalink)
cuffedlinks añejo Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The City of Presidents Posts: 16,003	Hey thanks BBL!

12-20-2005	#3 (permalink)
jflattracker añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Loveland,Co Posts: 11,504	Great report! I love the Palace! We've only been once but it was AWSOME!! Your right the people are so nice and friendly! And the food is wonderful! I can't wait to go back!

12-20-2005	#4 (permalink)
pporonto lost on fifth Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Macomb, MI Posts: 14	Great report... I will be at the Iberostar paraiso Maya the third week of January. I looked at the RIU Palace, and decided I will try this resort first... by the way, you were not on a soap box about tipping... I plan to tip because these people work thier A** off and could use the extra cash... lets face it, 5 bucks for a dinner is not much if you are from the US.....

12-21-2005	#5 (permalink)
Badger toe in water Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 43	Hey BBL, Thanks for the great report...we are staying at the Playacar at the end of January and have a ? for you. What is a "rifle tournament"? Been scouring the boards for info since this is our first time in Playa and this is the only reference to a rifle tournament I've seen. Any details would be appreciated, thanks, Badger

12-21-2005	#6 (permalink)
jobob life=playa Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: B.C., Canada EH! Posts: 588	Not sure about the other Rius, but the Palace has an air rifle shooting contest every day behind the gym. Winner gets a diploma presented to him/her during the evening show.

12-21-2005	#9 (permalink)
BuckeyeBeachLvr lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 20	Badger43, It was an air rifle contest with a small (1" diam) target, medium and large targets worth 1000, 2000 and 3000 points. Each person gets ten turns and scores are then totalled. Fun little activity. When we were there it was at 11 am every morning right behind the gym. They had darts tournament every day but unfortunately it was the same time as the air rifle. They also do ping pong in the afternoon as well as beach and water volleyball. The aqua aerobics is also fun- just enough of a workout to keep you moving but not overly strenuous. You are going to have a great time. I'm jealous already !!!!!!!! Yak- I never saw any signs on saving chairs either when we were there. The resort was probably only at about 70% capacity so wasn't a problem but would think in peak season it could be an issue (although haven't been there personally at that time). There was a bit of an umbrella shortage as a few were broken and some were quite threadbare they didn't do a great job of shielding that hot Mexican sun. Oh well, that's what SPF 45 is for on those of us that always burn :-)

12-21-2005	#10 (permalink)
BuckeyeBeachLvr lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 20	Oh by the way, here is what I believe is a new change at the Palace. We ordered an iron for our room the second day from the front desk as I'd read in previous postings that they are not in the room. On our fifth day though, we also rec'd a brand spanking new iron and ironing board still wrapped in shrinkwrap along with the little plastic cup to fill the water on the iron. Iron was marked with our room number and housekeeping confirmed that every room was getting one. So, looks like no more having to request one.

12-21-2005	#11 (permalink)
jobob life=playa Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: B.C., Canada EH! Posts: 588	Shucks, missed getting an iron by about 3 days. Wouldn't have used it anyways. The only sign I've ever seen about not reserving lounges is by the south pool and it was still there 2 weeks ago. But as buckeyebeachlvr says the resort was only about 70% full and probably why there were loads of lounges available. Many people at the beach were using two each, one standing upright to give shade.

12-21-2005	#12 (permalink)
Badger toe in water Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 43	Hey BBL, Many thanks for your reply (you too JoBob, usually see you on that other board!). But now I have another ?.....Dart Tournament?? Steel Tip or Soft Tip? Any other details? Thanks again, Badger

12-21-2005	#13 (permalink)
jobob life=playa Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: B.C., Canada EH! Posts: 588	steel tip and watch out for Mercedes from the Animacion Team. She throws really wild especially when she does the 360 and then throws. DUCK!!!

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12-22-2005	#14 (permalink)
yak way into it Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marshfield, MA Posts: 182	I know for sure that they were there when we visited back in April 03. Maybe they removed them.