Riu Tequila Report

This was my first time going to an All Inclusive Resort and it definately was a treat! The Riu Tequila is situated in Playacar with three other Riu chain hotels: Riu Playacar, Riu Yucatan, Riu Palace. If you stay at the Palace you can access all four hotels, if you stay at any of the other three you can access everything except the Palace.

By far the pool is the best at the Riu Tequila, that is simply because it is the farthest from the beach. Don't let that stop you though from coming to this resort as the atmosphere is more casual then the other three hotels. You will notice the dresscode for dinner is more relaxed and the it is more of a party & fun atmosphere. With the Tequila you have three choices for dinner. The main restaurant which is good but can get a little boring if you stay for two weeks. I suggest if you stay at the Tequila to go at least once to the Steakhouse. You get a fabulous meal, and a quite romantic atmosphere by the pool. I didn't try the Mediterrainian restaurant so I can't comment on that one.

Things to do around the resort... If you are not drinking or eating... Sitting around the pool is always nice. There is a board which schedules activities on an hourly basis. You can choose from volleyball, badminton, ping pong, kayacking, scuba, snokelling, rifel shooting, tennis, bingo, and many more. The beach is maybe a five minute walk from the hotel, but you can jump aboard a golf cart trolley that runs back and forth.

In the evening they have entertainment each night. It was typically pretty good. The Grease show put on by the hotel staff was not as good, but every other night I enjoyed. The have a club dance at the end of the entertainment show and they get people on stage to line dance. (see my previous post as I am trying to find out the song names). After the club dance, La Pinata opens and you can Disco into the morning...

Outside of the resort, there are tours everyday. I went to Coba and Cozumel. I also went to Playa del Carmen (taxi costs 40 pesos or $5US). Coba tour was $75US and you got a Mayan Meal, a tour of the Mayan Ruins, a trip to a real Mayan household, and you explored the jungle for spider monkeys. It was great. The tour company is giving back to the community by helping to teach the children how to recycle and not throw out trash into the jungle. It was really good to see.

The cozumel ferry ride is a little rocky. Especially on the day we went. If you plan on snorkelling you may want to call ahead because the day we went it was closed due to heavy under currents and we basically had to find something else to do. The ferry ride I believe was $10US.

All in all the I would recommend the RIU Hotels as they made you feel welcome. The only draw backs or suggestions... Make sure to bring some ear plugs or get a room in the back because people get up at 6:00am and you can hear everything through the hall ways.

[Lizzard56]

Thanks for the gret trip report! My husband and I will be there for 7 days with 2 other couples on Dec. 28. It is our first time to an AI and we are so excited! We've read a few other reports and it sounds like everyone really likes the Tequilla. While you were there did you notice any info on special doings for New Years? We were just wondering if they would have a New Years party there, or if we needed to into town. Thanks again for the great report! :P

[jimbo]

I enjoyed Riu Tequila last year and am looking forward to a return this year. You could stay on the grounds for the entire week (although I wouldn't) and have a wonderful time. However, if I were in Playa for New Year's Eve, I would definitely go into town!

When we were there they were setting up a Christmas Tree for some celebration however I didn't ask what was going on for New Years. I am sure if you wanted a party then the Hotel would have a great one. However if you are looking for some wild fun, I suggest you head to Senior Frogs. I am guessing though the New Years bash there will be sold out....