Riu Palace Mexico or Riu Palace Mayan Riviera?

blondyinnh · 07-01-2006

Anyone been to both and can compare? Thanks

Mr Cancun · 07-01-2006

Maybe this might help you out, we plan on visiting the new one too when we get there but decided on staying at the RP Mexico.

http://mytravelboard4.com/playa/posts/25844.html

summer05 · 07-02-2006

I've only been to the Riu Palace Mexico, but would probably choose that over the new one because of the great beach at the Riu Palace Mexico.
Summer

blondyinnh · 07-02-2006

Thank you, why did you decide not to go to the new one?

suzeq · 07-02-2006

We were at the Yucatan a couple of weeks ago and our friends were staying next door at the Palace Mexico. They had gone to lunch at the new RIU and decidedly did not like it....they said it was too much...large and ostentatious. We did take a walk on the beach and the beach at the Palace Mexico is much nicer than the new Palace.

blondyinnh · 07-02-2006

I love nice things

And I picked the "Palace" in general because of the pictures I've seen of the decor are amazing. I love marble and columns and gold. I've stayed at Tucan and know the beach in that area well. The ONLY main reason I booked the older palace is because of the beach. I know, I know people who've stayed there say it's no big deal. I prefer that over the pool because I'm at a "beach" resort and I sit by a pool everyday at work during the summer. I may still change who knows. I know I won't be dissapointed at either one.

suzeq · 07-03-2006

I like nice things too but sometimes they can be overdone. At least that was the consensus in our group.

playaluva · 07-03-2006

We have stayed at IB Tucan, Pariso Beach, Lindo, Cozemel and RIU Palace. I would pick an IB over RIU anyday!!!! Although Riu Palace was very nice it was way too quiet for us. The pool is pretty far from the beach too. We like to have them close so you can go back and forth if you want. I think if you love IB you may not like RIU as much unless you are looking for more upscale and quieter resort.

DenverCpl · 07-04-2006

We just got back and curiously enough we liked the old Palace over the new one. We walked over and had breakfast at the new Riu Palace Mayan and were impressed with the decor but noticed sutble differences that made us prefer the old Palace where we were staying. Little things like the huge lobby, it was extremely similar to the old Palce but bigger, the thing was, unlike the old palace the air conditioning didn't work so well ( probably due to doors at the far end being open all the time) We realy appreciated the lobby ( and bar ) in the old palace being so lovely and cool after coming in from the outside. We found the main buffet restaurant to be designed slightly differently, so as to cause lines at the food bars. ( we even told an exasperated couple to come over and have breakfast and lunch over at the old palace, as there are never any lines, even though both seemed to have the same number of people. The layout of where everything is almost exactly the same in both palace's. The new palace has a great pool, better than the old in fact, yet when we got to the beach it was no contest. We were astonished at how small it was and with a sea wall to boot. When we snorkled and parasailed we found some people were ferried over ( on seado's) from the new palace to the old to do these activities.
Personaly I think anyone would have a fantastic time at either resort but after experiencing the old palace for a week then to see the new we found that we prefered the old - of course this may be due to 'hotel loyalty' setting in.
hope this helps

newyearmommy · 07-05-2006

Hi there!
We were at the new Palace about a month ago. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. I will tell you, however, that we typically spend more time at the pool than the beach. I enjoy the beach and we spend a few hours there each day but I'm not a "sand person" and prefer the pool with a drink in my hand.

But I do love to look out at the gorgeous turquoise water!
Everyone prefers something different, of course. For me, the service sets this property apart. It was unbelievably clean---spotless! The food was wonderful and the staff was superb. Maid service comes twice/day. I can be somewhat of a hotel snob and was "this close" to booking Secrets Capri solely for the service but chose this property instead for the better beach and water. The beach area at the Palace Mexico is not necessarily a lot nicer...but it's definitely larger...a LOT larger. Yes, there is a retaining wall at the new Palace but it was a non-issue to me. The pool didn't even compare----I was shocked at how huge the new Palace's pool was compared to the Palace Mexico. The infinity pool is so very pretty and the lounge chairs in the pool were very refreshing on those hot days! As far as it being "pretentious"....I didn't see that at all. The decor was exquisite and tasteful...not overdone at all, in my opinion.
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either resort. I've stayed at the Ib* Tucan and that property doesn't even compare to the Riu's. If you go to the new one---see if you can pay at the front desk to upgrade to the ocean view room----it's absolutely incredible and was worth every penny (and was MUCH cheaper to do it that way than to book it that way from the beginning---I just paid cash at the front desk).
Have a great trip!

blondyinnh · 07-05-2006

Thank you for all of your reply's. I may just see if it's not too late to get into the new palace. Then I can have the ability to hope over to the old palace if I felt I was "really" missing out on the beach there.

blondyinnh · 07-05-2006

Newmommy-What did they charge you to upgrade? And who did you go with on your vacation?

newyearmommy · 07-05-2006

They have two types of upgraded rooms---ocean view and then ocean view with the jacuzzi on the 2nd floor balcony. While I would've loved the jacuzzi suite, it was very pricey. I REALLY wanted to be as close to the water as possible....I like to see and enjoy the ocean from my balcony. It also is soooo much more convenient for the pool, too. We stayed 5 nights and I paid $150 cash (total) to upgrade to the OCV suite. We booked through Funjet and, if I remember correctly, it would have cost us 3 times that amount to pay for the OCV from the start. I did *not* like our room when we got there (it was FARRRRR away from the ocean and even smaller than most of their other rooms) so I went up to talk to the front desk and basically asked them what it would cost me to upgrade. When you start talking cash, they start listening.

I also think it depends on what kind of a trip you are going on. For us, it was just my husband and I and we were looking for more of an upscale property. We didn't want many kids around and I wanted great service. When we stayed at the Ib* Tucan, we went with 2 other couples and that was great for us b/c we enjoyed the night club, the "louder" atmosphere, etc...........but for just the two of us I wanted something much different which is why we went with the new Palace. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a perfect vacation in every way. I agree with you on your comment that if you want to go down to the Palace Mexico for the beach sometimes, you can....but something tells me you won't even feel the need.

By the way, I would be happy to share my pictures with you but have no clue how to do that here. Would you like me to email them to you?

blondyinnh · 07-06-2006

I'd love to get any kind of oceanview room. I'll see what I can swing when I get there. I would rather be near the beach than the lobby in any resort.

Thanks for the pics again. Anyone else have any pics? Thanks

blondyinnh · 07-06-2006

Well heard back from the agent tonight

it's too late to get the deal we were offered before. She tried her best but it looks like we'll be staying at the Riu Palace Mexico. I'm not dissapointed, just wanted the best.

07-01-2006	#1 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	Riu Palace Mexico or Riu Palace Mayan Riviera? Anyone been to both and can compare? Thanks

07-04-2006	#9 (permalink)
DenverCpl sandflea Join Date: May 2006 Location: Denver CO Posts: 7	Old or new Palace We just got back and curiously enough we liked the old Palace over the new one. We walked over and had breakfast at the new Riu Palace Mayan and were impressed with the decor but noticed sutble differences that made us prefer the old Palace where we were staying. Little things like the huge lobby, it was extremely similar to the old Palce but bigger, the thing was, unlike the old palace the air conditioning didn't work so well ( probably due to doors at the far end being open all the time) We realy appreciated the lobby ( and bar ) in the old palace being so lovely and cool after coming in from the outside. We found the main buffet restaurant to be designed slightly differently, so as to cause lines at the food bars. ( we even told an exasperated couple to come over and have breakfast and lunch over at the old palace, as there are never any lines, even though both seemed to have the same number of people. The layout of where everything is almost exactly the same in both palace's. The new palace has a great pool, better than the old in fact, yet when we got to the beach it was no contest. We were astonished at how small it was and with a sea wall to boot. When we snorkled and parasailed we found some people were ferried over ( on seado's) from the new palace to the old to do these activities. Personaly I think anyone would have a fantastic time at either resort but after experiencing the old palace for a week then to see the new we found that we prefered the old - of course this may be due to 'hotel loyalty' setting in. hope this helps

07-05-2006	#13 (permalink)
newyearmommy sandflea Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5	They have two types of upgraded rooms---ocean view and then ocean view with the jacuzzi on the 2nd floor balcony. While I would've loved the jacuzzi suite, it was very pricey. I REALLY wanted to be as close to the water as possible....I like to see and enjoy the ocean from my balcony. It also is soooo much more convenient for the pool, too. We stayed 5 nights and I paid $150 cash (total) to upgrade to the OCV suite. We booked through Funjet and, if I remember correctly, it would have cost us 3 times that amount to pay for the OCV from the start. I did not like our room when we got there (it was FARRRRR away from the ocean and even smaller than most of their other rooms) so I went up to talk to the front desk and basically asked them what it would cost me to upgrade. When you start talking cash, they start listening. I also think it depends on what kind of a trip you are going on. For us, it was just my husband and I and we were looking for more of an upscale property. We didn't want many kids around and I wanted great service. When we stayed at the Ib* Tucan, we went with 2 other couples and that was great for us b/c we enjoyed the night club, the "louder" atmosphere, etc...........but for just the two of us I wanted something much different which is why we went with the new Palace. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a perfect vacation in every way. I agree with you on your comment that if you want to go down to the Palace Mexico for the beach sometimes, you can....but something tells me you won't even feel the need. By the way, I would be happy to share my pictures with you but have no clue how to do that here. Would you like me to email them to you? Last edited by newyearmommy : 07-05-2006 at 06:34 PM.

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07-01-2006	#2 (permalink)
Mr Cancun reposado Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Far North Dallas Posts: 1,330	Maybe this might help you out, we plan on visiting the new one too when we get there but decided on staying at the RP Mexico. http://mytravelboard4.com/playa/posts/25844.html

07-02-2006	#3 (permalink)
summer05 beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 289	I've only been to the Riu Palace Mexico, but would probably choose that over the new one because of the great beach at the Riu Palace Mexico. Summer

07-02-2006	#4 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	Thank you, why did you decide not to go to the new one?

07-02-2006	#5 (permalink)
suzeq life=playa Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: colorado Posts: 821	We were at the Yucatan a couple of weeks ago and our friends were staying next door at the Palace Mexico. They had gone to lunch at the new RIU and decidedly did not like it....they said it was too much...large and ostentatious. We did take a walk on the beach and the beach at the Palace Mexico is much nicer than the new Palace.

07-02-2006	#6 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	I love nice things And I picked the "Palace" in general because of the pictures I've seen of the decor are amazing. I love marble and columns and gold. I've stayed at Tucan and know the beach in that area well. The ONLY main reason I booked the older palace is because of the beach. I know, I know people who've stayed there say it's no big deal. I prefer that over the pool because I'm at a "beach" resort and I sit by a pool everyday at work during the summer. I may still change who knows. I know I won't be dissapointed at either one.

07-03-2006	#7 (permalink)
suzeq life=playa Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: colorado Posts: 821	I like nice things too but sometimes they can be overdone. At least that was the consensus in our group.

07-03-2006	#8 (permalink)
playaluva way into it Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 118	We have stayed at IB Tucan, Pariso Beach, Lindo, Cozemel and RIU Palace. I would pick an IB over RIU anyday!!!! Although Riu Palace was very nice it was way too quiet for us. The pool is pretty far from the beach too. We like to have them close so you can go back and forth if you want. I think if you love IB you may not like RIU as much unless you are looking for more upscale and quieter resort.

07-05-2006	#10 (permalink)
newyearmommy sandflea Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5	Hi there! We were at the new Palace about a month ago. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. I will tell you, however, that we typically spend more time at the pool than the beach. I enjoy the beach and we spend a few hours there each day but I'm not a "sand person" and prefer the pool with a drink in my hand. But I do love to look out at the gorgeous turquoise water! Everyone prefers something different, of course. For me, the service sets this property apart. It was unbelievably clean---spotless! The food was wonderful and the staff was superb. Maid service comes twice/day. I can be somewhat of a hotel snob and was "this close" to booking Secrets Capri solely for the service but chose this property instead for the better beach and water. The beach area at the Palace Mexico is not necessarily a lot nicer...but it's definitely larger...a LOT larger. Yes, there is a retaining wall at the new Palace but it was a non-issue to me. The pool didn't even compare----I was shocked at how huge the new Palace's pool was compared to the Palace Mexico. The infinity pool is so very pretty and the lounge chairs in the pool were very refreshing on those hot days! As far as it being "pretentious"....I didn't see that at all. The decor was exquisite and tasteful...not overdone at all, in my opinion. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either resort. I've stayed at the Ib* Tucan and that property doesn't even compare to the Riu's. If you go to the new one---see if you can pay at the front desk to upgrade to the ocean view room----it's absolutely incredible and was worth every penny (and was MUCH cheaper to do it that way than to book it that way from the beginning---I just paid cash at the front desk). Have a great trip!

07-05-2006	#11 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	Thank you for all of your reply's. I may just see if it's not too late to get into the new palace. Then I can have the ability to hope over to the old palace if I felt I was "really" missing out on the beach there.

07-05-2006	#12 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	Newmommy-What did they charge you to upgrade? And who did you go with on your vacation?

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07-06-2006	#14 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	I'd love to get any kind of oceanview room. I'll see what I can swing when I get there. I would rather be near the beach than the lobby in any resort. Thanks for the pics again. Anyone else have any pics? Thanks

07-06-2006	#15 (permalink)
blondyinnh reposado Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,078	Well heard back from the agent tonight it's too late to get the deal we were offered before. She tried her best but it looks like we'll be staying at the Riu Palace Mexico. I'm not dissapointed, just wanted the best.