Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

6058 reviews

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  Very Good but Needs Improvement

  Reception/front desk staff was a 10/10- friendly, welcoming, thorough, they smiled and answered questions without hesitation. The same goes for the housekeeping staff who was also very professional and attentive. Restaurant and bar staff is where the needs improvement comes in. Service from them was a 5/10. Most interactions were awkward and I was treated rudely repeatedly. I don’t know if it’s bc I’m Mexican so they assumed I’m a local but my personal observation was that white tourists were treated better. In contrast, I was met with sarcasm, confusion, and annoyance on many, many occasions to the point that I expected this level of treatment so I prepared and responded more assertively (nobody wants to feel like that on vacation). Valet/front door staff was 6/10 with some of the same complaints that I have of the bar/restaurant staff. The shows were fun and the staff in the pink shirts were very nice, 10/10. Food quality was poor and while it did the job, the best food was found in the Zona Dorada and away from the resort. Malecón Buffet is prob the best offering but for ambience only bc the food was pretty bad as well. Location was a 10/10 if you want beach and seclusion otherwise it’s abt 20 min Uber to the Zona Dorada. Hotel itself was well kept and felt clean and well maintained a the pools and gardens were gorgeous. Would I come back? Yes, but I would hope that the food/beverage folks improve.

  Dec 10, 2025
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  Amazing

  Had a really nice experience your staff was excellent from your restaurant to outdoor pool staff your check in and your checkout staff was amazing all of all the way around had an amazing time please send more offers

  Dec 09, 2025
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  Fantastic!

  Just finished spending 3!wonderful weeks here at the Riu Emerald Bay. I believe this is our 10th time at this resort. The staff here is fantastic! Grounds kept immaculate. Alfredo the lunch and supper server is absolutely wonderful! Armando in the lounge bar has our drinks ready as soon as we walk in. Anna Marie(blue shirt which I think is one of the customer service managers) is wonderful. U have any questions or an issue she follows up on it. The food keeps getting better! No complaints at all. Salmon and the beef Taglianoti are so delicious. And of course can’t go wrong going to the Asian. Beautiful views from the tower building. For me the only downside is the tub/shower. Very dangerous to get in and out, these really should be upgraded. Anyone that has bee allergy, bring epipen and benedryl if u are going to the adult only pools. People always getting stung. Vendors Jessica and her husband Angel on the beach are absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this resort. Thanks again for the wonderful stay and we will see u all in February!

  Dec 09, 2025
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  Enjoyable trip

  This is a long review sorry for that. Food- The speciality restaurants. Mexican, Chinese and Italian. Mexican and Chinese were Ok but we left the Italian before eating as the selection was not good. Buffet was very good, similar items most days but good. The Roast Beef was excellent. Everything was very fresh Beach - the largest I have every seen and very clean. Vendors there but don't bother you much. What the hec with Mexican bands ALL day. Gets tiring, we had to move to a different area of beach to get a way from them, noon till 7 pm and can hear in our room. Rooms- dated but very clean. Bed was OK a little hard. The view of the ocean is great from our room even when the front desk said we don' t have a view. The mini bar was very well stocked and when we needed extra water. It was delivered with 15 minutes! Using the Riu app Bars - many bars in the hotel and rooming bars in the day time. The drinks are excellent and bartenders work very hard, tip them. The Sports bar is the best and a shout out to Luis the main bartender, thank you my friend. They have waiters for drinks on the beach as well. Cleaning - they are cleaning the floors all over the hotel all day. Very clean. Front desk - always friendly and willing to assist you with anything. Very quick check in and check out Hotel - very large but everything is within a short walking distance. The checkout is 11:00 am and we were told we can't use any of the facilities after that even if we were leaving at 2 pm. Don't tell anyone but we used the restaurants anyway with no questions asked Entertainment - I have been to many Riu hotels but the entertainment here was poor. Waterslides - you must be 120 cm to go in to it. However there is a children's waterside as well. The slides are very fast and amazing!!! Try them out Staff - I have nothing but praise for all the staff at the hotel. Friendly and willing to help you out with anything. Airport - we didn't book a package deal and ended up paying for Cab to and from the Airport which about 25-30 minute by Cab. It was 45 Cdn$ plus $5 toll charge both ways. Airport is small but ok. Shopping - beach vendors, small shopping area down the beach maybe a kilometre. When into Mazitlan but the shopping there was not good. Massages - available in the Spa for $120 USD plus. Beach massage $30 USD. It is very busy on the beach massage so you must book a day in advance. Not busy in the Spa go figure for that price. Elevators - Can be slow and sometimes just passes your floor.

  Dec 08, 2025
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  Great family resort

  We were all very happy with this resort. It was great for kids of all ages and the adults. There was stuff for everyone to do.

  Dec 08, 2025