Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10526 reviews

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  Nice but service could improve

  Very nice hotel, very clean, great food options, overall great staff but unfortunately sometimes we felt the staff overwhelmed and with a bad attitude. They protected the nicer meals (steak cuts) as if they were taken out of their paycheck. Very disappointing since we paid a lot of money to stay there. For example, we asked for more steak for my son one night and they went as far as telling us the kitchen was closing. It was one hour before closing. They ended up bringing it but I didn’t like feeling like I had to beg/push to get more food in an all inclusive hotel. They also give you the cheapest alcohol unless you specifically request the nicer brands. It’s all a game. And they say it’s not lobster time from May to September which is their high season so they get away with no lobster in their menu most of the year. Their nice restaurants are always at capacity according to them. We tried to get into the steakhouse twice with no luck until the third time. We still had a great time but wouldn’t come back. Their branch in Playa del Carmen was way better about all those issues.

  Jul 29, 2025
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  Tasty Buffets, Sit‑Down Drama, and a Seafood Flashback

  Dining at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas was a mixed bag — sometimes hitting, sometimes missing with such force it felt like culinary whiplash. Buffet Lunch & Dinner These were, hands down, the strongest culinary offering. The spreads were vast, with a huge variety of choices. While not gastronomic masterpieces, the buffets consistently delivered enough to satisfy even the pickiest diner. Just fair warning: after highlights one night, expect the same slightly bland vibe the next day. Great dessert. Krystal Sit‑Down Restaurant A step above the buffet in flavor and ambiance. The food wasn't perfect, but noticeably better. A welcome respite for guests craving something more composed than the buffet line. The salmon was dry though in all their restaurants. Mexican Restaurant We were told wait time would be two hours. Fine. We waited—at the rooftop bar—for two hours. When our buzzer buzzed, we arrived … only to be told we would have to sit at separate tables. Seven‑person family dinner, two tables? No offer to combine them, despite two hours of waiting. This was especially disappointing—it was my cousin’s birthday, and we hoped for a celebratory evening together, not a fragmented seating setup. Italian Restaurant (San José) The setting was lovely, with ocean views that promised an elegant evening. Unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the scenery. The appetizers and desserts were buffet-style — and sadly, they tasted as though they’d been sitting out all day. Lukewarm, stale, and unappetizing. For my entrée, I ordered the sea bass. At first glance, it looked fine. But as I brought it closer, a strong, sour fish smell hit me. My cousin confirmed, “It smells old.” I took a bite, hoping it would taste better than it smelled — it didn’t. It was slimy, off, and clearly spoiled. This wasn’t just a subpar dish; it was a serious food safety concern. I informed the staff that the fish was spoiled and asked for a different dish — only to be told the kitchen was closed. So while the rest of my family enjoyed their meals, I was left with nothing but the stale buffet offerings. It was a deeply disappointing experience and frankly unacceptable at a resort of this caliber. Dietary & Beverage Options One major oversight at the resort was the lack of thoughtful non-alcoholic and dietary accommodations. There was only one non-alcoholic beer option, and most mocktails were simply sugary fruit blends — not ideal for those who avoid sugar for health reasons or simply prefer more balanced flavors. Likewise, there were no healthy vegan food options that weren’t just sides or salads. For a resort that hosts a diverse international clientele, it’s surprising and disappointing to see so few inclusive dining choices. A few health-conscious, low-sugar, or plant-based protein options would go a long way toward making all guests feel considered and welcomed. Room Experience (Jr. Garden Suite) I stayed in a Junior Garden Suite, and the space was generous — especially for a solo traveler. The layout was comfortable and well-designed, offering plenty of room to relax and unpack without feeling cramped. That said, my coffee maker was broken throughout my stay, which was a small but noticeable inconvenience, especially for someone who enjoys starting the day with an in-room coffee. It’s a detail that may seem minor, but at a resort of this standard, I expected it to be checked and functional before check-in. Health Concern Two children (aged 12 and 14) in our group became very sick. Given the spoiled sea bass and buffets with seafood likely sitting out too long, it’s a strong possibility they got sick from contaminated food—casting a shadow over the rest of our vacation. Service Highlights - Poolside team: fantastic. Always attentive and accommodating. - Housekeeping: kind and responsive—everything extra you ask for, checked off with a smile. Downsides in Service Front desk/transportation: poor coordination and unsettling interactions. ‣ Arriving at the airport, I couldn’t find the welcoming staff in blue and green polos (as promised). No guidance, no escort—just confusion. ‣ The driver asked for a tip face-to-face, which felt intrusive and unprofessional. I opted not to give one on principle. ‣ Departure pick-up: the assigned driver disappeared into a van and failed to meet me. After questioning staff, someone finally checked his roster and recognized me—but only after I’d been waiting alone, unseen, and unacknowledged. Given how I look—nonbinary, youthful, casually dressed—it felt like I wasn’t taken seriously or assumed to be paying. That lack of respect left a lasting negative impression. Final Thoughts & Suggestions: - Buffets: generous in variety, but predictable and occasionally questionable in freshness. - Sit-down restaurants: ambiance promising, execution inconsistent and disappointing. - Food safety: unacceptable title for food poisoning risk. This must be addressed with urgent staff training and inspection. - Staff cross-training: ensure everyone—from front desk to transportation—is informed, courteous, and respectful, with consistent communication across shifts. - Seating logistics: inform guests up front if valid group seating can’t be accommodated—don’t surprise them after long waits. Despite the occasional gem, such as Krystal, poolside crew, and service from housekeeping and buffet staff, the ugly seafood mishap, dining inconsistencies, and transportation mishandling mean I can’t fully recommend the dining program at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. If you plan to eat buffet-style or by the pool and you’re not expecting top-tier culinary adventures—this could still work. But expect to hold your nose and your expectations accordingly. I am not coming back to Riu.

  Jul 29, 2025
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  Relax & Regroup

  Property could benefit from some renovations but overall our stay was great. Any requests were taken care of immediately and check-in & out was extremely easy.

  Jul 29, 2025
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  7/14/25 - 7/22/25

  We stayed at the Cabo Palace. It was very nice and very clean. Food was good and plentiful. We've stayed at other Riu hotels and will go again.

  Jul 29, 2025
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  Family Vacay 2025

  We had a fabulous time. There/s something for every age group. Great memories with family and friends. :)

  Jul 28, 2025