Riu Yucatan

Traveled as a family in early January. We were initially given a room on ground floor but the musky smell was unbearable. Requested a room on the third floor – much better! The rooms are dated as many reviewers said before but this didn’t bother us since everything in the room worked as it should (hot water, ac etc.). Layout of the room with open bathroom area was ok for us (but will not work for all) – there is a glass block wall on one side which provides a bit of separation but not much. When we first arrived on Jan 1, the hotel was at capacity and really crowded. I would avoid peak times. Food was surprisingly good compared to what we expected (better than more expensive places we have stayed in). I like to eat light and always look for fish/seafood/veg options while the rest of the family likes the typical selection from the grill – lots to choose from to suit all tastes. Service was good. People work really hard. Location is great with about a 10-15 minute walk to the 5th avenue and a very short walk to the mall in the Playacar area (prices are about the same if you plan on buying some souvenirs). Beach is beautiful and there are lots of chairs (no need to race to the beach and reserve), no seaweed during our stay. Pool is on the smaller side (compared to other hotels) but water was ok temperature in both the pool and ocean. The only real issue for us was the smoking. I am used to being around smokers especially in places like this, but I have never seen it on this scale. People smoking in the rooms (smoke seeping through the ventilation system), on balconies, at the bar, in the theater, everywhere on the beach and around the pool, lighting a new one from the one they are about to put out. Crazy, but it should provide a perspective of who to expect as far as fellow hotel guests are concerned. We had to move on the beach, leave the show – it was that bad. Cigarette butts everywhere. We have also noticed that people left a huge mess around the pool and on the beach on daily basis, leaving all sorts of garbage behind including plastic bottles, some of which was carried away by the breeze (staff couldn’t keep up with cleaning it). Again, very different from our previous experiences. Sad! All in all, we will likely not return to this hotel but will take a look at other properties in this area because the location is great. If it wouldn’t be for the smoking and the mess people make, we would consider going back.

Had a broken stay here as had to travel to Monterrey for a couple of days. Overall enjoyable stay, stayed in the sister hotel 2 doors down last year Riu Playacar, that is a little quieter TBH. In the Yucatan there were plenty of beds but did find to get the best spots on the beach or the pool had to get up that little earlier and claim a place before going for breakfast. The resort it's self is a fair size but not alarming, plenty going on day and night. If you want a bit of piece and quiet I recommend to saty by the top pool, very relaxing. The rooms were basic but clean and tidy with a great mini bar. Housekeeping everyday worked very hard evreywhere and done a great job. Entertainment was OK something to look at when having a few, it got better the more you drunk. The bars were busy but the staff worked hard there to serve as quick as possible. Overall would return, as the location on the beach is something that we like and every morning was fab to work the length of the beach. Also the use of the other 2 hotels was a bonus make sure you do the white or neon night in the Tequila good fun and everything included.

This was our 4th visit , ask for building #5 top floor South side ,if they dont know South so say Monkey side ,the top floor has vaulted ceilings and the occasional monkey will jump from the roof to the trees right by your balcony, sometimes a bunch of them will. I think this resort is great for all but mostly for families . I like the fact that they are starting to limit the smoking areas but not quit enough ,us none smokers still struggle but its much better than a year ago. The gym could use some newer weights and a little touch up but it still served the purpose. We will go there again but will try a couple of others first .