We just returned from a 4 day familiarization stay at the recently opened RIU Palace Baja California- an adults only resort- in Cabo San Lucas. Other than a Saturday morning and early afternoon spent at the Cabo San Lucas Marina and a short tour, we spent most of our time at the RIU Palace. One advantage to staying at a RIU Palace property anywhere in the world is that you get VIP Access to amenities and entertainment as well as dining (only the buffet for dinner) at a neighboring RIU Classic resort. In Cabo San Lucas the adjoining property is the RIU Santa Fe. On the other side of the RIU Santa Fe is the RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas- a family resort. We had previously stayed at a RIU Classic Resort- the RIU Tequila- during our vacation at Playa del Carmen in 2016.
For our flight to Cabo, we flew with Alaska Airlines. If you’ve read previous stories we shared on Facebook, you know Alaska is beginning some exciting new upgrades of their entire fleet now that their acquisition of Virgin America is complete. Our Alaska aircraft was a reimaged Virgin aircraft which have some of the features and amenities and style points Alaska will be bringing to the entire fleet.
Upon arrival, rather than rent a car, we chose to use Terramar locally for round trip transportation from the airport. They picked us up in a luxury suburban curbside and quickly transported us to Cabo. For the return we were transported in a luxury transport van. Bottles of water and free wifi in their vehicles were a nice touch.
Check in at the RIU Palace was quick and convenient. As is usual with vacation all inclusive resorts, we were greeted with a fresh drink during check in. The staff was friendly, courteous, and helpful throughout our stay. In an attempt to not be overly long-winded we will attempt to briefly review the RIU property and our experience for you. We appreciate that your time is valuable.
Location
The three RIU resorts are ideally located on a great stretch of beach. The rough surf and strong currents make the beaches in Los Cabos great for sunbathing and fun, but not ideal or safe for swimming and play of small children. This is much different from the other side of Mexico, in the Playa del Carmen area where we have stayed previously. The rough surf also erodes the beach so that it falls pretty sharply into the water. There are not many areas of gentle sandy gently sloping areas for play and relaxation. This was pretty common as we walked from the RIU resorts to the Marina in town (about 45 minutes at a casual stroll). Many resorts and condos beachside had only a few feet of beach area. The RIU resorts had what appeared to be the most usable beach area- less severe slope and more open areas. The RIU Palace Baja California had the most beach area for fun and leisure. The views from the Palace terrace and infinity pools were incredible.
Property
The RIU Palace Baja California is a well maintained and beautifully landscaped property. This has been a common experience for us at the various RIU properties, whether Classic or Palace. Their staff work diligently to keep things cleaned and stocked and well maintained. They strive to present a certain level of professionalism and excellence. The Palace properties are known for presenting a high level of architecture, design, and class- striving for a 5 star presentation. The Palace properties all present upscale features, design and amenities. RIU properties all strive to blend into and adopt the character of the countries and communities in which they are placed. Sadly, this trait is missing from the RIU Palace Baja California. The block style building design and white stucco color give the property an institutional/ sterile look and feel. The property has an elegant and upscale look, but lacks the character of Mexico and the region. This contrasts sharply with the exterior and grounds presentation of the neighboring RIU Santa Fe and the RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas on the other side.
The Rooms
We stayed in a standard suite- no ocean view or courtyard view. Our balcony overlooked the next door RIU Santa Fe. The room was very elegant and upscale with solid craftsmanship, quality fixtures, and materials. The open concept bathroom with the large plunge tub placed in the open was a fun and unique touch. The toilet was located in a separate small room adjoining the bathroom. The large walk in rain shower with built in linen shelves was awesome. The provided soaps and shampoos were above average. The king size bed was on a solid wood frame with a firm and comfortable mattress and quality linens. Having just 3 standard pillows would be our only complaint about the bed. The room also had a standard sofa, marble top coffee table, and small 2 person dinette. There was plenty of storage in the dresser and the double sized closet had plenty of hangers and additional storage. Coffee maker, stocked mini fridge, and in-room liquor dispenser were available as well. The room had tile everywhere, which added an elegant touch, but amplified noise as well. Speaking of noise, the long tile interior hallways of the hotel became a virtual echo chamber, which was a bit annoying at night if late night revelers were loud as they returned to their rooms.We were woken up a couple of times the first couple nights by this noise.
The Amenities
The RIU Palace Baja California has the best ocean side amenities of the three RIU properties. Two infinity pools present a beautiful unobstructed view of The Sea of Cortez as well as Land’s End. The pool level also includes two swim up bars and plenty of loungers and umbrellas. Just a few steps up, the Terrace Level also provides beautiful views and is the dining level, with all the restaurants located around the terrace. The landscape crew were continually observed maintaining the grounds and cleaning up around the property. The wait staff worked hard and quickly to serve everyone and were always pleasant and helpful. It may have been a bit of a post Spring Break hangover, but we felt they were a bit understaffed at times for poolside service. Bartenders were always cheerful and quick, but the drinks were probably the weakest we have ever experienced at a resort property anywhere. There were espresso machines everywhere and even a coffee shop in the main entertainment area- however their staff did not seem properly trained in using them. We could not get a good cup of espresso from anyone. The instant machines- like you find at your local AM/PM or 7-Eleven- were our best option for espresso or cappuccino. The entertainment staff, again perhaps suffering a bit of post Spring Break hangover, was lacking a bit. The evening shows were lacking in quality and enthusiasm. Poolside and beach entertainment was low-key and the music kept to a minimum.
Dining
Reviews for all-inclusive locations, whether cruise ships or resorts, tend to be a mixed bag and difficult to sort fact from fiction. Our experience has been that the negative reviews are often due to unrealistic expectations. We have not been disappointed in the cuisine on our cruises or previous all-inclusive stays. However, this time we would have to agree with some of the critical reviews. We found at the buffet that often hot food was room temperature. It seemed the heat lamps and warming plates weren’t functioning correctly or were in need of repair/replacement. Cold items were also not always cold. They were presented on frozen or chilled stoneware but again, the buffet was not properly chilled or there was little to no ice under the salads and chilled items (I often lifted the containers to peak). It also seemed they didn’t often rotate or refresh the selection. It sometimes seemed items may have been left on the buffet for hours. The food preparation itself was good. We found ourselves cruising the buffet, selecting items freshly or recently prepared. Those items were always excellent and tasty. The only sit down restaurant we tried was Guacamole- the steakhouse. The service was excellent. The food was delicious. The only criticism would be the same as we saw online. They tended to overcook their steaks. Guests of RIU Palace Resorts have VIP access to neighboring RIU Classic Resorts. In Cabo that is the RIU Santa Fe. All dining options are available throughout the day, except at dinner only the buffet is available for Palace guests. As a family resort, the Santa Fe creates daily themes for their buffet. We ate there one evening and the theme was Asian night. We found their food presentation to be much better. Temperature control was proper and freshness and quality seemed better than the Palace buffet. Overall the RIU Palace selection and variety were great, but their quality control and presentation were often lacking. We didn’t experience this at the Santa Fe next door. At this time I’m not sure if its a temporary training and management issue with a newer resort though after six months in operation I would hope the kinks would be worked out by now.
Entertainment
The entertainment at the RIU Palace Baja California was subdued. There were daily fitness and aerobic activities at the pool and music was played softly. The pool area is definitely targeted more toward peaceful relaxation and tranquility rather than a fun loose party atmosphere. The two infinity pools have incredible views and plenty of room. The evening entertainment in the main outdoor level was good, but again a bit subdued and not quite as expansive as we have experienced in the past. It seems the RIU Palace depends on the neighboring RIU Santa Fe to provide the more lively entertainment and music for both properties. Though the Santa Fe is a family all-inclusive resort, it does have an adults only pool area and nightclub/ lounge. The Santa Fe does a more than adequate job providing a more upbeat and lively adults only party/ fun atmosphere. The pool areas at the Santa Fe provide more upbeat and fun music with DJs and the RIU Pool Party for adults-only occurs four days a week and lasts for hours. Great music by the DJ, dancing, drinks and even a bit of foam liven up the fun. The evening entertainment in the main courtyard is also more lively and upbeat and starts at 8pm. As we mentioned, the RIU Santa Fe also houses the Pacha disco/ nightclub with dancing and music and drinks, beginning at 11pm.
Conclusion
Overall, the RIU Palace Baja California is a very good all-inclusive adults-only resort property. Plenty of beach frontage, well maintained and landscaped property, incredible infinity pools, fantastic views, and upscale beautiful rooms and suites. The service is attentive, professional, and upbeat. The property and atmosphere is quiet and relaxing and elegant. If you wanted a more lively atmosphere and more fun and music, access to the Santa Fe next door more than made up for it.
However, we found the buffet to be inconsistent in quality and presentation. The drinks were weak or watered down. The entertainment was subdued and unenthusiastic. The corridors could be overly loud at night when trying to rest. The property design and architecture felt very sterile, with none of the character or charm of the country or region.
Overall, it feels as if the RIU Palace has not yet determined an identity for itself. Is it an adults-only resort for adults looking for fun and entertainment away from the kids and a taste of luxury? Or is it seeking to be a quiet tranquil baby boomer haven in simple luxury and comforts? As they go through their first year in action, they may better determine that identity and style going forward.