Pros

  • All-inclusive resort a short walk to the white-sand beach
  • Clean rooms have minibars stocked with free drinks and liquor dispensers
  • Huge outdoor swimming pool with a swim-up bar
  • Above-average buffet restaurant and a la carte options
  • Beach has sun loungers and free non-motorized sports
  • Beautiful grounds with wildlife including coati and monkeys
  • Renova Spa has multiple treatments available and a gym
  • RiuLand kids' club has swimming pool and playground
  • Free Wi-Fi in the lobby
  • Free parking
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Cons

  • Not located directly on beach
  • Have to wait in line each morning to reserve a la carte restaurants
  • Room decor is a bit tired
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The all-inclusive Hotel Riu Tequila is an upper-middle-range resort near Playa del Carmen. Though the hotel isn't on the ocean, it's a quick five-minute walk to the white-sand beach and guests have access to the amenities at the Riu Yucatán and Riu Playacar. The 664 spacious guest rooms include balconies or terraces and free minibars with liquor dispensers, but decor could use a refresh. The gorgeous lush grounds and the traditional Mexican decor provide an atmosphere reminiscent of a hacienda. Features such as a big outdoor pool, multiple dining options with included liquor, and spa, help make this property a great all-inclusive pick for the price. 

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Kids Club
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Riu Tequila

Scene

Hacienda-style property has gorgeous grounds teeming with wildlife

The Riu Tequila is a hacienda-like property with two-story buildings that are dominated by pinks, peaches, and yellows. The open-air lobby is huge and striking; it's furnished in a typical Mexican style, present in the detailed ceiling, paintings along the walls, and tiling on the steps. There's ample seating surrounding the pretty fountain in the middle, as people hang out here to use the free Wi-Fi.  

The grounds are lush, with palm trees and walkways about and guests are guaranteed to spot wildlife like coati, which are not afraid to come steal your food. Though the resort is very family-friendly, thanks to the RiuLand kids' club and nightly animation, couples won't feel out of place here. 

See More Scene

Location

In Playacar's resort area, a quick walk (or shuttle ride) to the beautiful beach

Located in the Playacar resort area, Riu Tequila is surrounded by four other Riu properties, including Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar, of which guests have access to their facilities. Though not actually on the beach, it's a quick five- to 10-minute walk there, or there's a free shuttle from the hotel. There isn't much within fast walking distance, aside from a shopping complex with a Starbucks. It's about two miles from Playa del Carmen, where many restaurants, nightclubs, and shops can be found. Cancun International Airport is an hour away by car.

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Rooms

Clean rooms have balconies or terraces and stocked minibars, but furnishings are a bit bland

There are 664 clean and spacious rooms at Riu Tequila, all either on the first or second floor with a terrace or balcony. Rooms dark wood furnishings and dated linens, including the same brown patterned fabric on the beds, drapes, and chairs -- though some guests appreciate the traditional furnishings. (Those who don't might want to consider the Riu Yucatan, which received a modern update.) All rooms have flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, ceiling fans, and central air-conditioning. The minibar and liquor dispensers are always stocked, and are covered by the all-inclusive rates. Standard Room bathrooms have walk-in showers, generic toiletries, and hairdryers; the Suites have shower/tub combos. The Suites each also have a living room area with a sofa, chair, and coffee table. 

See More Rooms

Features

Huge outdoor pool, a spa, and easy access to the beach

Riu Tequila has plenty to keep both children and adults busy, particularly since guests have access to the features of Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar as well. On the property, there's a huge outdoor pool, divided into two sections by the Lupita restaurant and swim-up bar. Ample loungers and straw umbrellas are available but many guests place a towel on the best spots early in the morning and don't come back until hours later; this isn't allowed and the staff does leave a note on chairs of offenders. The RiuLand kids' club has its own kiddy pool, playground, and indoor area with tables and games.

The sports facilities area has a sandy volleyball court, small basketball court, ping-pong and foosball tables, and shuffleboard. Free loungers and non-motorized water sports are located at the beach. 

Renova Spa has ample treatments available, a beauty salon, and a gym. For nighttime entertainment, guests can head to the La Piñata discotheque or the theater. There's a business center with several computers that require cash and five conference rooms on-site.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Above-average buffet and several a la carte options

Unlike the food at some all-inclusives, guests praise the quality and variety offered at Jalisco buffet restaurant. Guests also have the option to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants -- a steakhouse, Mexican eatery, and Asian buffet, or any options at Yucatan and Playacar. Note that you have to wake up in the morning and wait in line to make your reservation. Alcohol is included and past guests suggest specifying the brand of liquor. There's also a 24-hour Sports Bar with jerseys hung around the walls and ceilings as well as several pool tables.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

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Things You Should Know About Hotel Riu Tequila

Also Known As

  • ClubHotel Riu Tequila

Address

Avenida Xaman-ha, Manzana 3, Lote 19, Condominio Playacar, Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Riu Tequila

Scene

Hacienda-style property has gorgeous grounds teeming with wildlife

The Riu Tequila is a hacienda-like property with two-story buildings that are dominated by pinks, peaches, and yellows. The open-air lobby is huge and striking; it's furnished in a typical Mexican style, present in the detailed ceiling, paintings along the walls, and tiling on the steps. There's ample seating surrounding the pretty fountain in the middle, as people hang out here to use the free Wi-Fi.  

The grounds are lush, with palm trees and walkways about and guests are guaranteed to spot wildlife like coati, which are not afraid to come steal your food. Though the resort is very family-friendly, thanks to the RiuLand kids' club and nightly animation, couples won't feel out of place here. 

See More Scene

Location

In Playacar's resort area, a quick walk (or shuttle ride) to the beautiful beach

Located in the Playacar resort area, Riu Tequila is surrounded by four other Riu properties, including Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar, of which guests have access to their facilities. Though not actually on the beach, it's a quick five- to 10-minute walk there, or there's a free shuttle from the hotel. There isn't much within fast walking distance, aside from a shopping complex with a Starbucks. It's about two miles from Playa del Carmen, where many restaurants, nightclubs, and shops can be found. Cancun International Airport is an hour away by car.

See More Location

Rooms

Clean rooms have balconies or terraces and stocked minibars, but furnishings are a bit bland

There are 664 clean and spacious rooms at Riu Tequila, all either on the first or second floor with a terrace or balcony. Rooms dark wood furnishings and dated linens, including the same brown patterned fabric on the beds, drapes, and chairs -- though some guests appreciate the traditional furnishings. (Those who don't might want to consider the Riu Yucatan, which received a modern update.) All rooms have flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, ceiling fans, and central air-conditioning. The minibar and liquor dispensers are always stocked, and are covered by the all-inclusive rates. Standard Room bathrooms have walk-in showers, generic toiletries, and hairdryers; the Suites have shower/tub combos. The Suites each also have a living room area with a sofa, chair, and coffee table. 

See More Rooms

Features

Huge outdoor pool, a spa, and easy access to the beach

Riu Tequila has plenty to keep both children and adults busy, particularly since guests have access to the features of Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar as well. On the property, there's a huge outdoor pool, divided into two sections by the Lupita restaurant and swim-up bar. Ample loungers and straw umbrellas are available but many guests place a towel on the best spots early in the morning and don't come back until hours later; this isn't allowed and the staff does leave a note on chairs of offenders. The RiuLand kids' club has its own kiddy pool, playground, and indoor area with tables and games.

The sports facilities area has a sandy volleyball court, small basketball court, ping-pong and foosball tables, and shuffleboard. Free loungers and non-motorized water sports are located at the beach. 

Renova Spa has ample treatments available, a beauty salon, and a gym. For nighttime entertainment, guests can head to the La Piñata discotheque or the theater. There's a business center with several computers that require cash and five conference rooms on-site.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Above-average buffet and several a la carte options

Unlike the food at some all-inclusives, guests praise the quality and variety offered at Jalisco buffet restaurant. Guests also have the option to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants -- a steakhouse, Mexican eatery, and Asian buffet, or any options at Yucatan and Playacar. Note that you have to wake up in the morning and wait in line to make your reservation. Alcohol is included and past guests suggest specifying the brand of liquor. There's also a 24-hour Sports Bar with jerseys hung around the walls and ceilings as well as several pool tables.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Fitness Center

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Kids Club

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.