Hotel Riu Palace Mexico

With much-needed renovations completed in 2012, the Hotel Riu Palace Mexico reopened with most of its tired colonial decor swept away in favor of 21st-century glitz. Stepping into the lobby, it's hard not to be stuck by the disco-chic style that brings together plush purple velvet with shimmering mosaic, intricate wrought ironwork, and extravagant chandeliers. There are still some of the hotel's original details in evidence, such as polished granite flooring, lofty wood paneling, and even a small Catholic chapel, and they sometimes sit a little awkwardly alongside newer elements. The property however is set in impeccably tended grounds, with gleaming white-washed buildings topped with terra-cotta tiles flanking manicured lawns and framing pretty fountains. Footpaths lined with colorful flowers and palm trees connect sun terraces and swimming pools and run down to the white powder sands and impossibly turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. 

This all-inclusive resort is mostly popular with North American and British vacationers, from families and couples to groups of friends. Unruly spring breakers are not tolerated (room parties are not allowed and during spring break season, at least one guest must be 21 or over; the rest of the year guests only need to be 18). Though kids are catered to here, couples are a bit more common than families. It's one of the two Palace-level Riu resorts in the Playacar area (the other being the more traditionally decorated The Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive); the Palace properties have access to the amenities at the four Classic-level Riu resorts in the vicinity: the Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila, and Riu Lupita. 

Riu Palace Mexico is located in the exclusive Playacar resort area in a complex shared with five other hotels from the Riu chain. The hotel has direct access to a beach overlooking the Mexican Caribbean sea and is situated about 15 minutes' drive from downtown Playa del Carmen offering plenty in the way of restaurants, bars, and retail outlets, as well as a regular ferry service to Cozumel island. There are also abundant tourist attractions to be had such as day trips to Xel-Ha and Xcaret parks, and the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. The mega-resort of Cancun with its legendary nightlife and international airport is also about an hour away.

Also having benefitted from the 2012 renovation, all 434 rooms are decorated in fresh, modern styling with crisp white walls and splashes of pinks and purples. As well as small lounges separated by a glass half-wall, rooms also have sliding doors that open to furnished terraces that mostly overlook the garden complex (some just have views of neighboring buildings). Standard amenities are impressive and include satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and even hydro-massage jetted bathtubs -- though not everyone will enjoy the open-plan bathing set-up. (As the most upscale of the six Rius, this resort tends to draw more couples.) Refreshments also include well-stocked minibars, coffee machines, and liquor dispensers with four export-quality spirits (such as Bacardi and Jose Cuervo, all included in the plan). As is common among hotels in the area, rooms can feel a little damp or musty. 

The property has all the facilities you'd expect from a large all-inclusive resort, including four swimming pools (one adult-only with a swim-up bar), and a spa with gym, jetted tubs, and steam room. There are also six restaurants; a la carte options include fusion cuisine at Krystal, Japanese, Italian, a steakhouse, and of course, Mexican. The quality of food is high for an all-inclusive, and the buffet has impressive variety, live cooking stations, and theme nights (including one where lobster is offered). There are seven different bars scattered throughout the hotel; the cappuccino bar serving pastries and ice cream is popular, and there is no equivalent at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya. There's a 24-hour lounge so guests can drink and snack at all hours, and 24-hour room service is also offered. 

Children four to 12 are well catered for with the RiuLand kids' club, an outdoor playground, and a kiddy pool. There is an impressive range of water sports -- including a free introductory scuba class -- as well as two floodlit tennis courts and beach volleyball. Daily entertainment is also put on for adults and children, including live music and shows in the evening; it's a hit with most guests. There's also a discotheque at Riu Tequila. 

The beach has beautiful white sand and the hotel makes an effort to clear the seaweed that accumulates along the shore (typical for the area), but it will still be present along the shore and in the shallow water near the sand. There are lots of lounge chairs and palm trees help provide shade (there are no umbrellas). A massage hut is located here, and there are regular beach barbecues. Drink service is available both at the beach and the four pools.

Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout. 

The hotel has a 24-hour all-inclusive plan that covers meals, snacks, and drinks, though the a la carte restaurant options require advance reservations. Guests are required to wear wristbands. In-room minibars and liquor dispensers are restocked regularly and room service is available at all hours. Tax and tips are also included, though tips are still appreciated. Guests can access all of the amenities at the five other Rius in the complex, though guests at the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex cannot access the Palace-level resorts.