Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya sits inside Playacar’s gated Phase II, with a compact U shaped layout running from grand lobby to wide beach. Key planning choices are which wing to sleep in for quiet vs parties, how close to the pool and sea you want to be, and how much you will walk or taxi into Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue area.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobby and Arrival Block | Check in, evening drinks, indoor dining starting point | Use this hub to orient room direction and restaurant cluster. | Can feel busy and echoey during peak check in waves. |
| Central Garden Promenade | Strolling, photos, quieter seating between wings away from music | Choose a courtyard view room if you like this outlook. | Walkway is fully exposed to sun at midday, shade is limited. |
| North Accommodation Wing | Quicker access to Riu Tequila parties and sister hotels walkway | Request upper floors near ocean end for best angled sea views. | More foot traffic on lower levels near path to Playacar street. |
| South Accommodation Wing | Generally quieter stays, closer to kids club and family focus | Pick rooms mid wing for balance of garden calm and beach access. | Longer walk to Riu Party venue and some sister properties. |
| Pool and Beachfront Zone | Daytime activity, swim up bar, direct access to wide Playacar beach | Arrive earlier for shaded loungers under palms, especially in high season. | Can be loud with music and activities, vendors occasionally circulate. |
| Playacar Perimeter and Walkways | Jogging, quiet walks to 5th Avenue, spotting wildlife in greenery | Follow sidewalks toward Playa del Carmen gate for safest town access. | Heat and humidity build quickly, carry water for longer daytime walks. |
2025 Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map + Printable PDF (Official 2023 Edition)
The resort still follows its post renovation horseshoe layout, with three story wings framing a central garden axis that ends at the pools and Playacar’s deep, palm lined beach. Recent 2024 and 2025 reports confirm the grounds remain compact and fully walkable, with elevators and ramps intact. What shifts year to year are sargassum levels on the shoreline, so guests now pair this stable layout with live seaweed checks.
2025 Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map Guide
Plan by thinking in two main axes. West to east, your day flows from the lobby’s indoor restaurants and bars along the garden promenade to the lively pool deck and beach. North to south, you choose between a wing closer to Riu Party and sister hotels or a quieter family oriented side. Overlay that with movement modes, walking within Playacar or quick taxis to 5th Avenue, to match couples, family, or nightlife focused trips.
What is the on-property layout of Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Riu Palace Riviera Maya has a compact U shaped layout from lobby to beach, twin room wings around gardens, pools and Playacar’s shoreline.
The resort layout follows a classic horseshoe plan that opens toward the Caribbean. The lobby and main building sit at the base of the U, facing east toward the sea. This main block holds reception, the Daiquiri lobby bar, and most air conditioned specialty restaurants, so evening traffic concentrates in this indoor hub. Three story accommodation wings run from the lobby toward the ocean on the north and south sides, creating the arms of the U.
Between the wings sits a landscaped central promenade with fountains and palms that functions as the main pedestrian artery. This garden axis leads directly to the pool deck, which forms the open end of the U and transitions to the wide Playacar beach. The walk from lobby to sand covers roughly 200 to 300 meters on flat paths.
Where is Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya located?
Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya sits in gated Playacar Phase II, just south of central Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
The resort is on Av. Xaman Ha in the Playacar Phase II development, a secure residential and hotel zone at the southern edge of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. It fronts the Caribbean Sea and faces east to southeast across the channel toward Cozumel, giving sunrise oriented pool and ocean views.
By road, the property is about 55 to 60 kilometers south of Cancun International Airport along Highway 307. From the lobby to the start of Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue and the Cozumel ferry area is roughly 2.5 to 3.0 kilometers, so guests can walk in 20 to 30 minutes or take a short taxi ride.
What are the transportation options from the airport to Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
From Cancun Airport, choose private transfer, shared shuttle, ADO bus plus taxi, or costly airport taxis direct to Riu Palace Riviera Maya.
The resort sits about 55 to 60 kilometers south of Cancun airport, with typical travel times of 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. These are the main practical options:
- Pre booked private transfer gives the best balance of price, comfort, and speed, with door to door service and costs around 40 to 87 USD per vehicle one way.
- Shared shuttle often comes with package holidays, is cheaper per person, but adds time because it stops at multiple resorts before Playacar.
- ADO bus to Playa del Carmen then a taxi into Playacar is the budget option, though the bus plus taxi combo is awkward with heavy luggage.
- Official airport taxis can be taken on arrival, usually cost 60 to 120 USD, and are generally the most expensive choice.
What things are there to do near Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
From Playacar golf and ruins to the Xaman Ha aviary, Xcaret and Cozumel, there are easy day trips and walks close to the hotel.
You have a cluster of low stress options within walking or short taxi distance of the resort.
- Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya sits nearby in Playacar and gives golfers an 18 hole course without long transfers.
- Xaman Ha Aviary lies inside the complex and lets guests see regional birdlife on a relaxed, easily walked outing.
- Small Playacar Mayan ruins are scattered in the residential area, adding a short, informal archaeological walk close to the hotel.
- Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue and the Cozumel ferry pier are about 2.5 to 3 kilometers away for shopping, dining, and people watching.
- Xcaret Park, a major eco archaeological theme park just south of town, is a popular half or full day trip by short taxi ride.
How does Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya compare with Riu Palace Mexico, Iberostar Paraiso Maya, and adults-only Playacar resorts?
Riu Palace Riviera Maya has the best beach and walkability, while Riu Palace Mexico is sleeker, Paraiso Maya bigger, and Playacar adults only quieter.
| Property | Setting and vibe | Beach and location | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Palace Riviera Maya | Colonial style, lively but upscale, family friendly | Wide Playacar beach, walkable to 5th Avenue | Couples or families wanting great sand and town access |
| Riu Palace Mexico | Modern, minimalist design, similar service tier | Same Playacar strip, slightly different layout | Guests who prefer sleek decor over hacienda style |
| Iberostar Paraiso Maya | Huge highway mega complex, resort bubble feel | Narrower, rockier beach, isolated from town | Families wanting water park style pools and big complex |
| Royal Hideaway Playacar | Small, refined, adults only, quiet atmosphere | Playacar beach, low key environment | Honeymooners wanting calm, higher service and no children |
| Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen | Adults only right by ferry and 5th Avenue | More eroded urban beach near the pier | Nightlife focused guests prioritizing downtown over beach quality |
Riu Palace Riviera Maya balances strong beach quality with easy urban access, while the others trade between design, seclusion, water park amenities, or adults only quiet.
Where is Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya within the Playacar resort area?
Inside Playacar, Riu Palace Riviera Maya anchors the Phase II beachfront, near golf paths and just south of Playa del Carmen’s pier.
Playacar Phase II wraps around the Hard Rock Golf Club and ends at a single line of large beachfront resorts. Riu Palace Riviera Maya sits on this eastern edge, directly on the sand, with its lobby facing back toward the golf course and its pools opening straight to the Caribbean. The security gate into Playacar lies to the northwest, on the road that leads to downtown Playa del Carmen.
Along the shoreline, the hotel is in the central Phase II beach strip, with other Riu properties and Royal Hideaway nearby. Walking north along the beach or internal sidewalks leads toward Playacar Phase I and the Cozumel ferry area, while walking inland from the lobby brings you into the residential streets and paths around the golf course.
Which building at Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is best for ocean views?
For the best ocean views, target upper floor rooms at the ocean end of either wing, closest to the open side of the U shape.
The resort is organized as a U shaped layout, with a north wing and a south wing running from the lobby toward the sea. Rooms at the eastern tips of these wings sit closest to the water and follow the main view corridor, so they command the clearest ocean sightlines. Upper floors in these end sections reduce obstruction from palms and pool structures.
Rooms set farther back toward the lobby are categorized more as courtyard or garden view. They look inward over fountains and landscaping rather than directly toward the Caribbean, so guests who truly prioritize ocean views should focus requests on the seaward ends of either accommodation wing.
How far is Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen?
Riu Palace Riviera Maya sits about 2.5 to 3 km from Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, a 20 to 30 minute walk or 5 to 10 minute taxi ride.
From the hotel lobby to the southern start of 5th Avenue near the ferry and Paseo del Carmen is roughly 2.5 to 3.0 kilometers, or about 1.5 to 1.8 miles. Walking along Playacar’s internal sidewalks usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on pace and heat. Guests who prefer not to walk can take a short taxi from the lobby, with typical drive times of around 5 to 10 minutes, influenced mainly by traffic at the Playacar security gate and the circulation near the town entrance.
What amenities does Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya offer?
Riu Palace Riviera Maya bundles 24 hour all inclusive dining and drinks with multiple pools, kids club, shows, beach service and sister hotel access.
Key amenities cluster around the all inclusive program, pools and beach, entertainment, accessibility, and connections to sister Riu hotels.
- All inclusive 24 hours covers meals, snacks, drinks, room service, and restocked minibar plus in room liquor dispenser.
- Dining options center on a large buffet and several a la carte venues including fusion, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and a poolside steakhouse.
- Aquatic infrastructure includes three freshwater pools, a swim up bar for adults, a children’s pool, and a wide serviced Playacar beach.
- Entertainment programming brings nightly shows, live music, access to Riu Party at nearby Riu Tequila, and the RiuLand kids club.
- Accessibility amenities include elevators in all buildings, ramped walkways, and accessible public restrooms in key common areas.
- Guests gain daytime access to lunch and snacks at nearby Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, and Riu Tequila, extending usable facilities.
- ScubaCaribe’s on site beach desk organizes water sports and excursions, while honeymooners can request Riu’s complimentary honeymoon package with recent marriage proof.
What is the layout of the Junior Suite Ocean View at Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Junior Suite Ocean View uses a split level plan with bed near entrance, sunken lounge below and balcony angled toward the sea.
The Junior Suite Ocean View measures about 35 square meters and follows a two level layout. The upper level near the entrance holds the sleeping zone, with either one super king bed or two small doubles plus closets and access to the bathroom area. Two steps lead down to a lower lounge with sofa or sofa bed, coffee table, and TV unit, creating a separate sitting area.
Beyond the lounge sits the furnished balcony or terrace, positioned to give ocean views from the room’s lower level. An open concept bath layout places the double vanity and soaking tub semi open to the bedroom, while the toilet and walk in shower sit in enclosed compartments for basic visual privacy.
How wheelchair accessible is Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Resort is highly wheelchair friendly, with elevators, ramped paths and accessible bathrooms, though soft sand still limits direct beach mobility.
Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya follows a flat, compact three floor layout that strongly favors wheelchair users. All main accommodation buildings contain elevators, and the room wings reportedly use double elevator banks, which reduces waiting times and avoids reliance on stairs for higher floors. The core circulation network uses smooth, rolling paths that link lobby, restaurants, garden promenade, pools, and public restrooms through step free routes.
Public restrooms with accessible facilities sit in key zones such as lobbies, the shopping arcade area, and near the pools, so guests do not have to return to their room for bathroom needs. This infrastructure makes most daily movement efficient for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility. As with many Caribbean resorts, the final transition from hardscape to soft beach sand is naturally more challenging, so guests should expect excellent hotel side access but only conditional beach side ease.
What is included in the all-inclusive plan at Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
All inclusive here covers 24 hour meals and drinks, room service, stocked minibar, liquor optics and daytime access to nearby Riu sister hotels.
The plan centers on a true 24 hour food and beverage model plus in room stocking and beachside service.
- All meals and snacks are included around the clock, with the main buffet plus several themed a la carte restaurants for dinner.
- Unlimited local and imported alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available 24 hours a day in bars, restaurants, and lounges.
- Waiter service brings drinks directly to loungers around the pools and onto the Playacar beach zone in front of the hotel.
- Suites include a daily restocked minibar with beer, soft drinks and water, and a four bottle in room liquor dispenser.
- Twenty four hour room service is part of the Palace tier, so guests can order food to the room at any time.
- Guests may use lunch and snack options at nearby Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar and Riu Tequila during the day.
Where are the restaurants located within Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Most restaurants sit in the main lobby block, with the buffet and a la cartes inside and the Chilis steakhouse closer to the pool and beach.
Restaurants cluster mainly in the main building near the lobby, with one venue at the pool and beach edge.
- Don Rafael international buffet sits inside the main building, close to the lobby and theater, handling breakfast and dinner.
- Krystal fusion restaurant is in the main block’s evening dining strip, reached from the lobby via indoor corridors.
- Yashima Japanese restaurant is also in the main building, along the same air conditioned restaurant spine.
- Agave Mexican restaurant sits in that same interior dining zone, convenient to the lobby bar for pre dinner drinks.
- Il Portico Italian restaurant lines the main building’s restaurant row, a short walk from reception and elevators.
- Chilis steakhouse occupies the pool and beach side zone, serving as a daytime grill and nightly oceanside dinner venue.
Where are the Riu hotels located across the Riviera Maya region?
Riu hotels cluster in Playacar by Playa del Carmen and along the Cancun and Costa Mujeres corridor on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Riu concentrates its local portfolio in a dense Playacar strip plus a northern Cancun and Costa Mujeres group.
- Playacar complex near Playa del Carmen includes Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Riu Palace Mexico, Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila and Riu Lupita.
- Cancun and Costa Mujeres to the north host Riu Palace Costa Mujeres, Riu Dunamar, Riu Palace Kukulkan, Riu Palace Peninsula, Riu Palace Las Americas, Riu Cancun, Riu Caribe and Riu Latino.
Is Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya a good choice for a honeymoon?
Yes, it suits honeymooners wanting an elegant Playacar beach, 24 hour service and lively but not wild social energy.
Riu Palace Riviera Maya works well if you want a classic, hacienda style setting with a wide soft sand beach and the option to walk or taxi into Playa del Carmen. The open concept junior suites, in room liquor dispensers, room service and sunrise facing pool deck all support a couples focused stay. It is still a family friendly resort, so expect children around the pools and buffet rather than total quiet.
Riu also runs a complimentary honeymoon package if you arrive within 90 days of your wedding and present a marriage certificate, usually including sparkling wine, room decor and a small gift.
What do the most recent reviews say about Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Recent reviews praise staff, cleanliness and beach, while food opinions, open bathroom privacy and seaweed conditions are the main friction points.
Recent guest sentiment in 2024 and early 2025 is broadly positive. Many reviews state that the 2019 renovation still feels fresh, with rooms and public areas described as modern and very clean. Service is a strong theme – staff are frequently called attentive, friendly and efficient, which anchors overall satisfaction. The wide Playacar beach continues to be a major reason guests return, even when seaweed temporarily affects water color.
Critical comments cluster in a few predictable areas. Food quality polarizes guests, with some calling it very good and others finding it repetitive or below expectations for a Palace tier. The open concept bathroom in junior suites draws repeated complaints from friends or families sharing a room. Beach vendors and occasional heavy sargassum buildup also appear in negative notes, especially in peak seaweed months.
How can guests book excursions from Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya, step by step?
Book excursions via the Riu app, ScubaCaribe beach hut or lobby tour desks by following a few clear on site steps each day.
You have three main channels to book excursions from the resort.
- Riu Guest Info App
- Download the Riu Guest Info App on your phone before or after arrival.
- Log in using your booking reference or room number and surname.
- Open the Services or Activities section to view available tours and prices.
- Select a tour, review details and send a booking request or message to staff.
- Confirm pickup time and meeting point, usually the main lobby entrance.
- ScubaCaribe beach and water sports center
- Walk to the ScubaCaribe hut on the hotel beachfront during opening hours.
- Speak with staff about snorkeling, diving, catamaran or combo sea excursions.
- Choose your date, group size and level, then confirm price and inclusions.
- Provide room number, complete the waiver and pay by card or cash as required.
- Note departure time and location, which may be the beach or a nearby pier.
- Lobby tour and rep desks
- Find the tour operator or package rep desks in or near the lobby area.
- Compare options for Tulum, Chichen Itza, cenotes and adventure parks.
- Pick your preferred tour, check language, duration and food inclusions.
- Book your date, give your room details and receive a paper or digital voucher.
- Be in the lobby pickup zone 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
How can travelers check current sargassum seaweed conditions for Playacar beach near Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Use live webcams, local sargassum Facebook maps and official Quintana Roo reports to verify current Playacar seaweed levels before travel.
Travelers should combine visual feeds with daily local reports.
- Check the Playacar Palace webcam to see real time color of water, sand coverage and cleanup activity along the same coastline.
- Use regional cams on sites like webcamsdemexico or Akumal focused feeds as a rough nearby proxy when Playacar views are unclear.
- Follow Facebook groups such as Sargassum Monitoring or Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo for daily color coded maps.
- Review Zofemat and related government seaweed maps, which summarize expected landings along the Quintana Roo shoreline.
What are typical booking prices and rate ranges for Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya?
Typical nightly rates run about 300 to 400 USD in low season and 500 to 700 plus in high season, with holiday weeks priced at a premium.
Pricing here is highly dynamic and depends on season and occupancy. In low season around September and October, double occupancy rates often fall in the roughly 300 to 400 USD per night range. In high season from December through April, typical prices rise into the 500 to 700 plus USD band, with Christmas and New Year weeks charging the highest premiums.
Rates vary by room type and channel. Bookings flow through Riu’s own site, major online travel agencies and package operators, so travelers should compare options and watch for promotions rather than assuming a fixed nightly price.
Archive Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map
Below is the official map version released for Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map 2008
2008 Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya Map
