Hotel Riu Caribe 5*

We’ve stayed at this hotel five times since the major renovations a few years ago now, and we’ve always appreciated the quieter north‑Cancun location. The ocean in this area is usually calmer and historically has had less seaweed than the main hotel zone, although the entire region has been dealing with heavy seaweed recently, there was certainly some here as well. They need a more automated option for removing it. Also, a net to catch it would be nice. This visit, however, came with several frustrations. The double beds are simply too small for two adults, and I woke up with back pain every morning as I also had in the past. Entertainment also felt more limited than in past years. As Riu Gold members, we were upgraded to the 9th floor for part of our stay. The view overlooking the pools was beautiful, though the room layout was the same as the standard rooms. One major issue involved the interior connecting door between our room and the one next door. These doors are helpful for families, but if you’re not traveling with family, I strongly recommend requesting a room without one. Noise travels through them extremely easily, and I will never stay in another room with adjoining doors. I would also suggest that if you are given one, that you do not unpack and immediately go to the front desk and do not accept such a room. This time on our last night, guests were placed next to us who created a strong, natural herb‑like odor commonly associated with smoking certain substances. The smell came directly into our room and onto our balcony through the connecting door, and my wife and 16 year old son had headaches because of it. Their television was also left on all night long, and even with earplugs I could hear it clearly. It made it very difficult for my family to sleep prior to our early morning travel back to the airport, and the design of the connecting door amplified everything. We also had an issue with the fridge not being restocked the one day, when we called for water, we were told it would be replenished the next day, which was disappointing considering we only needed a few bottles. The main pool was so hot it was more like a jacuzzi actually. On the positive side, the elevators were fast which is important in Cancun especially when you're on the 9th floor. We’ve always appreciated the staff here — many of them remember us from previous visits, and we’ve enjoyed seeing familiar faces. Unfortunately, the issues we experienced this time were significant enough that we’ve decided this will likely be our last stay at this property. I mean we love RIU, and I guess it may have been more my fault in accepting a room with the room adjoining door for one. There are many reasons to be disappointed with travel these days, price, lines, schedule, etc., but when prices keep going up and there isn't any additional service it's time to change the habit. We are in business also, and we must never forget who actually fuels the engine!

7 years ago my wife and I stayed at the hotel next door Riu Palace Peninsula and thought we might have been underwhelmed by what The Riu Caribe had to offer but we could not have been more wrong. The hotel is lovely and spacious, the food on offer all day was very very good and the staff could not be any friendlier. The team in the Sports Bar very friendly and knowledgeable and remembered our favourite order every day. The Animation team full of energy. , Tony and Sara especially attentive. I absolutely loved that when my wife and I arrived in our room it was decorated to celebrate our wedding anniversary, lovely towel animal and balloons. Our Tui Reps always available in the morning every day and extremely helpful when we booked our tour to Holbox island, and on departure. I really could not have asked for a better holiday in Mexico with the wonderful team at The Riu Caribe. My wife Kerry and I cannot wait to return.