This was our 8th time to Riu Cancun. I'm not going to go into a long review. We wouldn't be back 8 times if we didn't love this resort. The one thing that was different this time was there is a new "No Smoking" rule in the swim up bar pool. I don't smoke but my wife had to completely get out of the pool every time she wanted a smoke. Doesn't seem like a big deal unless your a smoker i guess. I suppose it's one of those things that some people appreciate and some find ridiculous. Never the less, it's something to keep in mind if your hoping to enjoy a cigarette at the swim up bar.

I stayed at the Riu Cancun January 25 - Feb 1st 2012 and had a terrific time. I had read some reviews and I'll give you my two cents worth regarding some of the problems that others have mentioned. First off -- the beds. Yes, they're two beds pushed together but who really cares. And they're not hard as a rock unless you're some kind of princess. The mattresses and the pillows were both very comfortable. Next -- the shower. It's plenty big enough and only a fool couldn't figure out how to work the adjustable shower head. I'm 5'10'' and I could raise the shower head way above my head. It not only adjusted vertical, but you could remove the head also. Next -- the musty smell/dampness. It's not that bad. Lastly -- the service at the front desk. Check-in was simple. We got two keys without asking . Whenever we had any questions, they were more than happy to help out.

So overall, the hotel was beautiful and the staff was very friendly and wanted to take care of you every chance they could. We ate at the main buffet and the food never got old. There were plenty of choices and the only problem was not stuffing yourself. I'd recommend the Michael Jackson show and the Cat vs Dog show. They were plenty of chairs around the beach. The main pool filled up sometimes but wasn't bad. The jacuzzi's are the same temperature as the pool. No hot tubs :( Even the one on top of the 6th floor at the solarium. The only beer in the hotel is Dos Equis, but that was tasting mighty fine. We went to Riu Caribe for a day just for a change of scenery. Easy to hop on a bus and it only costs a buck for a ride. Oh yeah, bring a bunch of singles for tipping money. It's appreciated by the housekeeping staff and the waiters and bartenders and everyone.

Side trips we did: Chichen Itza --- I'd highly recommend that. It's a long bus ride but the pyramid and other ruins are worth the wait. The guide was very good and the stop at the Cenote was fun on the ride home (if you like jumping 15 feet into water that is). Xcaret --- interesting place to see and plenty to do. We hit Senor Frogs (ok) and Coco Bongo (must do -- the non-stop show is amazing). That's one of the nice things about the hotel too -- you can walk to all the clubs -- it's not very far and it's safe.

So don't listen to all the negative reviews. The hotel is amazing in every aspect. Wish I could have stayed longer.

We stayed for two weeks in January - Staff very friendly & helpful. Our room was basic with a great sea view & cleaned everyday by the staff. I thought the hotel grounds were very nice, yes it does need a bit of an update but overall it was clean. Our fridge was noisy when we mentioned this to reception it was changed straight away. The food was good & catered for everyone & the restaurants you had to book in advance, were very good, we really enjoyed the Japanese restaurant but all had really nice food & did make a change from the daily restaurants, so well worth booking. The evening entertainment was ok but not brilliant, they had a couple of really good dance shows but maybe should have more variety like singing rather than miming shows. The hotel is in a good location about 5-10 minutes stroll from Coco Bongos. We went to Coco Bongos on a Saturday night it was jam packed & we had to queue up for an hour & we already had our tickets! Maybe be better to go during the week as this is a fabulous night out.

We went on a couple of day trips & I really recommend Xel-Ha, book outside the hotel as cheaper than Thomsons. This trip was brilliant it is a beautiful place with lots to do & this was our best day.

Overall we had a great holiday & we would go back & stay at the Riu Cancun, the only thing I will say is if you are use to 5 star luxury & a little fussy you may be better staying next door at the Riu Palace.

I have just spent the most spectacular week in Cancun. I would recommend the Riu Cancun hotel to anyone. Nearly all rooms have a sea view, and they are breath taking views the higher your room is the better the view, the hotel has 15 floors. The hotel is vibrant and full of life and is perfect for couple and groups with an aray of entertainment offered throughout the day and into the evening. The Famous COCO BONGO is literall a 5 minute walk from the hotel to the left as you leave the front door, and there is a lovely new shopping centre across the road from the hotel, they have a starbucks coffee house and Häagen-Dazs parlour for those with a sweet tooth. The hotels main buffet restaurant has an amazing choice of food, its endless there is something for everyone. If you are staying for 2 weeks its worth trying the 3 seperate restaurants onsite which are also included on the all inclusive-so it doesn't cost you a penny!! There's a steak restaurant for those meat eaters, a Brazillian restaurant serving both steak and fish dishes and a Japanese restaurant serving sushi. You will not be disapointed there is just so much to choose from. The buffet restaurant also has themed evenings, we experienced their mexican night, Caribbean night and Spanish night serving tranditional dishes. The waiters can't do enough for you and are the friendliest people I have ever met. They approach you on the beach, by the pool, on the terrace asking if you would like to order drinks and do! Order what you like! You can literally lay on the beach all day without lifting a finger its bliss. The ferry boat to the Isla Mujeres is literally next to the hotel and if you have the opportunity go! Its only a / minute journey with a great view of the hotels as you sail out to sea. If however you'd like to book somewhere thats a little bit quieter and secluded I'd recommend the Riu Palace, its a beautiful hotel and is directly next door to the Riu Cancun, and because its owned by the same group all guests at the Riu Palace can use all the facilities at the Riu Cancun, but please note that guests staying at the Riu Cancun can not use the Palace facilities as its a high grade of hotel. If you're booking any trips, and its worth booking a few there is so much choice, book with your Holiday Reps, they give you sound advise on all the trips they offer and there is no difference in price if you're booking with a prive seller, in some cases we found that the prices were more expensive booking outside of the hotel. Also you are insured if anything goes wrong - heaven forbid! if you book with the Reps. Any you book via a private seller i.e. from the local businesses you're not insured should anything go wrong. Enjoy your holiday you won't be diappointed!

Gemma.