We travelled to Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and Spa on Feb 2-9, 2012 (my husband, myself, and two girls - aged 12 and 9). Our travel agent had been there the year before and had good things to say about it. We had a near perfect vacation. The resort was better than I ever expected. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The food was good and I was happy that all of us stayed healthy. The resort is definitely big but that was not a problem at all. The kids loved riding on the trolly and it came frequently so we never waited more than 10 minutes for our next ride. Plus, after all the yummy food we ate, walking was a good option. I was very surprised with the washrooms located by the pool and the beach. The first time my kids had to use them I thought to myself "oh goodness...what disgusting will they be?" Imagine my surprise when we walked in and saw granite, soap dispensers full of soap and clean, clean, clean washrooms. The beach was gorgeous and very long - there were rocky parts for sure but also very sandy parts. The only problem was the resort was having some problems with the fire alarm system. It went off the middle of the first night we were there (false alarm) - we thought maybe someone pulled it but then the 3rd night it went off around 10 times during the night. Rather annoying but things happen. We voiced our complaint at the reception desk (Riviera lobby) and I must say the Manager would have been very proud of how his employee handled us - she had excellent customer service and stayed calm and listened to us while reassuring us they were trying to fix the problem.
Snorkelling was great there so if you are thinking you will try this out I suggest you take your mask and snorkel - you won't be disappointed. The staff were friendly but not overly friendly which was fine with us because we were there to relax not socialize. We've been to Cuba a couple of times and noticed quite a difference in the fact that staff in Cuba expect you to tip them all the time whereas in mexico you can tip if you feel the service was good and they appreciate it but don't expect it. It is really too bad that Mexico is getting bad press here in Canada - we felt safe. Unfortunately bad things happen everywhere. We would go back to Mexico in a heart beat. The resort was fabulous - I defintely recommend it.

Past December we stayed at the Palladium Riviera for 2 weeks. Son with his family and my parents were at the resort also. Only negative is the resort is too large for someone with walking difficulties although there are trolleys and a boat to help get around the resorts. Trolleys and boat rides were fun. My parents are in their late 70's and have a little trouble walking,Other than that, excellent. Excellent activities, shows, kids club, pools, buffets, staff, service. Son and his wife had a hard time keeping their kids out of the kids club. Kids loved the kids club. Oh the pillows, they charge for nice pillows.Not sure why they skimp here.
Comparable resorts in the area we have stayed at are Grand Bahia and Iberostar. Long ride from the airport took 2.5 hours. Had an ant problem in the room. Told the front desk reception staff and they put us in a new room the next morning. Really helpful at the front desk. Asked if they would upgrade my paents room, they responded immediately. Excellent Friday night show "Pirates of the Carribean". Spa was awesome, incredible, no kids. You can enjoy the Spa public area (pool, hot tubs) (without fees) in the spa. Fitness centre is excellent. Mini golf, Spanish lessons, bingo, air rifle, crocodile feeding, beautiful grounds, covered walkways, orchid gardens, lots of excellent activities. All in all, excellent stay. Would recommend.

Just let me just say this was my wifes Honeymoon that came 20 years late. We have never travelled anywhere before.
The resort is wonderful. The staff is always smiling and you get a "Hola" from everyone. The room we had was huge, super clean and very comfortable. The food at the buffets were always fresh and tasty, the breakfast buffets are to die for, loads of choices and plenty of food to choose from, and there are 2 buffets to choose from. The only dark note was the Japanese al a carte, maybe if you get a "Show Table" the food might have been better but the food at the tables were not so good at all. The Steakhouse was wonderful, I had a T-bone that was butter tender and very tastey. The Beach BBQ was awesome and a must, reservations are needed. The 24 hour beach restaraunts are great and the food is good. The Saltwater Pool was a highlight for us, we got our "Snorkeling" legs back there before we ventured out in the ocean. The Ocean was warm and the sand was soft and powdery, the swimming and snorkeling was great right off the beach. The only advise I would give people is; when walking on the beach go barefoot cause the sand gets into your sandals and you get blisters fast, and what could be nicer than walking barefoot in powdery sand?
The resort is big so be prepared to do some walking. There are 4 resorts on the property and you can use them all. The property is split in half with 2 connecting resorts per half. And the 2 connecting are an easy walk between them. If you need to go to the other side just catch the "train" for a short ride to get there and they run every 15 mins from early in the morning to late at night. If you cant get around very well, like my wife who hurt herself just before we left, there are shuttle buses that run all the time and all the drivers were willing and did take us wherever we needed and in most cases right to our door!!! Now that service that needs to "compensated" for as do the waiter/waitresses and bartenders who also do a great job serving and making you feel at home and never ask for anything in return, they just try to make your stay a pleasant one. There are 4 pools, 2 having swim up bars, one just for adults and one being a kids pool.
We are planning our next vaction already and we will be going back but this time with the kids.

We recently stayed at the Grand Palladium. It is our second tour to this resort. There are actually four separate resorts together, and you have access to all. Service is impeccable. You cannot say enough good things regarding their buffets, 12 restaurants, evening entertainment, beaches, pools, etc. There are multiple excursions available within a short distance. I recommend the "Tulume Extreme" and Xel Ha, and if possible, journey to Chichen Itza. It's a full day journey, but it's also one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. This truly a first class establishment!