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Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas

Cancun, Mexico
4.6(5,986 reviews)
Adults Only

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Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico with 372 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Buffet Dining, Diving, Fishing and Gym. Travelers rate it 4.6/5 across 5,986 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$$
Rooms
372
Brand
Riu

Atmosphere

ClassicBay View

Amenities

Beach
Buffet Dining
Diving
Fishing
Gym
Nightclub
Nightly Entertainment
Snorkeling
Spa
Swim-Up Bar
Walk-In Dining Available
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Girls Trip
Solo Travel

Quick answers

Is Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas adults only?
Yes — Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is an adults-only resort, so children are not accommodated.
Where is Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas?
Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is in Cancun, Mexico. Its address is Boulevard Kukulcan km 8.5, Manzana 50, Lote 4, Boulevard Kukulkan Km 8.5 MZA. 50 LTE. 4, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.
How many rooms does Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas have?
Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas has 372 rooms.
Is Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas all-inclusive?
Yes — Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(1,420 discussions)

Riu Palace Las Americas occupies one of the best locations in Cancun - right at Punta Cancun, where the Hotel Zone narrows and you can see both the lagoon and the Caribbean at once. As the flagship adults-only Riu Palace property in the area, it carries an air of understated elegance: the red and gold decor, the dress code at specialty restaurants, and the no-kids policy all contribute to a vibe that is genuinely more grown-up than the party resorts nearby. Couples and travelers in their 30s and older consistently enjoy it most, particularly for anniversary or honeymoon trips. The Riu brand's strength is reliability and consistency across food, entertainment, and service, and that holds here.

The food situation is solid if not exceptional. The main buffet is well-stocked with diverse options, and the a la carte restaurants - Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and the steakhouse - are popular enough that getting reservations takes planning. The swim-up bar pool gets the most social energy during the day, while the other two pools cater to those who want to actually read a book in peace. One persistent issue that comes up in traveler feedback is a musty smell in some rooms and hallways, apparently a long-running maintenance problem. The beach itself is the weakest link - rocky entry points make it less enjoyable for swimming compared to some competitors further down the strip, though the Hotel Zone's beach conditions vary widely depending on the season.


This resort is well-suited to adults who want a convenient Cancun base without sacrificing comfort or atmosphere. The location is unbeatable for anyone who wants to actually leave the resort - you can walk to restaurants, malls, and nightlife, or hop the short ferry to Isla Mujeres for a day trip. If you compare it dollar-for-dollar against newer Cancun adults-only options like Atelier or the upper Hyatt properties, it sits in the mid-luxury range. It is better than the budget Rius and worse than the ultra-premium all-inclusives, which is exactly what most travelers seem to want when they book it.

Pros

  • +Prime Punta Cancun location in the heart of the Hotel Zone puts you within a 5-minute walk of shopping malls, restaurants, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres
  • +Adults-only policy creates a quiet, couples-focused atmosphere that travelers describe as a refreshing contrast to the spring breaker scene at nearby resorts
  • +Three pools including one with a swim-up bar and hydromassage area, all well-maintained and not overcrowded compared to family-friendly competitors
  • +Access to nearby Riu resorts for dining and entertainment variety - your wristband gets you into multiple properties along the strip
  • +Buffet and themed restaurant offerings cover Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and fusion cuisine with live cooking stations at breakfast praised specifically
  • +Regal red and gold decor in the common areas and most of the 372 suites have balconies, many with direct ocean views of the Caribbean
  • +Nightclub on-site with RiuLive entertainment program means late-night options without leaving the property
  • +Renova Spa, fitness center, and sauna are well-equipped and included in the rate, which travelers appreciate compared to resorts that charge resort fees for gym access

Cons

  • A persistent musty or moldy smell in certain rooms and hallways is one of the most frequently mentioned complaints, with some guests describing it as present from the moment you enter the lobby
  • Rooms are noticeably dated in decor and fixtures - only 2 electrical outlets per room is a specific and commonly mentioned frustration for modern travelers
  • Some bars close as early as 6pm, which creates a dead zone in the evening before the nightclub opens - guests describe an awkward gap in available social spaces
  • The beach directly in front of the property has rocks in the water that make entry and swimming less pleasant than Caribbean beaches at other Cancun properties
  • Specialty restaurant reservation system can be frustrating, with popular venues filling up quickly and inconsistent enforcement of the reservation process
  • The property is not the newest Riu Palace and shows its age in ways that travelers notice when comparing it to newer competitors in the same price range
  • Service inconsistencies in room cleanliness have been reported, with some guests noting that housekeeping quality varies widely depending on which staff member is assigned
  • Timeshare solicitations at check-in and during breakfast invitations to nearby properties are a recurring complaint that disrupts the relaxed atmosphere

Common Questions

Is this a good resort for a honeymoon or anniversary trip?
Yes, consistently. The adults-only atmosphere, ocean view balconies, and quieter pool areas make it a popular honeymoon choice. The red and gold decor leans romantic without being over-the-top. Couples frequently highlight the swim-up bar and private beach time as standout experiences. If you want butler service or over-the-water amenities, you would need to step up to a different category, but for a well-rounded romantic Cancun trip, this property delivers.
How close is the ferry to Isla Mujeres, and is a day trip worth it?
The Ultramar ferry terminal is about a 5-10 minute walk from the resort. The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes roughly 20 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. A day trip is absolutely worth it - the island has a completely different vibe from the Cancun Hotel Zone, with golf cart rentals, excellent ceviche, and a more relaxed beach scene. Most travelers who do it wish they had gone sooner in their trip.
What is the smell issue people keep mentioning in reviews?
A persistent musty or damp smell in certain rooms and corridors is one of the most consistent negatives in guest feedback. It appears to be a long-standing issue related to humidity and HVAC maintenance in an older building. Not every guest notices it, and some rooms are significantly better than others. If you are sensitive to odors, it is worth requesting a recently renovated room or a room with confirmed good ventilation when you check in.
Can I access other Riu resorts with my wristband?
Yes, and this is one of the practical advantages of staying here. Your all-inclusive wristband gives you access to food and beverages at nearby Riu properties along the Hotel Zone. This expands your dining variety considerably and is something guests actively use, especially for a change of scenery mid-week.
Is the beach swimmable in front of the resort?
The beach is present and attractive-looking, but multiple guests flag rocky conditions when entering the water that make swimming less pleasant than the sandy-bottomed beaches further down the strip. The pools are where most guests spend their water time. If beach swimming is a priority, visit during calmer seasons and check recent conditions, as the Hotel Zone beaches do shift based on storms and currents.
How does Riu Palace Las Americas compare to Riu Palace Costa Mujeres?
Las Americas wins on location - it is in the thick of Cancun's Hotel Zone with easy access to everything. Costa Mujeres wins on newness, beach quality, and a more secluded, resort-first experience. Las Americas is adults-only while Costa Mujeres accepts families. If you want to explore Cancun and Isla Mujeres easily, choose Las Americas. If you want to fully disconnect in a newer property with a better beach, Costa Mujeres is the better pick.

Google Rating

4.6(5,986 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

Rachael M.
a week ago

This hotel was one of the best all inclusive stays I have been to. The staff are what makes this place exceptional. Miguel was always fun and energetic with poolside activities and Fidel and Abu were top notch servers at the lobby bar. We made so man...

Joyce O.
2 weeks ago

This was our first trip to an all inclusive in Cancun and RPLA was everything we hoped it would be. The room was lovely and well-appointed. I loved the large shower and the huge walk-in closet. The service at the restaurants and bars was excellent an...

kdsrn7
2 weeks ago

This hotel resort was really perfect for my recent vacation. I had originally booked at their sister resort, Riu Cancun, but quickly realized the vibe was not what I was looking for. I walked next door to the Palace Las Americas and they were able to...