Riu's original Palace hotel in Mexico has a new identity. The beachfront Riu Palace Mexico in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, reopened in September after a full renovation — and it's now adults-only, all-inclusive, with a new club tier that puts private plunge pools in 30 rooms.
The property first opened in 1999 and was the hotel that introduced Riu's Palace brand to Mexico more than 25 years ago. This renovation touches all 434 rooms, which now come with soft colours, natural wood finishes, warm lighting and living areas that open onto balconies or terraces. The adults-only policy covers the entire hotel, so you don't need to book an upgraded category to escape family crowds.
The headline upgrade is the Elite Club, which spans 56 rooms — including the 30 private-pool accommodations. Club guests get a separate check-in with premium drinks, an exclusive infinity pool with its own bar, à la carte breakfast, a dedicated dinner restaurant and a club-only bar. If you're weighing whether it's worth it, note that the upgrade changes more than your room: it reshapes where you eat, drink and swim across the resort.
Beyond the club section, there are five pools and the Caribbean Sea right off the beach. Dining runs to nine venues: Don Julián for the international buffet, Miyagi for Asian food, La Dolce Vita for Italian, the gourmet Krystal restaurant, a steakhouse, poolside Guacamole, Tiki Taco and Pepe's Grill. Six bars round things out, including the Cubano lobby bar, the Capuchino patisserie, a Tequila swim-up bar and a 24-hour sports bar serving an American Country menu. Guests can also attend the themed Riu Party events at the neighbouring Riu Tequila.
One practical note for planners: the resort sits in Playacar, the residential resort zone at the southern edge of Playa del Carmen — not Cancun, despite occasional mentions in Riu's own materials. The location puts you a short ride from Playa del Carmen's shops and ferry point for Cozumel, while still feeling tucked away on the sand.
The reopening follows Riu's similar transformation of Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, which also added an Elite Club tier — a sign the Spanish chain is pushing its upscale club concept across its Mexican Caribbean portfolio. For couples and groups of friends seeking an all-inclusive without kids, this revamp adds a serious new option on the Riviera Maya at an address with real history.
