🌴🌴 RIU PALACE KUKULKAN FULL TOUR - Cancun, Mexico

Welcome back to our channel Where we going Next?
In today’s video, we’re showing you a brand new hotel that just opened in Cancun - RIU Palace Kukulkan! This hotel opened in Nov 2022, and it’s got a new design by RIU. The décor in the lobby gives off a metropolitan “big city” feel, and that feel carries on to the buffet and rooms. Lot’s of variety at the buffet, great oceanview rooms, and a fresh updated, modern look. One thing to mention is the waves on the beach can sometimes get pretty rough and full of seaweed, in comparison to the other RIU Palaces in Cancun - Las Americas and Peninsula. We compared the beaches at the end - look for the chapter.
Hope you enjoy our tour, if you liked the video or your found it helpful, hit the thumbs up, and leave us a message or question down in the comments. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more hotel/resort tours around the world ... and to find out where we going next ✈️🌴
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Main Lobby
3:40 - Elite Club
5:00 - A la carte restaurants and Buffet
9:49 - Lobby Bar & Coffee Bar
13:11 - Spa and Fitness Center
15:50 - Theater
17:26 - Lounge Bar
21:50 - Pools
25:54 - Beach
27:41 - Beach comparison to other RIUs
29:44 - Outro/Summary
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Travel VLOG 143 | Cancun, Mexico | Shot Feb 2023
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Hey there Traveler! We’re Andrew and Mona - travel vloggers! We absolutely LOVE to travel, and we are very happy to share our hotel/resort tours, traveler tips, and reviews with you. We want you to be informed on your travels so you can make the most out of your time with your loved ones! So whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just relaxing on the beach with a drink in hand (cheers by the way), you will find helpful resources, stories, and traveler tips on our channel! Happy travels!

[@baptizedinJesusname7]

Thank you for this thorough review. When I'm planning to travel, the more info I can get about food, amenities, and layout the better. This was a very big help, as this is one of the places I'm considering for a birhtday getaway. Thanks again.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Glad we could help!

[@ydtm7830]

Thank you for this review, it has helped me out A LOT!!

[@AHGChicagoIL]

Excellent vid, especially the beach comparisons. Ty!🎉

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for watching!

[@cherieszollosi2728]

Thank you for another wonderful tour.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for watching!

[@KirillD.]

Thank you for comparing beach and weed situation! Very helpful info.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Glad we could help!

[@lillyl3290]

Awesome review , super convinced now . Thank you

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for watching!

[@crqdea6654]

YOU HAVE THE BEST RESORT VIDEOS💯

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@aquandaevans9944]

I'm going to riu palace kukulkan in August. Thanks for the tour! I'm all ready!

[@WherewegoingNext]

Have a great trip!

[@nastaranamani9567]

be ready for the august weather!!! warm humid and multiple 10 minutes rains during the day!!

[@reggiehouston3159]

Dude you do a great video !

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for watching!

[@victoriachung8746]

Thank you for the information. I am planning to visit the resort this Fall.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for watching!

[@_e45]

Hey man 👋 I saw ure other video of riu tequila resort ☀️. I really love it how much u explain it and did the tour . When I finished the video I subscribe keep up the great work 👍 . I just got one quick question I’m probably going this year in July , are the airports of Cancun full at that time ?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for the watch and sub. The airport in Cancun is going to be very busy for the near future. Cancun is seeing some of the biggest tourism crowds ever this year.

[@terzime71]

Great video, thank you! This hotel is almost identical to RPP lol. See you in August!

[@SaintTaris]

That snake is KuKulkan. Great review. Can’t wait to experience this resort later this year.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks and have a great trip!

[@davidng407]

Hi, Andrew. Another fantastic tour as usual. Hope to be in Mexico soon! Anything new at security at the Cancun airport? Do they just stamp your passport and off you go?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks David! Yes, Cancun airport was a breeze when we went through 👍🏻 hope you get to Mexico as well - it’s one of our favourite spots 👍🏻

[@theodoretoth2884]

You guys still doing riu! Love it !

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yup 👍🏻

[@saskatuner]

Another great video by you guys . Just wondering what was your impression of the food at the Kukulkan ? Some of the reviews on Trip Advisor had people complaining about the quality of food ?

[@WherewegoingNext]

We didn’t get a chance to try the food - but the buffet and restaurants seemed to be very similar to the other RIUs in Cancun. The food is generally good, but seems to have more hit or miss after the pandemic 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Dhhahhdfjcn]

Thanks 🎉🎉🎉

[@WherewegoingNext]

🙌🏻

[@Lin-Lin2559]

Seriously, your review/tour videos are the best! What's your take on why these resorts don't have palapas on the beach?😭😭 I feel like those umbrellas are basically useless. And which would you recommend... Kukulkan or Peninsula? We are a young 60 year old couple😂. Love good food and the beach. Thank you

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thank you! I don’t know why Riu doesn’t do beach umbrellas 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ it’s unfortunate 👎 the food is pretty good at both resorts - but if you’re looking for a good beach, Peninsula is your best choice. Riu Latino is also a great option - adults-only, amazing beach, new hotel, great food and service 👍🏻👍🏻

[@petersampson5202]

DEAR WHERE WE GOING NEXT, HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🎅 GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND VERY HAPPY FOR YOU. I HOPE ALL OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. I HOPE YOU HAD THE BEST AND HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS OF YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE MR. ESPARZA AND ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS SO VERY MUCH. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN A MIRACLE. I LOVE CANCUN. ( THERE ARE A FEW HOTELS AND RESORTS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IN CANCUN.) I ABSOLUTELY FEEL LIKE CRYING WITH COMPLETE GRATITUDE AND HAPPINESS. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL. 🙏 SINCERELY PETER

[@seekdiscomfort1942]

I’m going there this summer! What is it like to do laundry there? Room service? Or is there a station you could go to? A little sad to see all that seaweed - hopefully it’s not too bad when I go

[@WherewegoingNext]

Not sure about the laundry, we haven’t done it before 🤷🏼‍♀️ room service is decent, but not a huge selection. Hopefully the ocean is clear when you go! Have fun!

[@mikelopez1314]

Can anyone tell me is there a lot of stairs?

[@kimdewey3905]

Hi. Your review of RIU Baja California was one of the main reasons we went there... 4 times!!! Is this new RIU resort or any in Cancun better? It's 3xs more travel time for us. Don't know if it's worth it. Thank you.

[@WherewegoingNext]

We can’t confidently say, since we didn’t stay at this resort - we just toured it 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t know if it’s any better, but it’s definitely very similar in terms of amenities and food

[@Nuked15]

Hey. I don’t know if this is a dumb question. But are the a la carte restaurants still part of the all inclusive.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes they are 👍🏻

[@Carlygracen02]

I’m planning a college graduation trip with my family to one of the Ríu resorts! Which Cancun all adult resort would you recommend?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Kukulkan would be a good choice 👍🏻 it’s brand new, but the beach isn’t great. If you’re looking for more of a party scene, RIU Cancun is your best bet - it’s not adults-only… but the beach is great 👍🏻

[@chrishill1032]

I had the best time at Riu Kukulkan. Customer service is top notch.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kinshingwong4222]

Do they offer breakfast lunch dinner buffet?

[@miamidames]

Also, how far away is it from the other Rius? Especially the one that hosts the parties!

[@hassanborhot7162]

7km

[@samjeon3503]

Which Riu or all inclusive resort would you say is best for bachelor party for 5 guys in 30s?

[@WherewegoingNext]

RIU Cancun or RIU Santa Fe in Cabo 👍🏻

[@Kyle-xn5zh]

Hello , have you also been to the Other adults only Riu Latino? We are trying to decide between the two for next year

[@WherewegoingNext]

No, we haven’t been to those yet 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Dontdodat251]

If we go to the riu kulkulkan do you have access to all the rius in the area?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes 👍🏻

[@teresamorrisonhomes2848]

Is it worth paying an extra fee for the Exclusive? What’s the difference in drinks at the bar or food?

[@WherewegoingNext]

We didn’t get a chance to experience the elite club, but you can see all of the benefits on their website

[@benjamincavazos1549]

We are going next week and been seeing a lot of bad reviews about the food. What was your experience with the food and restaurants?

[@WherewegoingNext]

We had a pretty good experience 👍🏻 some of the items at the buffet can get cold if left out too long, but overall the food tasted good 👍🏻 we didn’t eat at the ala carte restaurants at Sian Ka’an specifically, but the specialty restaurants at the other three resorts were great! We loved the Japanese at Coba, the Indian and Don Pablo restaurants at Tulum were excellent 👌🏻 and if you like seafood, the seafood one at Akumal was good as well! Don’t be afraid to venture out to the other hotels for dinner for more selection 👍🏻🙌🏻

[@tee6394]

I was interested in booking this hotel, but I am not able to book through Sunwing or the Riu website for some reason. I thought Sunwing carried all the Riu hotels.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Not sure why they’re not selling on there 🤷🏼‍♀️ I just checked and you can book on riukukulkan.com 👍🏻

[@bj10jgo]

hi. How is it compared to Riu Las Americas Cancun? Is the beach water better?

[@WherewegoingNext]

The beach is much better at Las Americas (Beautiful and no sargassum). Kukulkan has a more upscale vibe, being that its newer - Las Americas has much more traditional decor. It’s depends on what you prefer, modern or traditional. Food is similar at both 👍🏻

[@athinaioannou8595]

Hi I was just wondering if I could visit here if I’m staying at Riu Palace Peninsula?

[@WherewegoingNext]

No, unfortunately not

[@JeffDietzphoto]

so are those two right next to each other? You are allowed to be at both right?

[@WherewegoingNext]

No, the other hotels we showed are not next door. You do have access to them, but Cancun is a 5 minute cab ride away and Peninsula is about a 15 minute cab ride.

[@angela72ish]

We just stayed there for a week. Gorgeous, immaculate resort. Best customer service. Gorgeous, clean beaches. We had a gorgeous beach front suite… spectacular views all day long. The downside.. each restaurant’s food had a HORRENDOUS MELDEW TASTE!! The breads, the tortilla chips, the fruit, the ice cream… HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. The other downside of Cancún is the smell. The air smells like sewage. The water in the hotel smells like sewage…. Most likely the reason why the resort pumps an abundance of fragrances through out the lobby and rooms. We had to cover the vents because it was giving us a headache.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Oh wow, yeah we noticed the strong fragrance in the lobby… but not the sewage smell, other than the seaweed smell on the beach 🤔 that’s too bad!

[@williamarnold3654]

stayed there twice......Elite Club very nice but rooms never ready when I arrived. Was not impressed by the food selections. Its more expensive than the other RIU hotels, but for the $$$, I much rather stay at the RIU Palace Peninsula or the RIU Palace Las Americas. In my opinion, the food is better there and with better customer service. Im not bashing the RPK, but for the $$$, Ill stay at the other hotels.....

[@WherewegoingNext]

Agreed 👆🏻

[@dylanhopkins8799]

Do you know where I can make reservations for the restaurants?

[@WherewegoingNext]

It’s first come, first serve at the restaurants - so no reservations required 👍🏻

[@fyrnice25]

Riu Palace Peninsula have a beach volleyball court? Can never see a photo… it’s site says it does 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes it does. It’s right in front of the adults-only villas, on the way down to the beach 👍🏻

[@Joshua3627]

Do you have to make a reservation for the sauna?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes, I believe so 👍🏻

[@jcast7091]

Is there alot of seaweed in December?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Typically no, but it’s very unpredictable 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@todd636]

How much is the Elite membership? I assume you pay it each year. The website just seems to go in circles regarding the price. Wondering if it is worth it for only coming once a year. Being that drinks are free, don't know if a bottle of wine is really a perk.

[@WherewegoingNext]

To be honest, we didn’t have the best experience with the staff at this hotel and they didn’t want to show or tell us much 🤷🏼‍♀️ we don’t know what the pricing is or if it’s worth it 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m guessing not if you only visit once a year

[@todd636]

Maybe new resort, new staff? We’ve always had good experiences at Riu’s in the past

[@WherewegoingNext]

@todd636 agreed! We’ve always had great staff at all the other RIUs 🤷🏼‍♀️ hope you have a great trip!

[@theodoretoth2884]

How new is this riu ? Did they just build this ?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes it just opened at the end of last tear

[@miamidames]

What month did you go?

[@WherewegoingNext]

February

[@BigRW]

The milkshakes at Riu Palace Costa Mujeres are not like a typical American milkshake. They are very thin and runny. I prefer what we have here in the US.

[@WherewegoingNext]

I remember the flavours were so good. Yea, the texture is a bit different. That’s true. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BigRW]

@@WherewegoingNext I had a strawberry milkshake. It was good, just wasn't as thick as I'm used to.

[@WherewegoingNext]

@@BigRW totally agree

[@justpeachytravels]

Can you do live aqua next please?

[@WherewegoingNext]

We will add it to the list of potential visits 👍🏻

[@Astrologyt2343]

Oops we didn’t book the jacuzzis at the riu palace riviera maya 😂😂

[@CaliSpivey]

Would you recommend RIU Kulkukan or RIU Caribe?

[@CaliSpivey]

We are looking for good food as well.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Kukulkan will probably have a bit better food and selection.. definitely a more up-scale environment and vibe. Caribe is young, relaxed and fun. Depends what kind of vacation you want. Also, Kukulkan is adults-only and Caribe is a family resort.

[@hassanborhot7162]

I was just there 2 weeks ago for 6 days with wifey This is my 10th trip to Cancún Pros The resort is pristine, brand new, only been open for over a year or so Rooms are nice, showers, room air AC etc. Hot tub in the junior suite, nice balcony Oceanview 3 pools for use for the common people There is also an additional elite club pool that is nothing special One of the pools is a swim up party pool The other pool is a fun activities volleyball etc. music pool one is a quiet pool It is all inclusive 5 restaurants all next to each other so no need to walk around far distances between restaurants Food options were decent nothing stellar but not bad There is an Italian, Mexican, Asian fusion, steakhouse, and obviously a general buffet which in my opinion was the best food overall There is 1 cappuccino and coffee bar with sweets that is decent 24-hour food room service I did not try Awesome outdoor theater for shows and performances and live music Great location in the middle of the hotel zone strip Walking distance to both luxury malls Close proximity to downtown party scene club central Beach is nice so was the water per usual Service and hospitality was solid Cons It is actually a small resort, for some makes getting around easier but it is quite limited in activities and entertainment especially in the evening It lacks a game room or sports bar The night entertainment and shows are lackluster Had to leave the resort each night They herd you like cattle and take you to the other Riu resort for their beach and foam pool parties For the price point it is not a bad option but there are definitely better resorts that you can explore Show less

[@miamidames]

Thanks for your input. How far is this riu from the other rius in that host the parties? Can't you just walk instead of taking a shuttle?

[@hassanborhot7162]

Is about 7 km@@miamidames

[@hassanborhot7162]

7 km, this is not a party resort by any stretch if you are looking for Party resort there are much better options, grando oasis, dump by the way, royalton chic, etc.@@miamidames

[@miamidames]

​@hassanborhot7162 thank you, I am looking for a place with a balance interms of looks, service and a decent night life. Do you know when the shuttle stops working?

[@hassanborhot7162]

@@miamidames The shuttle it is not consistent and not every day it is only available to the other riu resort when they have a pool party for instance it was just 1 day of the 6 that I was there

[@TheYoungKidC]

Is there a night club on the Riu kukulkan campus?

[@WherewegoingNext]

No there isn’t, but you get access to the parties at Riu Caribe 👍🏻

[@briannwo1900]

Beach could be nicer. Doesn’t look like they have a crew working on it !? The peninsula and Las Americas area always gets less seaweed.

[@WherewegoingNext]

🤷🏼‍♀️

[@randomadviceguy1780]

What is your favorite, RIU PALACE KUKULKAN or Riu Palace Las Americas?

[@WherewegoingNext]

We liked Las Americas bc the beach is much better 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@randomadviceguy1780]

@@WherewegoingNext Thanks for replying :) I just book Las Americas :)

[@WherewegoingNext]

Amazing!! Have the best time!

[@randomadviceguy1780]

@@WherewegoingNext Thanks :)

[@borisburiev4774]

Riu palace las Americas excellent too , if you preferred better ocean , no waives then better Riu palace las Americas , here everything is awesome but so strong waives and you can’t swim in ocean mostly time

[@CaramelSlidin]

I don't understand why this hotel doesn't clean it like the Royalton Chic and other resorts and hotels along this same stretch.

[@WherewegoingNext]

🤷🏼‍♀️

[@denden3138]

Is kids are allowed

[@WherewegoingNext]

No 👎

[@saravopat8280]

Stayed December 18 and leaving Dec 22, 2023. Absolutely NO seaweed at Kukulcan. None at all ever. Must be a seasonal thing bc we stayed at secrets playa late Jan 2023 and there was seaweed there.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Good to know! I think it’s seasonal too

[@NodakNews]

The seaweed must be seasonal or they hadn't started clearing it yet. I'm here in Jan 2024 and the seaweed is non-existent on the beach.

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes it is seasonal. Glad to hear there’s none right now!

[@13neiko13]

Ummm that the Caribbean Sea not Atlantic 😂

[@desireesanchez5656]

Atlantic Ocean?

[@WherewegoingNext]

Yes 👍🏻

[@elsamacias895]

It's not the Atlantic ocean it's the Caribbean ocean.

[@kovenantsreeftank1317]

Dude, that's not the Atlantic Ocean. That's the carribean sea. That's why is so beautiful. Atlantic Ocean is ugly.

[@WherewegoingNext]

True, but it’s connected to the Atlantic 🤷🏼‍♀️ the Atlantic’s nice too, have u been to Florida? Or the Bahamas?

[@Heartshopping1]

They got a night club?

[@WherewegoingNext]

No, not on property - but you are walking distance from other nightclubs in Cancun