Riu Palace Mexico is a STUNNING All-Inclusive Hotel in Playa Del Carmen

[@carlcoleman1615]

The attention to detail in the new way you edit your videos is amazing. Looking forward to seeing you hit 100k!

[@mreppen1]

I’ve been to Playa Del Carmen twice. I love this place.

[@beckyjackson7755]

Love the new video styling! Beautiful property!

[@TJ_Kirkland.]

Gotta say your recent editing has been 🔥. Keep up the awesome work man!

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i love those little shops with all the mexican souvenirs

[@youngkreisler]

I love this resort! I'm glad you made it there. We stayed at this property a few times when my daughter was little. It might not be the best for a single cool guy. They used to have very nice buffet on Thursdays with premium seafood. Hope you enjoy your trip!

[@lisamarando7992]

Love your videos! You are extremely talented!

[@PlanetPDX]

The video editing is heating 🔥 up. My experience at Riu’s is the party crowd heats up at the lower end of the price point and not at the Palace properties. There is also a lot of excursions that pull people away from the resorts in Playa / Riviera Maya during the day and insert them back in the evenings, tired and bed ridden. Not sure I love the purple aesthetic, it gives me Vegas/Miami vibes and definitely feels opposite of authentic Mexico. Keep up the work! Sending positive vibes on your upcoming trips!

[@malton89]

agree with you, however it's nice having the Palace privilege of going to the other Riu nearby resorts like Tequila and Lupita

[@benjamin-gx3dr]

I’m from the UK and this dude is helping me a lot with my young family choose a holiday (vacation) in the Caribbean I’ve subscribed as you are very informative & honest 👌

[@pz2736]

"Lower your standards for food when staying at a RIU hotel?" What the heck are you talking about? I've stayed at the RIU Palace Mexico in Playa Del Carmen, as well as the RIU Palace Las Americas in Cancún, RIU in Cabo San Lucas, and the palace in Puerto Vallarta. The food in all has been exceptional and first-rate. I live in Mexico and even many locals tell me that RIU has the best food all all the hotels. You're either extremely fussy or you had one bad experience, but to make such an assertion is simply ridiculous. Oh, and one more thing. When I stayed at the RIU Mexico several years ago they had lobster night. That's right, full lobsters which the guests were raving about.

[@ferark]

Absolutely spot on mate

[@bonfettucine6958]

These types of people live in shoe boxes and conplain of resorts 😂

[@valsquyres]

Gorgeous place, especially your room. Too bad it was so dead. The food looked good, anyway. I'm glad you're in Mexico, ready to see some fun in the sun!

[@phrewilly8556]

Great review James! Have you booked Royalton Splash Cancun yet? It recently opened and we see mixed reviews, however we trust yours the most!

[@AnimalHouseforReal]

When are you going to Jamaica? Jamaica has a ton of all-inclusive resorts

[@spunkyb5249]

I stayed at the Yucatan when I went, and I really liked it. I like staying at the cheaper, regular Riu properties. They're loud, full of life and younger people. I've never had an issue with nightlife at the cheaper Riu properties. Yes, you have to lower your expectations with Riu, but they're such a great deal and Playa Del Carmen is only a $6 cab ride away. Plenty of good restaurants and bars in PDC too! I like it better than Cancun.

[@msch7620]

Hi! I really enjoy watching your videos. I appreciate that you talk about the kid’s club even though you don’t have kids traveling with you. I’m hesitating between 2 places: the Crown Paradise Club and Riu Tequila. Which one do you think would be the best for a family with 2 kids 5 and 8? I love my kids but I work in early childhood so I want to be able to drop them off at a kids club and have fun around grown ups while they are there.

[@Parker-Green]

Wow I’ve gotta stay at one of these resorts!

[@minyu5612]

James I think you would love the Atelier Playa Mujeres. It’s new and classy with a great bar called Bar de la Calle that is a mixology bar. I’m from NYC and I don’t say this lightly, but some of the best drinks I had were made there. There’s no menu, they make bespoke drinks based on your preferences. There was all sorts of tinctures and they made these really complicated delicious drinks - I get so tired of the repetitive single alcohol cocktails that most all inclusive serves.

[@seadoo4life127]

Been there many times. We loved this place. Also you can visit the Rui next door and across the street. Was busy when we were there…

[@rgravy7305]

James - I would guess this is not your jam but would you rule out ever doing all inclusive cruise reviews? Would be curious to see your thoughts on a floating resort.

[@anthonylagano2371]

Hey hey Mr James . Wow that’s a beautiful resort . Had me sold with the 4 horseman liquor cabinet lol . I loved your editing and music in this video . I’ve only been to Playa Del Carmen on a few cruises . Looks great 😎😎😎

[@duaneparker9374]

Love your stuff! What’s your favourite all inclusive in Costa Rica? Thx.

[@mattyp2123]

I don’t think there’s any good ones there

[@jacobschoelink6065]

nice video, what is the price for 1 night for 1 person?

[@beachbumsailordude]

James maybe you were missing something. Did you talk to other guests? Maybe there was some event going on at one of the other 5 properties. I wonder if the resorts were really full. I personally would not feel safe going to Mexico right now. When are you going to hit the All-Inclusives in Jamaica?

[@mdot100]

Hey James, I just came from Riu Palace Baja California and this hotel isn't even in the hemisphere of that one! Like you said, no real vibe and the rooms aren't as modern as the Baja California! And the food at the buffet was EXCELLENT at BC, I doubt the Krystal restaurant here can even touch that, so I'll stick with the former. Maybe I'm spoiled like you James, I can't take 2 steps back after the amazing vacay in Cabo!

[@KardosoMedia]

nice brother!

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i agree that all day buffet is good

[@Wmeisel6969]

love the videos man - will you be doing a review on the finest punta cana ?

[@KWParrish]

You gotta travel north to Excellence Playa mujeres !!

[@vwondell]

Do they have designated smoking areas?

[@tammylynndery2284]

Do they use wristbands to unlock room doors? Or just regular key cards?

[@lydiawilson2723]

Great review! It looks beautiful. I hate that they stuck you in a corner for dinner.

[@pamelanoon8185]

I think the action at night is at the Tequila, I think you should have stayed at the Yucatan we had a blast many years ago, minus the kids. I will say RIU brand it not worth the prices, but at a deal, they are ok. Love watching all your clips. Still want to try Secrets Royal Beach. Check out Valentin Imperial Maya it's a gem and good quality room service food. Fun pool vibe and dancing in courtyard at night. Best we have been to.

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i like the lazy river type of pool or a winding pool

[@prettiunique1]

Everyone knows The Palaces are upscale. You always have the options to venture over to the other Riu properties located next door.

[@maryannegauthier]

Back to the Caribbean content, nice 😎just wondering have you been to Aruba or the Bahamas and if not do you plan to? I was going to check out Punta Cana next but I just discovered Las Terrenas, heading there next month. Look it up sometime.

[@AshleyTylor2121]

Chef her of 38 years. The food from room service is absolutely shocking.

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

riu party place gotta check it out one day

[@adventura11]

We looked into this one and Riviera Maya Palace and ultimately choose to book elsewhere. After watching other vlogs from Heather styles in particular we decided to not book at Riviera Maya one. We loved Riu we did our first one in Punta Cana in 2018. But the ones in Mexico just don’t seem to be as nice the pools are small etc. Also heather was saying they had issues with their AC in the room and few things. We ended up choosing Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal for our next trip in July. We did Barcelo Palace last summer our first time in Mexico. We really wanted Iberostar Lindo but too pricey we need to book earlier. Thanks for the review James. Will consider maybe staying at one of the Palace Riu’s in the future. We wanted something different ultimately since we did on not that long ago.

[@daveamey7272]

i have stayed in Bahia Principe Akumal its a lovely hotel but note a few things ,beach is terrible ,food can be hit or miss .

[@Nimue333]

Does the beach has little stones?

[@Ibe678]

Hey I have a question if you stay in riu palace do you access to other riu ? And if you stay at riu playacar do I have access to tequila? Thanks

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

i like the breakfast omelettes and lunch grilled grouper fish

[@blueg3027]

7:12 was that tori? I was just here a week ago, guy was the funniest event member there.

[@nancymora3976]

which month you recorded the video

[@magsmags107]

The beach is beautiful If you are a beach person you will love this hotel just make sure there is no seaweed

[@Sota86]

I am planning to go there in March 2024. How's the weather? Is it warm enough to stay at the beach and swimming pools? Great video. Thanks

[@edgargonzalezmendoza8293]

The weather in march, its hot and sunny everyday. But in march its to crowd for the spring break

[@Sota86]

@@edgargonzalezmendoza8293 I am here already. It was everything I imagined and more. Lot's of sun and fun.

[@nylens471]

The alive crowd is always at the lower end Rius which are attached to the Palaces including in Cancun and Punta Cana you have access just go over there…

[@jaimerego3490]

The music in this video at rio tequila is banging. What’s the track name?

[@Stancaban]

Is this property the same as “RIU Palace Las Americas” one?

[@ricardom.peralta5917]

Something I notice is you liked Riu palace' beach the most than Sando's wich I think is the opposite. Sando's was a little cleaner and more torquoise. My question is why?🤔🤔

[@jflowers090]

What other RIU have you stayed at just wanted to know what your comparing it too.

[@66treetop]

HI WHEN WAS THIS FILMED

[@DeeeFlooo]

Woah what other resorts did you stay at? the night life at playa del carmon is funner than that of cancun imo!

[@markfennell1604]

Looks like you lost some weight man, you must be fasting a lot. but enjoy RIU palace, i stayed in RIU Palace in Aruba that was awesome.

[@jdariop21]

Does it have a buffet?

[@lauradubose7233]

James ! If we EVER see you standing, waiting for a table, we will invite you to join us and buy you a drink! Too bad about the lackluster night life. When we go on vacation, we want to hear, see, feel the music, smell the food, listen to laughter, play games and cut loose! Every night, all night. And not in a library. Thanks for the review and as always working hard so we don’t have to. Cheers 😎

[@normamendez39]

Will you be visiting Riu Kukulkán soon?

[@Coolist]

💯

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

you need to bring the fun coolist hehehehehe

[@luvadealme]

Hey folks, what's best for a family with a 9 yr old in similar price range to this hotel in PDC area?

[@LutherBuilds]

We were across the street at Riu Tequila back in 2003 for our Honeymoon. It has obviously been renovated since then but it was a pretty small and affordable resort. We had access to the pools and beach at either the Palace or the Yucatan but the walk to the beach was pretty long.

[@BottleArtDesignz]

Complain about a wonderful expirience while you’re probably the 0.1% of people lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel. Weak minded. Stay eating kfc drive thru then.

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

did you meet anyone while there that you hung out with

[@huiehyde1742]

We stayed at this hotel at the end of 2021 and I agree with everything you said. Beautiful hotel and location but very boring at night

[@yourmonka]

Do you have an all-time favorite resort? 🤔 out of all of them? Or no clear no 1 yet? Great content btw!

[@whitneydahlvang8634]

How far is it to walk to 5th

[@DougSladeStuff]

I think, if it still is, Tequila property has the main nightclub. For all RIU properties there.

[@jhulsla]

Why did you pick RIU Palace Mexico over RIU Palace Riviera Maya? They are both in Playacar and Maya was renovated more recently than Mexico. All the reviews I have read show Maya is better. Personally I have stayed at Maya multiple times, and always loved it. Best beaches out there.

[@tammy3168]

how's the entertainment? I agree with James, if it's too quiet it's boring. I'm scared of the food at a RIU and I'm definitely not going to sacrifice good food for a boring resort...i can live without a beautiful beach

[@davidironnecklace]

How are you doing man? Looking slimmer.

[@debbyhewitt5657]

Sounds like a less then stellar stay.

[@ninaking7222]

Most resorts at Playacar are really quiet.

[@hummadsyed1499]

PLS VISIT HYATT ZIVA/ZILARA IN CANCUN OR JAMAICA. I AM HEEDING THE HONEST REVIEWS. Love your videos btw !

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

always windy in mexico

[@wendelsbruckenheimer4470]

You should replace Mario Lopez on the hotel room TV’s. Basically just have a run down of the hotel property on repeat when they walk in. Instead of EXTRA EXTRA! or whatever it is.

[@mariedames3240]

2.5 Rating ??? Can you eat at any RIU Hotel

[@lisathaviu1154]

If you want fantastic pools, go down the street to the Iberostar.

[@slymarmol]

Riu is a low class chain, no matter which beach. If your looking for class try Viceroy at esmeralda beach

[@Jazox]

Do Riu Palace Costa Meurjes!!

[@lissm109]

Planning on Riu Mexico or Riu Yucatan, which one... Palace is looking better. At first Tequila would be nice as its the party.... decisions decisions

[@donnawanna9833]

I'm never taken a bath in front of friends or family members. So disappointed with the bathtub right out in the open with no privacy, as if it were some kind of honeymoon suite. This used to be my favorite resort.

[@michellefink821]

If you had to pick one between Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Place Rivera Maya what one would you choose?

[@alancall5113]

Rio palace las americas Cancun the best

[@ry7047]

Life is too short to spend your vacation at a RIU. Best all-inclusive in Playa Del Carmen is the new Secrets Moxche.

[@MrBeatboxmasta]

Finally! Back to posting non-Vegas stuff. There's only so much that can be said about a strip of 1 city.

[@graemescott5557]

Put me off riu hotels lol. No palapas= lobster time for me

[@Spark5]

Most people are going away to recharge not get shit faced every night, so get up early enjoy the day and get an early night, you seem to judge a few hotels on the nightlife, it’s not vegas…..

[@morph-jh9iy]

I think I'm on your side. The pool area looks very boring. I also think that the rooms should be renovated. The hotel is certainly not bad, but for a Palace is somehow missing a highlight. Perhaps the hotel is best recommended to people who are mainly looking for peace and quiet.

[@mrhaha1980]

Stay at the RIU Las Americas in Cancun. Its a fun adults only resort.

[@njprocks]

Got food poisoning here 😢

[@TJ_Kirkland.]

My personal opinion. With so many new mid range to upscale hotels in PDC. RIU is outdated and underwhelming, even for its cheap price. For $250-$350 a night you can do WAY better.

[@luvadealme]

Please give some recommendations, cheers, J

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

too expensive for the youngsters to afford?

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

nothing beats swimming in the ocean i wouldn't leave the resort they're turf wards going on where rules aren't being followed

[@Myst3ryM4nn]

How much weight have you lost ? You look different

[@PatriciaGarcia-jp1xz]

Lo único q no me gusta es el color morado en todo .

[@rickmorrison7535]

Why can't Mexico still look like Mexico? I remember when the Rui resorts looked Mexican. Been there many times and this trend toward modern architecture is gross.

[@brianf9615]

So I take it you don’t like the Riu.

[@kayladeveau2984]

Just wondering if you're OK and in good health? Worried about you, look like you've lost a lot of weight 😢 ...Which with all the resort food you eat, how?! Lol

[@Honkiavelli]

I never liked the Riu chain and my first taste was Palace Mexico, then Republica to give them another chance. I look at this chain like the primary school student that identifies as a cat: delusional, awkward and slightly missing out on reality.

[@kisary4962]

Not busy because the economy is bad.

[@luciad5988]

Well I think Americans are also starting to get that by supporting Mexican resorts, they are helping to support drug cartels. Ownership in these “safe” resorts is one of the ways they launder money. Taking part in any of it is unsavory.

[@kisary4962]

@@luciad5988 Hi Lucia, I've been retired living here in Mexico for many years and the Cartels are entangled in just about everything and anything that makes money here. From siphoning off oil from the pipelines to avocados and drug smuggling and human trafficking. They've been fully embedded in the Mexican economy for decades and I think impossible to fully eradicate.

[@luciad5988]

@@kisary4962 thanks, Rick. I believe you.

[@Coolist]

All six Riu properties were sold out that weekend

[@luciad5988]

@@Coolist lots of fools out for cheap vacations.

[@claudiakai145]

That food you order to you room first looked like airplane food..🤢