Riu Playacar - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8810 reviews

• 

  Get fit before you go for the sunbed sprint

  Booked through TUI – not my first choice, but options were about as limited as sunbeds after 7am. Standard 2-hour wait for luggage… I think my suitcase did a separate holiday. Arrived at the hotel – to be fair, first impressions were good. Nice room, close to the pool, and quiet at night (mainly because everyone’s exhausted from the sunbed Olympics). Food rundown: Mexican restaurant – I’ve had spicier ketchup. Steak night – finally, some flavour turned up. Italian – solid, no complaints. Asian – surprisingly good. Main restaurant – dependable, like a safe pair of shoes. Bars – excellent… mainly because they never stop serving. Service? Well… Americans tipping like they’re funding the local economy, but it makes absolutely no difference. You can wait 1 minute or 10 – it’s like a lucky dip. I tipped modestly… mostly out of British politeness and mild panic. The beach? Ah yes… if you enjoy exfoliation by nature, you’re in luck. Seaweed everywhere. The sea itself was basically a giant body scrub – didn’t need the spa. Sunbeds deserve their own review: Up at 7am to claim your spot like it’s the Hunger Games. By 10am? Congratulations, you’re on the seaweed section with a view of regret. Location is great… until you step outside. Shops = expensive. 5th Avenue = professional-level wallet extraction. Taxis = priced like you’ve hired them for the day… even if it’s 5 minutes. All that said… 3 stars. Because at the end of the day, you’re paying for guaranteed sunshine and drinks that never stop. Would I go again? Only if I’ve trained for the sunbed sprint and packed seaweed-resistant flip flops.

  Mar 22, 2026
• 

  Another excellent experience

  Just returned home after my 4th visit here. The staff are all excellent and work hard to make your visit memorable. I did not visit the steakhouse or Mexican restaurants this time, but did all the others multiple times. Bianca maintained my room and left towel art daily. The staff at the beach are busy before dawn every day removing the sargassum.

  Mar 19, 2026
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  “Outstanding service from Filiberto and the team at Riu Playacar”

  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A hotel that truly understands hospitality – outstanding service from Filiberto and his team We travel quite frequently and stay in many hotels around the world, but RIU Playacar is one of the very few places we happily return to year after year. In fact, we visit once or twice every year, and every time our expectations are not only met but often exceeded. A major reason for this is without doubt Filiberto and his exceptional team. Their commitment to guest satisfaction truly sets this hotel apart. From the moment we arrive, we feel that genuine care is taken to make sure everything is perfect. They listen carefully to our requests and consistently go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. What makes the experience so special is that the service here never feels routine or impersonal. Filiberto and his team demonstrate a level of authentic hospitality and personal attention that is increasingly rare in large resorts. Small details are remembered, requests are handled quickly and professionally, and there is always a clear effort to anticipate what guests might need. Of course, the hotel itself also contributes greatly to the experience: • a beautiful beachfront location in Playacar • a very well-maintained, green and peaceful environment • comfortable and spacious rooms • excellent food with great variety in the restaurants • and a staff that clearly takes pride in their work All of this creates an atmosphere where you truly feel welcome, appreciated, and well taken care of. The fact that we keep returning one or two times every year probably says it all. RIU Playacar has become a place where we genuinely feel at home. Our sincere thanks to Filiberto and the entire team for their dedication, professionalism, and warm hospitality. You truly make a difference. We are already looking forward to our next stay. Kristophe & Suzy

  Mar 16, 2026
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  Lovely holiday great staff But 2 things to change

  read all the reviews mostly 5 star which I agree BUT two things to mention Lack of toilets in the pool area only 2 sit downs for the ladies most times you will have to queue men's not much better fortunately the pool swim up bar is next door but don't drink the pool water The other is COLD food lovely food but never hot warm at best But as I mentioned lovely holiday and great staff

  Mar 12, 2026
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  Standard Riu resort

  Visited Riu Playacar Feb 21 to March 2 2026. It is a standard middle tier Riu resort. Smaller than others so easy to get around. Surrounded by other riu resorts. Riu tequila is for parties and riu yucatan has monkeys. Two palaces are inaccessible. Shops across the street, but beware, they are mostly scammers. Beach is nice, playcar beach. But Sargassum is getting bad. Two restaurants, two buffets. 3 pools. 30min drive from cancun airport. Can walk to playa del carmen. 5th avenue is long and busy. Overall, not a bad resort. Typical riu resort.

  Mar 09, 2026