Riu Palace Riviera Maya
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico | Est. Cost: ~$2,050/person
Official Website | TripAdvisor ⭐ 4.0/5 | Booking.com 8.3/10
Why #2?
A premium RIU property on Mexico's beautiful Riviera Maya coast. Great beach, excellent dining, and easy access from Cancun airport. Mexico offers the cheapest flights from St. Louis.
Resort Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 460 rooms |
| Restaurants | 5 (buffet + Asian, Italian, Steakhouse, Mexican) |
| Bars | 5 bars |
| Pools | 3 outdoor pools + children's pool |
| Beach | Caribbean beachfront |
| Airport | ~55 min from Cancun (CUN) |
Kid & Teen Features
- RIULand Kids Club - Ages 4-12
- Children's pool with splash features
- Daily activities and entertainment
- Access to Playacar complex amenities
- Teen activities and games
Cost Estimate
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$15,300 |
| Flights from STL | ~$3,150 |
| Total | ~$18,450 |
| Per Person | ~$2,050 |
Check packages.riu.com for free flight promotions!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Beautiful Caribbean beachfront
- Premium "Palace" level service
- Multiple dining options
- Cheapest flights from STL (Mexico)
- Close to Playa del Carmen shopping/dining
⚠️ Cons
- Seaweed season May-October can affect beach
- No dedicated water park (kids pool only)
- 55 min from airport
Best For
- Families wanting premium experience
- Beach lovers
- Those who want easy/cheap flights