Cancun Paradise Found: Riu Palace Las Americas Adults-Only Escape!
Cancun Paradise Found: Riu Palace Las Americas - My Messy, Honest, and Seriously Fun Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the Riu Palace Las Americas, and it's gonna be less "polished travel blogger" and more "your slightly tipsy friend spilling the tea." This adults-only escape in Cancun? Yeah, it mostly lived up to the hype. But trust me, there were moments…
Accessibility (Ugh, the Rollercoaster!) Look, I need to be upfront here, because accessibility is one area where things felt… well, inconsistent.
- Wheelchair Accessible – Mostly… But! The hotel does have ramps and elevators. That’s a huge plus! It's a must. However, maneuvering around the resort, especially in the busy areas, felt a little tight at times. Some of the walkways could be wider.
- Elevator and Public Areas: The elevator access was great, and they had a ramp to the main lobby. But you know those little ramps that provide access to the main areas, they're really small and steep?
- The Beach: Uh, forget about it for most folks, unless you LOVE a good beach chair with your feet in the sand.
- On-site accessible restaurants: Great if you had to use the elevator, but I saw some narrow spots where the accessibility got awkward, especially during peak times.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe, But Maybe a Little Too Safe?
Okay, kudos to Riu. They really hammered home the COVID precautions.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Tick.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Double tick. That lobby sparkled! So many cleaning services!. They were clearly trying hard and really, really going for it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep. Sanitizer everywhere. Masks mostly!
- Hand sanitizer stations: Every corner. Seriously, I could practically bathe in the stuff.
- Physical distancing: They tried. Sometimes it worked (poolside), sometimes not so much (the buffet – more on that chaos later!).
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely. And I’m not complaining about that.
The downside: Everything felt a little…sterile. And it didn’t feel like there was much going on.
The Room: My Own Little Paradise (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk room. Mine was on the… a decent floor, and I loved waking up and seeing the sea.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: HUGE win! I could stream all the trash TV my heart desired. (And I did.)
- Air conditioning: Essential. Thank God.
- Mini bar: Stocked! (Though I may have… ahem… depleted some of the supplies a little too enthusiastically)
- The bed: Comfy. My back loved it.
- Bathtub: Yes! Hello, relaxation station. Though the water pressure was a little weak.
- Blackout curtains?: Perfect for those lazy mornings (or hungover afternoons).
- Air conditioning in the room: Yes. Thank god!
- The only thing I would complain about is that the door could be louder
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disaster)
Now, this is where things got REAL. The sheer variety of food options blew my mind.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was the stuff of legend. Pancakes? Check. Omelets? Check. Pastries that practically screamed “eat me”? Check. This was good!
- A la carte restaurants: Asian, Mexican, Steakhouse… you name it, they probably had it. My favorite was the steakhouse, that's where you can get the best steak!
- The Buffet: Oh, the buffet. It was a zoo during peak hours. People jostling, plates clinking, the air thick with the scent of… well, everything. Honestly, it was a little overwhelming at times. But hey, there was always something delicious to be found.
- Poolside bar: Important! And well-stocked. I may or may not have spent a considerable amount of time there…
- Room service [24-hour]: YES. Especially useful at 3 AM when you've got the munchies.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Never understood why some hotels would not offer this.
The Bad Part: My big beef was with the Asian restaurant. It was a disaster. The sushi tasted vaguely of fish and disappointment, and the service was slow as molasses.
- Vegetarian restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant Good alternative.
Things to Do (and How I Tried to Avoid Actually Doing Them)
Look, I came here to relax. But they do offer a bunch of stuff.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The main pool was lively with music and activities. I'm more of a 'quiet pool' gal.
- Pool with View: Yes! And it was glorious.
- Spa/sauna: I did the spa, and it was heavenly. (Body wrap was a must)
- Fitness center: They had a gym, but I saw the machines and got tired.
- Things to do: They put on shows, and I thought, "Oh no".
- Massage: Was amazing!
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd)
- Concierge: Super helpful! Especially when I needed to book a last-minute excursion because I got bored.
- Daily housekeeping: My room got spotless every single day. Amazing.
- Dry cleaning: Didn't use it. (Priorities, people!)
- Invoice provided: Nice.
- Luggage storage: Worked great.
- Shops They had a gift shop, so you could find a souvenir.
- Elevator: Essential to navigate the resort.
- Safety/security feature: Great safety
- 24-hour Front desk: Easy to manage with
- Doorman: Always a great entrance
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Room decorations: They came to the room, but I don't remember what they did.
Getting Around (Wheels, Wheels, Everywhere)
- Airport transfer: Easy peasy.
- Car park [free of charge]: If you're driving, free parking is a huge win.
The Verdict: Worth It (With a Few Caveats)
Would I go back? Probably. The good definitely outweighed the bad. It's a solid choice if you want a relaxing, all-inclusive getaway with a little bit of… sparkle. Just be prepared for occasional minor hiccups, a slightly overwhelming buffet situation, and remember to bring your patience. And earplugs. You'll thank me later.
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Tokamachi: Kamosu Mori's Mystical Beauty
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary to a Riu Palace Las Americas… this is my messy, opinionated, sun-kissed (or sunburned, depending on the day) adventure. Consider this less a schedule, and more a suggestion box with a healthy dose of chaos.
Riu Palace Las Americas - Cancun, Mexico - Adults Only - All Inclusive: My Brain Dump of a Vacation
Day 1: Arrival & Oh God, Let's Get This Party Started (Maybe… After Naptime).
Morning (But Really, Still Pre-Noon): Ugh, the airport is a vortex of tired parents and screaming kids. Made it to Cancun! The transfer shuttle…well, let's just say the driver clearly believed in the 'Fast & Furious: Cancun Drift' school of thought. Scared I’m supposed to check out on my flight now. Thank god for noise-canceling headphones. Finally, glorious, air-conditioned lobby of the Riu. Check-in was…okay. The guy behind the desk looked like he'd seen a thousand sunburnt tourists. He offered me "a nice room". I hope it is a nice room. I’m already sweating.
Midday: Okay, room's actually GREAT. Ocean view, balcony, king-sized bed… I could get used to this. First impressions? Gorgeous! The turquoise water is a legit postcard. Time to unpack, throw on the swimsuit, and do… absolutely nothing. I need a nap after that journey. This is my life now.
Afternoon: The Pool, The People, and the Bloody Marys. Poolside chaos begins! Sunscreen application is key, people. Witnessing the poolside buffet. It is an All-inclusive paradise in full swing. Watching the various levels of tan lines. The people watching is incredible. There's a group of aggressively fun-loving Brits already doing tequila shots before 3 pm. They're singing. Loudly. But that's okay, I'm here for the drinks too. First Bloody Mary acquired. This might be my new favorite thing. Swimming up to the bar and ordering a drink is the peak of civilization, right?
Evening: Dinner & A Questionable Show. Dinner at Krystal (fusion, apparently). Actually, the food was… surprisingly good. The service, though? Let's just say the waiter seemed to have forgotten the concept of "smile." But hey, the food was there. Then, the show. Oh, the show. It was… well, it was definitely a show. Not sure what I just watched, but it involved a lot of sequins, questionable dance moves, and lip-syncing. I'm not judging, I'm just saying, wow. Went to bed feeling slightly bewildered but mostly content.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & a Tequila-Fueled Revelation
Morning: Okay, the sun's up, the waves are calling. Beach time! Finding a decent sun lounger is a competitive sport. Got absolutely annihilated in the sea by a surprisingly strong wave. My hair is perpetually salty and my skin is starting to feel very much like a lobster.
Midday: The Tequila Tasting and a Serious Case of the Giggles. The hotel has a tequila tasting. I'm not a huge tequila drinker, but hey, when in Rome… or, Cancun. Turns out, the tequila is strong. And good! The tequila master (a charmer, bless him) explained the different varieties. By the fourth sample, I was convinced I was an expert. Started bonding with a group of women who were as equally tipsy. We ended up crying with laughter over absolutely nothing. Found out the hard way that I actually don't know how to swim when I was super drunk after the tasting.
Afternoon: The beach, again! I'm starting to realize that I think the sun is a good friend. I ordered a margarita that came out of nowhere! Fell asleep on the beach. Woke up to find a crab trying to steal my shoes. This is life.
Evening: The Steakhouse. The Steak. The Guilt. Dinner at the Steakhouse. The steak was, in a word, divine. So good. I ate so much, I think I’m going to need a second beach day to work this off. The waiter was overly attentive, but I think he was just bored. After dinner, wandered around the resort, watching the other couples. Feeling a little bit like I'm the only person here who is not coupled, but then I quickly remember, that is amazing!
Day 3: Culture Shock (sort of, I mean, shopping) & Sunset Swims.
Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly okay. Breakfast, then a quick trip to Isla Mujeres. A ferry, but mostly I just wanted to feel the sea breezes. So many vendors! The shops were full of souvenirs; the heat was killer. I felt a bit overwhelmed, but got some tacky trinkets. (Don't judge me).
Midday: Back at the hotel. Needed to crash after the shopping trip. The sea is amazing now.
Afternoon: Repeat performance. Beach, swimming, eating the snacks. Sun's finally starting to set. So pretty.
Evening: Goodbye Dinner and Maybe More of the Show (if I'm feeling brave!). Packing my bags. This time, eating at the buffet. It's just so much food, so many choices. Probably going to regret this later. Going to try to see more of the show, maybe. Or maybe just read in my room. This time feels like a good opportunity to come.
Day 4: The Departure & The Aftermath (of Fun).
Morning: Breakfast. Last-minute sunscreen check. The airport. The long lines. The crying kids. The general departure chaos. I’m already missing those Bloody Marys.
Afternoon (or, Actually, The Flight): Back in reality. The food on the plane is terrible. Thinking about all the things I said (and did) while tipsy.
Evening: Home. Unpacking. Unpacking is never fun. Starting to plan the next trip. Already missing that turquoise water. And those tequila shots.
The Verdict:
This vacation wasn't perfect. I probably spent too much money, ate too much, and drank way too much tequila. The show was… well, we've established that. But it was mine. It was messy, imperfect, and full of moments that made me laugh, cringe, and feel utterly, gloriously, alive. And that, my friends, is what a vacation is all about. Now, where's that sunscreen?
Escape to Paradise: Angel's Hotel & St. Wendel's Golfing Heaven
Cancun Paradise Found? Riu Palace Las Americas - The Real Deal FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You're Skeptical)
Okay, Spill. Is it REALLY Adults-Only Paradise or Just…Another Resort?
Alright, fine, I'll be real with you. It's *mostly* paradise. The lack of screaming kids? Absolute game-changer. I mean, I *love* kids, truly, but not at 7 AM when I'm trying to nurse a serious hangover from yesterday's tequila tasting. So, points immediately for that. It's definitely more...refined? Think fewer chicken fingers and more…I don't know, brie. (Though, let's be honest, I still snuck a burger from the lunch buffet – more on that later.)
The Food. I'm a Snob. Should I even bother?
Look, I'm a food snob too. And the buffet... it's a buffet. Not Michelin-star, but totally edible. Lots of options, and you *can* find some gems. The fresh fruit? Unbeatable. The Mexican food? Hit or miss, but that's authentic, right? I got *seriously* addicted to the breakfast chilaquiles. I'm talking daily consumption, bordering on embarrassing. The a la carte restaurants are better, definitely. The Steakhouse? Pretty good, though my steak was slightly overcooked (the ONLY downside, I swear) but the service made up for it; I was clearly an impressionable tourist in need of a strong margarita. And the Krystal fusion place? Worth booking. Though, fair warning, the reservation system is a *bit* of a circus. Get there early.
What about the Drinks? Are they watered down? (I’m asking for a friend…)
Okay, your "friend"... Don't worry. The drinks are solid. They're all-inclusive, and they *pour*. Margaritas? Delicious and plentiful. Pina coladas by the pool? Yes, and yes. They have top-shelf options if you feel like splurging, but the standard stuff is perfectly fine. I will say, I may have accidentally consumed a *few* too many daiquiris one afternoon, leading to a slightly blurry encounter with the swim-up bar. Don’t judge. It was a beautiful day.
The Rooms: Are They Actually Nice?
They’re…good. They're not the Ritz, but they’re clean, spacious, and the views from the ocean-front rooms are *stunning*. We had a balcony, which was crucial for pre-dinner cocktails and late-night star-gazing. The beds were comfortable, the AC worked like a charm (essential!), and the mini-bar was restocked daily. The bathroom? Decent. Not a spa-like experience, but perfectly functional. Honestly? I spent so little time in the room, I barely noticed!
The Beach! Is the Beach Worth the Hype?
It’s *amazing*. Seriously. Powdery white sand, turquoise water… picture-perfect. The waves are gentle, perfect for swimming. The beach service is excellent; you can order drinks and snacks right to your lounger. Be warned though: the fight for a prime lounger can be intense. I'm talking serious pre-dawn towel-laying shenanigans. I witnessed a full-blown chair-napping incident at around 6:00 AM. Just...be prepared. Either set an alarm or embrace the beauty of the late-riser life.
The Pools: Are there enough, and are they fun?
Yes! There are plenty of pools, including a swim-up bar (essential!). The main pool is lively, with music and activities. There's a quieter pool if you prefer some peace. I spent most of my time at the swim-up bar, obviously. Honestly, just floating around, sipping a cocktail, and chatting with other guests was pure bliss. I even met a guy who knew the bartender's *cousin* (small world!). The pool staff? Friendly, efficient. The sun? Relentless (in the best way).
Is it easy to get around and explore Cancun?
Yeah, it is. The hotel is in the Hotel Zone, which is pretty easy to navigate. Taxis are readily available, and you can also use the bus system (much cheaper!). We took a day trip to Chichen Itza, which was incredible, even if it was *brutally* hot. (Invest in a good hat.) The hotel can arrange excursions, which is convenient, but you can also book them yourself; shop around for the best prices. Just be prepared for some serious driving if you go further afield; it's a large area.
Nightlife: Is there any? Or am I stuck in an early-bird special kind of vibe?
There's some nightlife! The hotel has a disco, which is fun for a late-night dance (after a few adult beverages, let's be honest). There are also bars. The lobby bar is a good place to start the evening, and has live music, but it can get a little *louder* than you want, even as someone who likes loudness. You're also close to the Hotel Zone if you want to venture out to clubs and other spots. However, honestly, after a full day of sun and cocktails, I was usually ready for bed. But good to know the option is there, right?
Service: How's the service? Rude? Fantastic? Apathetic?
Mostly fantastic, actually. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. From the bartenders to the housekeeping staff, everyone was genuinely welcoming. Spanish would definitely help, but most people speak some English. There were a few minor hiccups (like the aforementioned slightly overcooked steak), but overall, the service was excellent. They really make you feel like they want you to enjoy yourself. Though, I did overhear one person complain about the speed with which their drink was delivered (a very minor thing). *Maybe* they were just a little impatient?
Would you go back? Be honest.
