Is Hotel Riu Palace Baja California Worth It? Review

view of pool, pool chairs, and the Arch of Cabo at RIU Baja California

Are you thinking about staying at RIU Palace Baja California? I stayed there during an impromptu trip to Cabo and loved it! The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the service is top-notch. Most importantly, the food was great, and that’s coming from a true foodie.

If you’re on the fence about staying at Hotel RIU Baja California, book it. You won’t regret it.

Is RIU Palace Baja California a True Adults All-inclusive?

view of pool, pool chairs, and the Arch of Cabo at RIU Baja California
Pool View at RIU Baja California

Yes, Riu Palace Cabo is a true all-inclusive resort starting at check-in. My friend and I were greeted by a fruity mocktail, followed by a short and easy check-in. The staff was accommodating and super sweet.

Rooms have a minibar that’s updated daily, and there’s always a restaurant, buffet, or food stand for a quick snack or meal.

Food at RIU Palace Baja California

a plate of mexican  food and a green fresh fruit juice
soooo good!

I really loved their breakfast buffet. There were live cooking stations, and everything was fresh and delicious. They made it so easy to stay hydrated by offering freshly squeezed fruit juice, including a green fruit blend, local passionfruit, and mango.

Hotel RIU Palace Baja California is the type of resort where you don’t have to leave to get a feel for the country. Their lunch and dinner buffet options include Mexican dishes I had never heard of, and I loved them all. They have tacos, fresh seafood, and a huge section of desserts. It’s hard to find an all-inclusive where the food is actually good (Sorry, RIU Montego Bay), but RIU Cabo made it possible. The mole I tried at RIU was even better than the one I had at a restaurant in Cozumel.

There’s also a large selection of picky-eater-friendly foods, such as chicken tenders, pizza, and fried chicken. Vegan options are a bit limited, but the buffet has a vegetarian section.

Hotel RIU Palace Baja California Restaurants Review

RIU has about 7 restaurants on the property. I didn’t have enough time to eat at all of them, so I can’t wait to return. Book your dinner reservation at check-in because they book up very quickly.

But if you can’t make it to one of the restaurants you can always grab a bite at the buffet which provides a beautiful view of Los Arcos, the Arch of Cabo.

Here are a few on-site restaurants at Hotel RIU Palace Baja California.

  • “Krystal” Fusion restaurant
  • Bombay Restaurant
  • Misaki Japanese restaurant
  • San Jose Mexican Restaurant
  • El Medano Steakhouse
  • Italian restaurant

They also offer room service if you party too hard or need some extra rest. And if you’re partying by the pool, there’s a BBQ with fast food like tacos, churros, and french fries.

The Resort

Hotel RIU Palace Baja California is gorgeous! The architecture is modern and very sleek. The resort has so many plants and flowers, making it a great place to take pictures. There are a few pools, some calmer than others. If you’re looking for pool parties, RIU Sante Fe is where the party is.

The Rooms

A Black woman in a robe and towel headwrap staring at the ocean

We stayed in a junior double suite. There was a large jacuzzi and a great shower. Although I went with a friend, it would be perfect for a romantic getaway. The room was very clean, but the Wi-Fi could be spotty. Our view

Airport Transfers at RIU Palace Baja California

RIU Palace Cabo is about 20 miles from the airport. I recommend booking through a third party for any airport transfer to Riu Palace, as the rates are much cheaper than the hotel’s. Private transfers start at $120, while shared transfers start at $40. You can also rent a car, although it’s not hard to find taxis in Cabo.

Fun Things to Do in Los Cabos

pool at RIU Cabo San Lucas

Cabo is much more relaxed than Cancun and Tulum. You can enjoy exploring the outdoors or a fun spa day. Whether you enjoy swimming with dolphins or exploring historical sites, there are many things to do in Cabo.

I went snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the water was crystal clear. Check out my blog post on 15 things to do in Cabo San Lucas for a detailed list.

RIU Cabo San Lucas vs RIU Baja California


Finding it hard to choose between RIU Cabo San Lucas and RIU Baja California? They’re both all-inclusive right next to each other and share some of the same amenities, but there are some differences.

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas is family-oriented, whereas RIU Palace Baja California is exclusively for adults. Given its adults-only policy, RIU Palace Baja California tends to have a more tranquil and refined atmosphere. In contrast, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is more vibrant and lively with family-friendly activities.

While both offer luxurious pools and great food, the facilities at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas cater to families with fun kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment. Riu Palace Baja California focuses more on adult activities like parties, spas, and upscale dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are There Golf Courses Near Hotel RIU Palace Baja California?

Yes, there are a few golf courses near Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. Some are Vidanta Golf Course, Cabo San Lucas Country Club, and Palmilla Golf Club.

Is Riu Palace Baja California Wheelchair Accessible?

RIU is fairly accessible for wheelchair users. There are lots of elevators, paved walkways, and ramps. Some rooms include roll-in showers and handrails. The pool at RIU Santa Fe has a ramp for easy entry.

Is the Beach Near RIU Palace Baja Swimmable?

No, the beach is not swimmable due to dangerous currents. You can swim at Chileno, Santa Maria, and Palmilla Beach.

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