Mexico Travel Tips and Hotel Review: Riu Tequila

The night club where the dancers performed- in this picture you can see the dancer in charge of entertaining the young kids

We had an absolute BLAST in Mexico. I wanted to write a review about what services we used, our hotel, and getting to Mexico.

1. Transportation: we flew to Mexico and had a connecting flight. If I had to do it all over again, I would think that it was worth it to pay the extra $$ and get a direct flight. I'm not sure how much more this would have cost us, but it would be worth it to me.

A waiter making baked Alaska at the Steak House Restaurant

On Friday evening David and I drove to the airport from his parents' house because they live in STL. However, my other friends got a hotel room at the Marriott and used a park and fly package. This was worth it for them because our flight was super duper early. Plus the Marriott had good service to and from the airport.
Again, the dancer in charge of the kids performing with his helpers

Another tip I have would work for some and not for others. If you can, take carry-ons only. We didn't have any issues with our checked bags at all, but I think it is infinitely easier to clear customs and make your next flight without stress if you don't have checked bags with you. This is because once you enter the U.S., you have to recollect your checked items and clear the baggage area. However, someone like my friend Rachel has a tripod, a bag, another bag, a camera bag, etc., etc., so obviously this does not work for everybody. Just something to consider if you want an easier flight.

The performers after dancing to the Mamma Mia soundtrack

Once we arrived in Mexico we had booked a shuttle with Best Day Travel, a service that brings people from the airport to their hotels. This was a great experience. I really liked that they grouped us together according to location so we were not traveling to Cancun (more north) and then back south to drop us off. I've had an experience like that once, so having it more organized was really nice. Once we arrived at the shuttle area, the workers quickly greeted us and kept us informed on how many minutes we would have to wait (maybe 7). Then we were whisked away in a really nice air-conditioned shuttle! The next day they made us meet with a rep in order to get our voucher back, but the meeting only lasted about 10 minutes and he gave us tips on shopping, so that was fun.

At the night club anticipating the Mamma Mia show

We booked it through Expedia and got an awesome deal on the entire package.
2. Hotel: Riu was an awesome hotel. We stayed at the Riu Tequila, which was part of a bigger complex of Riu hotels in Playa del Carmen:Source

The Riu Tequila was not right on the beach, and thus was cheaper. However, there was a really easy path leading to the beach that we walked every day, as well as a little golf cart shuttle running every 15 minutes or so. Furthermore, the Tequila had a great pool. We didn't stay at the pool very much, but when we did we participated in stretching. Instead we often went to the Riu Yucatan's pool because it was closer to the ocean.

First off, the staff was very helpful. Upon arrival, we learned that our rooms were in different buildings. As soon as we said something they changed our room so we were right next to each other. As you walked by every staff member, they greeted you with a smile on their face. They reminded us to relax, relax, and relax! They were very good.

The entertainment staff at our hotel was also very good (of course you shouldn't expect Broadway quality, but they did a really great job). Every night we enjoyed a performance. Saturday's show was a Michael Jackson impersonator, Sunday we enjoyed a show called "Around the World", which featured different dances from around the world, Monday we watched Mayan traditional dances, and then on Tuesday we watched them dance to the Mamma Mia soundtrack. I think that watching the dances was my second favorite part of the trip (besides staying by the beaches!).

Our bathroom in the hotel room: everything was completely clean

Every night before the dancing show, a performer would come and ask for audience volunteers. We went up once and it was fun: mostly dancing in a goofy way. Another night they made men do push-ups, which was hilarious. Also, before the big show, the performers would let kids come on the stage and dance around, which the kids and audience loved.

This brings me to my next point: deciding whether to go to a resort that allows children. Riu allowed children into the resort and we did not care at all. We were never bothered by them (except when they took all the french fries from the buffet!!!!), so I am glad that we didn't pay more just to go to a resort that didn't allow children. That said, I totally understand if you have four kids and want to get away from all things under 18. But, if you do not care, I would say to just find the best deal and go with it.

The drinks were really great: we enjoyed pina coladas and other delicious treats. There was a bar in our room with Vodka, Tequila, and beers. They also had plenty of water for us to enjoy. Every day near the Yucatan pool we got fun sample drinks. We were definitely pampered with drinks. The best part is that they actually use real sugar, which makes them way more delicious than drinks here.
Our room upon arrival. It was very clean.

Finally, everybody wants to know about the food. Honestly I didn't have high expectations for our food because of the amount we paid for the total trip. I was neither disappointed nor pleasantly surprised. The food was mediocre, and I would compare it to a dorm food experience. I ate a lot of chips and salsa, french fries (that was my guilty pleasure), and fruit for breakfast.

The view outside our balcony

That said, I am the pickiest eater abroad that you know. I didn't eat any meat, nor do I eat cheese or dairy, so this nixed 85% of the menu right there. SO- take my review with a grain of salt. The food that we got at the fancier restaurants was definitely more delicious. I had shrimp at both the Mexican restaurant and the Steak House, which was very tasty.
The beach

Finally, the beach at the Riu was simply. amazing. We had beautiful white sand, gorgeous clear blue water, and they offered a lot of water sports with the all-inclusive package, including kayaking and boogie boarding. The beach was my favorite part of the entire trip. I loved it!
Every evening the staff would come out and greet the patrons outside the buffet restaurant.

3. Activities: we did snorkeling for $30 that just went to a local reef. It was perfect for us because we were not really serious about having a really awesome snorkeling experience and wanted to keep it cheap. Other than that, Jolene and Beth got a massage on the beach that they said was simply amazing. Rachel and I did kayaking and boogie boarding, which was free with our hotel. Other than that, we enjoyed laying on the beach!!

Overall, I loved our experience at the Riu. The staff there really made it a wonderful experience. They provided excellent service and fun activities. This vacation has definitely made me anxious about traveling to another beachy location in the future, and I would highly recommend it for a group trip or for a fun getaway for a couple. It would be a perfect place to go for a (cheap!) getaway with your husband and wife for a few days.

Source: http://chickinczech.blogspot.com/2009/12/mexico-travel-tips_2628.html