Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula Cancun Reopens After “Spectacular” Renovation
by Bruce Parkinson
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula. Photo: RIU Hotels & Resorts
RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico, following what the hotel group calls “a spectacular and ambitious comprehensive renovation.”
Since its debut in 2012, the property has been one of the most iconic landmarks in the Hotel Zone and, undoubtedly, the most renowned RIU property in Cancun due to its distinctive architecture.
Having undergone a profound transformation, RIU says the hotel returns to the market as an entirely new product, designed to surprise and exceed the expectations of guests. Among the many new features, the inclusion of the Elite Club, stands out, offering an array of exclusive products including a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Following the renovation, the 618 rooms at the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula now boast an inviting aesthetic, defined by the use of natural tones and warm woods. This sophisticated style extends throughout the hotel’s common areas, including the restaurants and the lobby, which now features more expansive spaces and an abundance of natural light, with the large windows of the District bar offering a view of the Caribbean Sea.
One of the key highlights of this new chapter for the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula is the introduction of the Elite Club, designed for adult guests seeking to elevate their vacation experience.
Guests who choose this service will enjoy unique benefits, including a selection of premium beverages, access to an exclusive specialty restaurant for Elite guests, and a private pool with a swim-up bar. Furthermore, they are guaranteed one of the 100 best rooms in the hotel, some of which feature a private pool. All of these are located in the villa area of the complex, formerly designated as the Adults Only zone.

RIU says the hotel’s gastronomic offering, featuring 9 restaurants and 7 bars, has taken a qualitative leap in excellence, enhanced by the introduction of two new concepts.
The American Country themed restaurant, located within the 24-hour Sports Bar, features a menu showcasing American favourites, while the Candy ice cream parlour is destined to become a favourite spot for families and those with a sweet tooth.
These spaces complement an extensive and varied selection of dining options, featuring the main restaurant with its international buffet; the Italian Duomo; the Agave Mexican specialty restaurant; the Sakura restaurant, showcasing Asian delicacies; the Steakhouse, offering a selection of premium cuts; and the Krystal fusion restaurant, serving trendy dishes from the world’s most celebrated cuisines.
Located in the pool area are two casual restaurants: Pepe’s Food, offering grilled specialties; and Tiki Tako, where guests can savour a wide variety of Mexican-style tacos.

The outdoor areas continue to offer expansive spaces and gardens, now featuring a total of six swimming pools: three for general use, one exclusively for adults with a swim-up bar, the aforementioned pool with exclusive access for Elite Club guests, and a dedicated children’s pool.
Younger guests can enjoy the newly renovated RIU Land every day of the week, while all guests continue to enjoy the shows and activities curated by our hotel entertainment team. Adult guests staying at the hotel are invited to enjoy the four weekly RIU Party events hosted at the Riu Caribe, conveniently located right next to the Riu Palace Peninsula.
Across the state of Quintana Roo, RIU boasts a total of 15 properties out of the 23 it currently manages throughout Mexico. Furthermore, the company is presently overseeing the comprehensive renovation of the Riu Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen, alongside the construction of its fourth hotel in Costa Mujeres, the Riu Palace Quintana Roo.





