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5-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00

Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas

Stay at Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, a 4.4-rated all-inclusive beachfront hotel with spa, pools, and dining near El Medano Beach and The Arch.

Cam. Viejo a San Jose Km. 4.5, El Medano Ejidal, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 14598 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with lively atmosphere and attentive service

This beachfront all-inclusive resort is noted for its friendly staff, varied dining options, and good pool facilities, though some guests report issues with Wi-Fi and ocean swimming. It suits visitors looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, hardworking, and attentive staff across all departments, enhancing the overall guest experience
  • Variety and quality of food options, with highlights including the Italian restaurant and buffet selections
  • Clean, comfortable rooms with ocean views and well-maintained resort grounds
  • Large, warm pools and engaging entertainment such as themed parties and water aerobics
  • Serene atmosphere compared to nearby resorts, with a more relaxed vibe despite spring break crowds

Worth knowing

  • Wi-Fi can be unreliable and cable TV service is limited, which may inconvenience guests needing connectivity
  • Security incidents such as theft have been reported, with some guests feeling cautious about trust
  • The ocean front is not ideal for swimming due to rough conditions; safer swimming areas require travel toward the marina
  • The spa service (Renova Spa) has received mixed reviews, indicating varied guest satisfaction levels
  • Vegetarian dining options could be improved to better accommodate diverse dietary preferences

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an all-inclusive beachfront resort with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere
  • Families looking for kid-friendly pools, activities, and multiple dining venues
  • Guests wanting attentive and cheerful staff who create a welcoming and fun environment
  • Visitors interested in a well-maintained property with easy access to local beaches and notable attractions
  • Those prioritizing a hotel with extensive pool facilities and varied entertainment over ocean swimming
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About this property

Welcome to Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas

Located along the beachfront in El Medano Ejidal, Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas offers an all-inclusive experience with a blend of leisure and wellness amenities. The property features multiple pools, a spa, a fitness center, and various dining options, including an on-site restaurant and bar. Guests can enjoy direct beach access as well as services like free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and room service, though it is not pet-friendly and does not provide airport shuttle service.

The setting is well suited to visitors looking for a balance of relaxation and entertainment, with nearby attractions such as El Medano Beach, Lovers Beach, and the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas within easy reach. The hotel sits close to other established resorts, creating a coastal atmosphere popular for both families and groups seeking active days paired with comfortable accommodations. Guest reviews often highlight the friendly staff and clean facilities, although some mention concerns like inconsistent Wi-Fi and security issues to keep in mind.

Rooms are air-conditioned and designed to accommodate families, with kid-friendly amenities and accessible services available. The on-site Renova Spa and Riu pool bar add to the wellness and social options on property, although the spa has received mixed feedback. Check-in begins at 3 PM, with check-out by noon, aligning with typical travel schedules. Proximity to Los Cabos International Airport makes the hotel reachable within about an hour by car, facilitating convenient access for international travelers.

This four-star wellness hotel scores well overall with a 4.4 rating from over 14,000 reviews, appealing primarily to guests who prioritize beachfront location and a variety of on-site activities in a lively, resort-style environment. Those wanting a luxury five-star experience or seamless connectivity might need to adjust expectations accordingly, but many find the combination of amenities and setting a good value for coastal visits to Cabo San Lucas.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Laundry service
Beach access
Room service
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
All-inclusive available
Hot tub
Spa
Fitness center
Bar

Not available at this property

Business center
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Smoke-free
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JT
Juliana T Apr 19, 2026
8.0

We stayed in adjoining rooms with partial ocean view. We were moved after night one to a new room. During the time our luggage was with the front desk bellmen waiting for our new room to be ready, 2 pairs of shoes were stolen. They did not do anything about the situation and I chalk it up to being in “Mexico”. It’s just too bad about really put a damper on the trust I had for the resort and the staff. With that said, the wait staff were all amazing and very attentive. We tipped well and believe me, that will determine a lot of the service you get. The food was excellent and we mostly enjoyed the filet at Krystal and loved the Italian restaurant for lunch. Shout out to Pedro and Raul at the Italian restaurant. They were amazing and remembered us daily! Overall, the food was good, the rooms were nice and well stocked and the service was good. We will come back but I am disappointed in my expensive runners and my high heels being stolen by staff.

PP
P Potts Apr 16, 2026
10

Beautiful hotel and great staff. IRMA from the buffet area was outstanding! Overall great experience.. 2 issues WIFI did not work for work.. spent 2 hours trying to resolve… with no resolution and the cable did not work in the hotel…. Not a big deal in paradise…a minor inconvenience.. we will be back!! Thank you!

JD
J Duncan Apr 14, 2026
10

Just came back home from here from a one week relaxing vacation, beginning of spring break younger people were showing up but they kept the partying at the Santa Fe and Baja. Very calm. Just had buffet food and after multiple trips to the resort the wasn’t as bad as people say, it’s not five star but still a good selection and good. Staff are always cleaning and great people.

L
Linda Mar 23, 2026
10

Hotel Riu Palace Cabo, STAT! This was our first time here and we had the absolute BEST time! This all-inclusive hotel/more like a resort was da bomb! While our accommodations were amazing (King bed with an ocean view), the staff - and I mean on ALL LEVELS - were the glue that made our overall experience so fun and memorable! I've never seen employees work harder...always cheerful, kind, professional and some added a whole lot of spunk and enthusiasm (hence the water aerobics and other fun events)...the Riu parties are never-ending if that's your thing! They were always attentive, professional, cheerful and we always felt comfortable and cared for. Please tip these hard working folks (and don't forget your hotel room cleaning crews). $2 bills + are always greatly appreciated ;-) The restaurants were all so good, but our fav was the Italian restaurant (L'Italiano). The Osso Bucco was off the charts...tender and so delish! Aide (pronounced I-Dee) was our waitress with the mostess! She always took such great care of our crew! What else can I say, but can't wait to come back to this clean, friendly, energetic and fun slice of Cabo paradise!

T
Tony Mar 18, 2026
10

This place was amazing! I had such a great time during my stay. The food was great, and there were lots of options to choose from. The staff were all friendly and humble. My room was clean, comfy, and had everything I needed. The mini bar inside the room was my favorite part and the different pools at the resort. The theme parties were great, but at times some DJs would stick to one genre of music instead of playing a variety. Overall, I had an awesome time here and would definitely come back.

RP
Ruth Puleghini Jan 25, 2026
10

Great resort. Beautiful sunrises. Consistent food and plenty of options. For those wondering, the ocean is not swimmable. For you to have a chance of maybe swimming you gotta walk 20 mins towards the marina. I'm a strong swimmer and would not dare. Nobody goes in the ocean unless near marina and even then its questionable.

SE
Sue Ewig Jan 23, 2026
10

Our stay at the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas was nothing short of incredible. We returned after a memorable visit three years ago, this time with a group of twenty—eight parents and twelve adult children—and it exceeded every expectation once again. The food was every bit as amazing as we remembered, and the service was simply the best we’ve ever experienced. After visiting two other Riu properties in the Cancun area, where both food and service were average at best, we knew we had to come back to Cabo. Seeing so many of the same servers and bartenders still there after three years says so much about how well the staff is treated and how much they truly enjoy their work—and it shows in every interaction. The resort itself is breathtaking, from its flawless architecture and immaculate grounds to the stunning views of the ocean. Everything is meticulously maintained, and the entire property feels spotless and serene. I actually feel safer here than at most hotels back home; security is exceptional but discreet, allowing guests to fully relax. During this trip, I also gained a deeper appreciation for the incredible teamwork happening behind the scenes. From the groundskeepers and kitchen staff to the laundry team and housekeepers, every employee plays a part in creating the seamless experience Riu Palace guests enjoy. Their pride and care are evident in every detail. Thank you, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, for another unforgettable vacation. We can’t wait to return!

D
D Jan 02, 2026
10

Great location for the price. We loved our stay and the staff is incredible! Bunch of food options - wish they would accommodate a bit more vegetarian food but overall they have options to enjoy for 4 days! Would definitely recommend this property for family vacations. The pool is so big and the water is warm so u don’t freeze after walking out of the pool! :)

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Coastal area with posh hotels & Chileno Bay water sports, plus bungee jumping & golf courses.

  • Los Cabos International Airport 57 min Car
  • Cabo San Lucas Internacional 23 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Baja California Sur. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Lovers Beach 627 reviews

Lovers Beach

23453 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico

4.7 · Beach
El Medano Beach 1,172 reviews

El Medano Beach

Baja California Sur, Mexico

4.6 · Beach
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas 13,824 reviews

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas

23453 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

4.9 · Tourist Attraction
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