Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas

The Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is an impressively white and imposingly lovely neoclassical structure built directly on the beach, meaning abundant ocean views from nearly all of its rooms and common spaces. The marble-floored lobby has an Old World elegance that is striking -- picture a dark-wood reception desk, faded pink stucco walls, crystal chandeliers, marble sculptures, and low-hanging ceiling fans -- but its scenic views of the water are even more so. Unlike many of its neighboring all-inclusives, the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas is not a magnet for spring breakers; the vibe is generally quiet and relaxing. 

Cancun is located on the northeast coast of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Originally a small fishing town, it was developed by the Mexican government in the 1970s to become the ideal modern vacation spot. Today, the city is known as the party capital of the entire country, drawing over three million tourists annually. Especially popular during Spring Break, it boasts beautiful powdery white sand beaches, a number of shopping centers, lots of restaurants, bikini contests left and right, and a popping nightlife scene of full dancing, drinking, and 24/7 fun. It's divided into three districts, though 15-mile long Isla Cancun ("Cancun Island") is the central hotel zone and main area for visitors, particularly Tulum Avenue. Whether it's the Interactive Aquarium or the retail hubs Kukulcan Plaza and Forum-by-the-Sea, there's plenty to do when not basking along the shores or enjoying windsurfing and water skiing. El Rey and Yamil Lu'um are nearby archaeological ruins. There are plenty more in Coba and Chichen Itza, two to three hours away by car.- Nine-minute drive to Yamil Lu'um

• 10-minute walk to Forum-by-the-Sea
• 10-minute drive to Kukulcan Plaza
• 14-minute drive to El Rey
• 16-minute drive to Plaza Las Americas
• 16-minute drive to Cancun Convention Center
• 17-minute drive to Tulum Avenue/Downtown Cancun
• 26-minute drive to Interactive Aquarium
• 31-minute drive to Cancun International Airport
• One-hour drive to Playa del Carmen
• One-hour drive to Xcaret Park
• 2.5-hour drive to Coba
• 2.5-hour drive to Chichen Itza

The hotel has 372 spacious rooms, nearly all of them with furnished balconies offering panoramic ocean views. All rooms have bed areas and seating lounges that are semi-separated by white columns and two steps, as well as flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and minibars with unlimited sodas and bottled water, plus liquor dispensers. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal is generally stronger in the common areas than in rooms.

The Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas has many of the features expected of an all-inclusive resort. There are two beautiful pools set within the hotel's beautifully landscaped grounds; one has music, a swim-up bar, and a party vibe, the other is much quieter and geared towards families. Both have plenty of loungers and stunning views of the ocean. Soft, smooth white sand and calm waters make the beach in front of the hotel one of the nicest in Cancun. The hotel offers (free) snorkeling gear, as well as food and drink service on the beach and by the pools. The entertainment crew works throughout the day and night; evening entertainment runs the gamut from family-friendly song-and-dance shows to karaoke.There are five a la carte restaurants, including the fine-dining Krystal, and one buffet restaurant that serves three themed dinners a week. The a la carte restaurants require reservations, and only have two seating times per night, so guests should plan accordingly.