Learn What Makes RIU a Top Hotel Choice

RIU is a family-owned chain of all-inclusive resorts and business hotels that offer an elegant experience enhanced by superb service. The staff at each of its 100+ properties worldwide will make your leisure and business travelers feel so much at home that they will want to return often or try other RIU properties in new destinations. It is well worth investing the time to learn about RIU. Travel Agent Academy offers full training, but take a moment now to learn a little bit about what gives RIU its distinctive character.

*Note that on account of the pandemic, some amenities may have been temporarily altered.

RIU is a Spanish resort chain that started with the Riu San Francisco Hotel in Palma de Mallorca in 1953 and today is still run by the Riu family - now in its third generation of company leadership.

From the Mediterranean to Mexico to the Maldives, RIU has over 100 resorts in beach and city destinations across 19 different countries worldwide.

The company has three brands:

- RIU Classic: all-inclusive resorts for leisure travelers seeking top accommodations in family-friendly vacation destinations

- RIU Palace: beachfront all-inclusive resorts for leisure travelers interested in a sophisticated, relaxing experience filled with special amenities

- RIU Plaza: city hotels for business and leisure travelers

RIU's Classic and Palace brands are both all-inclusive models offering popular amenities, such as unlimited snacks, drinks and meals (including meals at specialty restaurants), show cooking-style buffet, unlimited use of in-room minibar, non-motorized water and land sports, live nightly entertainment and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel including guest rooms.

RIU Palace resorts place an emphasis on relaxation and sophisticated experiences. This brand offers the same key amenities as RIU Classic, but with these extras: premium Wi-Fi throughout the hotel for two devices per guest, 24-hour room service, international alcohol brands, all accommodations are suites or junior suite, in-room coffee maker, champagne breakfast and Krystal Restaurant: Fusion Gourmet Cuisine.

RIU Plaza hotels are geared toward both business and leisure travelers. They are located in Berlin, Germany; Dublin, Ireland; Guadalajara, Mexico; Madrid, Spain; Miami Beach, USA; New York City, USA; Panama City, Panama; and San Francisco, USA.

RIU executives listen to the advice of travel advisors when it comes to accommodating families, couples, singles and multigenerational groups. At RIU Classic and Palace resorts, you will find flexible room configurations accommodating up to eight guests.

Attentive to architectural design and the heritage of each hotel's host country, RIU strives for a modern style while incorporating details that reflect local traditions, from artwork to cuisine.

RIU pledges that friendly, helpful service is at the heart of its guest experience.

Reservations are no longer required at the chain's specialty restaurants, except at Riu Emerald Bay in Mazatlán, Mexico. Meanwhile, micro-cuisine is all the rage at RIU Palace resorts, where guests can delight in such creations as Crab, Vegetable and Mint Terrine and Lychee Rolls with Chocolate Sauce and Chipotle Chile.

Prior to the pandemic, RIU hosted over 3,000 weddings a year, with beachfront ceremonies taking place at properties throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Onsite coordinators are available at most resorts.

RIU has a Corporate Social Responsibility team that focuses on sustainability. Some of its many activities include sponsoring coastal clean-ups around the world, planting trees and covering the cost of medication at a children's hospital as well as participating in other programs to help communities in the destinations it serves.

There is so much more to learn about RIU, especially given that each resort and hotel has its own ambiance and is thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding community. RIU guests are treated to a unique experience wherever they stay. Moreover, the company rewards agents for their hard work and offers special packages to help boost sales. Find out all the details by going to riuspecialist.com at Travel Agent Academy and enrolling to become a RIU Specialist!