Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Fri August 7, 2026
WHY IT RATES: The Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun has reopened after a major renovation, featuring the exclusive Elite Club experience with upgraded rooms, new culinary options, private pools for select guests, and enhanced amenities for a luxurious stay.
Following a comprehensive and complete refurbishment, the hotel has reopened its doors, proudly introducing the exclusive Elite Club experience
The property also features new culinary offerings and upgraded room categories, now including private pools for select Elite guests
RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico, following a spectacular and ambitious comprehensive renovation. Since its debut in 2012, the property has established itself as 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 such a profound transformation, the hotel now returns to the market as an entirely new product, meticulously designed to surprise and exceed the expectations of every traveler.Among the many new features, the inclusion of the Elite Club, stands out, offering an array of exclusive products including a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.
Following the renovation, the 618 rooms at the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula now boast an elegant and 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 an unparalleled 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, an exclusive service by RIU meticulously 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, you 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, ensuring your stay is a truly distinguished experience.
The hotel's gastronomic offering, featuring 9 restaurants and 7 bars, takes a qualitative leap in excellence, further enhanced by the introduction of two new concepts that diversify the culinary experience. The American Country themed restaurant, located within the 24-hour Sports Bar, features a menu showcasing timeless American favorites, while the Candy ice cream parlor—a vibrant and playful space—is destined to become the favorite 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 other RIU classics: Pepe’s Food, offering grilled specialties; and Tiki Tako, where guests can savor a wide variety of authentic Mexican-style tacos.
The outdoor areas of the Riu Palace Peninsula continue to offer expansive spaces and stunning 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.When it comes to entertainment, 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.
With this extensive renovation, RIU completely reinvents the Riu Palace Peninsula, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to Cancun, a premier destination where the chain now operates six hotels. 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. In this state alone, RIU supports a workforce of nearly 8,000 employees out of the 14,000 it employs across the country.
For further information please visit: www.riu.com
SOURCE: RIU Hotels & Resorts press release
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