You’re standing on a balcony in Cabo. The breeze smells like salt and expensive sunscreen. Below you, the Pacific is crashing against the shore with enough force to remind you that nature doesn't care about your vacation schedule. This is the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, and if you’ve been scrolling through endless travel forums, you’ve probably seen the polarizing debates. Some people swear it’s the pinnacle of Baja luxury; others think it’s a massive party factory with better-than-average tacos.
The truth? It’s both. And neither.
Choosing an all-inclusive in Los Cabos is a high-stakes game because the "Palace" designation in the Riu world implies a certain level of sophistication that their "Classic" hotels lack. But let’s be real—Cabo San Lucas is a unique beast. You aren't in Cancun. The water isn't always swimmable, the desert heat is a different kind of dry, and the vibe at the Riu Palace Cabo all inclusive has to balance the tranquility of the Land’s End views with the fact that Cabo is, fundamentally, a place where people come to get a little rowdy.
The Swimmability Myth and the Medano Reality
First, we need to talk about the water. If you book the Riu Palace Cabo all inclusive expecting to spend your days frolicking in the turquoise waves directly in front of your room, you’re going to be disappointed. Or wet and in danger.
The beach at the Riu Palace is beautiful to look at, but the undertow is no joke. The red flags are usually flying for a reason. This isn't a "Riu problem," it's a "Cabo geography problem." Most of the coastline here is sheer drop-offs and violent currents. However, you are a short, sweaty walk or a very cheap water taxi ride away from Playa El Médano. That’s the "swimmable" beach.
If you want to stay at the Riu but need that ocean dip, you’ve got to put in the effort. Most guests end up staying poolside, which leads us to the pool hierarchy. There are several. Some are quiet, some have the iconic swim-up bars where the DJ starts at noon, and some are tucked away for those who actually want to read a book without hearing "Despacito" for the fourth time.
Why the "Palace" Label Matters Here
Riu has different tiers. You have the Riu Santa Fe next door—which is essentially a spring break fever dream—and then you have the Palace.
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When you stay at the Palace, you get "exchange privileges." This means you can go over to the Santa Fe, eat their food, and use their water park. But the Santa Fe guests can’t come to your side. This is the single biggest perk. You get the peace and the upgraded liquor brands (hello, Don Julio) at the Palace, but you can go play in the chaos of the Splash Water World next door whenever you feel like being ten years old again.
Room Logistics: The Good, The Bad, and The Humidity
The rooms are huge. That’s a fact. But they have that specific Riu aesthetic—lots of dark wood, purple accents, and the famous liquor dispenser built into the wall.
Is it "modern"? Sorta.
Is it functional? Mostly.
The best rooms are the ones facing the Arch. If you get a garden view, you’re basically looking at some palm trees and the back of a maintenance building. It’s worth the upgrade for the ocean view, especially during whale season (January through March). You can literally sit on your balcony with a coffee and watch humpbacks breaching in the distance. You don't even need a boat tour.
One thing people forget: Cabo is a desert, but the hotels are humid. The AC in the Riu Palace Cabo all inclusive is generally powerful, but if you leave your balcony door open for five minutes to take a photo, your sheets will feel damp for the rest of the night. Keep the door shut.
The Gastronomy Gamble
All-inclusive food gets a bad rap. Sometimes it’s deserved. At the Riu Palace, they try to elevate it with the à la carte options.
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- Krystal: This is their fusion restaurant. It’s supposed to be high-end. It’s good, but it’s "resort fancy." Don't expect a Michelin star, but do expect a decent steak and a very attentive waiter.
- Misaki: The Japanese spot. The sushi is okay—better than a grocery store, not as good as a high-end spot in Vancouver or NYC.
- The Buffet: Honestly? This is where the Riu shines. The breakfast buffet is a sprawling landscape of chilaquiles, fresh fruit, pastries, and an omelet station that moves with military precision.
The real secret is the lunch at the poolside grill. They often do massive pans of paella or grilled meats right outside. It’s fresh, it’s hot, and it beats sitting in a formal dining room when you’re still half-sandy.
Reservations (Or Lack Thereof)
One of the best things about this specific resort is that they moved away from the "wake up at 6:00 AM to stand in line for a reservation" model that plagues other all-inclusives. Most of the restaurants are first-come, first-served. If you show up at 7:00 PM, you might wait 20 minutes. Go grab a drink at the lobby bar. The lobby bar, by the way, has some of the best views of the property’s infinity pools blending into the ocean.
The Riu Party Phenomenon
We have to talk about the Riu Party. A few times a week, the complex hosts massive themed parties (White Party, Neon Party, etc.). These are held at a dedicated area in the Riu Santa Fe.
If you are staying at the Riu Palace Cabo all inclusive, you have VIP-ish access to these. It is a spectacle. Foam machines, professional dancers, and enough strobe lights to be seen from space. It’s loud. It’s crowded. It’s a lot of fun if you’re in the mood. If you aren't, the good news is that the Palace is far enough away that you won’t hear the thumping bass in your room.
This separation is why the Palace works. You can opt-in to the madness and then retreat to your quieter, more refined "adult" space.
What Actually Costs Extra?
People think "all-inclusive" means "zero dollars spent." Not quite.
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- The Spa: Renova Spa is great, but it’s pricey. Expect US prices for massages.
- Wine: The house wine is... drinkable. If you want a specific vintage or a high-end bottle of Napa Cab, you’re paying extra.
- Excursions: Anything off-property (ATVs, sunset sails, fishing) is extra.
- Tips: While "included," the staff works incredibly hard. A few bucks here and there goes a long way.
Transportation Realities
Don't take a taxi from the airport unless you want to spend $80 or more. Pre-book a shuttle. It’s about a 45-minute drive from SJD to the resort. Once you’re at the resort, the "bus" (the Ruta del Desierto) stops right outside and costs about a dollar to get into downtown Cabo. It’s safe, easy, and much more authentic than a private SUV.
The Verdict: Is It Right For You?
The Riu Palace Cabo all inclusive isn't for everyone.
If you want a boutique, quiet, "no kids allowed" sanctuary where you hear nothing but the wind, go to the Pacific side and stay at a place like Nobu or The Cape. Those are stunning, but they aren't all-inclusive in the same way, and you will pay $20 for a margarita.
If you want a place where you know exactly what your vacation will cost before you leave home, where the drinks flow freely, the views are world-class, and you have the freedom to be as lazy or as crazy as you want—this is the spot.
It’s a machine. A well-oiled, hospitable, sun-drenched machine.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Download the Riu App: Seriously. You use it to check restaurant menus, request extra towels, and see the daily activity schedule. It actually works.
- Pack a "Smart Casual" Outfit: The Palace has a dress code for dinner. Men usually need long pants and shirts with sleeves. Don't be the guy getting turned away in flip-flops.
- Check the Tide: If you’re determined to walk the beach, go at low tide. The shoreline at the Riu can get very narrow when the tide is high.
- Currency: Don't bother exchanging much USD for Pesos if you’re staying on-site. They take USD (and credit cards) everywhere, though the exchange rate at the front desk is never in your favor. Use an ATM in town if you need Pesos for the bus or small shops.
- Sunscreen: Bring more than you think. The Cabo sun is relentless, and buying a bottle at the resort shop will cost you about $30.
The Riu Palace is a solid choice for families, groups of friends, and couples who don't mind a little bit of a crowd in exchange for massive variety. Just remember to look up from your phone occasionally—the sunsets over the Arch are legitimately some of the best on the planet.