Riu Jalisco - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

7252 reviews

• 

  Just OK

  Unfortunately we were a little disappointed. For positives the renovations are beautiful and everything is brand new, the swim up bar bartender Pillo is amazing, resort is easy to navigate for the most part, if you have kids they seem to have a great kids program (there are lots of kids here), pool food buffet (tacos and casual snacks) was great, we never had a hard time getting chairs at the pool and we enjoyed the RIU party (neon for us). We were not really happy about the food but luckily this resort is very close to Bucerias where we went for some fantastic meals (8 minute uber away) Now for our criticisms: - there were SO MANY WASPS AT THE SWIM UP BAR. Both my husband and I got stung. Multiple people in the pool also did. I did not really notice wasps in the other pools. I have never seen wasps like this at a resort bar. I get the sugary drinks would attract them but there has got to be something they can do. Like I said I’ve never seen wasps at other resorts swim up bars like this. - Food was sub par compared to other resorts I’ve been too. I don’t have high standard for resort food but this wasn’t as great as other places I’ve been. What was most disappointing for food was the alla cartes. Some of the alla cartes are just buffets with no menu ordering. The Italian was a mix of buffet and menu order. The steak house was the only true alla carte (we did not try the American one so can’t comment as to what that one was). The food at the Asian restaurant was actually decent but it was only buffet. It would have been nice if it were actually a restaurant. - for a resort this size all the alla cartes should be open every night especially when they are so lined up. They rotated being closed. There are so many guests at this resort that they need to have them all open. Additionally they never filled the alla cartes. Multiple times we went to one where it was only half full expecting to be let in and were turned away because they were “full” - restaurants and buffet all close by 10:30. The only option for food late night is to grab a burger or hot dog out of a fridge in the sports bar and microwave it… no room service. No French fries or quick snacks. For being a “party resort” food should be more accessible at night. I’m sorry but a microwaved hot dog? You have got to be kidding. There were also kitchen bins of fruit and burger toppings in the fridge which I question the cleanliness of. - if you didn’t line up at 6 for the alla cart you were not getting in. We wanted to go to the steak house for my birthday. My husband was 3rd in line at 4;30 for us to be able to go (opens at 6). Yes people started lining up that early. We tried a few days to get in and were turned away so we wanted to make sure we got in. I’ve never had to wait for a restaurant at a resort like this before. Once we were in there it was quite rushed and not the greatest. Walking around before 6 you can see people lined up at all the alla cartes waiting in line to hope to get in. - we were told by staff in the restaurants that we could make a reservation for the steak house for a birthday especially since we tried to get into the steak house 3 nights in a row with no success. Went to customer service and they refused saying you can only reserve the buffet. I’m not sure why they would take reservations in the buffet when you can waltz in and out as you please with no issues for a table (we had a group of 5 and never had a problem) - the bedding is just a sheet. It would have been nice to have an actual blanket cover. We had a king bed but friends of ours had 2 queens pushed together. Kind of a weird layout for families making it one big bed for everyone. The bathroom doesn’t have much privacy either. This didn’t affect us but if you have kids maybe. - There were a couple days they only left us one clean towel in the room (for 2 adults). Our friends didn’t get water delivered to theirs one day and when they inquired were told they’d have to wait till tomorrow when the food service people were back. - we were disappointed the pools were not heated and that there was no hot tub. All and all we had a good time but it could have been better. Unfortunately we won’t be back as I know there is better elsewhere.

  Jan 21, 2026
• 

  Relaxing and Invigorating,Cultural

  This Is our second time at Riu Jalisco. The property was totally upgraded in 2025 and the rooms and pools are amazing. We enjoyed listening to music in the bar by the reception area, going to the Riu stage shows, and swimming in the pools as well as ocean. The food is very good — lots of veggie's, salads,fruit, and seafood. We also attended exercise and dance classes. Having a massage on the beach while the waves crashed was relaxing. The weather is always beautiful. The staff are friendly and excellent at what they do. We did several excursions: snorkeling at Los Arcos, butterfly sanctuary tour, and visit to San Panchos and Sayulita.This is a favorite place for us to vacation. It does not disappoint. We use Delta Vacations.

  Jan 20, 2026
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  Riu Jalisco - Great for Families!

  Beautiful resort that is exceptionally clean, with incredibly friendly and attentive staff throughout our stay. The beach area was spotless and finding chairs was easy, which made relaxing stress free. The food was quite good overall, with plenty of variety and flavorful options, and the staff truly stood out for their warmth and hospitality. One notable downside was the specialty restaurants not accepting reservations. This often meant lining up nearly two hours before opening just for a chance to get a seating time. On a few occasions, we weren’t able to secure a spot until late in the evening and ended up returning to the buffet instead. Additionally, the half wall in the bathroom made privacy a bit challenging for a family, though it was still manageable. The recent renovations have made the resort feel fresh, new, and very modern, which many will appreciate. However, the design is so contemporary that it sometimes felt more like Miami or California than Mexico. I would have loved to see more traditional Mexican charm and cultural touches preserved, as that sense of place is part of what makes traveling special. Overall, it’s a lovely resort and one I would definitely recommend to friends and family. I would also consider returning, though I hope future updates bring back a bit more of the resort’s original Mexican character.

  Jan 20, 2026
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  Riu Jalisco

  Nice and clean renovated Hotel. Great service, pool, bar resto. Will be nice if they have teens club. (12-16)

  Jan 19, 2026
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  Nice place for a beach vacation

  We stayed at the Riu Jalisco for 9 days in January 2026. The beach and hotel were beautiful. The staff was also extremely friendly and helpful, We will stay here again and will refer to family and friends.

  Jan 19, 2026