Hi Anthony! Oh that's great! Be sure to check out the other resorts too - each one has a different vibe and the lunch buffet at the Italian restaurant over at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas has the most amazing views over the beach!
@@ChristineTurner we definitely will! Thanks for the tip! We will be doing the elite club, is there any other tip you may be able to offer to make sure we have the best experience while we are down there? Maybe some excursions or off resort exploration that you can recommend also. As I mentioned, this will be for our honeymoon and we like chill relaxing vibes for the most part.
Hi James! Well, I looked at stays right through until Dec 8 2024, and no Elite Club rooms are listed BUT I noticed that you cannot make a reservation there until June 5, so perhaps they're closed now. You can book an Oceanview room now with no deposit (Cancellation penalty applies 3 days prior to arrival) and this would guarantee you that view. In fact, you can even make a reservation for 2025 (and it's WAY less if you book early), so you could book this year & next year's vacations now & guarantee your Oceanview before any extra cost for Elite Club with that view kicks in! If I were you, I'd lock it up now! Good luck!
Hi Christine, just got back from Riu Palace Mexico in Playacar 4 days ago. This is probably the 10th time I’ve stayed there and my last visit was in Dec. Maybe that’s when elite club started (?), but December was the first time I did NOT get bathrobes included by default. I knew they wouldn’t be there this trip, so I asked for them as soon as I checked in. They showed up later that day. So thanks for “just ask” advice. There’s nothing in the elite package that appeals to me, (if it’s expensive), so I guess I’ll keep slumming it at the old regular Palaces. 😁. Oh and by the way, nobody approached me or checked for the Q.Roo state tourism tax so apparently that’s not been figured out as of May 4, 2024.
Hey Bruce! I’m so glad you had a good trip and were able to get the bathrobes! I didn’t get approached for the VisiTax either but as it’s tied to my passport, I didn’t mind paying it and now not having to worry, next time it go. Especially since we were able to take an Uber to the airport instead of a $taxi$ - that covered the cost on its own! (US $14 vs $45!!!). Glad you had a good trip though!
Hi BackInTime! YOU can't do this but if you call the front desk, I'm pretty sure they can send the guy up who looks after the mini-fridge & liquor dispensers and they could swap it out for you. I know they have a standard set up but I'm also sure I saw someone doing just this. I think it's probably a very limited set of options but you can always ask. Have fun!
Hi DDaring! Thanks for watching! No - I haven't been to the Riu resorts in Punta Cana before. All I know is that they added the swim up rooms with the recent renovations and these are considered Elite Club rooms. I believe all of the inclusions I mentioned in this video apply at all Elite Club resort rooms.
So the pool bar for Elite guests have the same exact selection of alcohol (except for Macallan) found at the Riu Palace Costa Mujeres and theyre available for everyone at any bar. Are all those brands removed from the rest of the bars and even though is a Palace, do they now serve only the cheapest alcohol like they do on the non palace resorts? If so, that really sucks for Riu, turning itself into other resorts where they categorize guests even in their most expensive resorts
HI Javier! I haven't been to the Costa Mujeres one yet but at the Riu's in Cabo, there was a HUGE difference in the alcohol at the non-Palace resort (Riu Santa Fe), compared to the Palaces (Cabo or Baja California). I don't think they'll remove the name brand alcohol from Palace properties - that would be a pretty major change. Thanks for watching!
I truly found your video very interesting and very helpful. I love it when hotels have special perks for VIP guests. I do have a question though and hopefully you can help me. I noticed that the Riu Hotels have an "R" or "U" by any chance do you know what they mean? I hoping to visit the Riu Kukulcan in December and do want to book the best. I thank you upfront.
@@jaysolo2152 Hi Jay! I’m actually at the Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba right now! I haven’t seen anything that says “R” or “U”. Can you elaborate? I’m happy to check it out (I’m here for another 12 nights!). Cheers!
@@ChristineTurner Hope you're enjoying your vacation to the max. I truly appreciate your reply. I did called the Rui's Customer Service center and was told those letters do not mean anything-go figure. My plans are to spend X-mas week at the Riu Kakulcan Elite Club Suite.
@@jaysolo2152 Nice! I'm sure you'll have an excellent time there. I don't think I've ever done a Riu over Christmas but I'm sure it'll rank as high as any Dreams or Hyatt I've stayed at during that timeframe!!
Hi Gabriella! It’s all based on the type of room category you book. If you book an Elite Club room, you’ll have access to the Elite Club perks. It’s not a “club” per se - just a higher room category. Same as “Preferred Club” at Dreams and Secrets resorts or “Club” rooms at Hyatt Ziva and Zilara resorts.
Hi Kristi! It really shouldn't be called a Club - maybe Elite Class or Elite Level something, because it's actually not a Club or a membership - it's simply an upgraded room category, which also entitles you to some other perks around the resort. So if you want to be Elite, you have to book an Elite room category (which is more expensive). Pricing will depend on occupancy levels, so it's really worth looking into it quite a ways before your travel dates. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonas! It may be possible to upgrade upon arrival but that would depend on what rooms are available. You can't just upgrade to Elite Club - you have to book an Elite Club room. So think of it like you've booked a basic resort-view room and the only way to get this upgrade is to book an Oceanview. If all oceanview rooms are sold out, it would not be possible to upgrade. I hope that makes sense. Fingers crossed they have availability for you to upgrade and the price is reasonable! Thanks for watching!
@@ChristineTurner I booked junior room with ocean view in Cancun but it is not elite club room. There was also elite Club ocean view room available but it was more pricier.
Hi Mark! Ha ha I got it in Aruba, where they have very reasonably priced jewelry and gems. If you decide to buy her something similar, I highly recommend taking a trip there to save big!
Hi Mark! I'm not actually sure. I'd love to go there but they don't allow Canadians to book that resort - unless I drive into the US and book from there, it blocks my IP address.
Hi Keesha! I'm heading to Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba next month and they've just added Elite Club so I'll find out if it varies by location - stay tuned!
Hi LiteralWhisky! Oh good point - sometimes my mouth runs before my brain. Used to be - you could only visit other properties for lunch buffet. SO what's new is to be able to try their other breakfast or dinner buffets. Still can't do exchange with a la cartes but that's fine. Thanks for pointing this out and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video! My fiance and I are going on our Honeymoon here. Can't wait!
Hi Anthony! Oh that's great! Be sure to check out the other resorts too - each one has a different vibe and the lunch buffet at the Italian restaurant over at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas has the most amazing views over the beach!
@@ChristineTurner we definitely will! Thanks for the tip! We will be doing the elite club, is there any other tip you may be able to offer to make sure we have the best experience while we are down there? Maybe some excursions or off resort exploration that you can recommend also. As I mentioned, this will be for our honeymoon and we like chill relaxing vibes for the most part.
@@AuthorizeOfficial Hi Anthony, have you already went on your honeymoon? If so, do you have any tips about the excursions?
I was at the RIU Palace Antillas in Aruba last October and had the ocean view room, I really hope they are not all classified as Elite Club now.
Hi James! Well, I looked at stays right through until Dec 8 2024, and no Elite Club rooms are listed BUT I noticed that you cannot make a reservation there until June 5, so perhaps they're closed now. You can book an Oceanview room now with no deposit (Cancellation penalty applies 3 days prior to arrival) and this would guarantee you that view. In fact, you can even make a reservation for 2025 (and it's WAY less if you book early), so you could book this year & next year's vacations now & guarantee your Oceanview before any extra cost for Elite Club with that view kicks in!
If I were you, I'd lock it up now! Good luck!
@@ChristineTurner Wow! You're the best. It was one of the best rooms I've ever stayed in and will consider booking early. Thank you!
@@James-nv1wf Glad I could help! It's really great to be able to book the trip with zero penalty (and zero deposit!).
Hi Christine, just got back from Riu Palace Mexico in Playacar 4 days ago. This is probably the 10th time I’ve stayed there and my last visit was in Dec. Maybe that’s when elite club started (?), but December was the first time I did NOT get bathrobes included by default. I knew they wouldn’t be there this trip, so I asked for them as soon as I checked in. They showed up later that day. So thanks for “just ask” advice. There’s nothing in the elite package that appeals to me, (if it’s expensive), so I guess I’ll keep slumming it at the old regular Palaces. 😁. Oh and by the way, nobody approached me or checked for the Q.Roo state tourism tax so apparently that’s not been figured out as of May 4, 2024.
Hey Bruce! I’m so glad you had a good trip and were able to get the bathrobes! I didn’t get approached for the VisiTax either but as it’s tied to my passport, I didn’t mind paying it and now not having to worry, next time it go. Especially since we were able to take an Uber to the airport instead of a $taxi$ - that covered the cost on its own! (US $14 vs $45!!!). Glad you had a good trip though!
Thank you , great info my boyfriend and I travel for Labor Day 2024 from Boston to Riu Macao punta cana ❤
Hi Lora! Oh that sounds like a great trip! Did you book Elite Club?
I noticed no rum in the Elite Rooms. Can you take out like the tequila and switch bottles to rum?
Hi BackInTime! YOU can't do this but if you call the front desk, I'm pretty sure they can send the guy up who looks after the mini-fridge & liquor dispensers and they could swap it out for you. I know they have a standard set up but I'm also sure I saw someone doing just this. I think it's probably a very limited set of options but you can always ask. Have fun!
Great video! Do you know anything about the elite club at Punta Canta? I was reading about swim-up rooms for members.
Hi DDaring! Thanks for watching! No - I haven't been to the Riu resorts in Punta Cana before. All I know is that they added the swim up rooms with the recent renovations and these are considered Elite Club rooms. I believe all of the inclusions I mentioned in this video apply at all Elite Club resort rooms.
Super helpful info - thank you so much!
Hi Heather! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
So the pool bar for Elite guests have the same exact selection of alcohol (except for Macallan) found at the Riu Palace Costa Mujeres and theyre available for everyone at any bar. Are all those brands removed from the rest of the bars and even though is a Palace, do they now serve only the cheapest alcohol like they do on the non palace resorts? If so, that really sucks for Riu, turning itself into other resorts where they categorize guests even in their most expensive resorts
HI Javier! I haven't been to the Costa Mujeres one yet but at the Riu's in Cabo, there was a HUGE difference in the alcohol at the non-Palace resort (Riu Santa Fe), compared to the Palaces (Cabo or Baja California).
I don't think they'll remove the name brand alcohol from Palace properties - that would be a pretty major change.
Thanks for watching!
I truly found your video very interesting and very helpful. I love it when hotels have special perks for VIP guests. I do have a question though and hopefully you can help me. I noticed that the Riu Hotels have an "R" or "U" by any chance do you know what they mean? I hoping to visit the Riu Kukulcan in December and do want to book the best. I thank you upfront.
@@jaysolo2152 Hi Jay! I’m actually at the Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba right now! I haven’t seen anything that says “R” or “U”. Can you elaborate? I’m happy to check it out (I’m here for another 12 nights!). Cheers!
@@ChristineTurner Hope you're enjoying your vacation to the max. I truly appreciate your reply. I did called the Rui's Customer Service center and was told those letters do not mean anything-go figure. My plans are to spend X-mas week at the Riu Kakulcan Elite Club Suite.
@@jaysolo2152 Nice! I'm sure you'll have an excellent time there. I don't think I've ever done a Riu over Christmas but I'm sure it'll rank as high as any Dreams or Hyatt I've stayed at during that timeframe!!
How do you sign up for elite club ?
Hi Gabriella! It’s all based on the type of room category you book. If you book an Elite Club room, you’ll have access to the Elite Club perks. It’s not a “club” per se - just a higher room category. Same as “Preferred Club” at Dreams and Secrets resorts or “Club” rooms at Hyatt Ziva and Zilara resorts.
Thank you for all the great info!!!
Hi Josh! Glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching!
Not a word on how much it is. Upgrade or not always depends on the price.
Hi Pablo! Yeah it's impossible to state a price as it's constantly fluctuating by day and season.
because it varies. There may be 4-5 levels of upgrade (room specific) based on level, swim up, suite, view.
Good job
Hi Myles! Thanks for watching!
How do you become an elite club member or sign up for it? Is there a fee for this?
Hi Kristi! It really shouldn't be called a Club - maybe Elite Class or Elite Level something, because it's actually not a Club or a membership - it's simply an upgraded room category, which also entitles you to some other perks around the resort. So if you want to be Elite, you have to book an Elite room category (which is more expensive). Pricing will depend on occupancy levels, so it's really worth looking into it quite a ways before your travel dates. Thanks for watching!
Can you upgrade when you arrive? Rough cost if so? Went there when it first opened headed back soon. Very informative - thanks!
Hi Jonas! It may be possible to upgrade upon arrival but that would depend on what rooms are available. You can't just upgrade to Elite Club - you have to book an Elite Club room. So think of it like you've booked a basic resort-view room and the only way to get this upgrade is to book an Oceanview. If all oceanview rooms are sold out, it would not be possible to upgrade.
I hope that makes sense. Fingers crossed they have availability for you to upgrade and the price is reasonable! Thanks for watching!
@@ChristineTurner I booked junior room with ocean view in Cancun but it is not elite club room. There was also elite Club ocean view room available but it was more pricier.
We are a RIU class gold member so get elite club access. We always travel with our kids are all elite club hotels over 18s only
Hi Andy! That's interesting! So you can stay at any resort and will have access to Elite Club hotels? I'm surprised they don't advertise that more...
My wife wants to know where you got your necklace.
Hi Mark! Ha ha I got it in Aruba, where they have very reasonably priced jewelry and gems. If you decide to buy her something similar, I highly recommend taking a trip there to save big!
I will let you know my wife and I are going June 9th 🎉
Hi Mark! Looking forward to it!
Hi Mark, any update on this?
@@markvillarreal7408 how was the trip?
What extras do you get at the Riu Kukulkan
Hi Mark! I'm not actually sure. I'd love to go there but they don't allow Canadians to book that resort - unless I drive into the US and book from there, it blocks my IP address.
Thank you for explaining this!
Hi Keesha! I'm heading to Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba next month and they've just added Elite Club so I'll find out if it varies by location - stay tuned!
U lost me at 1:40 what also changed lol 😅
Hi LiteralWhisky! Oh good point - sometimes my mouth runs before my brain. Used to be - you could only visit other properties for lunch buffet. SO what's new is to be able to try their other breakfast or dinner buffets. Still can't do exchange with a la cartes but that's fine. Thanks for pointing this out and thanks for watching!