Hotel Riu Santa Fe - All Inclusive

Our stay at RIU Santa Fe was a nightmare. My boyfriend was physically assaulted by another hotel guest inside our own room. Staff and authorities were notified immediately, yet nothing was done. There was zero accountability or concern for our safety. Because we no longer felt safe or comfortable, we were forced to leave the resort a day early. On top of that, the buffet food was terrible, and the rooms were not soundproof at all, making it impossible to rest. This resort failed at the most basic level: guest safety. We will never return and strongly warn others to stay elsewhere.

This was my second time at Riu Santa Fe, I have enjoyed it both times. Both stays were in a Riu Party Room, I find the little extras a nice touch and definitely enjoy the premium alcohol! I go to these resorts for the fun and adventure so the noise does not bother me. I am a VERY picky eater, but I was always able to find something to eat at the buffets. I am sure I will be back but I think my next adventure will be to different Riu location!

We had an incredible stay at the RIU Santa Fe in Cabo San Lucas. The food was amazing with plenty of delicious options, and the rooms were super comfortable and spotless. The shower had the best water pressure such a small detail but it made a big difference after a long day in the sun! The service was outstanding from start to finish. Every staff member was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The location right on the beach was absolutely beautiful, with stunning views and easy access to the water. We also loved that there were activities for all ages, we didn’t bring our kids this trips although we wis we had for our first time stay!! Whether you’re looking to relax or stay busy, there’s something for you here. We would absolutely stay here again! Will be coming back here in June and December!

Pros: - Nice clean beaches and sand but can't swim in the ocean because its dangerous - Family rooms have three double beds or a queen and king bed, rooms were fully stocked with beer and hard liquor dispensers and replenished daily - Restaurant food was really good but the pool side food not so much Cons: - No room service for any food - No pool service for drinks or food - Kids can't come into any swim up bar pools - No alcoholic drinks allowed at the kids splash park or the water slides - Regular pools are not heated so pretty cold for the little kids, also don't think they ever cleaned the ground by the pools the whole time were were there. Lots of bird crap and cigarette butts - Most restaurants don't open until 6:00 pm only a couple at 5:30 pm - Can't make dinner reservations, have to stand in line

We recently stayed at the Riu Santa Fe in January 2026, it was a wonderful time. For the price we were all very happy with the food and drinks (2 adults 2 kids). The employees work extremely hard, the bathrooms were always being tended too. The only ones that were bad was by the adult swim up bar by the ocean, but I think they can only do so much with that many intoxicated people. This can be either a party resort or laid back fun with your kids. We had 6 kids in our group (15 ppl total) and there was always something for them to do. The Riu parties are in their own area so if you’re concerned with noise just avoid that spot. The nightly shows at the stage were a hit for everyone. We would definitely return.

Like any all inclusive resort there are pros and cons and will lay some out here so you know what to expect. For the record, this was my 5th RIU stay with my 2 previous stays at the RIU Palace Pacifico (Nayarit/PV). This is a large spread out resort so you’ll be walking ALOT, like 18 holes of golf everyday with long walks to beach, bars and restaurants depending on room/which villa you’re in. We were in Villa 8 overlooking RIU Party zone which was fun (if you don’t mind loud pumping DJ music, but if you don’t, request different villa). There is no body lotion with toiletries so bring your own. Housekeeping was sub-par and our deck was never swept of sand and failed to clean our furniture glasstops (had to complain and clean myself…even swept my own deck!). Speaking of furniture, although functional, the bedside tables and main dresser were less than IKEA quality. And one special cleaning we asked for they used so much bleach we had to ask it to be cleaned again so we could breathe in the room. Left door open and fan on for a while and wasn’t enough. Food is good across the board as long as you’re selective. No mimosas at breakfast was disappointing and they could use an extra bartender or two at the bars by show area. Sports bar food not wonderful and too brightly lit. Although the 3. Pool tables are a bonus, they are in atrocious condition and should be free for the shoddy shape they’re in. You need to get 5 peso coins from front desk to play (8/game). Beach vendor situation is out of control and we found it a little less chaotic to right side (Cabo side) but feel the resort should not have them all camped out as you come down the ramp hounding you like you just got off a cruise ship and they’re on you all day, everyday. I have no issues with beach vendors but between that being out of control, housekeeping/room quality and sheer size of the resort being soooo spread out, I would not return.

Food is mediocre at best, the cab drivers play game with the fares, the room wasn’t restocked or cleaned well. The drinks are lower than bottom shelf. We felt safe with our children. I wouldn’t do it again.

Great experience! Everything in this place exceeded my expectation. The place are well maintained. The staff were all dedicated to make each guest feel that we are valued. Minor issue in the buffett area I noticed…… It was the dried and a little bit chewy roast beef they served two nights in a row. Also, the shampoo and conditioner that we requested were not refilled. Overall, we had a great time.

I've read some negative reviews about this resort, and let me tell you - don't worry about going here. I wound up getting booked in one of the villas that I think hasn't been recently upgraded (number 8), and my room was still lovely! The mattress was comfortable and new (but firm, be aware), and pillows were a bit soft, but I didn't request that they be changed, I slept fine with them. I say "not recently upgraded" because my family stayed in villa 9 which had clearly been updated, mirroring what you might get at a Riu Palace. With that being said, really, no major complaints about my room, I slept fine! The only minor complaint that I had was that my mini-fridge stopped working after 2 days. I made the first service call about it around 10 PM, which admittedly was late - the tech came by at 1:30 AM, so I ignored it. The second call he came right away and replaced the fridge, but that too stopped working after the second day. I didn't bother requesting another one since I didn't really drink too much from the fridge anyway. Security was fine, I kept some minor valuables in the safe and nothing was touched. Felt perfectly safe going around the resort at night as well. The only negative thing I could say about the resort was the food, IF you stuck to American/Canadian fare. Tacos were incredible (at Tiki Tacos) and anything local at the buffets were good too. If it were me, I would have just stuck to that, but I had family with me and they wanted more western fare; to that end, the American/Canadian options are good, just not great. Cocktails were also a bit weak, to solve that issue ask for the liquor you want, or enjoy as-is, since they are still very tasty. If it really bothers you, stick to beer or wine, those are fine. Honestly, great value for the money and the staff were lovely.

This is a very big property and I liked how no matter how many people were there I never felt too crowded. The food wasn't fantastic for vegetarian but it was okay and I wasn't expecting anything great in Mexico. Always had lots of delicious fruit though. The balconies are pretty awful. There's just no privacy whatsoever in 80% of them. But I know that's not the resorts fault because of the way the buildings are set up. The one major complaint I have with the doors of the rooms. They need to put some sort of buffer where the door shuts slower because no matter where you are in any room in any building when someone walks out of their room their door slams and you hear it in every room in the building. The entire staff was always very friendly.