Ready for the ultimate getaway? RIU Hotels & Resorts are an all-inclusive, long-time Funjet favorite. Whether you plan to pack your schedule with carefully curated activities and exclusive entertainment or prefer to unwind on a gorgeous beach, RIU has it all. Best of all, everything’s included. Unlimited meals at specialty restaurants, drinks, 24/7 snack bars, you name it—if the resort has it, it’s yours to enjoy.
With 38 world-renowned resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, each destination has its own unique appeal. So how do you choose when every resort promises a slice of paradise? We’re here to help you narrow your search.
Your all-inclusive options include RIU Classic Hotels and RIU Palace Hotels. Both offer a luxurious experience with amenities, activities, and aesthetics tailored toward a certain type of travel experience. Below, we’ll explore the differences between RIU Classic Hotels and RIU Palace Hotels. Just remember: There are no bad choices.
RIU Classic Hotels
When you don’t want to worry about a single thing during vacation choose a RIU Classic Hotel. Let’s talk about the food and bevvy. It’s scrumptious. Rambunctious. And available to you 24 hours a day. We’re looking at you, midnight snackers.
Let’s be clear: Classic does not mean boring. The on-site activities are off the chain. You’ve always wanted to be that windsurfer slicing through the waves, right? Riu Yucatan even throws a Coconut Party on the beach every Thursday. Since this is a vacation, the swim-up bar counts as an activity, and the cocktails are always unlimited.
Looking for a little time without little ones running around? The supervised “RiuLand” kids’ clubs at other properties like Riu Bambu keep them busy.
Ultimately, RIU Classic Hotels are famous for their family-friendly accommodations1. Kids (and parents, grandparents, and the young at heart) can have a blast making a splash at Splash Water World at RIU resorts in Cancun, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Punta Cana.
But if you want to catch up with friends or book a romantic getaway without the sticker shock, adults-only properties like Riu Reggae are the way to go.
One of the biggest differences between RIU and RIU Palace Hotels is the ambiance. At RIU Classic, it’s a little more relaxed, a little more casual, and a little cozier. Think of it as a better version of home away from home.
RIU Palace Hotels
Maybe RIU Classic Hotels sound pretty great, but you’re looking for a little something extra. You’re in luck. RIU Palace Hotels offer the same amenities and experiences as RIU Classic Hotels with more upscale energy. Poolside service? You got it. Want a cheeseburger in paradise? If paradise is your room in the wee hours of the morning, then consider it done.
Speaking of your room, prepare to get more for your money because all the rooms are suites2. You’ll wake up to luxury (and a champagne breakfast, if you want) every day, plus a breathtaking view from your private balcony or terrace. And get ready to indulge in international spirits, micro-cuisine, and champagne breakfasts at the Krystal Restaurant, where all your senses get taken for a ride. Keep it adults-only at resorts like Riu Palace Macao in Punta Cana.
Need a break from all the amazing activities? Indulge in a massage and spa treatment or relax in a sauna, hot tub, or swimming pool at resorts like Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun.
RIU Palace Hotels offers the same live entertainment, water sports, and dazzling ocean views as RIU Classic, but with a sophisticated touch. For those who seek the finer things in life, these resorts are your ticket to luxury.
Pick Your Perfect Resort
Now, the hard part: RIU Classic vs. RIU Palace. Which is the right choice for you?
Think about the type of traveler you are and the getaway you crave. Do you have little ones who would appreciate a more laid-back environment, with lots of kid-centered activities and amenities? Do you want to swim up to your bartender? Give RIU Classic Hotels a go.
Want a more high-end experience with extra indulgences? Never had a chance to order 24-hour room service? Settle into a luxury suite at a RIU Palace Hotel.
When it comes down to the resort and destination, check out the amenities and nearby attractions. Your vacation is your chance to treat yourself, and you never know what FUNexpected sights and experiences might come your way.
Which RIU piques your interest? We won’t blame you if you need to take more than one vacation to find out.
When you’re ready to take the vacation of a lifetime, Funjet Vacations has you covered. We make resort booking a breeze, so you can focus on the fun stuff. We offer a getaway for every type of traveler, from the family Funjetters and thrill seekers to the gourmands and spa connoisseurs. Start planning your dream vacation today.
Sources
- (16 August 2019). Do you know all the options RIU can offer you? RIU Blog. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.riu.com/blog/en/do-you-know-all-the-options-riu-can-offer-you/
- (1 November 2023). RIU Classic vs. RIU Palace: Unveiling Your Ideal Resort. Gaba Travel Ltd. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.gabatravel.com/blog/riu-classic-vs-riu-palace-unveiling-your-ideal-resort/
