This hotel was very relaxing. It did not have the variety or quality of food that other riu brand hotels have had, but there was always enough to eat. The mattresses are hard, but the room is clean, spacious and well-maintained. The drinks were good, the shows were cheesy, and there were activities to do. There was always lots to do despite the resort being small. They have the kids club there, but kids would likely be bored. The shuttle to the beach club was convenient, and the drivers are very friendly. It stops at a central location, so you can walk into Playa del Carmen, and then at the pathway down to the beach beside the Riu Palace. Even on March Break, we found enough loungers by the beach (except for one day) and by the quiet pool to sit. There are some pretty cool Mayan ruins along the way, which makes for a nice walk. All in all, we had a nice time.