All Cancun Resorts

Riu Palace Las Americas vs Royalton Riviera Cancun

Which Cancun all-inclusive resort is right for you? A head-to-head comparison.

Choosing between Riu Palace Las Americas and Royalton Riviera Cancun? Both are popular Cancun all-inclusive resorts, but they suit different travelers. Riu Palace Las Americas is a value resort in Cancun Hotel Zone ($179–$289/night), best for travelers who want palace-level riu service at a mid-range all-inclusive price. Royalton Riviera Cancun is a value resort in Riviera Maya ($189–$299/night), best for families wanting a modern mega-resort with waterpark features at a mid-range price. This head-to-head compares them across the factors that actually matter — location, vibe, price, dining, beach, and who each is built for — so you can book the right one with confidence.

Compare
Riu Palace Las Americas
Riu Palace Las Americas
Cancun Hotel Zone
Category
value
value
Location
Cancun Hotel Zone
Riviera Maya
Area
South Hotel Zone
Puerto Morelos, 25 min south of CUN
Best for
Travelers who want Palace-level Riu service at a mid-range all-inclusive price
Families wanting a modern mega-resort with waterpark features at a mid-range price
Vibe
relaxation, family
family, relaxation
Price tier
mid range
mid range
Price/night
$179–$289/night
$189–$299/night
Rooms
Mid-size resort, several hundred rooms
Modern rooms across several buildings
Dining
1 buffet + several themed à la carte restaurants
Large buffet + multiple à la carte restaurants
Pools
2 main pools (family + adults)
Multiple pools including adults-only and waterpark features
Beach
Wide sandy beach, calm swimmable water
Wide sandy beach, gradual drop-off
From CUN
20–25 min from CUN
25 min south of CUN
Top amenities
Beachfront, All-Inclusive, Multiple Pools, Buffet Dining, À La Carte Restaurants
Beachfront, All-Inclusive, Multiple Pools, Waterpark Features, Buffet Dining
A

Choose Riu Palace Las Americas if…

Choose Riu Palace Las Americas if you want a value resort in Cancun Hotel Zone that's best for travelers who want palace-level riu service at a mid-range all-inclusive price. Standout features include beachfront, all-inclusive, multiple pools.

Full Riu Palace Las Americas guide
B

Choose Royalton Riviera Cancun if…

Choose Royalton Riviera Cancun if you want a value resort in Riviera Maya that's best for families wanting a modern mega-resort with waterpark features at a mid-range price. Standout features include beachfront, all-inclusive, multiple pools.

Full Royalton Riviera Cancun guide

Riu Palace Las Americas vs Royalton Riviera Cancun — FAQ

Which is better, Riu Palace Las Americas or Royalton Riviera Cancun?

It depends on your trip. Riu Palace Las Americas is best for travelers who want palace-level riu service at a mid-range all-inclusive price, while Royalton Riviera Cancun is best for families wanting a modern mega-resort with waterpark features at a mid-range price. Use the comparison table above to see which matches your priorities.

Which is cheaper, Riu Palace Las Americas or Royalton Riviera Cancun?

Riu Palace Las Americas starts at $179–$289/night and Royalton Riviera Cancun starts at $189–$299/night. Compare the price tiers and what's included — a higher nightly rate can be better value if it includes more.

Are Riu Palace Las Americas and Royalton Riviera Cancun in the same area?

Riu Palace Las Americas is in Cancun Hotel Zone (South Hotel Zone), and Royalton Riviera Cancun is in Riviera Maya (Puerto Morelos, 25 min south of CUN). The location affects beach quality, transfer time, and walkability to nightlife.