RIU Hotels vs RIU Palace vs RIU Plaza: what's the difference
The RIU brand runs three quite different hotel lines, and picking the right one changes your whole trip. This guide breaks down what to expect from each.
Hotel Riu: the classic all-inclusive resort
This is the chain's largest line, the classic beach all-inclusive resort: 3.5 to 4-star category, a mixed crowd (couples, families, groups), solid beachfront locations, and the full all-inclusive setup described in our resorts guide.
It's the right pick if you want a traditional beach vacation without extra frills, at strong value for money.
Riu Palace: the premium line
Riu Palace is the chain's upscale line: 4 to 4.5-star category, more elaborate architecture, larger rooms and more varied dining options. Many Riu Palace properties operate as adults-only.
They're often located next to or near a Hotel Riu on the same beach, so you can compare both in the same zone before deciding.
Riu Plaza: city hotels, no all-inclusive
Riu Plaza is a completely different line: business/leisure hotels in major cities — New York, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Panama City, Madrid, Berlin, Dublin — with no all-inclusive scheme. They run on a traditional nightly rate, with or without breakfast.
They're the right choice if you want to explore a city on foot, close to landmarks and public transit, rather than a beach resort.
Which one to choose
A relaxed beach vacation: Hotel Riu. A special celebration or honeymoon: Riu Palace. A city trip — sightseeing, business, a city break: Riu Plaza. All three lines appear in the same catalog here on the site, at the same member price.