Riu Santa Fe offers a vibrant nightlife with its “Riu Party” events and an attractive nightclub. On the other hand, Riu Palace boasts additional sports facilities, two gyms, and proximity to a golf course. Both offer similar amenities and dining options. Riu Palace receives higher guest reviews for its location, cleanliness, and overall services, while Riu Santa Fe is praised for its food and bar. Prices favor Riu Palace. When deciding, think about your preferences for nightlife, sports, and overall guest satisfaction.
That’s not all, read on for more as we’ll discuss explicitly the difference between Hotel Riu Santa Fe Cabo and Hotel Riu Palace.
Riu Santa Fe vs. Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas: Essential Factors
Here is a first look at all the essential factors that will help you to choose from these two hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
| Factors | Hotel Riu Santa Fe | Hotel Riu Palace |
| Location | – El Médano beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
– 46.1 KM (About 26 miles) from Los Cabos International Airport. |
– Camino Viejo A San José, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
– 35.4 KM (About 22 miles) from Los Cabos International Airport. |
| Accommodations | – 6 types of rooms.
– Free WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, and drink dispensers. |
– 7 types of rooms.
– Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private balcony, minibar, flatscreen, TV, Bath/shower. |
| Amenities | – Free Parking
– Free internet – Pool – Fitness Center with Gym – Free breakfast – Beach Access – Tennis court – Babysitting |
Similar amenities |
| Dining Option | Multiple dining options, including Mexican, Asian, Italian, and buffet restaurants. | Multiple dining options with Mexican, Japanese, Indian, and steakhouse cuisine. |
| Recreation & Entertainment | – Water park “Splash Water World”.
– RiuFit program offering fitness activities. – Nighttime entertainment, disco, and live shows. – Access to the beach. |
– Entertainment program for all ages.
– Access to the beach. – RiuFit program offering fitness activities. |
| Meeting and Event Facilities | 3 meeting and event rooms. | 2 meeting and event rooms. |
| Guest reviews | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Booking and Cancellation Policies | Reservation and cancellation via the official website | Same |
| Price | Around $317.13 | $164-$242 per night |
Now, let’s dive into the details and choose one of these attractive hotels to stay. And if you’re interested in more Riu hotels you can check out Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar from Eastern Mexico
Location
Both Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace are located in Cabo San Lucas.
While Riu Santa Fe is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Riu Palace is only a 40-minute away. Hotel Riu Santa Fe can be reached from the SJD airport on two routes.
On the other hand, Hotel Riu Palace can also be reached from the SJD International Airport on two different routes.
Accommodations
Hotel Riu Santa Fe Cabo offers 6 types of rooms such as
- Riu Party Double Room
- Double Room (Communicated)
- Double Room with Garden View
- Double Room with Partial Sea View
- Double Room with Sea View
- Suite with Sea View
On the other hand, Hotel Riu Palace Los Cabos San Lucas offers more rooms than Riu Santa Fe Cabo.
- Junior Suite Swim-Out – Adults Only
- Standard Double Room with King Size
- Jr. Suite with garden view
- Jr. Suite with partial sea view
- Jr. Suite ocean view
- Suite Jacuzzi with sea view
- Double Standard with sea view and King Size bed
As both hotels are part of the Riu hotel chain, in-room facilities are the same including free Wi-Fi, TV, balconies, air conditioning, minibars, etc.
Amenities
Both Hotel Riu Santa Fe Cabo and Riu Palace have similar amenities as being part of the Riu Hote Chain.
The amenities range from pools, sporting facilities, concierge services, etc. While Riu Palace has a hot tub as part of its in-room facilities, Riu Santa Fe doesn’t have this. Also, Riu Palace offers minibar in its premium rooms while Riu Santa Fe does not.
Moreover, Riu Santa Fe offers an attractive Nighclu and DJ facility while Riu Palace Los Cabos does not.
Dining Options
Both Riu Santa Fe and Riu Palace offer all-inclusive dining options with formal attire requirements for Dinners.
For Hotel Riu Santa Fe, the major dining options are
- La Baja California (Onsite)
- Zashila (Onsite)
- Carusso (Onsite)
- The Office
- Lorenzillo’s Live Lobster House (1 mile southwest)
On the other hand, the major dining options for Hote Riu Palace are
- Krystal (Onsite)
- Misaki (Onsite)
- Bombay (Onsite)
- The Office
- Peacock’s (1 mile southwest)
Recreation & Entertainment
There are daily entertainment options at both Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace. But Riu Santa Fe stands out with its weekly “Riu Party” theme events.
However, Hotel Riu Palace offers additional sports facilities such as a volleyball court and a scuba tryout in the pool. Unlike Riu Santa Fe, Riu Palace offers two gyms and a steam bath.
Each hotel offers beach activities at an additional cost, and shares access to Splash Water World.
Golf enthusiasts might like Riu Palace’s proximity to a golf course. Remember, the Riu Group disclaims responsibility for external services.
Meeting and Event Facilities
Hotel Riu Santa Fe boasts three meeting rooms, whereas Hotel Riu Palace has two. But Hotel Riu Palace is ideal for larger gatherings.
Hotel Riu Santa Fe stands out with its dedicated meeting room internet access in each meeting room, catering to modern connectivity needs. Depending on your event size and preference for personalized service or connectivity, your choice between the two may vary.
Guest Reviews
Both Google Reviews and Trip Advisor reviewed Riu Palace more positively than Riu Santa Fe.
In both terms, Hotel Riu Palace stands out with its positive guest reviews for proximity, location, cleanliness, overall services, and values. Whereas, Hotel Riu Santa Fe got positive reviews for its Location, Cleanliness, Food, and Bar.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
As both hotels are part of the Riu Hotel Chain, they have similar reservation and cancellation policies.
- Reservations can be canceled via the website or by calling the call center.
- It may be necessary to contact the call center to make modifications and there may be a charge. During the reservation process, cancellation terms are accepted.
- The cancellation period may apply if you change your arrival date, shorten your stay, or change your room number.
- Booking name changes are considered cancellations.
- There are different policies for special rates.
- To contact Riu Hotels, use the ‘Contact’ form on their website or use the provided email address.
- When choosing Riu Hotels for your stay, you need to consider these policies carefully to ensure clarity and flexibility.
Price
Hotel Riu Santa Fe is slightly more costly than Hotel Riu Palace.
A number of factors affect the price of Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. Prices can be found on their official websites or on travel booking websites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com.
Which Hotel Should You Choose?
For vibrant nightlife and themed parties, opt for Riu Santa Fe. If you prefer sports facilities, golf nearby, and top-notch guest reviews, Riu Palace is the way to go.
Both offer similar amenities, but Riu Palace’s price advantage makes it an enticing choice. Consider your priorities and preferences wisely. For more Riu Palace Hotel options in Mexico, you can compare Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas hinges on your priorities.
Riu Santa Fe offers lively nightlife, while Riu Palace excels in sports facilities and guest satisfaction, all at a more budget-friendly price. Consider your preferences for an ideal stay.
