What are the Differences between Dreams and Riu Palace?

[Elaine&Rich]

I could not find a thread about the differences between the Dreams and Riu out there. Is one graded higher than the other in areas such as: wedding sites, service, room quality, activities, spa, food, staff, experience, etc?

[coreyphil]

I don't know anything about either ... but there are a lot of brides who can give you information on both. However - you might want to check out Kim's recent wedding review of the Riu ... just FYI!

 

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t11686

[Wisco4]

I've stayed at both and can try to answer any questions you have. As far as weddings there go, there are plenty of girls who have or are getting married at both on this forum.

 

Differences I noticed are....

 

The rooms at Dreams are a little nicer, IMO. I believe they have been recently updated. (Our queen bed at Riu was two twins pushed together

 

Way more pool room at the Riu but the swim-up bars are better at Dreams, again IMO.

 

To be continued, I have to get back to work.....

[TammyWright]

this might help:

 

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t5588

[Wisco4]

Riu is closer to the town of Cabo San Lucas (a few minutes). Dreams is a good 20+ minute drive away.

 

The Riu Palace is much larger than Dreams. Dreams is more quiant but still a good size.

 

The beaches are pretty equal (both unswimable) but the Riu has a great view of lovers beach, the arch, etc.

 

Dreams has better roomservice! But, IMO, the buffet and restaurants are better at Riu.

 

Drinks are the same at both.

 

Dreams has a cute beach bar called Barracuda that has swings for seats! Riu doesn't have anything like that but their bars are big compared to Dreams.

 

let me think of more.....

[Elaine&Rich]

Amanda thanks for your replies! Tammy thanks for finding the "Dreams or RIU?" link; just what I was looking for!

[Elaine&Rich]

I think we're leaning towards the RIU. Main reason being that we want our guests to be able to "party" at night within the resort. The appeal of the Dreams has us a bit on the fence. Any other comments or suggestions to help us decide would be very much appreciated!

 

Great feedback found on this thread

[Leia78]

Although I've never been to Riu, just from reading threads on this forum, I think it may be a better choice for you if you want to party. Dreams has a good mixture of age groups, but mostly families and couples. When we were there earlier this month, there was a wedding w/ over 100 people in attendance, most of them were in their 20s, early 30s. We knew something was going on, b/c the vibe changed...but it was a good thing, they were fun! Dreams also has a nightly excursion to the clubs at night. of course I'm partial, since I chose Dreams, but I loved that resort. The weddings I saw there were well put together and organized. The grounds are beautiful. The food was pretty good for an AI. I din't feel like I was surrounded by spring-breakers, nor did I feel that it was too stuffy to have fun. Some of my guests are planning to party, as are we, and I don't think it's too much of a problem. Just my thoughts...I hope this helps.

[Elaine&Rich]

Thank you again, for the feedback. Just from pictures alone, I love the gazebo wedding site at Dreams!!! sigh ~ what to do, what to do!?!?! I'm waiting to hear back from both resorts for a confirmation on our date. I'm pretty sure we will not be able to have 08.08.08, so we're shooting for a later date now...

 

BTW Happy holidays everyone!

[MorganShae]

Elaine -- I was just at RIU in August (he proposed on the beach there) so I took tons of pictures and can answer any of your questions. I stalked the weddings that were going on (okay okay, I watched from afar) but I saw some on the beach and at the gazebo on the side by the Mexican resturant. I really liked the location of the RIU (cheap cab fare into town) and great views of the Arch... my fiance rode a jetski out there and saw colonies of sea lions and sea turtles which he loved. I wasn't all that impressed with the rooms or room service as someone else mentioned but who really sits in their room much when you are in Cabo? It just depends on what you are going for. After being on the forum for a while and reading reviews of both I think it is easy to see the differences and imagine which one fits your (and your guests') taste better. Let me know if I can help at all.

 

P.S. After thinking about it, I personally think the actually ceremony options at Dreams are better - that gazebo is gorgeous as you can see in many of the girls' pictures. But it depends on what is most important to you. The ceremony may last 30 minutes and people will be at the resort for several days. Good luck.. I think anything you decide will be wonderful