Riu Santa Fe

The hotel itself is nice - it's clean, staff is friendly and very attentive. The food is mediocre, at best. If you like eating the same thing over and over again, then you'll be fine. It seems the food gets recycled from one restaurant to the next (meaning if it isn't eaten at breakfast, you'll see it at lunch and dinner, and then again the next day..... in some new shape or form). We did go to every a la carte restaurant, but always found ourselves disappointed, leaving midway through the meal to hit the buffet - at least we knew what we were getting there...

We sadly didn't do our research. We didn't know this resort is very well known as the "party resort", where all the college 20-somethings go for a good time and a 24-7 party. It was US college spring break during our time there (we're from Canada... a bit different here), but after surveying a few people who've been before, it sounds like it's really no different at any other time of the year. It was very much a frat-sorority sex party the full duration of our stay with loud, drunk young adults everywhere. The middle pool by the main buffets though, was our saving grace, which had a few more of us 30-40 year olds looking for any sort of reprieve from the party-party-party that lasts until the wee hours of each and every morning.

If I was in my early 20s looking for a good time, 'free' booze, and didn't care what I ate to keep me sustained throughout the week, this resort and experience would have been a lot of fun.

If you're 30 , this likely isn't the experience you're looking for. [Details]

Riu Santa Fe, Los Cabos [Details]

Big resort . Food is good . Really not the best choice for Seniors . Overall a good experience. [Details]

My family and I had a great stay at Riu Santa Fe. The resort was newly renovated so everything was modern and clean. Very comfortable and spacious rooms. Buffet had many options and food was good. [Details]

Unfortunately we, at not fault of the hotel, were delayed 26 hours getting to Cabo. But we certainly made up for it when we did. Amazing resort easy check-in and clean well appointed accommodations. Resort food is always different than home but the quality here even at the buffet was as good as you could hope for and the steakhouse was amazing. As a pro tip ask for lobster tail on top of your steak. Yummy. Pools were super clean and pool bars attentive. Stop hesitating and book this resort now we certainly are again next year. [Details]

The rooms were clean and the staff was amazing. Everyone goes out of their way to assist you and is all so friendly. [Details]

good hotel but needs a few renovations which i understand will be done in the near future. [Details]

Unfortunately the beautiful grounds and scenery on this resort is not enough to get me back there again. Initially we were placed in a room very close to where the loud, booming, yelling and screaming pool parties are held many days out of the week. After two days of little sleep, Edna at customer service was very kind and moved us to a much quieter area. But unfortunately when we went to this area we had housekeeping service only one day out of four, and that was because I once again walked the 15 minute walk with a foot injury to the main building to complain in person because calling the customer service the night before resulted in zero results. We were out of toilet paper, we were out of Kleenex , we needed clean towels and a broom to sweep the sandy floor but none of this came even after repeatedly calling them. Two days later the kind lady at customer service sent a supervisor to clean our room and then it was immaculate. The supervisor was promised to come back the next day but never did show again, sheesh . Therefore housekeeping is going to get a zero …. We actually seen a house keeping trolly elsewhere in our building and “stole” toilet paper and Kleenex for our room, that's just unacceptable!

As for the noise level, the booming from music and yelling and screaming from drunk teenagers/younger adults in the hallway and stairwells of both buildings was pathetic. And this went on till wee hours of the morning for the first two nights. This is definitely a resort for younger spring break type people, which is unfortunate because it's a beautiful resort with very clean swimming pools and beach area.

The food was under par in almost all of the restaurants as well, that was if you got in without waiting in a long line only to find out that you're putting your name down to come back in an hour, at least this was at the steakhouse which was the only one that served a la carte and was close to our building for supper. There was many many many unused sections/tables in the restaurant, just too understaffed to use them, therefore you were put on a waiting list. Most of the other buffets had bulk food that looked and tasted like bulk food, I was very disappointed and by the end of the week frustrated …. In addition because they stopped making fresh breakfast to refill the trays an hour before closing time, you just got crispy old stuff ( or stood in a very long line up where one chef could make you something fresh) [Details]

We had a not to bad experience at Riu Sante Fe. The hotel is clean and well maintained. The food was o.k. and not like other resorts we have stayed at. The staff was not as friendly as other resorts we stayed at as well. There was a lot of noise around the pools everyday. Other guests had their own music playing around the pools and made it sound like a circus at times. At night there was a lot of yelling and noise from other guests rooms until 2 or 3 in the morning. There were a lot of intoxicated guests that were loud and disrespectful around the main pool area. We would spend our time around the less noisy pool close to the main entrance. When we went to the Spa the Jacuzzis were cold and not heated. If I had young children with me I would not take them to this resort due to the high level of alchohol being present. The entertainmaint was not what we were used to at other resorts we stayed at. I don't think we would return to this particular resort anytime soon. [Details]

Great experience. Most of the food was very good, plenty of beach chairs everywhere, bartenders are fast and friendly, all staff was pleasant. Great value for the price. If you want luxury go to the Riu Palace next door. If you want a nice vacation on a moderate budget, this place is great - just keep your expectations in line with what you're paying and treat everyone with kindness. [Details]

I have stayed at this resort multiple times over the years and it's always been a good experience. However, this last vacation showed me that supply chains have affected even resort destinations. The rooms are in a significant state of repair. The grounds are still well maintained, but the buildings and pools need maintenance! The quality of food in the restaurants has markedly decreased. It was sad to see! [Details]

The worst trip and flight ever and this was #20 for us? [Details]

We definitely are left with mixed feelings about our stay. It did not feel like a 5-star hotel. They should update their main picture as we did not see that pool area anywhere. With Covid-19 areas of the resort were closed and many shows canceled. [Details]

This is my second time to this resort for a one week stay and it was not the best experience. The room was okay, super out dated. Light bulbs were burnt out. The food was decent but was not hot and fresh and most times food stations were left empty.

The overall look of the resort was nice. The beach is full of people trying to sell you bracelets and goods but it got annoying. [Details]

We had fun with our friends at this resort however the rooms and food were not great.
We booked for our honeymoon and received a room with two seperate beds and no decor for the occasion.
Changed us to a room with a king on other side of resort from our party and gave us room keys that didn't work, safe didn't work and bugs on counters.
Being our honeymoon we thought there might be some nice towel art or something at minimum to mark the occasion.
The restaurants could not keep up with the food demand and bins were often empty for quite some time. There was enough variety if you are a picky eater to find something though. [Details]

Too many spring breakers no consideration for guests not on spring break poor service not good food shows sucked hated how you served your self at the alcart restaurants very disappointed in service [Details]

Very large resort. Lots of walking. Resort grounds, public areas, rooms are clean. Friendly staff. This is a party resort - quite noisy at times. [Details]

Nice hotel, the pools are really large. Cocktails are great, food is diversified and available easily. The waterslides are really awesome. The beach is nice and the view just take your breath away. [Details]

We stayed at this hotel over the Christmas holidays and it was an absolute blast!! There were a lot of Canadians that joined us at the resort! It was super busy the closer to Christmas but that staff and everyone made the experience so much better! [Details]

For the most part we loved it but there was a few things we were not happy with. We would go back to this resort.
New years Eve was busy but lots of fun.
Thanks Santa Fa 5 for a great Christmas/New Years. [Details]

This was my 7th stay at this resort. Some for business and some for pleasure. The rooms are always clean and comfortable. A good mix of channels on the room TV.
The food doesn't disappoint and I usually find a new favorite buffet item each visit. [Details]

This place is amazing. Massive resort where you can relax or go wild. [Details]

Very nice.
We enjoyed ourselves.
We are booking there again in a month [Details]

very disappointed with the food. we paid over 1300 each and couldn't even enjoy the al a carte restaurants. they closed over half throughout our stay. when asked why it wasn't open the response was that the hotel wasn't full enough to open all al a carte restaurants, however the lines were so long for the one or 2 that would be open that you couldn't even get in for he food. at no time upon checkin did the hotel staff make note of what restaurants are open when. when asked when they would all open response was they would be open thursday, however not kuch good since we flew out rhat afternoon. overall mediocre service and will not be returning. [Details]

Overall, for the price, it is well worth it. [Details]

My son & I stayed for a week at the Santa Fe and found the room and the entire property to be quite beautiful. The landscaping is in meticulous order and the bars and restaurants are as well. He had a great deal of fun at the pool parties etc. Drinks are as plentiful as you want and you certainly don't have to walk to far to obtain one. The hotel is massive and it takes a little time to figure out the best route to where you want to go. The only downside of this resort is the food. I am basically an old guy now and that is important to me. The Asian restaurant is the best. The buffet sucks for lunch and is about the same for dinner. I think that is my only complaint. [Details]

Had an amazing experience celebrating my b- day in this hotel.Though food is just average
but nightly entertainment,and day activities keeps us busy and entertained.Had a blast and would recommend this hotel to visit. [Details]

When planning your trip to a new resort do your due diligence and take the time to read reviews so you can form your very own opinions.

This review is totally positive!

Firstly for the price we paid I would have expected a cockroach riddled dump no where near as amazing as the Riu Santa Fe. We were welcomed with a chilled Margareta and smiles. The book in process was well thought out and before we knew it we were in our magnificent room looking onto a beautiful pool and the ocean. We arrived there in our early 60's but from that moment on, we were both feeling in our late 20's.

Room was large and spotless. Bar fridge was stocked with beer, pop and water. Liquor dispensers were locked and loaded. Room service was super fast as I had them install a brand new battery in the safe. I recommend doing that to avoid and safe hiccups while you have the room.

The view was breathtaking. Be chose a room overlooking the ocean so we were placed into Block 7. A simple out the door, down the hall and we were out overlooking a massive family pool. A quick walk to the swim up bar Tequila in front of our room and we were in Margareta heaven. The pool was large, and clean and refreshing. We are not smokers however they allow smoking in the pools so with ease we just moved to a smoke free area and enjoyed the water.

Food was above expectations and throughout the course of our stay we hit every restaurant and enjoyed all their exceptional specialty's. Over all the amount of food choices was top notch! The saddest part for us was to watch the waist left on many plates. People don't seem to understand that there is no limit to how many times you can refill your plate.

The La baja California is your main all round breakfast Buffet location destination. It's a massive restaurant with a massive buffet. It closes at 10:30 M and becomes a Dinner buffet from 6PM to 10PM. Another breakfast choice is the Torote restaurant offering a different breakfast experience from 7Am to 12PM At 3:30 PM it reopens as a romantic steak house serving amazing foods till 5:30 PM

La Mision is also a steak house/ Mexican theme restaurant with amazing food choices. Carusso offers up a wonderful menu of Italian themed dishes and both these restaurants have tremendous buffets as well.

We really enjoyed our evening at Zashila restaurant feasting on flavorful Chinese and Asian inspired dishes.

Beverages are abundant an all the swim up bars and the bars in the main square. All offer a broad selection of beverages for all tastes. HOWEVER, IF YOU EXPECT TOP OF THE LINE ALCOHOL GO TO A TOP OF THE LINE RESORT !!! If you enjoy standard and above board alcohol them you found the right place. If your a night owl and want to drink your face off till the wee hours then the Sports Bar is your booze haven, enjoy.

Staff are all super amazing and will go the extra mile to see you happy no matter how shitty of a day they are having. These people really rely on tips, so take money to tip them. If you go to any one of these resorts with that " I paid for All inclusive no need to tip attitude" then just stay home cause you will probably find something to bitch about.

The beach is awesome and the view is out of this world. The ocean in front of the hotel is not a safe place to swim because of the rip tides. The resort recommends walking to the safe swim areas well marked out. If you think you are stronger than Mother Natures Force, then have at swimming in the restricted areas and rest in peace.

Final thoughts and tips.

If you hate young adults partying don't go on Spring break. If you don't like the pool party atmosphere book a room away from that area.
If you don't like people coming home to their rooms at 1AM or 3AM then stay home cause it happens everywhere.

This is a massive resort and there is a lot of ground to cover. If you don't like to walk maybe find a smaller resort. At 60 years old feeling in my late 20's I enjoyed the walking the sights and the sounds.

Unfortunately no matter where you go in this world you are always going to have that one group of people that enter the pool in the morning, drink and smoke all day long at leave at closing time never once exiting the pool to take a piss. A bit of a turn off however the pools are kept very clean and they ensure to always chlorinate. [Details]

The hotel was good, the staff was very helpful and the service was good.
Aside from that, we will not be going back to the resort with our experience. There were lots of things that we didn't like with our room. The patio door was not easy to open, bathroom door wouldn't close as the door knob was broken, our room wasn't cleaned till late in the day until we requested it to be cleaned earlier, the room was not cleaned proper as there was empty beer cans and half dank bottles in the fridge from the previous guest that stayed in the room. Our safe was not working and had to call management to fix, there were lots of mosquitoes in the room when we got in, and never refilled our in room coffee. We will try other Riu Hotels, but we will not go back to this one. [Details]

I booked this vacation with my 8 yr old daughter, two other moms and their 7 year old daughters. The website stated they did NOT ALLOW spring breakers. They lied! The manager confirmed they had allowed a booking for over 1000 university students from a spring break tour company and another booking of over 300 students. The resort was invaded by drunk, entitled, obnoxious, disgusting assholes that screamed in the hallways, banged on doors, smashed plates on the hall floors ALL NIGHT LONG!! There was no security anywhere and if you called to complain, the phone just rang and rang and no one ever picked up. [Details]