Hi, has anybody out there stayed at a Riu resort. I was told that you have to eat at the same time and the same table when you have dinner! Is this true and are you eating with another couple or can you have a romantic dinner with your new husband. Thanks

Hi Melanie - we've stayed twice at the RIU Yucatan in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. They offer two sittings for the main dining room, one at 6:30 and one at 8:30. This is for dinner only. You choose your seating time (and say if it's 8:30 you can go anytime between then and I think it's 10pm) and then you are assigned a table number. You can request a table for two and, no you don't have to sit with another couple - there are plenty of tables for two only. <BR>Although you are sitting at the same table each evening, if you need to change your dining time (say you want to eat early and head out to town later on), then you just arrange the earlier seating time and you will be given a temporary table number for that night. Or you may want to book into the specialty (a la carte) dining room for one night - at the pool side restaurant, candles, soft breezes, full service, flaming coffee..very romantic.<BR>Feel free to email me directly if you'd like a trip report on this wonderful set of resorts in this area!

The set up is the same at the Riu Tropical Bay. I wasn't sure if we would like what seemed to be very rigid rules. It turned out to be no problem to switch your dinner time if desired.

Hi XXX - what was it like at RIU Tropical Bay - same great service and extensive but cooked-to-order type buffets?<BR>Nice rooms? Good beach? Is there a dive shop on the resort?

Hi Debbie!<BR> We were pleased with the service--porters, housekeeping and security were very friendly. Most days our room was cleaned by 9. The bartenders were alot of fun--tipping them resulted in much better drinks. The property's manager, Steve, must put in very long days as he was always out and about.<BR> This was the best food I've had at any AI. Breakfast had the most cooked-to-order options. I had read internet reports of filet mignon, lobster and shrimp. We only encountered the filet. Shrimp was often present in dishes but was not a main course. However, there was always seafood of some sort. There was frequently lamb, duck and for Christmas Eve, roast suckling pig. I think it would be hard for anyone to not find something they liked. The ala carte restaurant was fine. The pool area lunch is the weakest meal but there is a jerk chicken shack not far away that is great. The pizzeria also offers lunch options. Although a man in shorts will not be turned away, the evening buffet is stressing long pants for men! If you are particular about your brands of liquor, it is worthy to note that only house brands of liquor are available--no top shelf.<BR> I was pleasantly surprised by the room. It was decent sized with 2 double beds pushed together to form a king, a table and 2 chairs and dresser/suitcase area. Plus, there was even room to move around it all! There was a small "dressing area" (it's the only way I can think to describe it) with a small closet, large closet and the liquor dispenser/fridge/minibar as you passed into the bath. The bath was decent sized as well. Each room had a balcony or terrace with 2 chairs and a small table. I believe almost every room has a view (although not necessarily a direct view) of the water. The only thing missing was a clock.<BR> We were also happy with the beach. There was fine, white sand and turquoise water. For 2 days, storms at sea caused the water to be less clear and a bit choppy but being in a more protected bay area kept that to a minimum. Chairs were plentiful on the beach and vendors minimal. We only encountered offers for ganga and braids--even then, offers were not that frequent. Outside of the roped-off swimming area, there is the usual array of parasailing and jet ski vendors. The area of the beach nearest the pool bar was the most crowded. The area towards the edges of the property offered less people but longer walks to get drinks. You can walk along the beach on the Riu, past Couples Negril and along part of the Grand Lido's beach (although Grand Lido's security would stop you from going much farther onto their property as it became cliff and not beach). I'm not sure how far you can go in the other direction as it appears to be mainly undeveloped.<BR> There is a sport shack from which you can get snorkeling equipment, catamarans, paddle boats, etc. You can also get glass-bottom boats trips from there and other water activities. I assume that is where you would inquire about scuba trips as well although I have to admit I am not sure.<BR> Overall, we were very happy and would suggest a Riu resort to anyone. They are advertising that a new Riu is due to open in Puerto Vallarta next year. Does anyone know exactly where in PV it will be located?

I was there in Aug and had a great time. The rules about the table and times were a little to much. You are at a table by yourself, but it is the same table each night. You can change form one seating to another with little problem. Breakfast was great with Kevin at the Omlete bar. Lunch was by far the weakest. But who can much eat lunch in Aug. The swim up bar was great, but the pool closes around 6. They did have a dive shop on the north end of the resort.

Hi Debbie,<BR>My wife and I stayed at RIU Yucatan in Playa del Carmen. The one thing that caught us off gaurd was the attire that should be worn at dinner. Men are expected to wear slacks and collared shirt. Shorts no matter how nice are frowned upon.

The long pants rule is pretty common. About the only place that I know of that allows "dress shorts" at dinner is Sandals Negril...other Sandals require long pants. Now, that rule is only typcial in the nicer dining places, the casual spots will still allow shorts.