BookIt.com Verified Traveler A Recent Traveler

"Wonderful property!! Had a great time here. The buffet food was vast... I am vegan and had plenty to eat. The restaurants were also accomodating. Loved the evening shows. All the staff were warm and welcoming. Highly recommend!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Dominique&Graham from Chilliwack, BC

"Alright....so to start this off, I am a Sales Manager in a Hotel (with Resort Properties), so I am EXTRA picky. I look at reviews, and take them for what they are. Someone who puts '5's' or 'Excellent' for everything is hard to gage, as well as all negative.....BUT in this case, the Riu Peninsula Palace, exceeded my expectations.

To not go TOO far into details, we had a NIGHTMARE at the fault of American Airlines...but that is another story. Not surprising, our luggage didn't show up. My husband and I were exhausted, and slept in a hotel at our connecting city, were sweaty, gross, hungry, and just right p'd off. We didn't want to sit on the phone with AA, and so our amazing Front Desk Agent at the RIU, Alonzo, did all our phone calling and locating our bags. He found us in the lounge bar as soon as they arrived...amazing service the first night.

Throughout our trip, a few mishaps happened that were just by fluke (battery in our door for the key card had died, so we had to run down twice for new cards), but the Front Desk OVER compensated and put us up in the brand new restaurant in the property that is only included to VIP. It is called Kulinarium. My husband is a steak snob (to say the least), and he said it was the best steak he'd ever had. He knew that it wasn't from Mexico, so he asked our server, and our server was quite young and didnt know.....Moments later, the head chef came out to speak with us (we felt so special)....needless to say, our amazing steak was imported from California! So good!!

Also, the in house restaurants that you need to make reservations for, were amazing. Clean, delicious, and wide variety. We did not go hungry!

The rooms were BEYOND clean.....the housekeepers even folded any clothes that were lying around. Just amazing.

The sports bar doesn't have the greatest food in it for the 24 hour service, but no one should be eating at 2am anyways ;)

Staff is incredibly efficient, and don't let you go unserved for longer than a minute.

Overall, an incredible experience, with amazing service. Not to mention a resort, you don't have to leave.

Top notch!!! Thank you RIU PENINSULA for the best trip to Mexico!

"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Megan from Atlanta

"This hotel was amazing! The staff was very friendly and the hotel grounds were beautiful! There were tons of lounge chairs at the beach and plenty of activities for guest to enjoy! I would return today if I could!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler A Recent Traveler

"awesome hotel with some of the finest dine in ive ever experienced.Staff are great and takes extra effort to please ue as a guest. . I have great pics to share. Definitely one of the best hotels in CANCUN. Will go back anytime"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Marilou S. Rodas from Novato, CA

"The hotel was very nice. Excellent food and great entertainments. We were on the 3rd floor, with Caribbean view, 2 full side beds. My only complaint were the beds were too soft, you can feel it when the other person repositions in bed. The beach has soft waves, sandy (no rocks), deep to light blue color with light seed weeds. The weather was not too humid with cool breeze. The resort has 3 pools, 1 swim up bar. You can't beat all inclusive for meals & drinks."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Leslie from REDFORD, MI

"Just a little about us:
My husband and I stayed are in our early 30-ies not huge drinkers- but socially.We enjoy each other and like to spend time alone- we have high stress jobs and while vacationing we look for relaxing with activities if desired. (disclaimer: I think if everyone did this it would make it easier to get what you need out of a review)

We booked 6/2-6/8...We arrived early (12pm) they checked us in right away and gave us a free upgrade to the 12th floor for no reason! The manager checked us in and she was very helpful and very very nice.

The room was awesome! Great view! I can see why some people said the furniture was 'cheap' 'not wood' ....I mean... nothing was falling apart it all looked very nice it- was clean... the bed was a little hard... The decor is very contemporary/modern- if that is not your style... then don't book here! Some of the reviews said it is cold and less inviting than other Riu Resorts... well did these people see the pictures??? That is why I booked here- I do not care for the 'tropical' look I prefer a clean contemporary hotel!

The service was great!! Better than Great!! FANTASTIC!! People were cleaning ALL day nothing was ever dirty! The hotel did have a distinct smell but it smelled like Cancun! Humid! I do think they could have used maybe some Mr. Clean with Fe-breeze or something... but the place was immaculate!

The food was really really really good! Huge selection! It could have been labeled better but ....all you had to do is ask what it was there was a gazillion people around at all times to tell you what everything was! You could sit in the air to eat or in the open area. We did both! The specialty restaurants were good as well! I liked the buffet because there was more selection and really good! Fresh juices, safe water, alcohol ect. Some people were complaining about the specialty restaurants being booked... that is because they only serve 65 at a time 2x's a night... you were able to make a reservation for 2 days and we never had a problem .. again I liked the buffet different theme every-night.

My husband and I had a massage on the ocean at 8 am one day .... awesome!!
I had another indoor massage before we left.. awesome! I had my nails painted... not so great... but I am picky about my polish!

The beach was a bit small but I liked it like that... you were able to have some privacy! I never felt crowded or had a hard time finding a place to sit?? The pools were all great! Yeah sometimes it did take a while for the waiter to circle around for more drinks... but if you want to slam them go to pool bar!

I am so annoyed with all of the suckie reviews people were leaving... I was panicking when I was reading those reviews.... I even tried to switch resorts ... so glad I didn't. The truth of the matter is SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN NOT BE PLEASED! NO MATTER WHAT!

"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Tamar Turner from Bronx, NY

"I love this Hotel I wish I could Live there lol. I would definitley return to this hotel a million s times...the service, food, room and people are great ......I LOVE THIS HOTEL."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Gaetano Facenda from Pawtucket, Rhode Island

"We just returned from an 11 day trip to Mexico. We stayed at the brand new Riu Palace Peninsula Hotel in Cancun. It was terrific ! ! ! We loved it there and wished we could have stayed longer. The service was amazing, everyone was very friendly and couldn't do enough for us. The buffets were great, the waiters there were extremely attentive and tried to fulfill our every need. One waiter in particular, Gabriel, was amazing. He was not only a terrific server, but a kind and sensitive man. We were sorry to say bye to him. The specialty restaurants' food wasn't good quality. We mostly went to the buffet that showcases micro cuisine that is wonderful.
The hotel itself is gorgeous, brand new and extremely modern. The nightly shows were fabulous. All in all, it was a fabulous vacation. The only complaint we have is that our suite had a bathtub/jacuzzi in the middle of the room and offered no privacy. The toilet was in a stall and the amazing shower had a beautiful enclosure, but that tub was just not to our liking/ Who's ever herd of a bathroom with no walls. We weren't the only one to complain about it. But, at the end you get used to it."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Alex from New York, NY

"We Stayed at this hotel from May 12-20 . Just opened a week before prior to our arrival. Gorgeous design , brand new and elegant ,. Cannot be compared with the other resorts from like 2 miles down the road. Also the food it's excellent , not crowded depend the time you get there . Check in is pretty smooth , very friendly staff. We stayed on the 12-th floor on the suite with jacuzzi on the room , gorgeous view to the ocean and the pools .If you want the rooms yo be cleaned , you have to let them know , by switching the sign on the door . But they do change the beds and tovels sometimes even twice a day . Just give them some tip , because they work hard . Wi Fi it/s only in the lobby for 90 minutes . great restaurants Japanese and Krystal are the best . Make reservation a day prior . Food at the buffet is very good , plenty of drinks , also 24 hr room service . You allowed with the bracelets , to go visit the other 2 hotels , eat there and swim , beach is better and bigger , a little crowded though . In the lobby great Cafe , also they have an Art and paint Room .. outside of the buffet , the only thing you have to pay is the canvas . So if you like to paint it's free . They teach you . Lovely teacher Very talented . overall very good , pools are very clean . Shows are excellent every night , towels , no problem , plenty of umbrellas , lounge chairs ,,,,etc We Iike to come back more"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Juan from San Diego, Ca

"It was totally amazing place it was brand spanking new and the people are very help full the only thing is they only give you 90min of free wi-fi and it dosent say it in the discription and then you have to pay if you need more witch kind of sucks but the rest is totally amazing place I can't wait to come back"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Patrick from KY

"we stayed from May 11-16, 2012. It had only opened a week before we checked in. We usually stay at the Palace in different locations throughout Mexico. We had a great time. First, the bad.....There were a few minor growing pains. Our room wasn't cleaned for the first day and a half. Once I told the asst. mgr., it was cleaned. The restaurants are booking two days out so unless you're staying for a week or longer, you won't get to try them all. And there are empty tables in the restaurants so clearly there is some room for efficiency improvement. The Japanese restaurant isn't great; the rice in the sushi is mushy and the entrees aren't served hot and are bland. There were almost no labels on the buffet so sometimes it's hard to know what you're eating. The beach is a little on the small side and a bit rocky. But if you want a bigger beach and less rock, go 45 minutes down the road to Playa del Carmen. The front desk no longer exchanges US dollars but most folks take dollars. If you want to ride the bus, bring some pesos. Otherwise, bring lots of $1s for tipping. It's not expected but you're less likely to be forgotten on the far reaches of the beach when you're thirsty for another Mohito if you tip the guy who brings it to you. The gift shop no longer sells newspapers. The restricted VIP area is strange. It's new to the RIUs (at least we've never seen this in Mexico). There are Villas with their own pool and the common folks aren't supposed to go near the Villas or use the pool.......very ostentatious. Now for the good.....The buffet is always delicious and there are LOTS of choices. The new Italian restaurant is very god and is part buffet and part sit down. You get your own salads and such but they serve you the entree and desert. We ate there twice and liked it both times. There are four different pools so the children get their own, although there is still the occasional strange parent that brings a child to the pool bar. The views are spectacular. The shows are really good. The entertainment staff is very welcoming and good at getting guests engaged without being too insistent. Overall this one did not disappoint. We'll be back again."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Gonzales from Westminster, Co

"Stayed 5.10-5.15 (TH-TU) Check-in pleasant, Reception Staff, each took their time explaining the map, services and their English was perfect & very easy to understand. Also, one particular reception staff took the time to go thru each step of my Kindle Fire so that I could get free WiFi. Now that's Service! Resort pictures do not do it justice! Absolutely Amazing Architecture; the little nuances are what makes this property unique. Our room was a Ocean View on the 14th floor--WOW! Beach was perfect for us. The typical beach area was had white sand, not much shade (gotta wait for the palm trees to grow). Hotel provided weighted umbrellas for all of the beach area, just not enough of them. The rocky area described has stairs cut into them so that you can enter the beach or you could 'water walk' from the typical beach area around the outcrop and keep going to Playa Tortugas (we did). Pools each have a different ambiance, along with a different clientele. Main problem, no bathrooms near pools so by afternoon pools get 'cloudy'. Food was excellent,we are understand the creative aspects of chefs. At buffet each night a Chef introduces or explains his creation GREAT innovations. Entertainment I want their stamina! These are professional performers. Service, I gave a 4 due to the inconsistency of the bar staff (one bartender per bar) & food servers; some times they took your orders & then never show up with the order. I gave Cleanliness a 4, because the sheets on our bed were not changed during our stay. So many more comments, so little time. Thanks for reading!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Ben from Scottsdale, AZ

"This hotel is awesome! The beach is great and the Iguana's are cool. The only downside is the waves are smaller on this side of the hotel zone. I would come back to stay at this hotel. Great entertainment."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Tim from Boston, MA

"Myself and my partner checked in the day after opening of the resort. Here are some of our first impressions; Pro's -Great Pools and beach. Awesome! -Nice/clean/big rooms. Loved the balcony. -Every room has an amazing ocean view from what I could tell. -Friendly entertainment staff. -Great pool service for drinks. Didn't even have to get out of the pool for a refill. -Great overall architecture of the resort. -Plenty of places to sit at pool and beach. -Everything was kept very clean. -Mini bar in room was great (drinks only), though mixers were challenging. -Great variety of food at buffet (though it wasn't labeled so it was a bit of a mystery) -Great coffee bar in lobby. -Variety of activities during the day (volleyball, water aerobics, games, trivia, etc) - Live shows were entertaining and had a great variety from night to night. - Food was good (B ). Wish they had more authentic Mexican choices and less Americanized choices. Con's -While I realize this isn't an adults only resort, it would have been nice to keep the screaming/splashing kids out of at least 1 pool (of the 3). -No music in restaurants (got really quiet and a bit awkward). -Wifi was free in the lobby, but you only get 90/min every 24 hours and you have to use it all at once (non-divisible). -Food at buffet was sporadically labeled -Make dinner reservations when you first get there or you will not get a spot. -Drink service at theater was slow (based on server you get- some were quick) -Late night band sang same songs over and over. -Late night 24 hour snack service could be a lot better. Including non-alcoholic drinks to take back to room. -Would be better if late night entertainment extended longer (past 11pm). If they could extend the hours of the piano player in the lounge that would be great. Other notes; -My observation was the dress code for restaurants seemed to be very loosely enforced. Not as strict as they make it sound.... -Bed area and bathroom are not separate, so beware if people stay in your room and you don't want them to see you getting directly into the shower. -Every place I went to took American money. No need to exchange money. Overall, I would definitely go back and think that over time the resort will work out some of the kinks mentioned in the Con's above. Again I was pretty nit-picky in my analysis but definitely had a great time and would go back again."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Celia from Concord, California

"This resort had only been opened for less than a week upon our arrival. Check in was fast and from that moment we new that we were going to have a great time! The staff, food, rooms, were AWESOME !!! The only thing I can complain about is the lack of staff around the swimming pool area. Sometimes it would take awhile to get our drinks, keeping in mind that this was a new resort, it was all worth it."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Caleb from East Liverpool, Oh

"This is going to be a long review as the property is new and all aspects needs covered. I stayed there May 8th- May 13th. I arrived 4 days after the grand opening. We were greeted in the lobby with a mimosa and many smiles. I had a rather early flight but check in was snappy. I arrived around 11:30 am check however can it not technically till 3pm. The lady at the front desk was super pleasant and it only took her 5-6 minutes to determine my room was ready. Quite happy with check in. My room was outstanding. It looks like the pictures on the website. They have a very beautiful contemporary theme at the resort and it it short of amazing. My room was oceanfront on the 11th floor. View was dynamite. I really can't say enough for how stunning the room was. They use a purple and silver theme that really works well. We had a awesome balcony. Walk in shower was spacious and it made me happy. A tub was present in the room slightly oddly placed but I got the placement after using it. It's between the bed and the sinks. At first glance rather odd but after using it I got it. The overall appearance of the property is nothing short of spectacular. Really it is everything and more. I have this idea that nothing is ever as good as it seems well this place made a liar out of me. Great landscaping, well placed walkways, pools easy to get to, all in close proximity of one another. There is also a small stone structure on the property that appears Mayan in origin. Beach is a 2 minute walk if that. The architecture and design of the interior however is what blows you away. Staff by and large was amazing. I can think of two people I did not care for and I will not name. Food. The breakfast, lunch and Italian buffets are all really good. A few items will blow you away but overall it was good. It's buffet food so I don't grade on as high a scale. The restaurant's though were hit and miss. Reservations were typically hard to get as well. I found it was easier to go to the restaurant and just tip the door man. They got me in every time. Steakhouse was a real disappointment. Ribeye was thin and almost nonexistent. Not great in my opinion. Fusion cooking can be unfilling and odd to some though. I liked it my girlfriend did not. The Mexican place was dynamite. Really good appetizer buffet and the main course were outstanding. Overall the best restaurant in the resort. The Italian place was really good as well. It is open for lunch as well check it out its really good. They have these great rolls with goat cheese in them that are really good. We didn't eat at the Japanese place as we find hibachi is hibachi no matter where you are. Overall the food would need the most work. Nothing really blew us away but nothing was terrible at the same time. Overall is was good not great. The only thing I can complain about is the ribeye honestly. Beach. The beach is not a typical beach. It only has one real typical sand area. The rest of it is rocky and more scenic looking. We loved it. Made for much better photo ops and besides beach is a beach right? It is to me. The rocky areas were full of iguanas which made for fun photos and bring them some mangoes they love them. I can't stress enough how much prettier this was in pictures then just white sand all around. If your a beach for miles kind of person you will not like how this looks. We found it looked so much more natural and felt untouched. This place is great it really is. Worth the money. The staff was great, the appearance was top shelf and the overall feel was perfect. Do not be afraid because it is new. They know what they are doing. I can walk away from my five days with only one suggestion.1. The gym is a joke and is small. I am a gym rat. There are no free weights just 6 machines, 3 treadmills, 1 bike and 1 elliptical. Frankly though I have not stayed anywhere better. It was amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Lucy Zettina from Euless, Tx

"Service Excelllent, the rooms beautiful, the ocean view excellent, the food excellent, the most beautil and clean hotel 24/hrs. You are treated like a Queen - the best place to stay in Cancun, I visit cancun twice a year, this is going to be my stay from now on. Excellent over all - 100% I RATE THE HOTEL A - 10 Excellent!!!"

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"RIU PALACE PENINSULA RESORT was fabulous!!! Agent at registration desk upgraded us to VIP Villa upon my request to have adjoining rooms with our travel companions. VIP Villas is Adults only area each villa has jacuzzis on the balcony area with private pool with cabana beds, towels; private upscale restaurant and private beach bar. All the bars and restaurants were over the top, bountiful and included top shelf alcohol and buffetts delicacies.

Many water sports and physical fitness activities are included as well and truly enjoyable.

Renova Spa massage was wonderful! Only negative was they advertise a $35 spa credit online but do not honor it when you book and pay for the services.

Otherwise an overall A all=inclusive experience!!!

The staff is extremely hardworking and efficient what a pleasant overall experience!! LOVED MY RIU EXPERIENCE!!!!"

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"The staff was exceptional, the buffet was great, other restaurants were fair. The lobby and amenities were beautiful. This Riu is very quiet and not much activity at the pools, etc. Beach is rocky. Overall it was a good experience, however the other Riu's in Cancun are more lively.

You have to make dinner reservations in person and there is only one rep at the desk, hence you have to wait in line and can only book one reservation per day. Line can be long.

"

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"The hotel has many pluses and a couple of minuses. I'll list the pluses first:
1. The hotel staff are absolutely first class. Very friendly, hard-working and anxious to please.
2. The hotel is scrupulously clean, and continuously cleaned. 11 out of 10!
3. The rooms are large, beautifully equipped and serviced at least twice a day. with bath towels, and an evening bed turn-down service. The maids work very hard with a smile on their faces.
4. The restaurants were all good in our opinion, and all worth a visit. Food we'd give 8 out of 10 in all cases. Not Masterchef standard admittedly but acceptable for a 5 star hotel.
5. The pool area is very large with an abundance of sunbeds, brolleys and service staff bringing drinks!
Now the minuses:
1. Our biggest criticism of the hotel is that the Art-Deco minimalist design lets it down - the bars and restaurants lack warmth, and are not what we Brits would call 'cosy'. The Sports Bar is a mausoleum!! It is so lacking in atmosphere. It was nearly always empty. The lounge bar, at best, is OK, and resembles an airport departure lounge! The mildly uncomfortable lilac chairs need chucking away and comfy settees brought in!
2. The entertainment we'd give 6, or at best, 7 out of 10. Almost all of it was 'in-house' provided by the animacion team. They, as people, are great, but the hotel management need to put their money in their pockets and buy in some entertainment that is worthy of a 5 star hotel. Too many times we left early as the shows were woefully lacking.
3. The beach has received criticism - and some of it is deserved, as it has soft parts and quite a bit hard and stony parts. The beach next door (100 yards away) at the Riu Caribe is better - all soft sand and is sheltered from the wind. The prevailing wind off the bay, when it blew, was directly into the face of the Peninsula beach and hence not many used it. Most either stayed in the pool area, or went to the Riu Caribe beach.
4. We paid £4000 for 2 weeks stay at the Peninsula. We loved Mexico. We love the Mexican people. We loved the Riu Peninsula hotel - but I feel it is overpriced.
"

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"We had a great stay. Staff was very helpful and not pushy for tips. I'm a good tipper but I don't want to be hounded. The only thing wrong with my stay was the weather obviously no fault of the resort. The first three days were beautiful. We had some rain for two days and rest of the time it was too windy to be outside and they closed the beaches and water activities and Friday night beach party. Overall they handled it pretty well but design of the building made for some wind management problems. I've also stayed at the Riu Palace Las Americas and enjoyed both trips."

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"Just came back from the resort. Was a real PARADISE. We had the best time ever. Hotel beautifull,, rooms gougeous, food excellent, people very frendly. Good Job everyone AWESOME."

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"Ultimate Summer Vacation with all the amenities you would hope for!! The staff were helpful and friendy as well as attended all on (and off) SITE activities. We felt safe and like we experienced a piece of heaven!"

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"We have been to Cancun over the last 10 years, each year always at the Riu Cancun. Since this was grand opening pricing, we decided to give the new Palace Penninsula a try. It is very modern, nice lighting, room good all excellent views, etc. If I were to make any comment on rooms it would be the jetted tubs whi ch sit wide open in your room. Mine faced my door so if someone knocked & it was opened, there you are bathing! LOL. The shower was super huge so actually they could have done away with tubs altogether. Food was what we were expecting, same at any Riu (whether palace or regular) the specialty restaurants were good, provided a change if you get tired of buffets, my two favorites were Steak House & Tamales (mexican), it was the Japanese for my husband. The Fusion restaurant is elegant , very nice just not my style & taste. Any one going to the Steakhouse thinking you are getting a thick cut prime grade beef, you will be disappointed. The Lobster & steak combo was good, yes steaks are very thin but still tasty. I like the overall layout of this hotel, all the food & specialty restaurants in same strip, including the outside dining being free of birds (at this point anyhow). Food service excellent, they are friendly, hard workers, always aiming to please you and make your stay enjoyable. The only unpleasant experience we had was at check-in. We stood in line over an hour & 1/2 after arrivial which was after 3pm & one of ur rooms wasn't ready. The pools, beach & pool activities were as good/fun as always! The only disappointment (for my husband) was that Riu quit serving Havana Club rum and that has always been his favorite thing about the Rius! They had top brands though on everything from Barcardi , Absolut vodka and Don Juliio tequila! No complaints about the bars. We used the Renova Spa, had an 80 min. massage, I recommend this for everyone. Overall great experience, enjoyable, relaxing with little to complain about."

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