BookIt.com Verified Traveler Teresa Ramos from Carlsbad, California

"Fisrt and last time I stay at Hotel RIU EMERALD BAY. I had a really bad experience, the place was totally packed with very low income people, obviously not education or politeness at all, the will step on you any time without consideration, smock in your face, pee in the pools, I have no idea how they were able to pay to stay there, I have the feeling that a politician give them the vacation for their vote, very common I n Mexico. the hotel only have 6 elevators and they were not enough for that huge full place, people will push you in and step on you to get in since they wait forever to get the elevator down or up also they don't have a good coordination to check out, it was totally unpleasant, generally speaking it was a very bad experience."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Michael Timlin from Grove City, Ohio

"Would not recommend this resort during the off season, they offer a geat deal to the locals. This caused a HUGE crowd,(21 buses at once) elevators were very slow and packed. We have been to the RIU in PV, Mexico and had a great time talking to other visitors from Canada and the US, we were unable to talk to anyone. The buses came in before check in so there were people in their clothes swimming,they should offer them a place to change.Staff was wonderful!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler RANULFO from DUPONT, WA

"WE LOVE IT WE WILL GO AGAIN EVERY THING YOU PROMES WE RECIVED THANK YOU"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Shawn from Commerce, Mi

"This is my third trip to this chain resort and I was very unhappy with the overall stay. Only one resturant (Tabasco) was opened as a sit down dinner and we could only get into it one night. The other so called sit down resturants were all buffets. I've traveled many times to mexico and never once have experienced sickness, however, this trip my two children were ill for the majority of our stay. This was because they only had one main resturant open for the all the people. Plus, it was filled with all the locals from Durango so I was disappointed that I spent over $250 a night ,knowing that the locals did not spend as much. Plus, the staff waited around all the time for tips. I don't mind tipping, but I want to do it on my own terms. We ate three times off the campus because the food was all the exact same every day and night. I scheduled a spa appointment and it was awesome, the spa lacked any personality or attention to detail. I will not be staying at this Resort anytime in the near future. "

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Sharon/ben from Winnipeg, Manitoba

"Overall trip was great -the hotel was well kept, rooms very clean and the ocean view was fantanstic. The food was good -could have a bit more variety as the days go by it felt like you were eating the same things.Coffee was very watered down. An abundance of fresh fruits and veg was available. The staff were great -worked very hard and gave good service whether you tip or not. The grounds were well kept with the exception of lots of bird poop on the lounge chairs but that may contribute to the fact that food was left around the area by the pool -it was allowed to bring food out of restaurant. Lots of locals but it was very interesting to watch the children and the family dynamics -they were very friendly -a bit noisy but tolerable. Could do with huts on the outside of the swimming pools close to the beach -palm trees but too hot when you are directly in the open. Evening shows were 'hit and missed' the Michael Jackson show was well done. Overall a very nice stay -would go again."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Janet from California

"Having stayed at this location multiple times, I obviously believe the resort does an excellent job making sure you have a great holiday. The Staff at all levels are accessible, efficient and friendly. The cleaning staff is amazing. Staying 7 nights at this all inclusive resort costs less than a long weekend in San Francisco! The value is excellent. Now, for the food...I am always shocked when I see reviews that complain about the food. If you can't find something you like when there is such a wide variety to choose from, then you just are not trying. The buffet restaurants have staff that will cook what you want, how you want it. Learn a little Spanish so you can say you want a plain small omelete or plain fish with no breading. Take small amounts of a wide variety and if you like something, go back for more. At the specialty restaurants, we actually ask for additional appetizers with the soup or salad and skip the main entree and dessert. You can also share the main entree since they do serve a huge amount of food. What I am trying to say is that if you ask, based on my experience, you will receive!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Catherine Wood from Sacramento, CA

"Just returned from my 4th trip to RIU Emerald Bay. As always, it was great. The resort is very clean - they clean all day and I think all night. Erika Rangel was extremely helpful and always around to offer assistance. Most of the service staff were like old friends. They take to heart the concept of 'service first'! The Desayuno restaurant has everything anyone could want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also ate at the Tobasco twice (the stuffed peppers and the tortilla soup are to die for), the Las Gaviotas steak house once, and the Las Gaviotas Italian once. Everything was delicious! Our rooms were cleaned and lovely momentos were left every day. Thank you to Housekeeping! Even our porter was great - he looked out for us and helped in many ways. All in all, a great place to relax and be pampered!!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Paula Greer from Portland, Oregon

"Hotel Riu Emerald Bay is one of the newer hotels in Mazatlan. The hotel support staff was very friendly. It was a bit frustrating the first day figuring out which of the restaurants was open for breakfast/lunch/dinner as the breakfast restaurant was not open for lunch and the lunch restaurant was not open for dinner. Three of the restaurants are buffet style only. Buffet food was okay but not great. Forget the Sports Bar. It was the only area open 24 hours. Service there was terrible and the food was worse. The upside of the Riu is that it is close to the beach so if you didn't want to hang out at the pool, you could walk along the beach or play in the ocean. The downside of the Riu is that it is at the far north end of the area and is too far to walk into the city for alternative dining or entertainment options."

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"I have stayed at another Riu and in comparison, this one isn't as nice. HOWEVER, it is worth the money. The staff is very friendly. During the weekdays, they were indeed understaffed, but always still friendly. This is much the 'party' resort. I previously stayed at the Riu Sante Fe which was a little more kid friendly as far as the kids could swim in the swim up bars. There is only one swim up bar at Emerald Bay and it is the only bar opened during the weekdays for the entire resort. That was no bueno - when everyone wants drinks. I met a lot of fun people and my kids had a fantastic time though. As far as the restaurants - the buffet was my favorite. I agree with the other reviews that the specialized restaurants were not as good. The entertainment was fabulous though. IF YOU ARE TAKING KIDS, this is the route to go. Good value for your money. :)"

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"i was on vacation i enjoyed to see diferent people's behavior i never rush to get to any of the activities not even to get in to the elevator.or go to the restaurants.i took it easy.i went with my family, i went to have a good time, my wife my kids and i had the best time ever.we are going back by april of 2013."

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"excelent place to vacation all Family"

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"The Good- the staff, the room,the cleanliness, the Bamboo restaurant,two of the dance shows, the Christmas dinner!
The Bad-The drunks around the pool bar (many underage kids were getting their drinks from older friends) ,the people- in the restaurants at night in flip-flops, shorts and tank tops!, unheated pools and jacuzzis,THE WHITE WINE WAS HORRIBLE!, the meat, pork, chicken,fish etc. were all deep fried/breaded and low quality. They need a free shuttle to take you into town.Beds too hard they need pillow tops.
I would go back to an ADULT ONLY Riu, if that exists-otherwise, there are other chains of all inclusive resorts that are better- especially the Palace chain in Mexico-that was a 5*- This was a 3 1/2*. I did get a good tan and relaxed!"

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"Overall, the room was excellent and everything I would expect from a Riu. But for some reason, the staff (particularly the bar staff) were not friendly at all--they rarely smiled. I would definitely go back to Mazatlan--the weather was amazing. But I don't think I would go back to this Riu based on the bar staff."

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"Our stay at the Riu was awesome. What a beautiful resort, nice clean rooms, gorgeous beach and great staff. Ask for a couple extra pillows, they're a little flat. Its busy on the weekends, but if you try to eat early you can avoid the crowd. I would definitely go back to this one!"

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"My best vacation, staff very friendly."

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"Everything was great except for the mattress (very hard) & the pillows (super flat). Otherwise, excellent! Great seafood restaurant at the end of the beach!
Isaac is your man at the RIU for anything! "

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