The following is David's professional opinion from a recent hotel inspection

Ambiance-This is the resort I normally stay at when I am in Cancun conducting hotel inspections. I love the location for it is close to the Convention center, nightlife and a short taxi ride into downtown Cancun. Attracts a good mix of Americans and Europeans.

Beach-A small beach but along the best stretch of calm swim able water on Cancun island. No worries about the water being too rough.

Charges (extra) - Spa services and Internet access would be extra.

Distances- A perfect location on the northern tip of Cancun just as you start heading towards downtown Cancun. You are walking distance to shops, nightlife and most everything.

Entertainment on Property -Varied entertainment and activities during the day and evening. They have a different show each night in the theatre.

Fitness Area - An adequate fitness area with machines and treadmills.

Food- 5 restaurants on the property with 2 specialty restaurants serving Asian and Brazilian cuisine. The main buffet does a good job especially when seafood is featured.

Getting Around- Very easy to walk around or catch a taxi. The bus system is excellent and very inexpensive. I normally will take the bus unless I am running behind for an appointment.

Internet Access -There is an hourly charge for internet access from the sports bar. I always thought it was unusual to be getting online at the sports bar but it sure makes me happier when I am working!

Jackets and Ties- Keep them at home, but bring slacks and polo shirt for dinner in the Specialty restaurants.

Kids- There are children's programs that include pool and beach games, arts and crafts and talent shows.

Little Known Fact-The resort is family owned based in Mallorca Spain. They started as a small operation back in the 1950s and are still family owned and run.

Medical Services-On call medical services.

Negatives- The one negative I have with all the Riu Resorts and for most people it is not a big deal is the double beds in all of the rooms are usually inches apart so even though it is two beds you might feel everyone is sleeping in one big bed. For the European clientele, this is not a big deal but for the American market it may or may not be a big deal.

Nightlife- Not only are there shows each night at the resort, they have their own disco and you are right in the heart of the major nightlife in Cancun.

Opportunities-If you want a larger room, take advantage of their Junior suites.

Pool-3 pools of which two are infinity pools and one has a swim up bar. I have found myself many a time at the infinity pool just gazing out over the ocean, When I am not working of course!

Protection-There are in room safes.

Recreation-Tennis, volleyball, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking .....should I go on?

Rooms-The standard rooms are pretty typical of all the Rui's and nice with most if not all being ocean view rooms. The Junior Suites are larger, about 100 square feet more with nice little sitting area.

Shopping-Small gift shop on property but plenty, and I mean plenty of shopping in Cancun.

Terrain-A pretty self contained high rise resort. Very nice grounds along the back.

Tipping-Not required but as with any service industry, if your bartender, room service attendant or concierge really shines, they will appreciate the small gratuity since most people will not be tipping anyway.

Updates-This property is very well protected from the trade winds so suffers very little if no damage when storms come through.

View-Most of the rooms will have a an ocean view and they are excellent views.

Weather-December through May are the driest months. September through November are the wettest months

WOW Factor-A little oasis, this resort impresses from the minute you walk into the lobby.

X-Y-Z-I think one of the best values when it comes to price, location and amenities. I guess this is why I stay here so much.