Resort chains · Head-to-head
Excellence vs RIU
Excellence and RIU, side by side: every number below comes straight from our catalog. Real guest ratings, our category scores, and the honest included-vs-extra research behind each resort.
By the numbers
| Excellence | Measure | RIU |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Resorts in our catalog | 25 |
| ★ 4.9 (better) | Average guest rating | ★ 4.4 |
| 130,062 | Guest reviews analyzed | 131,282 |
| $152–$371/night pp | Nightly rates | $75–$390/night pp |
| 6 of 7 | Adults-only resorts | 7 of 25 |
| 7 of 7 (better) | Five-star resorts | 20 of 25 |
| Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico | Where | Aruba, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania |
| 8.8/10 (better) | Overall score | 8.3/10 |
| 8.5/10 (better) | Beach score | 8.4/10 |
| 8.3/10 (better) | Food score | 7.9/10 |
| 8.7/10 (better) | Service score | 8.2/10 |
| 8.7/10 (better) | Rooms score | 8.0/10 |
| 8.8/10 (better) | Pools score | 8.5/10 |
| 8.3/10 (better) | Value score | 8.1/10 |
| 9.0/10 (better) | Romance score | 8.0/10 |
| 9.3/10 (better) | Family score | 8.4/10 |
| 7.3/10 | Nightlife score | 8.1/10 (better) |
| 8.5/10 (better) | Wellness score | 7.8/10 |
Chain averages across the resorts in our catalog. Individual properties vary, so tap into each ranking before you book.
The properties to shortlist
Want it property-level? Put Excellence Playa Mujeres and Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas head-to-head, or open any two resorts in our resort comparator.
Not these two?
Square up two other chains
More head-to-heads
Sandals vs BeachesSandals vs ExcellenceSandals vs ZoëtrySandals vs SecretsSandals vs Couples ResortsExcellence vs SecretsZoëtry vs SecretsDreams vs BeachesRIU vs IberostarBarceló vs Bahia PrincipeDreams vs SecretsRIU vs BarcelóGrand Palladium vs Bahia PrincipeHyatt Ziva vs ZilaraSecrets vs BreathlessIkos vs Club MedIberostar vs BarcelóRIU vs Bahia PrincipeSandals vs RIUSandals vs Club MedExcellence vs BreathlessDreams vs Hyatt Ziva