Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu Palace MaldivasPlaya Azul Cozumel Hotel
Overall
8.9
8.2
Beach
8.9
8.6
Food
8.8
7.8
Service
9.0
8.7
Rooms
8.7
7.8
Value
8.8
7.8
Romance
8.7
—
Scores out of 10 — higher is better
Quick Stats
8.9
Overall Score
8.2
5-star
Star Rating
4-star
4.7 (1,161)
Google Rating
4.4 (1,020)
From $272
Price / Night (pp)
Rates TBD
No
Adults Only
No
Yes
Kids' Club
—
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
60 min
Airport Transfer
7 min
All Scores
8.9
Beach
8.6
8.8
Food
7.8
9.0
Service
8.7
8.7
Rooms
7.8
8.4
Pools
—
8.8
Value
7.8
8.3
Family
7.2
8.7
Romance
—
7.9
Nightlife
—
—
Adventure
9.0
Vibes
Yes
Romance
—
Yes
Lively
—
—
Adventure
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
—
Yes
Kids
Yes
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Playa Azul Cozumel Hotel
- 2 pools
- 2 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 7 min from CZM
Pros — Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- Strong guest ratings across TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com.
- 24-hour all-inclusive model is straightforward and value-oriented for the Maldives.
- Modern rooms, including overwater suite categories.
- Guests repeatedly praise food, cleanliness, and friendly staff.
- Access to neighboring RIU Atoll adds activity and dining flexibility.
Pros — Playa Azul Cozumel Hotel
- Small beachfront setting
- Good shore snorkeling
- Strong service reputation
- Free Wi-Fi and parking
- Optional all-inclusive evidence
Cons — Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- The modern built environment may feel less natural or boutique than older-style Maldives islands.
- Transfer logistics and inclusions need careful verification.
- Some activities are located on or shared with the RIU Atoll side.
- Not ideal for travelers seeking an ultra-secluded, high-design luxury resort.
Cons — Playa Azul Cozumel Hotel
- All-inclusive plan needs manual confirmation
- No verified kids club
- Small beach
- Rooms may feel dated