Oftentimes, elite clubs are uber-private, closed to the public and reserved only for those who, in near-blind faith, pay for access into them. But in a rare glimpse, RIU Hotels & Resorts is offering ALGV TravelBlogue a peek at their all new Elite Club by RIU concept now available at select adults-only Riu Palace hotels in Aruba, Mexico, Punta Cana, and Jamaica.
IYKYK, but if you don’t, we’re breaking the gates wide open with some of the greatest highlights of Elite Club.
The Concept: Elite Club by RIU
As you may have guessed, it’s designed for fans of the RIU brand and its host of signature features (in-room liquor dispenser, anyone?) who are ready to elevate their stay. It’s also for those who want a fantastic all-inclusive experience that’s a step above the expected.
At its core, Elite Club is a new premium room category offering upgraded amenities and services, available only in select locations at this time. However, due to demand, fanfare, and rave reviews, that list is growing.
Check Out This Check-In
While some think your vacation begins as soon as you get to your room, the truth is, it can and should begin as early as check-in. Elite Club services include a dedicated check-in area, which means that your VIP experience kicks off when you walk in. No waiting on a long line with your bags in a lobby of people checking in and out – instead, you’ll be whisked away to your own expedited service line on a red carpet behind a velvet rope. Plus, with an automatic early check-in based on availability, it becomes easy to get right into vacay mode.
Room for Special Treatment
The rooms are, of course, one of the biggest arguments toward upgrading to this exclusive category. They’re located in the best locations on the resort, which means convenience, views, and access. It can also mean more space, depending on the room subcategory and property.
Just as “big” as that perk are the in-room amenities. Elite Club guests also get a welcome gift and bottle of wine upon arrival, but the upgraded in-room liquor dispenser with premium brands, upgraded minibar with snacks, upgraded room service menu, and in-room aromatherapy are for the length of their stay. And when they’re ready to leave and return home (or not so ready, after having been so spoiled!), they get a confirmed late check-out of 1 PM.
Up in the Club
The benefits of Elite Club started at the front desk but they don’t just end with their personal accommodations. Once the vacation begins in earnest, the perks just keep on coming.
Wearing an Elite Club wristband means entry to the Elite Club Lounge at the locations that boast one. But even more importantly, it means premium service and access for what you’re visiting the RIU resort for: pool and beach time. At both bodies of water, Elite Club guests will find themselves able to opt to remain in an exclusive area (where available) for this category of visitor only.
Dine in Style
Elite Club members wine in style with that complimentary bottle in their rooms, but they also dine with privilege. Everywhere there is an Elite Club category is also an à la carte dinner restaurant and breakfast option just for them. But of course, RIU Hotels & Resorts knows that guests are there to experience all of the global dining options at the resort, which is why Elite Club vacationers also are able to make dinner reservations through the Riu app and view à la carte menu options to ensure they don’t miss out on a thing. Better yet, they can browse through it all while sipping on premium-label drinks at the bars that offer them – a beverage upgrade complimentary to this group of travelers.
Okay, So Where Are These Elite Clubs?
Convinced? Then it’s time to start looking … and booking!
Elite Club by RIU is now available at the recently opened Riu Palace Kukulkan in Cancun and Riu Palace Macao in Dominican Republic, a recently reopened property that’s now better than ever with the renovation it completed in September. This winter, Riu Palace Pacifico in Mexico similarly reveals Elite Club along with renovations planned for early December completion, and Riu Palace Baja California and Riu Palace Jamaica join the Elite Club ranks before 2023 ends.
Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba is expected to launch this offering winter of 2024 or early 2025, and we’ll be waiting with bated breath. But until then, that gives us all plenty of time to enjoy the spoils of the Elite Clubs in Mexico and soon, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Want a deeper dive into a specific Elite Club property? Check out this overview of Riu Palace Kukulkan's Elite Club!
