PALMA DE MALLORCA — RIU Hotels & Resorts has invested US$12 million in modernizing its Riu Palace Las Americas as part of the chain’s strategic plan of renovating all its hotels to enhance the quality of its offering.

The hotel is now the chain’s first in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera reserved exclusively for guests over the age of 18.

Built in 2004 on Playa de Cancun, the resort maintains many of its signature elements – including towering columns, crystal lamps and marble paneling – but with a new fresh and contemporary style in its 372 rooms common zones, lobby and restaurant, says RIU.

New perks include a welcome glass of champagne, concierge service, a bathrobe, and special wine lists and romantic dinners on the beach (for an additional charge). Guests also get free WiFi throughout the hotel, including the swimming pool and the beach zone, and premium liquors at all bars and in the dispensers in the rooms.

In the lobby, a new zone called Capuchino offers pastries and ice cream. The Lounge 24 bar has snacks and beverages at night. The buffet restaurant area and terrace have been expanded, plus the swimming pools and garden areas have been renovated.

“Once reopened, RIU hopes to surprise its loyal customers with a Riu Palace Las Americas that seems more like a brand new hotel than a renovated one,” says the company.

Founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953, RIU Hotels & Resorts now has more than 100 hotels in 18 countries welcoming over four million guests a year.