We stayed at the RIF for a few days for our anniversary trip. Starting with the good — this hotel is stunning and beautifully maintained. The food was honestly some of the best resort food I’ve had in a long while. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of the floating market and several local attractions, which was a big plus.
Now for the not-so-great parts… this place was so boring. I’ve never been to a resort that lacked energy and vibes like this one. It honestly felt more like a quiet retreat than a fun vacation spot. The crowd skewed older — mostly retirees and families with young kids — so I can see how that atmosphere might appeal to them, but if you’re looking for a lively, social scene, this isn’t it.
It was also surprisingly difficult to get restaurant reservations due to their overly strict policies. One night we had to leave the resort entirely just to find dinner, and another night we only lucked out because the BBQ restaurant had a last-minute cancellation. Service could definitely improve — I requested a minibar restock for two days before it finally happened on the third, and calling the front desk was almost impossible (we got a busy signal most times). Also, a $15 room service fee felt excessive.
Overall, it’s a beautiful property with great food if you can get in to eat, but beyond that, it lacks the fun, energy, and service level I’d expect from a resort at this price point.