Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas - Adults Only

As 5 star hotels go, there could have been so much more done to make it exceptional. The location is great, pools a bit crowded. Rooms are lovely. Food options limited and pretty much very same in the buffet restaurant. Krystal menu was a winner and we dined here 3 times over the time spent in Riu. The Oasis menu was disappointing. House keeping kept the score high. All hotel staff very nice. If you’re looking to spend time at pool and not looking for much more then this is the place to be. I just missed the “extra” touch I normally get from a 5 star hotel.

The breakfast and dinner buffets were incredible - we couldn't understand how reviews could say otherwise. There was always so much choice, something different every day and there were chefs at each station so always plenty and hot. Well catered for all food preferences and each food had vegan/vegetarian and allergen markers. Waiters were incredibly friendly and professional and they do remember you. Even when I had noticed other guests being rude or having no manners, the staff made no notice and remained professional. You can barely tell but FYI they will be mad if you sit on a 4-seater table as a party of 2! (you'll have to observe a few times to notice). Sometimes it wasn't really clear what to do at meal times but you do just go and sit down (outside is much nicer) and someone will immediately (and I mean immediately) come over and ask if you want coffee at breakfast or drinks at dinner. You have to ask specifically for a pot of tea for breakfast. There are oat/soy milks by the yoghurts so you can get a glass of that and bring it to your table with your tea/coffee. Dinner drinks you have to pay for but not that expensive, around 3.50 for a Coke/fanta limon so on par with any other restaurant. Sometimes it wasn't clear if you were expected to get 1 plate of food or several.. we always got seconds/tried other bits and they won't stop you it just depends on how judged you feel! Pools were crystal clear and you get pool towels from the towel station. There is a shop just across the road that has tonnes of essentials including a charger because I forgot mine.

Hotel was perfect for a holiday break. Food was really good and pools were awesome. I will definitely return. Location next to dunes was amazing. Two notes- I did not mind the walk to the beach- but it is a good 20-30 minutes depending. But its not beach front hotel if that is what you are looking for. But being in front of the dunes is amazing. As there is no parking I did not rent a car- which worked out fine- but I did notice there seemed to be plenty of available street parking as well as a public lot fairly close. Next time I will probably rent a car.

Staff were excellent, always smiling and friendly

One of the best aspects of the hotel is its staff. All of the staff, without exception, were very friendly and exceedingly helpful. The location is ideal, with spectacular views over the dunes, and a great place for walking in the dunes and by the sea. The pool is a great size, big enough for swimming. The food was very good, particularly the Krystal restaurant. The room and the bathroom were a good size and the bed very comfortable.