Riu Dubai

I do not normally review so early in my stay, and I don't normally moan, but I had to, as this is not the usual Riu standards. Worse than Hilton standards, and that is pushing it. Secondly, this is not what you would expect in Dubai. It really is sad to see a dying horse die, and no one help it. If you want a very bulk standard all inclusive hotel where nothing else matters than drinking, you don't care about the food or quality, this is your hotel. It's really badly managed, ways to cut costs have been incorrectly done, and overall means a rating of 2 * (at minimum). And all - Please, this is not a reflection on the normal standards for a hotel in Dubai or of Riu standards. This hotel has jst lost it's way. I came here a year and a half ago, and the difference is scary from then and now. Whether it is a new VP/Hotel Manager, I don't know. It can be blamed on the comflicts in Iran, but I disagree. It's because it simply has been forgotten, miss-managed, and under the assumption people will keep coming. Why would they? The staff are amazing, which tends to be the saving grace for a failing hotel. But in this instance, this is not enough. God only knows what is going to happen when the Palace Dubai opens. But is there enough time to improve, drastically, I don't know. I arrived, all good. Checked in (although I didn't get the gold band) and went to my room. Cover missing of door lock, you could press with your finger and it opned, urine and tissue in the toilet, flaking paint and obvious damp issues. I went for a drink as I thought, no it is fine, think about it. But I couldn't shake it. Spoke to reception and they sorted me a new room really quickly and professionally. I asked why no gold band (as a gold member). Apparently they are not giving them out at the moment and the hotel does not recognise the difference in bands. Odd, as the Riu statement and brand says they appreciate and recognise loyalty for customers that keep booking with RIu. (more on that later). Room now OK. I went for dinner, but half the facilities are closed due to it being very quiet, mainly due to the conflicts. Which I get, I understand and it makes sense not to spend money on everything when you do not have the guests. BUT, you should offer a selection of food that covers your guests. Put it this way, I ordered KFC. Then you have Friday PM and the weekend and suddenly it gets manic, as the hotel gives access to UAE residents at a quarter the cost of what we would pay. So, we pay full price for half the facilities and offerings, but when the weekend comes..... Everything is open and offered, including their food choice. The weekend for me, was chicken nuggets, pizza, chips and salad (in the end kfc) as the rest was tailored for the locals. I have been here 2.5 days and I have spent loads on KFC! I think it is right that the locals are given preferential rates, as at the end of the day hotels are being built everywhere in their neighbourhood. BUT it has to be give and take. Thursday you go for a drink, we queue. Friday PM, it's manic and I feel sorry for the staff as they try and say queue but they are bombarded. Mainly with children, which is fine, but then the adults just stand at the bar (avoiding the queue) and shouting for drinks. There needs to be a clear queue guide for all. Oh and the gold band (Riu gold status), I spoke with 2 UAE residents that had been given gold bands as gold status and I saw another. So, obviously full paying guests don't get that. So overall. Would I stary here again, you guessed it....no. Would I stay with Riu, yes, but at another hotel. This hotel is losing it, big time, especially when you have so many hotels opening. But maybe it wants to be a 2 star hotel. I feel sorry for the staff as they give it everything, for what seems, a hotel management have no clue to what hospitality looks like. They deserve better. So too, do we, as guests. A big shame.

I’m very satisfied with my stay and services. Especially I’m glad for Ashna in restaurant, she provided perfect service and made my food experience much better than usual. I need to thank all hotel staff, you did great job with warm hospitality, good vibes, and cleanliness. Hope I will return soon

Friendly Staff from Reception Mr, Krishna and Arabic Miss from North Africa , also Staff from Restaurant and Room Cleaning , Clean Rooms , Nice Pools , Kids pool and Kids Activity , Average quality of Food , Nice cocktail Thanks to Manish from Pool Bar

We never expected, this hotel is amazing and truly value for money. The hotel room is comfortable 3 big swimming pool a waterpark and a beach all in one place, the food spread from breakfast to dinner was great conaidering this is an all inclusive hotel we thought food quality will be off but no, it was actually delicious and refills are constant. The drinks bar literally from morning till night. The wild party was awesome really had a good time and kids allowed too! They even prepare some decor for our anniversary. Highly recommended!

Good Stay Overall but Housekeeping Needs Improvement I had a good experience overall at the RIU Hotel. The facilities, food, and other areas were very nice and comfortable. However, I was disappointed with the housekeeping service. During my stay, the bathroom did not have shower gel or hair gel available. When I called reception to request the items, the Philippine staff member who answered spoke rudely, which made the experience unpleasant. I hope the hotel improves its housekeeping service and customer service at reception in the future.