Riu Gran Canaria

Having visited in Spring 2025 & being impressed we returned in September 2026. As a Riu Gold member there is normally some recognition of the fact. Here I was told the Class check in was the same and was ushered to a team member who advised, as we had been before we probably new the hotel better than him! We were then allocated a room which looked directly onto the back wall of the sports bar. I returned to reception and was moved to a room with a marginally better aspect and which was in a quiet area. The reception team are probably my biggest disappointment with an unhelpful almost dismissive approach to queries (totally different to the service I had received at Riu Madrid the week before). The room was cleaned daily by a very efficient maid who did a good job and was cheerful in her work. The rooms are functional and comfortable, rather than luxurious,with a well stocked mini fridge and TV with limited UK channels. The hotel is large with extensive well maintained grounds. There are a number of pools including an adult only infinity pool where we chose to spend our days. Sunbed reservations were being made at unreasonable times in this area - we noticed one German visitor putting down towels just after 10pm for the following morning and, as I was up early, there were always the same towels out on certain beds by 6:30am. There were still areas available, but the prime spots were always taken. There are also other pools, including a quieter one down from the gym and a bed would always be available, with no bad locations. There are multiple bars which open throughout the day. The Sunset bar by the adult pool is good during the day with musicians playing most afternoons including a talented guitar and violin duo. There is never a long wait at the bars. Service is quick and efficient with a decent range of drinks and limited cocktails. The main restaurant has a large covered outside area which we chose to use. The breakfast range is extensive and regularly replenished. The Italian restaurant also serves breakfast and we found this a quieter, more relaxed spot, although the range isn't quite as extensive. For lunch the seafront Atlantic restaurant is popular. This has extensive salad and cold buffet and a range of hot dishes. I did notice that there were a lot of pork main dishes this time which is not my personal favourite. If by the pools this is a good choice as the views are excellent. The main restaurant also opens for lunch and this has an excellent choice and probably better quality than Atlantico. Drinks are self service either beer and wine on tap. Wine is easy drinking rather than vintage. There is also a great coffee bar near reception open throughout the day which serves batista coffees and snacks and Pepes by the main pool which is burgers and fast food (looked OK but didn't eat here). There are 4 a la cartes. The Italian and Asian restaurants are buffets with wine served from the bottle at the table. The Italian has a great starter selection and varied mains such as lamb chops as well as pizzas which are higher quality than in the standard buffet. We weren't impressed with the Asian buffet last time, but it was much better this time. It does seem here that with two settings at fixed times that there is then a bit of a stampede to get to the buffet to get as much as you can and rush the meal. Items are restocked and the chefs make fresh stir fries in front of you so there is no need to rush. The Atlantico doubles as a steakhouse on a night. A very limited full service menu, but excellent steaks and of course the sea view. Kulinarium is the more gourmet of the restaurants and has the ambiance and decor of a good restaurant. This has a limited fixed menu so could be repetitive with repeat visits (unchanged menu from last year). We don't bother too much with the entertainment, but The Dukes band who play on a Sunday are clearly skilled musicians who are well received. I used the gym a number of times and whilst relatively small it is fine for a hotel gym and I could always use whatever equipment I needed. The location is excellent with shops, bars and restaurants along the promenade, with the lighthouse and sand dunes as you get to Maspalomas. We actually didn't venture out too often as there are enough bars, restaurants, seating areas and thing to do on site. So, another good visit to this hotel. The hotel is well maintained, spacious, in a great location and with good bars and restaurants. We don't often return to venues, and after 2 visits in 2 years will probably look elsewhere next time, but hope to return in the future.

We had a great first day at the pool, lots of families having fun. As others had inflatables, we bought some for our children too, then today we had lifeguards who have spent the day telling families they cannot use balls and inflatables in either of the two main pools. Even though we could yesterday. Even when completely empty of people. They direct you to a small pool that has limited seating and shaded areas around it, so not great for families. There is a separate adult pool.

The pool is not allowing toys it is just dull and boring!!!

A Fantastic Stay at the RIU Gran Canaria – With a Couple of Disappointments Overall, we had a great stay at the RIU Gran Canaria and thoroughly enjoyed our time at the hotel. The facilities, atmosphere and overall experience made for a really enjoyable holiday, and there is plenty to praise about the resort. However, there were two issues that I feel are worth highlighting, as they slightly took the shine off what was otherwise a very positive experience. The first was the handling of a friend who wanted to visit me briefly for a coffee. I was disappointed to be refused permission for a friend to visit, even for something as simple as a coffee. What made the situation particularly frustrating was the attitude of the security guard at the entrance, who was unnecessarily rude, followed by a reception team who were unhelpful and showed little willingness to find a reasonable solution. The impression I was left with was that I was asking for something completely unreasonable, rather than a simple, short visit from a friend. I fully appreciate that hotels need policies and security procedures, but the way a policy is communicated and the way guests are treated makes all the difference. A little courtesy, flexibility and customer service would have gone a long way. The second issue was an ant problem in the bathroom. While I appreciate that this can sometimes happen in warmer climates, it was disappointing to encounter this in a hotel of this standard and something that should be addressed by the housekeeping and maintenance teams. Despite these two issues, I want to stress that we had a genuinely great stay overall. The hotel has a lot going for it, and I would not want these points to overshadow the many positives of the experience. With a little more attention to customer service at the entrance and reception, alongside better pest control, the RIU Gran Canaria could deliver an even better experience. Overall, a very enjoyable stay, but a reminder that excellent facilities need to be matched by excellent customer service.

A typical riu resort. Clean, good food, good facilities. Good location. Nothing to complain about.