Riu Palace Meloneras

Spent 2 weeks in this fabulous hotel, everything is so well thought out from the hotel interior to the grounds and pool area that feel so spacious and clean. The staff are amazing and so helpful. Fantastic choice of high quality food considering the main restaurant is buffet style with so much being cooked fresh at multiple stations. Good labelling to help with gluten free options too. The hotel vibe is chilled, lovely atmosphere in the bars from early evening with a pianist and then artists in the main stage with indoor and outdoor seating. If you like a more lively night the Riu Party night is a must, you can book at reception snd is held in the Riu Gran Canaria next door on a Friday night. 3+ hours of music and dancing, make sure you wear comfy shoes to dance the night away. The free bar is also included. They alternate between Neon or White theme but it isn't compulsory although most people had organised their outfits in advance. We did both nights and absolutely loved them. The resort is brilliant with a mix of beach bats and more up market bars with entertainment. Wonderful sunsets every night as you stroll along the promenade. We will absolutely boom this hotel again it was one if my favourite holidays.

The reviews on TA are overstated. For context: we are used to staying at Intercontinental, Marriott, Hyatt, Shangri-La, Four Seasons and sailing Celebrity Cruises, so we know what a true 5-star experience looks like. This is not it. After the raving reviews, we expected a raving experience. Pros: Staff: Most staff members clearly enjoy their work and are friendly and eager to help - compliments to the individuals, Staff scores a 10 out of 10. Pools: The pools are nice, some with an amazing view. Every two sun loungers share an umbrella. Cons: This places feels like a factory, not a hotel: The priority is squeezing in as many guests as possible in the property, not the individual guest. We did not enjoy the huge crowds, sun lounger wars etc. More details below: Privacy: Staff knock and immediately open the door - they are inside your room before you can even answer. A knock should be a question, not an announcement. In a 5-star hotel, staff wait for a response. Here, you cannot count on being undisturbed in your own room. Beach: There is none. The nearest option is a public beach, a 10-15 minute walk away. Do not book this hotel expecting a beach holiday. Food: Cooking for this many guests is logistically impressive, and the variety is reasonable - but mass catering at this hotel comes at the cost of taste. The seasoning is consistently bland (breakfast and dinner). Lunch was outright bad - fortunately there are many alternatives near the hotel. Hygiene: Hand sanitizing before entering the buffets should be mandatory, as it is on cruise ships. The utensils are often dirty, which is simply a health hazard. They don't seem to care. Gym: Small and incomplete - the heaviest dumbbell is 10 kg. Rooms: Reasonably maintained at first glance, but look closer and you see a tired, aging hotel: mold in the shower, mattresses overdue for replacement. Pool area details: Missing tiles, lots of people block their seats early in the morning, all sun loungers are plastic. Verdict: Do not expect anything that will amaze you. This is a well-oiled machine for processing tourists - not a 5-star hotel.

Repeat guests at this fabulous hotel - sixth visit and always pay extra to have seaview room at front of hotel grounds / the views are stunning and the area benefits from a beautiful adult only pool - terrific service from Pier around the pool and manolo in the magnolia restaurant! The food is consistently outstanding and no problems at all getting tables at any time we went for meals. Reception staff extremely helpful - cannot fault this hotel - we’ll return 😁😁😁

Nice hotel with excellent food

Just returned from this fantastic hotel..11 nights holiday..Simply The Best. Excellent Customer service..All staff are amazing their main priority is you having a great holiday..nothing is too much trouble. Rooms spacious and cleaned to a very high standard. Gardens, pools and grounds well maintained. Food is the best. Melonares is a great resort and suitable for everyone.. A Big Thank you to everyone..too many to mention. you simply the best. Especially Martin always smiling,happy and helpful..You are Mr Riu palace melonares..don't ever change Martin. See you next year Pauline and David