Riu Papayas

Never stayed in a RIU hotel or heard of them what a great time we had everything was slick clean and the staff always happy to help will look out for RIU hotel for next holiday food and drinks excellent Thanks

We came with via TUI as a package holiday at the end of September. A bit risky as we weren’t sure on the weather. A few days it was 26 degrees but it felt so much hotter. I am used to high 30s low 40s and this was more than fine for me. The days where it hit 30 it was truly the case of staying in the pool all day. I think being closer to the equator just makes the heat feel different. Our second night there was a white party at Riu grand Canaria where guests from various hotels were invited. The party was an absolute blast but what it did was spoil our hotel for us because that hotel was incredible and we realised after it was very similar price to the papayas. We also realised it would have been the same to book directly with the hotel and book our flights separately. Hotel wise we are happy. Big pool, food changes daily and while in our opinion the food did get a bit boring after five days that’s just probably our taste. One night they had no grilled chicken but had duck and pork. We don’t like either but based on the queue I think other guests appreciated the change. So food and variety I would give it an 8/10. The Spanish restaurant is good but nothing amazing but the Asian restaurant is outstanding. We thought we could only pick one but you can dine at both. There is food at all times. Between lunch and dinner there is a chef by the pool cooking burgers and hot dogs and other bits. Late at night they put a selection of meats by the bar outside. We got back from the white party at about 2am and there was food for us to have. Rooms are very clean and spacious. Showers are amazing with really good pressure. The cleaners do an amazing job. Activities wise it was a bit boring. Some aqua gym, some other games during the day, archery etc. To be honest not sure what else they could add that would have actually enticed us so not a con maybe it’s just us. Location wise there is enough around but personally we found it weird. Bars inside shopping centres. So you can get drunk and then go and do some shopping. We rented a scooter to go around the island one day for £65. Absolutely worth it I would recommend this hotel again but only if booked directly however, I think the riu grand canaria for the price difference is better and in a much nicer location. Probably wouldn’t visit this island again, felt Tenerife and fuerteventura were nicer but again that’s our preference. Although we weren’t fans of the island the hotel and the staff made this holiday great.

Just returned from a lovely week's stay at the Riu Papayas all inclusive. Generally the hotel is worth visiting but for me no barista made coffee machine was very disappointing especially as I mainly drink decaf and all that is provided is instant sachets which taste terrible and cheap. I think for the money paid and the fact that this is a 4 star hotel there should be a bar that has a 'proper' barista coffee machine and not just the option of what I call lazy one button machines or sachets. The cocktails are poor and not freshly made. Food was good but the night in the hotel Spanish restaurant was disappointing and steak with mash is not what I would call a typical Spanish meal. I also had to return my first steak that arrived as I asked for medium rare but this was more like Blue and very fatty. No nuts provided at breakfast (walnuts or almonds) which I usually have with yogurt and fruit. We were in room 621 and there was an awful smell of urine everyday coming up from the shower drain. Entertainment team are very good and include you in the games and activities.

Evening entertainment was very poor. Animation Team very good especially Danny who done aqua gym he was so funny. Drinks are poor quality, no branded alcohol. Restaurant okay breakfast was best.

Lovely hotel and staff but let down badly by the entertainment on an evening. Entertainment very basic and only on for 45minutes ish every evening and then the entertainment area closes with no background music or DJ creating a flat atmosphere.