Riu Costa del Sol

We are a British couple , who are residents in Spain , we frequent the hotel which we love , our only concern with positive feed back is pepe's food bar , we only came home from hotel this morning back to our home in benalmadena , we were guests at the hotel in June this year , and then again this wknd , pepe's food bar which I relate to behind sherry's bar this time with respect the standard of good was very poor , food not warm enough by miles , burger could be more well done as in bbq style , one customer I heard wanted one cooked from fresh , the chicken 🍗 drumsticks were like 6 at a time , and not cooked enough to the bone they were red , chips were damp not crispy , and tasted of oil , sometimes the food bar was unattended , we brought our own plastic forks and knifes , as I was told no forks or knifes, so choice of food is eaten by hand , we frequent the riu paraiso hotel in Lanzarote , where all above said is no problem , and the food bars are amazing , very hot food , knifes , forks , napkins , I am returning to the riu Costa del sol , twice in December as you can see by your records and information , would also be nice to have pizza and choice of toastie's at the food bars , kindest regards Mr Kevin McKay

My partner and I have stayed at many Riu hotels worldwide over the years. Although I understand the distinctions between Riu, Club Riu and Riu Palace properties, the gap in standards at this hotel was surprisingly wide. It was not all bad, so I will begin with the positives. Check-in was quick, although there was no porter; staff did, however, take our bags to the room, which was helpful because my partner and I are both disabled. Our room was fantastic: we had booked a junior suite with a full sea view, and that was exactly what we received. I was disappointed, though, to find only one bottle of water in the fridge. Even the more basic Riu hotels we have visited usually provide something extra, such as soft drinks or a welcome drink. The hotel was impeccably clean from reception to the rooms, with all areas spotless and cleaned constantly. The bar staff were excellent, serving the correct drinks promptly, with no long waits or queues. The pool areas were similarly uncrowded, and there was no real shortage of sun loungers, despite seeing guests place towels on them at 5 a.m. from our balcony. Of the three main pools, the largest hosted games and loud music throughout the day, which seemed unusual given that most guests appeared to be in their mid-to-late sixties. The other two were designated quiet pools, although this was not always enforced; one day, guests played volleyball in one without staff intervening. The in-house entertainment was excellent. Although a couple of shows were not to our taste, they were perfectly adequate. The highlights were The Lion King and the Broadway and West End show, both performed and choreographed by the in-house team, who also created the costumes. They were outstanding, and I would happily have paid to see them. We were disappointed on the final Saturday, however, when an external duo we had been looking forward to did not appear. The evening became karaoke instead, with no explanation. My main concerns were the restaurant and the food. As a disabled traveller, I had arranged for a mobility scooter from an external company. Each time I entered the main restaurant, I used it to collect my food, parked it discreetly and walked the remaining 10 to 15 feet to our table with a stick. On our first evening, I realised I had forgotten a spoon and politely asked a member of staff for one. The response was abrupt: “It’s a buffet—help yourself.” This was surprising because we were seated in the clearly marked disabled section. Drinks were also self-service, which would have been acceptable if applied consistently; however, staff regularly served wine and water to Spanish guests. The food itself was bland and tasteless. I am not a fussy eater and, having travelled widely, will try almost anything once. Yet basic staples such as rice and pasta were repeatedly overcooked, watery and lacking flavour, and on some days they seemed to be the only options. It became a standing joke with my partner that lunch was always pasta and rice; had I wanted a celebrity-jungle diet, I would have applied for the show. In conclusion, would we stay at a Riu hotel again? Yes—we have enjoyed many fantastic holidays at Riu properties worldwide. However, based on this experience, we would not return to a Club Riu or standard Riu hotel, as their standards appear to have declined beyond recognition.

Great hotel, our third visit and we will return. Great location, right opposite the beach. Can’t fault any of the staff for their attitude, politeness, helpfulness and efficiency. All of the hotel is kept very clean and rooms are cleaned daily. Great choice of food, always several meat options and several fish dishes, great salad selections and the chefs are cooking behind the counters so replenishment is fast and food is freshly cooked. Can get a sunbed anytime, (maybe not on the pool edge as some guests do insist on putting towels out early) and lots of spots in sun or shade. Entertainment varied, sports bar that shows key sporting events. Several bars so no long queues and beer, wine and soft drinks available in self service area. Would highly recommend the upgrade to a partial view room .

This is our third visit and already booked for a return next year September/October. We have stayed at most all inclusive hotels in this area and in our opinion the best. We are currently staying and leave tomorrow Our stay has been brilliant, in fact in part better than our last visit The food excellent, service, hospitality and accommodation very good A special mention to the staff friendly, welcoming and very professional Especially the lady who cleaned our room spotless We requested block 5 and a upper floor and this was accommodated Room 5124 The only sour note was what appeared to us an increase of smokers, this is obviously not the hotel’s fault, it didn’t diminish our stay. Please continue with the good work and we look forward to our return 2027

Been coming to this hotel for years. This will probably be our last visit. The male reception staff, cleaners, animators are great. The female reception staff are not so good, quite rude. The bar staff apart from a couple do not either like their jobs or do not like the British. Food used to be good, this time round it was tasteless and luke warm with hardly any choice, same old same old day in day out. Rarely offered water at meal times. Had to find a jug that actually had coffee in every morning never asked did we want coffee at breakfast plates not cleared away so birds on your table while trying to eat. Came for 5 days spent 2 of those days in bed with a vomiting bug. Shame, used to be a good hotel.