Riu Vistamar Review: A Comprehensive Look at This All-Inclusive Oasis

The Riu Vistamar, perched high above the stunning Playa Amadores in Gran Canaria, Spain, promises an all-inclusive holiday experience that caters to families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Boasting panoramic ocean views, multiple pools, a variety of dining options, and a plethora of activities, it’s no wonder this hotel is a popular choice for those seeking a relaxing and fun-filled vacation. However, is the Riu Vistamar truly worth the hype? This comprehensive review delves deep into every aspect of the hotel, providing an unbiased and detailed account to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next getaway. We’ll cover everything from the room quality and food options to the entertainment and overall atmosphere, leaving no stone unturned.

First Impressions: Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival at the Riu Vistamar, the first thing that strikes you is the breathtaking view. The hotel’s elevated position provides unparalleled vistas of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the golden sands of Playa Amadores. The lobby itself is spacious and well-maintained, with comfortable seating areas and a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally efficient, although it can get busy during peak times. The staff are typically friendly and helpful, providing essential information about the hotel’s facilities, dining options, and activity schedule.

One notable aspect is the arrangement for accessing Playa Amadores. The hotel offers a shuttle bus service that runs regularly throughout the day. While convenient, it’s worth noting that the journey involves a winding road and takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, there are stairs leading down to the beach, which offer a more direct route, but be prepared for a steep climb back up! This is something to consider, especially for families with young children or individuals with mobility issues.

The Rooms: Comfort and Views

The Riu Vistamar offers a variety of room types, catering to different needs and preferences. Standard rooms typically feature a balcony or terrace with ocean views, although the extent of the view can vary depending on the room’s location within the hotel. Rooms are generally clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and a television. Basic amenities such as a hairdryer, safe (often at an extra cost), and complimentary toiletries are provided.

For families or larger groups, connecting rooms or suites are available, offering more space and privacy. These often include separate living areas and multiple bathrooms. While the decor is somewhat dated in some rooms, the focus is on functionality and comfort. The housekeeping service is generally reliable, with rooms cleaned and tidied daily.

However, it’s important to note that noise levels can be an issue in some rooms, particularly those located near the elevators or entertainment areas. If you are a light sleeper, it’s advisable to request a room in a quieter area of the hotel. Also, while the views are undoubtedly a major selling point, bear in mind that some rooms may have obstructed views due to the hotel’s layout.

Room Types and Amenities: A Detailed Breakdown

Let’s delve deeper into the different room types available at the Riu Vistamar:

• Standard Rooms: These are the most common room type and typically offer a balcony or terrace with partial or full ocean views. They usually consist of two single beds pushed together (common in European hotels), a bathroom with a shower, and basic amenities.
• Family Rooms: Designed for families, these rooms offer more space and may include a separate sleeping area for children. They often feature a sofa bed or extra beds to accommodate larger families.
• Suites: The suites are the most luxurious option, offering spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, and enhanced amenities. They often feature larger balconies or terraces with panoramic ocean views.
• Accessible Rooms: The hotel offers accessible rooms designed for guests with mobility issues. These rooms feature wider doorways, adapted bathrooms with grab rails, and other accessibility features.

Regardless of the room type, standard amenities generally include:

• Air conditioning
• Television with satellite channels
• Telephone
• Safe (usually at an extra cost)
• Hairdryer
• Mini-fridge (usually stocked with water upon arrival)
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub
• Balcony or terrace

Dining: A Feast for the Senses (or is it?)

As an all-inclusive resort, the Riu Vistamar places a strong emphasis on its dining options. The hotel features a main buffet restaurant, as well as several themed restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide selection of dishes to cater to different tastes. From continental breakfast options to hot meals and live cooking stations, there’s something for everyone.

The themed restaurants, which typically require reservations, offer a more formal dining experience and feature specific cuisines such as Asian, Italian, and Canarian. While the quality of the food can vary, these restaurants generally provide a welcome change from the buffet. However, securing a reservation can sometimes be challenging, especially during peak season.

While the variety of food is generally good, the quality can be inconsistent. Some guests have praised the freshness and flavor of the dishes, while others have found the food to be bland or repetitive. The buffet can also get crowded during peak hours, leading to long queues and a less than relaxing dining experience.

A Closer Look at the Restaurants and Bars

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the dining and drinking options at the Riu Vistamar:

• Main Buffet Restaurant: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide variety of international dishes. Includes live cooking stations, salad bars, and dessert sections.
• Asian Restaurant: Offers a selection of Asian dishes, including sushi, stir-fries, and curries. Reservations are required.
• Italian Restaurant: Serves classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and risotto. Reservations are required.
• Canarian Restaurant: Features traditional Canarian cuisine, offering a taste of the local culture. Reservations are required.
• Pool Bar: Serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
• Lobby Bar: Offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Sports Bar: Features large screens showing live sporting events and serves drinks and snacks.

The all-inclusive drinks package typically includes local beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. Premium brands may be available at an extra cost. The quality of the drinks is generally acceptable, but some guests have found the cocktails to be overly sweet or watered down.

Pools and Activities: Fun in the Sun

The Riu Vistamar boasts several swimming pools, catering to different ages and preferences. There’s a main pool for adults, a separate children’s pool, and a splash park for younger children. The pool areas are generally well-maintained and offer plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. However, during peak season, it can be challenging to find a spot, especially in the shade.

In addition to the pools, the hotel offers a variety of activities and entertainment, including daytime activities such as water aerobics, pool games, and sports tournaments. There’s also a kids’ club, which provides supervised activities for children of different age groups. In the evenings, the hotel hosts live music, shows, and themed parties.

For those seeking a more active holiday, the hotel offers access to a gym and sports facilities. There are also opportunities for water sports at Playa Amadores, although these are typically at an extra cost.

A Deeper Dive into the Activities and Entertainment

Let’s take a closer look at the activities and entertainment options available at the Riu Vistamar:

• Swimming Pools: Multiple pools, including a main pool, children’s pool, and splash park.
• Kids’ Club: Supervised activities for children of different age groups.
• Daytime Activities: Water aerobics, pool games, sports tournaments, and other activities.
• Evening Entertainment: Live music, shows, themed parties, and karaoke.
• Gym: Fully equipped gym with cardio and weight training equipment.
• Sports Facilities: Tennis court, volleyball court, and other sports facilities.
• Water Sports: Available at Playa Amadores (at an extra cost).

The animation team at the Riu Vistamar is generally energetic and enthusiastic, and they do a good job of engaging guests in the activities. However, the quality of the evening entertainment can be inconsistent, with some shows being more enjoyable than others. The kids’ club is a popular option for families, providing a safe and fun environment for children to play and socialize.

The Location: Stunning Views, but a Bit Remote

The Riu Vistamar’s location is both a blessing and a curse. While the elevated position offers breathtaking views of Playa Amadores and the surrounding coastline, it also means that the hotel is somewhat remote. As mentioned earlier, accessing the beach requires either a shuttle bus ride or a steep climb down (and back up) a flight of stairs.

The hotel is not within walking distance of any major shops or restaurants, so if you want to explore the surrounding area, you will need to rely on taxis or public transportation. However, Playa Amadores itself offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.

For those looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, the Riu Vistamar’s location may be ideal. However, if you prefer to be in the heart of the action, you may find it a bit isolated.

Exploring Playa Amadores and the Surrounding Area

Playa Amadores is a beautiful beach with calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. There are also several restaurants and bars located along the beachfront, offering a variety of cuisines and drinks.

Beyond Playa Amadores, there are several other attractions worth exploring in Gran Canaria. These include:

• Puerto Rico: A popular resort town with a marina, shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
• Maspalomas: Known for its impressive sand dunes and lighthouse.
• Las Palmas: The capital city of Gran Canaria, offering a mix of historical sites, museums, and shopping.
• Roque Nublo: A towering rock formation that is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.

Taxis and buses are readily available for exploring the island. Renting a car is also a good option for those who want more flexibility and independence.

Service and Staff: Generally Friendly and Helpful

The staff at the Riu Vistamar are generally friendly and helpful, and they go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. From the reception staff to the restaurant staff to the animation team, most employees are eager to assist and provide a high level of service.

However, as with any large hotel, there can be occasional inconsistencies in service. During peak times, staff may be overwhelmed and unable to attend to every guest’s needs promptly. Also, language barriers can sometimes be an issue, although most staff members speak at least some English.

Overall, the service at the Riu Vistamar is generally good, and most guests have positive experiences with the staff.

Value for Money: Is it Worth the Price?

The Riu Vistamar offers an all-inclusive experience, which can be a great value for money, especially for families or those who plan to spend most of their time at the hotel. However, whether it’s truly worth the price depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with stunning ocean views, multiple pools, a variety of dining options, and a range of activities, the Riu Vistamar may be a good choice. However, if you are a foodie seeking gourmet cuisine, prefer a more lively location, or require luxurious accommodations, you may be disappointed.

It’s important to compare prices with other all-inclusive resorts in the area and consider what’s included in the package. Also, read reviews from other travelers to get a better understanding of their experiences.

Factors to Consider When Assessing Value for Money

When deciding whether the Riu Vistamar offers good value for money, consider the following factors:

• Accommodation Quality: Are the rooms comfortable, clean, and well-maintained?
• Food and Drink: Is there a good variety of food and drinks available? Is the quality of the food acceptable?
• Activities and Entertainment: Are there enough activities and entertainment options to keep you and your family entertained?
• Location: Is the location convenient for your needs? Are you happy to rely on shuttle buses or taxis to get around?
• Service: Is the staff friendly, helpful, and efficient?
• Overall Experience: Does the overall experience meet your expectations?

Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary

To help you make a more informed decision, here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of the Riu Vistamar:

Pros:

• Stunning ocean views
• Multiple swimming pools
• All-inclusive package
• Variety of dining options
• Range of activities and entertainment
• Friendly and helpful staff
• Good value for money (for some)

Cons:

• Remote location
• Access to the beach requires shuttle bus or stairs
• Inconsistent food quality
• Rooms can be noisy
• Dated decor in some rooms
• Can be crowded during peak season

Overall Impression: A Solid Choice for a Relaxing Holiday

Overall, the Riu Vistamar is a solid choice for those seeking a relaxing all-inclusive holiday in Gran Canaria. The stunning ocean views, multiple pools, and variety of activities make it a popular option for families and couples alike. While the location is somewhat remote and the food quality can be inconsistent, the friendly staff and good value for money (for some) make it a worthwhile consideration.

However, it’s important to manage your expectations and be aware of the potential drawbacks. If you are looking for a luxurious or gourmet experience, or prefer to be in the heart of the action, you may be better off considering other options.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay at the Riu Vistamar

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your stay at the Riu Vistamar:

• Request a room in a quieter area of the hotel if you are a light sleeper.
• Book reservations for the themed restaurants as early as possible.
• Arrive early at the pool to secure a sun lounger.
• Take advantage of the shuttle bus service to Playa Amadores.
• Explore the surrounding area by taxi or bus.
• Participate in the activities and entertainment.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for assistance.

Final Verdict: Should You Book Your Stay?

The decision of whether to book your stay at the Riu Vistamar ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a relaxing all-inclusive holiday with stunning ocean views, multiple pools, and a range of activities, then the Riu Vistamar is definitely worth considering. However, if you are seeking a luxurious or gourmet experience, or prefer to be in the heart of the action, you may want to explore other options.

By carefully considering the pros and cons outlined in this review, and by reading reviews from other travelers, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your holiday at the Riu Vistamar is a memorable one.

We hope this comprehensive review has been helpful in your decision-making process. Happy travels!