Hotel Riu Buenavista 4*

We stayed for a week with a toddler during school holidays. Hotel was lovely and clean, in a nice location. Quite hilly so do bare this in mind. All staff were friendly. Standard room was big enough for a family of three and travel cot provided was perfect for a toddler with a nice mattress and pillow given for comfort! Bathroom clean, only complaint was that the glass meant the bathroom light was visible in the room itself, so not able to shower once toddler asleep. We were on a fairly high floor and did have to wait a while for lifts at points as there are minimal available Restaurants were repetitive but as expected from an all inclusive. The themed restaurants allowed for a break from the standard options, not à la carte but able to choose from a buffet style like the main restaurant. The Italian was our favourite. Plenty of pools to choose from and we were able to get sunbeds even in afternoon although less choice. All pools salt water so do be careful with re-creaming after using them. Children/baby pool was perfect for us. There was a small playground also in this area with a slide, swings and rockers that was better for older children but toddler still able to make use. The area around the children’s pool/playground is very rough concrete which left our toddler with cut knees on a couple of occasions and I’d definitely recommend use of water shoes. We didn’t make use of any of the activities but the mini disco was fun of an evening. Two nights of our stay this was in the children’s pool which did seem a bit strange. The white party was also good even for children. No issues with noise during evening entertainment despite being in a room overlooking the stage. Local area had things within walking distance. We walked to playa de ajabo both along the sea path and the roads. Road easier with a buggy! Also the shopping centre just up the road with the restaurants was lovely; shops, supermarket to buy snacks and a soft play which was shaded for an afternoon play. Burger King also has a small play area and there are some arcade rides outside. We hired a car and paid to park on site, never an issue getting a space but parking in certain spaces can be tight. Used this to visit Aqualand, jungle park, monkey park and a volcano viewpoint. Overall we had a lovely stay. Good value for what you get and a nice atmosphere with children. If I could change anything for the better it would be some activities/play equipment aimed at younger children and an on site shop.

Beautiful hotel. Really enjoyed the food so much on offer. Didn’t find it repetitive as always got something different. There is a lot of walking & steps involved to get from room to pool and to main lobby areas, the complex is so large. There was lots of large groups of families here with kids so if this is what your after you are at right place. Very annoying at the adult pool, towels were been left out as early as 5.30am by 8am hardly a spot left….. it was ridiculous and I’m sure hotel could solve this… other place we stayed you could book your sunbed electronicly it’s pity this hotel does not offer this. In the evening if you want to just have a quiet drink and chat there is no where to escape the noise of the entertainment, it can be heard everywhere. There is no beach near or anything really. We found it was very residential area. We did really enjoy our stay though but doubtful we would return.