Hotel Riu Palace Boavista

We moved to here after an awful stay at the Karamboa, it was definitely significantly better than the Karamboa but the choice of vegetarian food wasn't amazing. Staff were lovely, quick and efficient, cleaners were also fab, dining was good, pools were brill as we always managed to get good beds, aqua gym was ace, the water park was fun for a day, our room was lovely- only standard but great spec, the shower is divine, the smellies they give you are nice too.

The hotel is only a mile from the airport and the taxi charges 10 Euros. Arrived on the Monday at Reception at 1.20pm - lovely clean spacious area and welcome drink. We had dropped off our stuff and in the buffet restaurant by 2pm. Having been to the RIU Palace Santa Maria twice and the Toureg three times and TUI Blu once, we are well aware of the Boa Vista area and friendly people. Swim-up room 4310 was large, clean, well designed and lots of storage space. Private “plunge pool” had two sun beds and two chairs and a small table. Next door was 4311 and the end room FYI. Optics, large fridge, massive shower. Stayed 11 nights and we stayed in the hotel as we wanted a fly n flop and had seen most things before. Food was always very varied even though not always piping hot. Massive breakfast choices as well as lunch and tea-time. Gorgeous ice-cream. Efficient service. Choice of outside or air con. Very drinkable red wine. CATS : 9 different cats including 5 that were under 6m - all very very friendly. Fed them 3 times a day as staff don’t mind you taking food out in napkins or plastic bags. They love chicken, ham, fish, pork, etc. One even came into our Swim-Up room by walking over the wet dividing walls - watch out for Smudge Face. Drinks were decent but you get what you ask for, literally. For example, if you ask for a Gin, you get the local gin. If you ask for Gordon’s gin, that’s what you get. Entertainment was decent and all carried out by the Entertainment team that also do all the pool games etc. The Al la carte restaurants were identical to the RIU Palace in Santa Maria incl names. Steakhouse good, but Japanese and Italian were very specialised and not to our taste. Menus on the RIU App. The RIU App is a must. Towels are decent and a good size. Donkey sanctuary next door.