Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Hi, myself and my partner returned from here yesterday and I wanted to offer our honest review Firstly we think the hotel was amazing for what we paid, £899 each for 1 week. The room was clean, cold enough and serviced every day with clean towels and full tidying. I have stayed in rooms where the bathroom was mouldy, and drains backing up in the shower etc, this room has none of these issues. Our view was not amazing (hotel garden) but tbf we didn't care as we only slept in our room so the view in the dark is irrelevant to us, we'd prefer to be out enjoying the hotel or country we are in than sitting on our veranda/balcony. The 5/6 pools were lovely, and clean, with ample beds both in and out of shaded areas, comprising of quiet adult only swim up pools to more lively pools with regular entertainment and everything in between. My only requirement would be for padded sunbeds due to the length of time some people spend on them to make them more comfortable. The food choice was huge, if anyone struggles to find something they like to eat here for every meal then you must be extremely fussy. I have a nut allergy and I managed to eat 3 times a day for 7 days without being even slightly unwell (which has never happened before on holiday), yes there are birds around and flies but we get flies in the UK too and these were no worse, and the birds only came when some people left food unattended for a short time, so don't do it!! Yes some people may become ill but my opinion is that all our bodies and tolerances are different,some holidays I am unwell some I am not, it could be something I have eaten or drank or it could be the weather affecting me, who knows, but it is not necessarily something the hotel have or have not done, whilst here neither I or my partner was unwell, just a little sun burnt, obviously our fault. Finally the entertainment; I cannot comment upon the day time entertainment as myself and my partner did not partake in any as we went to relax and spend time together during the day, however, the late evening entertainment was lacking, every evening (apart from the neon party) was a singing performer of some sort followed by karaoke, this became tedious and we retired early most nights, the entertainment needs more variety in my opinion, but this was our only issue besides the sunbeds. All of the staff were extremely friendly, polite, courteous and helpful and have been very well trained to replenish drinks when empty and clear empties or rubbish immediately before you have chance to notice. We would both highly recommend this hotel to anyone and have both said we would happily return for future trips. Do not think twice about booking this hotel, get it booked 😊

After 14 days at the Riu Palace Santa Maria hotel, where I had an excellent vacation, the time came to return uk home—but not without expressing my gratitude to the entire staff, who were excellent. Special thanks to: Flavio (Reception) Rosario (Supervisor) Manuel (Director) Ronaldo Mestre (Bar) Noely Duarte (Palmeira Restaurant) Jenisse (Palmeira Restaurant) Deco (Bar) Kevin (Bar) Sílvia Medina and her musical group—I loved meeting you; you hold a special place in my heart. The entire entertainment team The Tui tour guides The bellhops The housekeeping staff Room service Pool staff The cooks/chefs The security team Please forgive me if I forgot to mention anyone else. Thank you so much to the entire staff; you were all exceptional—always cheerful, joyful, and incredibly polite and courteous. So very humble. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. WE WILL CERTAINLY RETURN TO THIS WONDERFUL HOTEL NEXT YEAR. I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN. HUGS AND KISSES TO EVERYONE. PAULO ANDRADE AND CELIA MARIA (1025)