Riu Vistamar ClubHotel, Puerto Rico
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Riu Vistamar ClubHotel Reviews
" The holiday was excellent from start... "
Submitted By: Mr I HoweAll of the staff were very attentive and helpful. They did everything to help make the holiday as enjoyable as possible
There is a free bus taking you to the beach at Amadores. The beach is beautiful and sheltered (very safe for children).
The hotel is close to the Europa Centre. We left the hotel on 2 occasions and found a good choice of bars.
" Absolutely fabulous hotel cannot... "
Submitted By: Mrs L J Lumbers" Barbs and I had a great holiday here... "
Submitted By: Mr C C BarberThe entertainment staff put everything into their evening performances and we enjoyed them all. The food was top notch and all beverages were readily available. Despite this being an all inclusive the cliental were such that there was not any blatant abuse/nuisance.
All the facilities were very good. Even though it is quite a hilly area it was no problem getting to the beach via the complimentary bus. Mogan is well worth a visit but chill out on the beach in Amadores and steer clear of Puerto Rico, which is full of people trying to sell the Brits time share/property.
We had a magic holiday and we would not hesitate in returning to this hotel in the very near future.
PS the best Spanish beer is Cruzcampo and it is plentiful here!!!!!!!!!!
" It is the first holiday my wife and I... "
Submitted By: Mr C AdsheadThe welcome at the Hotel was warm and the room was spotless and the view we had took our breath away. Everything about this holiday was 10 out of 10 and that was cemented by the food. Every evening in the restaurant we were welcomed by the Manager, Chefs and waiters/s and we were pampered the whole time we were there and the food was 5 star not 4 star.
The staff could not do enough for us and they were not overpowering or in our face. The resort was excellent and the hills may not suit all but the taxis are prompt and cheap. I will go back again to the Hotel and will also be trying other Riu Hotels.
" Just got back from the best holiday I... "
Submitted By: Miss EC Stewart<br>
Free bus every half hour from hotel to beach and return. The resort is very hilly but taxis are cheap and plentiful.
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Had a few wee hick-ups with Thomas Cook reps. Would go our own way and trust the locals on advice next time! Hasn’t put us off and will definitely be returning to a 1st class hotel very soon. Good work. <br>
" My Boyfriend and I spent a very... "
Submitted By: Miss A L PhillipsOn arrival at the hotel we were welcomed by very friendly staff and it took around 10mins to sort out our room.
We were on the 5th floor which was a major plus seeing as reception, restaurant and the pool are on floors 7, 8 and 9!!
The Rooms are extremely comfortable and very spacious, with a decent size bathroom. However nothing could of prepared me for the view!! As I opened the patio door to have a look around I was overwhelmed as all I could see was the Blue Sea! Look to left and there was the beach, on the right just sea, sea and more sea!! Truly beautiful!
We were All Inclusive and found this to be overall very good. The only thing was the restaurant got very busy and the tables are very close together.
We did get bored of the food and opted to hop in Taxi (3 euros!) to Puerto Rico.
We ate 2 nights in a row (yes it was that good!) at Oscar’s restaurant. The food was amazing and the desserts to die for and extremely reasonable. Oscar’s is so busy and popular that it will be moving to bigger premises.
Overall a top holiday and a lovely hotel that I would definitely stay in again!! Although do book independently as the package prices are ridiculous!!! <br>
" SUMMARY
A super hotel with... "
A super hotel with fantastic staff and fantastic food. Would highly recommend to anyone - adults and kids alike.
STAFF
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Would have to say the staff and service were the best we have ever encountered in any hotel we have stayed in. From when you arrive and through your whole stay, they were so courteous and always smiling. Reception staff were particularly helpful and seemed to speak all kinds of languages - they really made you feel that you were part of the hotel.
ACCOMODATION - ROOMS
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Rooms were quite spacious and nicely furnished, carpeted floor. We stayed in a twin. Beds really comfy. Nice idea of having a door that separated the hallway between the bathroom and the bedroom - made it feel more cosy somehow. Always very clean. Shower very good - powerful.
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TV with various channels, but only one English channel (sky news), but we only watched it between end of pool visit and going to dinner. Patio furniture is quite basic but to be honest don’t think anyone sat on their patio as the pool area was best area to sit through to early evening.
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Other reviewers have said to ask for a room on the 4th or 5th floor for better views - but to be honest don’t think it really matters - all rooms face the sea and view is pretty much the same. If you are in the higher floors though, they are closer to the pool/restaurant on floors 8 and 9, so if lift is being slow, then not too far to walk.
By the way - hotel seems very disabled friendly - with good access to all areas.
HOTEL - FACILITIES / ENTERTAINMENT
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Internet room, which was quite cheap for Internet access. Hairdresser and one small shop - but did sell English newspapers. 'Reception' area is quite small and furniture is a bit dated, but again did not have the need to use area apart from on journey home.
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The entertainment staff really worked hard throughout the day and night - lots of daytime activities - for kids and adults (football, basketball, volleyball, water gym, shuffleboard, table tennis, darts, paella demonstration, quiz, bingo amongst others), and evening show every night. This was not to our taste - bit too 'Butlins' but to many it was very popular. It would have been nice to have an nice area where you could sit without being in the main room though.
We don’t have kids, but there seemed to be enough going on day and evening to keep them entertained
FOOD
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EXCELLENT. Superb, available all day in various forms. 3 or 4 cocktails 'on tap' from the bar all day if you wanted them!! Fresh fruit always available.
You can also get breakfast in the pool bar after the main sitting finishes - so if you need a lie in, you don’t have to miss out!!
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Dinner - you are given a sitting when you arrive - either 630 or 830 (not sure if you can change it, but I’m sure you could). We weren’t sure about this arrangement to start with, but it actually works quite well as it avoids any ques getting into the restaurant - especially as you are given a table for dinner which is yours throughout your stay (lunch and brekkie you can sit anywhere). Huge variation of menu. And good standard of cleanliness and hygiene. Chefs worked really hard and very smiley again!!
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Only down side (but worth putting up with) is that the dinner tables are a bit close together
Lunch was better in the pool bar than the main restaurant - seemed to be better variety and easier to get to as well!
POOL AND SURROUNDINGS
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2 pools and kiddie’s pool. Pictures in brochure give impression that they are bigger than they are - but to be honest they never really got that busy.
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FANTASTIC that you did not have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve a sunbed - hotel did not allow it - I’m sure it still went on, but we did not arrive until about 11am each day and although the edges of the pool were always taken, we could always get loungers and parasols in a good area - even families of 5 could find enough beds. There is also a sun deck away from the pools if you wanted to have a really quiet area to sit.
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Again the terraces are a bit 'squashed' in comparison to some other 4 star hotels we’ve stayed in, not as much space around you - but once you got used to it, it was fine.
All the terraces are a great suntrap - no real shady areas apart from in the earlier morning - but if you do need shade the parasols provide enough.
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BEACH
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A free bus operates all day to take you down to the beach. The hotel is on a steep high cliff and it is a very long walk down - so bus highly recommended. The beach was lovely - lovely sand and clean water, you did have to pay for parasols and beds, but don’t think very much. We stayed in the hotel, as we liked the access to our all inclusive drinks and food!!!!!
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SHOPS
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Within 10 mins walk from hotel (turn right at end of hotel road). Bit cheap and tacky and touristy - but handy supermarket if you needed it and pub with footy showing if you need it. Think there are more in nearby Puerto Rico - but you need to get a taxi or bus there.
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TRIPS
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We only did one, which was to a market in Mogan. Nice village - very picturesque, was expecting a nice traditional market but unfortunately again a bit cheap and touristy - not really worth the trip. We got a taxi there and got a water taxi back (recommended) - much better than the reps coach, and only a bit more expensive - but you can control how much time you spend there. Water taxi takes you to Puerto Rico and then from there you can either walk back along the cliffs (about 30 - 40 mins) and get the free bus to hotel from the beach or get a taxi.
WEATHER
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A couple of days of broken cloud, but mostly clear sunshine - we usually stay in Tenerife this time of the year but actually preferred the 'heat' in Gran Canaria - much drier and nicer heat. Probably got to around 24-26 each day
Would recommend the south of the island - the north seemed much windier and 'cooler'
FIRST CHOICE
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Save the best till last - they were rubbish. Would not go with them again - would rather pay more and go with Thomson or someone. Flight attendants were miserable, rep in hotel - pretty useless when she did bother to turn up.
At one point she put a note on the desk saying back in 10 mins - we then found her in the restaurant tucking into breakfast for 30 mins !!! - She should have done this in her own time, not when people are expecting to see her at her allocated time.
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The only thing they got right was organising our taxi transfer to the airport - which was on time and very efficient - would recommend paying the extra if you don’t want to hang around for the coach.
" The hotel is fantastic, view great!... "
Submitted By: Miss A GrahamEntertainment was ok ish, couldn’t have stood much more though, there was one fantastic night and a lot of nights playing cards while the entertainment was in the background, not that they didn’t dance their hearts out, just not my thing!
I had read a review saying they put too much alcohol in a drink and I laughed!.... until I had my first Malibu and coke. I had heartburn every night from too much Malibu and when asked to put only a small amount in, they laughed and ignored me!
I found the food was nice but all fried and done in some sort of oil or seasoning. I just wanted something plain toward the end! Tables are too close together, you can easily eavesdrop. The space between one table and another is about 5cm. Yes....5cm!
The Europe centre up the hill made a nice change and we went there a lot. For meals and bars. A lovely Italian called Valentino’s, gorgeous food! Stay away form the steak grill house....minging!
Sounds like a lot of negatives but I would definitely go there again. It was home from home and the best holiday we’ve had!
Ps. the pool is FREEZING!
" We spent two weeks at this fantastic... "
Submitted By: Mr S Power<br><br>
The entertainment on the evening was good but very amateurish.
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There was a complimentary bus service from the hotel to Amadoras beach, which ran every 30 minutes.
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There is a big market at Mogan, which we went to on a Friday. Be careful – if you show interest in any goods they will not leave you alone – they came running after us with the goods in a carrier bag offering them to us at the price we said we were willing to pay! Seemed to be very desperate people!
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The other resorts are easily accessible if you rent a car. A taxi service is available at reasonable prices.
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The only down fall that we found was that it was very hilly and found it hard work walking to the Europa centre which was only a few minutes away.
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The staff worked very hard to make our stay at this hotel very enjoyable.
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I would not hesitate in returning in the future.
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The general area is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.
" We have used Riu all inclusive before... "
Submitted By: Mr P InghamYes, the hotel is perched on top of a cliff but they do run a free, half hour shuttle service to the beach. The views from the balconies are worth this slight inconvenience.
The slightly less mobile will find it difficult but there are plenty of taxis on call from reception and are what I would call very reasonably priced.
Good food, service and accommodation.
The staff are ALL very friendly
The English are approximately 30 - 40%, but after all, we are abroad.
Would consider another break there next year.
" Having just returned from the Riu... "
Submitted By: Mr R WatsonThe location of this hotel is absolutely breathtaking from the moment you arrive ant drive out onto the cliff where the hotel is perched.
The staff at the reception couldn’t have been more helpful, firstly arranging for our luggage to be taken down to our room while we checked in and were given room key, safety deposit key ( no charge) map of the hotel and offered. Which dinner sitting we would like. Either 6.30 or 8.30
All the rooms have fantastic sea views and are well furnished with everything that you would expect from a 4 star hotel. The pool area has ample sun beds to go around with mattresses and towels, which you can change daily. There is also an entertainment which keeps the more active busy during the day organising water polo, foot ball ping pong ect...
Food in the hotel is of a very high standard with everything that you can imagine for breakfast lunch and dinner, there is also the pool bar which offers snacks throughout the day up until 5.00pm
I would thoroughly recommend the Riu Club Vistamar Hotel to anyone looking for a great holiday,
" The Riu Vistamar is set on a cliff... "
Submitted By: Mrs Alexandra RiderThe hotel guests were 85% German with only a few English guests and even fewer children which was a little upsetting for my 11 year old.
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All the staff throughout the hotel was very helpful and made our stay very enjoyable they appeared to enjoy their work and nothing was too much trouble. My biggest criticism was the eating arrangements. There are two sittings for meals which means you have eat at a set time which was totally inconvenient for us, the restaurant was laid out with the tables very close together and we did feel that we were sitting on top of each other. The choice of food was excellent and again staff very efficient. We have been all inclusive on many occasions and always have been able to get a quick snack late on in the evenings however, at this hotel we couldn’t so if you didn’t eat enough at your allocated meal time you couldn’t get anything until the following morning.
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Apart from eating arrangements I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Riu Vistamar it was good value for money.
" New hotel on the top of the hill... "
Submitted By: Mrs Denise TurnerIf you feel like going out for a meal I recommend the Picasso at the top of the hill to the left of the Europa Centre. You need to book!
" Food was excellent, staff great,... "
Submitted By: Mr M SpedolinoLimited gym, but enough to get a workout, rooms were well maintained, all with fantastic views over Amadores Beach, which is as good a beach as there is on Gran Canaria.
Downside without a doubt is the position, perched on a cliff about 500 ft high, its a nightmare to get to, even more so if your old or are carting kids with you, all the rooms are on floors 1-5, reception, would you believe is on the 8th floor, I know, kind of weird isn't it, so if the lifts are busy, get walking.
The good side to that I guess is you'll lose all that extra weight that you'll gain at an AI resort!














I can honestly say when we got there in the wee small hours we weren’t disappointed as the hotel was amazing! The staff were so friendly and knew we just wanted to get to our room and get settled.
The next morning we woke up to a breathtaking view overlooking the beach (Amadores) from our own private balcony. The room itself was fabulous, neatly decorated and very clean and had all the "mod cons" air con, TV, Radio, free security safe, Power shower / bath etc. Every morning our room was cleaned, towels were changed, beds were made etc by their friendly chamber maids. Could not fault the room in any way!
The facilities within the hotel were excellent, e.g.: 2 large pools, games for during the day arranged by the hotel staff for both the kids and adults and the evening entertainment again mostly done by their own staff. Always a good night! The waiters / waitresses are quite funny they always try and have a giggle with you. The large function suite was great, plenty of room and you get a good view of the main stage from sitting just about anywhere. Again had no complaints!
The view of watching the sunset on the balcony of the function suite is a must see, it is so relaxing! (Especially with a beer)
The food was delicious no matter what time of day you felt peckish, there was something for everyone, whether it was up at pool buffet or in the main dining room downstairs. The food was so professionally laid out it was great. The food ranged from, hot dishes like steak, chicken, roasts, all kinds of fish dishes to your cold salads, pasta dishes and your cakes, ice cream etc were plentiful. Honest there was so much to choose from. The food was delicious!
All the drink was plentiful as well and lets just say they weren’t shy with their measures. Fantastic!
This was the perfect holiday I was looking for, full of sun, sea, sand and most of all relaxation. (And she said yes to my marriage proposal which was an added bonus) yipeee.
We will certainly be back to this hotel in the near future and can’t wait!