Reviews of Riu Flamingo Aparthotel, Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria

RIU FLAMINGO APARTMENT

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

argyll

Comments:

We stayed for a week in these so called 4* apartments and it looks fantastic when you arrive--beautiful pool--receptionists are very smart-inside bar is lovely in fact this is what they want tourists to think. Our flight was delayed for over 7 hours and instead of getting there at 1 in the afternoon we never got there until after 1 in the MORNING.As all the shops were closed we asked for water only to be told that we would have to go 2 hotels down and use a vending machine--why he couldn't go the kitchen for a couple of bottles beats me and it isn't what you would expect from a higher star esablishment. The apartments are NOT 4*-basic was never in it-2 cooker rings and a fridge which could wake the living dead and as we were delayed for so long neither the Hotel or Thomas Cook had laid anything on-- the fridge was completely EMPTY--Cheap cutlery and crockery-NO KETTLE and the room was tired and dated with chipped tiles in the bathroom and shoddy repairs there and in the kitchen area.The saving grace was the air conditioning which was why we booked it in the first place. The maid service is fantastic but couldn't even sit on the balcony at night 'cos they must have ripped all the lights out as obviously they prefer people to frequent the bars.There was 2 good shows laid on in the week we were there which made up for the pathetic band which was on every other night singing songs from the ark--would have been a bonus if they could have pronounced the songs in English---very wearing as it was complete rubbish they were signing.
The good points are that not far from the Complex there are some lovely restaurants like the Yellow Rose,2 good chinese restaurants, a lovely little cafe/restaurant for breakfast and numerous others. Great handy supermarket. We never ate in the complex as it was 12 euros each for breakfast and 20 each for dinner--daylight robbery. Loved Gran Canaria but would NEVER stay in any Riu hotel or apartment again as it wasn't worth it, and their total disregard for us when we arrived has put me off for life.

lovely place, rooms big, was a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mr K Smith

Comments:

lovely place, rooms big, was a little bit cold but o wel .... close to everything. bus stop just outside hotel that takes you to other parts and waterpark. loads of sun beds available, towels given to you for pool. rooms cleaned everyday. safe in room 12euros. hotel staff very friendly, had a laugh with them. pool big but cold advise just jumping in! pool not deep, not many children about. hotel drinks were little expensive - 8 euro for malibu and coke ... but its what you pay here! beer was about 5 euro but very cheap most other places only a euro for local stuff.

very good hotel and loved the area!

Just returned from Riu...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mrs A Lyon

Comments:

Just returned from Riu Flamingo.Pool area spotless,staff very friendly and helpful.

Rooms in need of modernisation,but bedding and towels changed every day.

Dont need to take towels for round the pool as these are provided by the hotel on a daily basis.

We opted for self catering,but would recommend half board ,with the euro being low it cost a small fortune to eat out.If you do go half board book it through the travel agent,we would have paid an extra £420 for 3 of us to go half board for 2 weeks. The hotel were charging £700. Its 22 euros per adult per day for evening meal, and 15 euros for kids. Breakfast was 10 euros per adult and 5 euros per child.(expensive).

Go round to big bens in the evening its 1 and half euros a pint.

The entertainment in the hotel is mostly for the older generation,nothing going on for the kids.

Would go back to this hotel.



DONT FORGET TO TAKE A KETTLE????

My girlfriend and I flew to Gran...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Ms J P

Comments:

My girlfriend and I flew to Gran Canaria from Gatwick on 19 Dec 2007 for our first visit to the island, staying till 26th.



Arrived late in the evening (with the only rain we had in our 7 days there yay!) and shuttle bussed to Playa del Ingles to the Riu Flamingo. On arrival met by the gorgeous Luis (totally mad but lovely!), who spent around 15 mins introducing us to the hotel and its services and the local area, free bus service to beach from hotel, directions to Yumbo and close by shops and bars etc, so really helpful and hilarious to boot! First impressions of hotel lasted thru stay - 10/10 for clean, friendly, and helpful staff everywhere.



Room exceeded my expectations, great size, and all facilities needed, great view of pool, particularly nice bathroom! Shame there are no double beds available though so its 2 twins together, only down side to room really. Rooms cleaned pretty much every day if you want it.



We were SC and would choose to be again, you get the flexibility. The entertainment and bar area I'd say would appeal more to older guests? We didn't eat in the hotel so can’t comment, food and drink at pool bar I'd say was on dear side for standard of food served.



Another highlight - the fabulous Flamingo pool! From what I saw by far the nicest of surrounding hotel pools, but I'm a swimmer! Clean warm and was never overcrowded, I managed a 630pm swim and had it to myself, heaven!



Weather was mainly great - 22-28 deg in sun, some days more cloudy than others, but pretty much always t-shirt and shorts sufficed!



I'd guess 50%+ of guests were German and the old cliché of them hogging the best pool loungers by 10am - ALL TRUE!! But where there's a will..! : ) there was also a lot of towels left for hours on empty loungers... tut tut it isnt big or clever!



Great to be offered a courtesy room to be able to shower and change on our last day after being at the beach as we had to check out of room by 12, before our shuttle bus came at 5pm (sob!!) , that was really appreciated!



Walk to Yumbo 5-10 mins, something for everyone! Very gay friendly, bars pubs and shops with anything and everything. Found new places to go almost every night there. Met some great people - check out brit-owned Jackie's Bar, Buddies, Plaza Bar. Top floor is pretty much boys-only, not that it stopped my girlfriend and I going in Ministry (!!) My House steak to die for can recommend! Make sure you haggle in the perfume shops and electrical goods it’s worth it!



Also did Kasbah, Gran Chaparral, Metro shopping centres, some great full English breakfasts, and you can get change of 12Eur for 2!



Make sure you spend time down at Maspalomas beach, some fab restaurants on the promenade; fave was Torre Blanco, fab service and gorgeous paella/sangria! Great for souvenir hunting too, beach stretches for several kilometres, keep walking and you'll hit the nudist beach (no we didn’t go!!) Sea cold but clean and pretty safe.



We stayed pretty much whole week in Playa and found loads to do and see.



Would definitely stay at the Riu F when I hopefully go back again, I really could not fault it! I'd say it deserves it's 4-stars! Great young fun resort all round and couldn't have wished for better weather in December, roll on next Xmas in the sun!!



(Ps if you go to the Riu F don’t forget to find lovely Luis on reception and say big Hola from me!!)

Just returned home from the Riu...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss Sweetness Sun

Comments:

Just returned home from the Riu Flamingo. The hotel was lovely and clean and the receptionist all spoke fluent English and were all very helpful and funny, especially Luis. He was great.



Rooms were clean and the kitchen was minimally equipped. There was everything you needed but no kettle or toaster. (Quite sure you could hire these for about 18 Euros) Hairdryer in the bathroom.



The pool was the only thing letting the holiday down for us. It is spotlessly clean and well maintained without a doubt, but there must be over 100 palm trees so no matter where you sit, you end up shaded.



If you sit on the right of the pool, you have the sun until about 2.30ish, if you sit on the left, (the further back, the better) you will have it clearly from around 10.30-11.30 until around 4. Look for where the Germans sit,, you can guarantee a good spot. Hehe!! But as I say, this depends where about you can save a bed. When I save, you can leave your towels from 8am, but cannot leave your beds un-attended until 10a.m.



The pool man quite often folds away your towels and we saw it many a time. Saw a few arguments with the Germans as well over the saving of spots.



The first day, the pool man shouted at us for walking away as we didn’t know. He spoke no English and got reception to explain. He was rather rude. After that, he was really friendly, even getting our sponges for the beds for us. He even told us to go for breakfast. Maybe he realised he'd been abit too rude. Maybe it’s as the mood takes them.



It also says "no lilo's or balls" but people did have them.



The resort is bursting with life. We've been twice and will certainly go again. Good for all ages.



Look out for Big Bens which is situated 5 mins walk away. Out of the hotel, turn right. Take your first right and walk straight up. All soaps and footie matches on. The Chinese restaurant situated just before with 2 big red lamps outside is spot on and really cheap. She is a lovely lady who speaks fluent English.



We miss the place already and writing about it really makes me miss the place.



I hope I have given you some good info. Cheers everyone, enjoy yourself!!

Just got back on the 5th...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D LEES

Comments:

Just got back on the 5th November. A superb hotel situated close to the Kasbah/Irish centre/Yambo centre. The rooms are cleaned every day, with air conditioning in every room. The hotel staff are very helpful and are always happy to answer any question you throw at them. Taxis are cheap and for 3 euros you can get to the Kasbah, where you will find plenty of nightlife. The Irish centre is a god night out, try Mulligans for a meal and Brogans bar for a lively night out.



The pool was heated for the latter part of our holiday and there was always plenty of sunbeds available. The poolside bar can be a little expensive. Live music every night from 7pm till midnight, worth a look in. Big Bens bar just around the corner up the alley way is a bar I would recommend, fine food served there and entertainment every night, staff there very polite and helpful. A very warm and family oriented English bar.

The hotel we stayed in was...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss M Davies

Comments:

The hotel we stayed in was really nice, we were worried as we had read some negative comments about the hotel - but when we arrived I was surprised at how lovely it was.



Our room was clean and spacious - no kettle but saucepans were available. Maid came everyday - sometimes too early!



You get a card on arrival this enables you to get a beach towel every day, these are great!



The pool is huge and does not get overly busy, there are always sunbeds available and come with a padded cushion and parasol.



There were a lot of older, mainly German people in the hotel, but this did not matter.



The hotel is in a great place, Yumbo centre, and Kasbah only 5 mins walk away in each direction but far enough away to not hear music etc.



I did not think the nightlife was brilliant and thought the places to eat were limited, although we did find some great places in the Yumbo centre.



We did not eat in hotel as was expensive and they served food only during certain times. Had a few drinks in bar at night, live music every night -(not so good!)



Overall our holiday was just what we wanted for a week’s sun and I would recommend this hotel.

An amazing hotel. It was our...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mr RJ Lawrence

Comments:

An amazing hotel. It was our first ever holiday away as a couple and we really hoped for something perfect and luckily we got it!



When we arrived we were the only people off our coach to stay at Riu Flamingo and we thought (ooooo NO) but it was all we had hoped for beautiful hotel with wonderful staff that could not be more helpful or polite.



The hotel was the cleanest id ever seen everything was cleaned and tided for you each day and even the cleaners were helpful and friendly. By leaving the bathroom towels on the floor you can receive clean towels everyday and also the beds are made each day. However the bedding and sheets was changed once or twice a week.



The pool was amazing and quite so you could have fun and have a quiet dip when you fancied the hotel has a small pool bar that serves the most amazing food ever and it is also very cheap very quick and tastes amazing.



The hotel is one of 3 RUI hotels all situated next to each other and ours was easily the best looking with the best facilities and really just THE BEST!!



The hotel is located 5mins from the main party area so you don’t get the overflow of rowdy people but can easily go and enjoy it yourself it is a 10minute walk from the beach, or a 2Euro taxi ride and the hotel also offers a free bus service to the beach and they also give you free beach towels every day.



The hotel is on a quiet strip with plenty of shops, bars, English bars, entertainment, and wonderful restaurants.



For a relaxing break with plenty to do and see as well Riu Flamingo is just perfect an amazing hotel, where the standards are fit for the royal family, the staff are fit for Buckingham palace, and the rooms are cleaner than the queens bum.



You should definitely stay at RUI Flamingo!



Hope you have a great holiday.

This hotel is wonderful. I...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Miss JD Howarth

Comments:

This hotel is wonderful. I stayed for 2 weeks this June and had the best holiday ever!



The rooms are very clean and the maids are very polite and friendly. The pool is beautiful and there are plenty of sunbeds for everyone.



We were celebrating my 21st birthday whilst away and the maid delivered a lovely basket of fruit to my room along with a Spanish birthday card which really made me feel welcome.



All the staff at this hotel were very helpful and I would go back any time.



It is also just down the road from the night life China Whites is buzzing all the time. El Gracho is the best stake house on the Iland and it is walking distance from this hotel you wont regret going!

This hotel was a very pleasant...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Miss K Bettis

Comments:

This hotel was a very pleasant place to stay. Although the second language of all the staff seemed to be German, they were extremely friendly & helpful, despite the language barrier.



Most of the guests here seemed to be German pensioners, which was nice, as they're generally quiet and don't move from the sun beds very much. There were plenty of beds to go around at this time of year though.



The kitchen in the room was extremely basic, no kettle but I'm sure you could hire them. The fridge had an ice box, so you could at least have ice cold cocktails on the balcony overlooking the lively hotel next door.



The rooms were kept very clean and tidy, the maid comes everyday and does everything (floors, dishes, towel etc) if you let her.



If you're not an early riser, I'd recommend paying extra to have a room on the side of the hotel overlooking the garden, as the hotel next door is full board and has entertainment all day, it can be quite loud.



I would recommend this place to anyone, it's max 10mins walk to the beach, main shopping area and restaurants, although there are supermarkets very close.