Riu Palace Meloneras

Beautiful place. Great great staff. Friendly environment. Do you know that feeling when you find a place and even before you leave that place, you know you want to go back there as soon es possible? Well, that's my felling about my time at Riu Palace Meloneras.

We arrived a few days before the Spanish Government's emergency powers legislation. Everything was fine - the hotel was superb as usual, good room, excellent food and great service from waiters and reception. But as soon as the announcement was made, everything took a nosedive. You can't blame the hotel for the action ordered by the government and police, which was totally beyond their control. However, what was in their control was communicating to clients exactly what was going on and why. In this respect the management was woefully inadequate. One could understand what was happening if there had been noticeboards in reception and the dining area explaining why they were reducing the services, but there were none. Firstly the swimming pools were closed, and the sunbeds removed and stacked up. A receptionist was despatched to tell all the clients to go back to their rooms. Not a manager was seen. Then the outside dining area was closed, and everyone was herded into the inside restaurant, with no control on social distancing. Then the bar was virtually closed when the furniture was removed. You could order a drink but nobody explained where you were allowed to drink it. Then the entrance lobby lights were switched off at 8pm and it was only when enquiring at reception were we told that the police had ordered this to stop people sitting around. The buffet food selection shrank so dramatically that by the time we left it was reduced to one small serving area. Time and time again, things happened with no announcement and you only discovered the reasons if you asked. Totally appalling communication. The hotel remains brilliant in normal times, but the management is just not up to the job in a crisis.

We visited this fabulous hotel which is 5 star all the from the moment you enter the impressive reception and are greeted by the wonderfully friendly staff, and walk out to the gardens and 5 pools . It’s has the wow factor. Our room was a side sea view on the 3rd floor which was spotlessly clean and spacious as was the bathroom. We were half board and the breakfast and diners in the Magnolia restaurant were amazing. I am not a great fan of buffets but there was such a varied choice even the fussiest of people would have found plenty to eat. We also are in the Kristal restaurant which was small and intimate 48 covers maximum. Great menu and ambiance. The staff definitely make this hotel something special, we spoke to many people who have visited time and again and all commended the staff. We were there for a week before Spain put the island into lockdown and 4 days of lockdown the staff remained helpful, cheerful and polite bearing in mind there jobs were disappearing in 4 days. Location is perfect with the back door opening onto the promenade and plenty of bars ,restaurants, shops and supermarkets on the doorstep. Also Maspalomas amazing sand dunes a 10 minute walk past the lighthouse. We cannot wait to come back after the Coronavirus is finally gone