Riu Papayas

We returned home this morning from a week stay and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We arrived at the hotel about 10:30pm so was told that a cold buffet had been put on as the main restaurant had closed. Check in was quick and the man shown us a map of the hotel and how to get to our rooms. The room itself was a good size, and the bathroom was also surprisingly big compared to other hotels. Very modern and spotlessly clean. After coming back from breakfast, our room was always already cleaned by the housekeeping staff. After reading reviews about the sun beds, I decided to get up to reserve our sun beds at around 6:30am and I’d definitely recommend getting sun beds under umbrellas instead of under the canopies as it can cause disagreements if some people want it open and others closed. One morning I didn’t go down until around 7:45 and most of the sun beds with the umbrellas were already taken. The food was absolutely great. Such a variety and there was always so much I wanted to try. Big range of salad, vegetables, fish, meat, pastas, pizzas, paella, hot dogs, burgers, soup etc. The restaurant staff were always very friendly as well. We loved the aqua aerobics that happened twice a day at around 12:30 and 3:30, and also the blue carpet in the pool was very amusing to watch. The night time entertainment was okay, although if you get there after 9:30pm there will be no tables left. Good selection of cocktails however don’t think there was much alcohol in them, same with the beer on tap was also very weak. However if you ask for a spirit with mixer they always gave a very generous measure of spirit. We had a late flight on the way home, so even though we had to check out our room by 11am, we could put our suitcases in a room in reception and carry on using all facilities until departure and there was also a courtesy room on the lower ground floor with showers, towels, mirrors to freshen up before your flight. The staff were very friendly. One particular man was very very nice, unfortunately didn’t get his name but he looked like a caretaker in an all white uniform. He was so friendly and spoke about his job so passionately. He was an asset to the hotel. We could not fault this hotel in any way, we loved it.

Myself and my boyfriend have just returned from a two week stay at the Riu Papayas. I can honestly take the bad reviews with a pinch of salt as these people must be incredibly picky, we had the most amazing stay!! We arrived late at night to the hotel at around 11pm, check in was quick and the staff on the desk were extremely polite and helpful, they also told us the Ole restaurant had cold food left for us as the buffet restaurant was now closed. Rooms We stayed in room 566 (get the lift closest to the Lounge Bar (Dunas I think it was called) they were very spacious for the two of us and were cleaned immaculately daily by the maids who were so polite. Personally, we don't go on holiday to watch the TV we would just have it on as background noise when getting ready to head out as some reviews have complained there are limited English channels? Our view was of the Bull hotel across the way and had a view of the mountains it was perfect for us. We had a late flight home so you check out at 11am and they have a big room for our suitcases and downstairs on -1 they have shower rooms where you can get ready for your flight home, your all inclusive works up until the moment you leave which is great as some hotels don't do this. Food and drinks Food was amazing, most of it was freshly cooked in front of you and the staff in the restaurant are so polite including the chefs they would always welcome us. We stayed for two weeks and the food was never repetitive or the same there is something for everyone we never had a complaint. You can book in the hotel restaurants Ole and Zhu, Ole is tapas and Zhu is Chinese food and they were both amazing I couldn't recommend booking these enough and it's at no extra charge. Also, the lounge bar gives you big bottles of water when you have run out of the ones in your room just ask them at the bar. Amstel was the beer on tap and they had a Cruzcampo radler style beer on tap do which was lovely. Most spirits aren't branded but that doesn't bother us at all and they have a range of cocktails and a self service bit around the pool bar which is open 24 hours. Pool Area We were a bit reluctant having read previous reviews about the pool beds situation, Do not read them!! There were plenty of beds left all day around the pool and we would get up at 8 and head down and there was still plenty of beds then, I personally never saw anyone down at 4 am when we had returned from nights out to put their towels down, guessing it's those people who want to be right next to the pool? If you want a quiet area head to the upstairs terrace just next to the restaurant, it's adults only and so quiet we sat there every day for two weeks it's perfect. We did see a few arguments around the pool under those canopies, just get a bed with a parasol and problem solved. Area We previously stayed at the Gran Canaria princess two doors down so we knew the area well, I recommend Tipsy Hammock bar on Playa Ingles beach it does amazing cocktails and food it's about a 15 minute walk from the hotel or 3 euro in a taxi. We would get a taxi to Melonares it's about 5/6 euro, there are some amazing restaurants there I definitely recommend going it's beautiful especially when the sun is setting. Also if you like a laugh and a good night out I definitelt recommend the Yumbo Centre (10 min walk from hotel) lot's of restaurants and bars (The Corner is great if you want high end cocktails the staff are lovely) and if you love the drag shows definitely go to Sparkles Show Bar they are amazing! staff there are also lovely too. We would definitely recommend Riu Papayas and will 100% be returning in the future.

We have just returned from hotel Papayas and went as a family group of 11, this is our second stay and again we have a fantastic holiday. The food was great and the restaurant staff were always helpful to sit us together and push tables together. We never had any issues selecting sun beds for the whole party, and secured them every day at 0730. All staff were excellent and helpful, and the riu entertainment team made the evenings fun. Looking forward to coming back when we can, only negative is lack of TV channels in English and some of the gym equipment needs updating.