I recently stayed at RIU Oliva and came away with mixed feelings. The experience started very well…read more After arriving from the airport, I was greeted by warm and welcoming staff and checked into my room within about 15 minutes.
The room was very clean, and overall cleanliness throughout the hotel was excellent. However, the hotel itself feels dated. The furniture looks like something from the 1970s, the beds are extremely firm, the room phone did not work, and the Wi-Fi signal inside the room was almost nonexistent. I often had to sit on the balcony just to get a connection.
The location is one of the hotel's strongest points. The beach is only minutes away, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. The pools were also clean, although colder than expected. Corralejo is only a short taxi ride away, and for around €10, you can reach downtown, where you'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
As for the food, it was acceptable but not particularly memorable. There was always something to eat, but nothing stood out. One thing I found unusual was that condiments such as ketchup and mustard were placed in shared bowls. If you weren't among the first guests served, it wasn't the most appealing setup. Drinking water was only available in cups, and there were no complimentary water bottles in the rooms, although a nearby store made this less of an issue.
The staff were inconsistent. Some employees were exceptionally kind and helpful, while others came across as rude and unpleasant. At one point, I was asked to leave the cafeteria during lunch because I had not been given a wristband, which was frustrating since that was not my mistake.
Another downside was the operating hours. Most facilities, including the gym, did not open until 8:00 AM. As someone who likes to work out and have coffee early in the morning, this was disappointing and disrupted my routine.
Overall, RIU Oliva offers an excellent location, outstanding cleanliness, and some very friendly staff. On the other hand, the aging facilities, unreliable Wi-Fi, inconsistent service, limited operating hours, and average food keep it from being a truly great experience. It's not a bad place to stay, but there is definitely room for improvement.