Hotel Riu Touareg - All Inclusive

On arrival at the hotel, even though there was six reception staff on it took 45 minutes for me to be checked in, Upon trying to enter the room which was very difficult I noticed that the door was actually broken with the hinges coming away at the top please refer to the photo this meant not only was it hard to push the door open but that the lock was waged. As it turned out I reported this on a daily. The safe within the room again was broken again was reported and again nothing was done about it the door leading onto the unlit balcony had actually come off its runner, so once I'd managed to open it not realising that this was the problem until I expected it in more detail it couldn't be closed again this was reported to reception and took two days for it to be repaired there was a hairdryer, dangerous and that when you try to use it the casing would fall off exposing the live wires.. Again this was reported and nothing was done about it. Life THREATING hanging space for clothes was provided behind beads within the bathroom I say beats as there were multiple strips of the missing in our room, this meant whenever you use the shower which wasn't enclosed in his own room the steam would come out and due to the fact there was no doors on the wardrobe affect the clothes. The shower, the entrance of the shower had a shower curtain was more hanging off its rail then it was attached, this reported on a daily basis to the chambermaid and as you can guess also to reception. During our stay we had an avalanche of water pouring through the ceiling through the holes This took 45 minutes for somebody to come out and look at it The blackout curtain that you could draw across the patio doors, was dirty and full of holes. There is a photo of a light switch the reason if you weren't careful, every time you used it you got a shock yes an electric shock so we decided it was just simpler to leave it on. The balcony the drying rail actually fell off when we put on our wet bathing cloths, an attempt was made to repair it but again not competent a repair there was no lighting on the actual balcony so if you wanted to sit outside in the evening even to do something as simple as reading the book, you had two choices, one leave the curtains open to allow the limited light from the room to come through, or use the torch on your phone so that you could read the words in the book. Again, the complimentary tea and coffee left a lot to be desired. We were issued with just three coffee sachets a day, and had to constantly request more As with other five-star hotels I have stayed in you had speciality dining restaurants, these could only be booked using the app, unfortunately we were unable to get the app to work, your reception team were unable to get the app to work, so we never got to visit any of them and no attempt was made to help us book into these restaurants any other way.. The food that was served in the restaurants well the main restaurants was what I can only was

Not sure where to start! Certainly, this is not a 5* hotel! 3* at best. Good points - Staff are brilliant, friendly, attentive and very hard working. Food was ok, plenty of choice, not always mega hot. Pool restaurant we preferred for breakfast and lunch. Entertainment varied massively, but around the main bar it was quite nice to have a drink and play cards and just listen to the entertainment in the background. Adults only pool area was nice, pool bar was nice. The grounds are kept so clean and look stunning. The beach is stunning, but can’t swim due to how strong the current is! Bad points - The hotel is very dated, it’s in major need of a refurb, our room was just about adequate, but when you’re paying a lot of money and for your honeymoon for a 5* resort you expect a lot better than this. The toilets do smell but not as bed as some had said. The main pool area was packed in terms of sun beds, felt a bit over crowded. The restaurant at night time was beyond manic, people push in, bump into you and it’s just not a very nice experience to say the least. Food seemed to run out quite quickly. Breakfast and lunch time was a lot calmer because they have 2 restaurants open. Overall, we had a nice time, but I would expect more for how this resort is advertised. I wouldn’t come back to this hotel, but I would visit Cape Verde again. Key things if you’re going to book. Don’t expect 5* hotel Bring Towell pegs Don’t expect to swim in the sea Restaurant is chaos in the evening.

The Hotel is advertised as a 5 Star it is 4 at best. The good points the food is outstanding there is loads of selection in the main restaurant its fresh and very tasty from breakfast to lunch to dinner exceptional. We found 2 of the booked specialist restaurants excellent which is the Italian and the Asian both were also buffet, the Boa Vista seafood restaurant was a bit hit and miss it didn't know weather it wanted to be buffet or served at the table and the main we choice to be served took ages to arrive to the table it would be better if this was also full buffet. The staff were friendly and outstanding they could not do enough for you always with a welcoming friendly smile they are a credit to the hotel. Obviously the weather was great 25- 28 degrees all year round make sure you put plenty of sun cream on as there is a breeze blowing all the time making it feel cooler than it is. The drinks were great and we had no problem with the "Ice" however at the pool bar the drinks were in smallish glasses and some people had taken there own insulated cups to keep their drinks cold which I thought was a good idea. The cocktail list is not extensive but if you ask they will serve different one just don't go by the list. The hotel is kept very clean all around including the bedrooms however the bath towels are small and thin, but the pool towels are okay. Now for the not so good bits, 5 star I would expect waiter service in the bar or round the pool as you get with most 5 star hotels, there isn't any this is probably due to the hotel being so big and totally spread out, if you have mobility problems as for block 5 or 6 by the main pool and close to the restaurants and bars otherwise its a bit of a walk. We were put in block 2 which must be the furthest away although all credit to the hotel they did move us to block 6 within 24 hours so no complaint there. The hotel is in a need of a refurbishment it is looking very tired, the rooms need upgrading re grouting and general upgrading, new safes, furniture, basins etc. and so does the main pool, with tiles missing in the bottom the grout has all fallen out and there is a few rust spot showing, but the water is clean and very brilliant for a dip although be away it is sea water. Not this is not a beach holiday there is very little swimming in the sea as its to rough, all the time we were there it was red flag no swimming and the reps had never seen a green flag. All in all a good relaxing holiday but not 5 star

Stayed at the RIU for 11 days and wow what a holiday! This hotel has breathtaking views along with excellent staff that can’t do enough for you. The food is a buffet and the amount of food you can choose from has enough for every single day. DONT BELIEVE THE REVIEWS ABOUT THE FOOD. There is so much variety. All the staff are incredible, they have so much fun whilst doing their job. They will never stop smiling which also highlights the amazing charisma this hotel has. From the complex you are a 2 minute walk from the beach which has lovely golden sand and blue water. The perfect walk for the morning. We booked some amazing excursions from here which included stargazing, a sunset dinner and a tour of the local village life. Cannot fault this holiday at all and everyone at the RIU hotel. Great entertainment at night and changes every night. Lovely outside bar and swim up bar. A fair few a la carte restaurants that you have to book into and all of them were lovely. I had my anniversary and birthday here and the staff took the time to decorate tables and bed. Even on the excursions the hotel made sure they knew about it and make a big fuss which was amazing. Overall I would give this a 5 star and would recommend anyone to come here. Don’t believe the negative reviews that people are saying. This is one of the best holidays we have ever had and would definitely come back again.

Would not bother again with speciality restaurants as main restaurant had similar to offer. House keeping did a good job in general cleaning, rooms acceptable, but coffee tray was not restocked in the week we were there. Staff generally very amenable. Most general areas need a bit of an update. Disappointed that we booked assistance (disabled) but we’re out in the furthest block & up 2 flights of stairs ( difficult for me to manage) On 4 occasions I had to wait for the disabled facilities to be available & on each occasion it was staff blocking the facilities Additionally added to booking that we were there as a surprise for my husbands 60th birthday but no recognition even though another table were presented with a birthday cake & sang happy birthday to. Lovely island, would probably try an alternative hotel next time

This place is very relaxing and chilled so if you want to just do nothing then this is the place for you. Nothing for miles around you apart from a couple of shacks on the beach where you can get usual trinkets to take home. Much cheaper than in the hotel. The staff were great and could not do enough to help you. The adults only area was lovely but I must say it is looking a bit tired and could do with a facelift. For this reason I would not give the place 5 stars it is more 3/4. The worst part of the whole holiday was the airport coming home. It was so stressful. We only just got through in time for our flight despite getting there on the organised transport by Tui. No time to get a drink or souvenir's. For this reason alone I won’t be rushing back.

Review for 2 week stay in adults only section - Feb 2024 Check In Easy process, drinks on arrival, thorough description of hotel grounds, luggage taken to room. Room Spacious, minibar (topped up every 2 days inc. beer), spirit board, 2 x 1.5litre bottles of water per day, cleaned every day with fresh towels as often as required, good air con and fan only downside was slight smell from toilet but this was not all the time and twin beds. Food Main buffet - We went on first night - did find a little bit chaotic so decided with the restaurant by the main pool instead Breakfast - Great variety, hard to think of a breakfast item that wouldn’t be on offer, always fresh and how it should be Dinner - Repetitive in terms of hot offer e.g. pizza, hot dogs and burgers but always salad, cold and hot meats, fish etc available too. Never an issue with the food quality Tea - Always a special starter/main dish and dessert on offer and again a variety in different meats, fish, vegetable/salad with staples again like lunch. Italian restaurant - book in as soon as you can, really nice food - buffet style. Asian restaurant - same as Italian - buffet style - really good food Adults only restaurant - make sure take long trousers, I didn’t have any and couldn’t get in, this is in the policy and they did enforce it on me, fair enough. Adults only Pool Good atmosphere, plenty of sun bed availability (around 8am), bar at top of pool with towel exchange, staff sometimes come round with champagne and often a singer/musician in the bar about mid afternoon. We didn’t try any other pools. Wrist band checks by security when entering the area to make sure just adults only Beach Sea always red flag but did manage to get in a few days but rest of time waves were too rough and current strong. Beach itself is amazing white sands where can do lengthy walks/runs. Very well kept with an adults only area too. Some shacks on the beach which sell souvenirs, not pushy with sales and can barter on price. Outside hotel the places to buy are definitely more pushy so this is an easier way to get souvenirs Hotel grounds Very well kept Lots of cats Gym Quite small, opens at 8am, a few times had to wait to get on equipment at opening time and would be busy but would almost fully clear by half past/quater to. I would suggest opening the gym earlier and probably extending/updating/acquire new equipment however if first rush is all there is then maybe not worth it Nighttime Entertainment - normal holiday shows we tended to stay at adults only bar where it was quieter Sports bar - will show premier league/champions league and European leagues. Doesn’t show championship or below Staff All amazing, not a bad word to be said. Overall a great hotel experience. Big grounds, very clean, amazing staff. Probably could be renovated slightly in parts but could see maintenance staff always on jobs keeping upkeep to a good level, re tiling pools at night times etc. Would recommend and would re v