Rio Park

"Location - I picked the location because it’s ideal being between new and old and a nice walk down to the beach with shops on the way - go out of the hotel turn right then right again. Atmosphere - we loved the mixed age groups we were worried when we realised we had booked a hotel with children’s facilities - we are in our 60’s - but we absolutely loved the huge age range in the hotel, everyone was very friendly, we felt very safe. It was lovely to have a noisy bar then on left of reception a nice quiet relaxing bar with really good prices for drinks. Cleanliness and rooms - A really lovely very clean hotel, staff are busy cleaning throughout the day. The bedrooms had everything in that we needed we were very comfortable.- shower had hair dryer, dove shampoo and shower gel and there was a dove soap dispenser . We loved our pool views from our room 821 and 823, nice balconies to watch the world go by. We were aware of the €3 coffee tray charge, first day is free. There is a smallish fridge that we found very useful and a safe and aircon, we booked with Tui this was all free. TV in room but we had the best time so never looked at it! Pool - Pool area was lovely never too busy, on the photos the pool doesn’t look that big but it’s surprisingly big when in it, lots of sunbeds. We were a group of 4 ladies but we loved watching the children’s pool with the big bucket that fills up and hearing the screams of delight from the children when it tips over. The children’s pool looked to be a very nice clean splash pad with lots of fun had by all including parents. We used the outside bar/snacks/ices area a lot it was very handy and well organised. Luke worked hard at offering activities throughout the day around the pool, he was a lovely entertainment rep. We would have loved to see aqua aerobics on the list of activities. Pool closing time - Very disappointed that the pool closes at 6pm we all thought this is 2 hours early and does need to change. Management please note - it’s very concerning that the one lifeguard on duty has to fence off the area by himself pre-closing, he obviously can’t put the fences up and watch the pool at the same time, they definitely need someone else to put the fence up so that he can have eyes on the pool. It may be a cut back but it’s a very risky cut back! This needs sorting asap. Staff - what can we say definitely the nicest staff out there all extremely friendly and go out of their way to help you, they are clearly very well trained and love their jobs. Noise levels - we had the best nights sleep because there are no long corridors a very good design. Lifts - now these are a pain there are 5 lifts and yes when you look at the amount of guests at peak times it isn’t enough but they really can’t magic any more lifts. We were on floor 8 and most of the time would walk because waiting times could be long. That said this wouldn’t put us off going again. If you can walk up the stairs do it and save the lifts for the less able. Yellow brick road- the hotel is on the notorious yellow brick road but that said we walked as a group of 4 at all times but we didn’t return back to the hotel late. We wouldn’t walk that path late at night the same as you wouldn’t at home, there is no need to walk it anyway as there are other routes. Food - my friends were quite happy with the meals at night time, I really struggled I’m veggie and the choices weren’t good but that said I could always find something to eat. Hide and seek- Our advice is when you go in the dining room look everywhere as they move and hide things! It was like hide and seek trying to find the fruit and on Friday night we were really disappointed that there was no salad table but later found there was one but they had moved it. It’s definitely a crazy organised dining room but the good point is because it’s all spread out there are no queues. Breakfast we were all happy with this, I loved the mushrooms they were cooked beautifully. Just be prepared to go on a proper search for your food when you are there, it entertained us every night! It’s so good that there are microwaves I used them regularly. All in all a lovely hotel we definitely will return again and we recommend it. It was lovely to have the Tui rep desk in our hotel. Well done Rio Park for giving us a lovely holiday."

"Been to Rio Park numerous times,this stay was April 26..the hotel itself has defo gone downhill and is definitely in need of an overhaul..reception area is clean and welcoming.lounge/entertainment rooms need furniture upgrade,sleeping accommodation is starting to look like a 2star hotel.. ie see photos..5 lifts but only 3 working so be prepared to wait a while for y breakfast and evening meals..food has defo gone downhill..show cooking is a joke..but everyone's standard's differ I suppose..Overall cheap and cheerful but not for us anymore"

"Just returned from Rio park and sad to have to make this review but this hotel has gone down hill fast .Ive been going to this hotel for over 40 years and is not a 4 star hotel . It needs a good make over again very dirty in bedroom and other areas.There is much better hotels available less stars than this and better . There is one lad in the hotel having to entertain the whole hotel,who is fantastic in wot he does but poor for a big hotel , I requested a low floor and pool view didn’t get any only to be put on the 8 th floor and told nothing they could do and use the glass lifts which don’t work at night and where broken down so not good walking up 8 floors every night , Food is very poor and not much choice .sorry to write this but it needs to be addressed before it’s too late and won’t recommend this hotel anymore"