TUI BLUE Riu Tikida Beach

On arrival to the hotel one of the first things we were told was that we could make outgoing calls home, or in/out the hotel from the hotel room telephone as we please and told how to operate it and that was it. A couple of days into our stay the WiFi was down and didn’t work for over a day. I came on this holiday with my disabled mum who had also recently been in hospital and diagnosed with a head illness that will need operating on when we return home. Due to my mums condition we had to be in regular contact with home and the hospital. Therefore, when the WiFi was down this was very concerning for us and we had to use the hotel room phone to call home. We asked again at reception in regards to this phone and again, were not told anything about being charged for the phone, and due to their encouragement to use it and the way in which it was introduced and explained to us, it really seemed as though the phone was free to use. The book in the hotel room again stated about the use of the phone but has nothing stating that charges apply. We had to call home a couple of times due to the WiFi being down for over a day. When checking out we were given a very hefty charge for use of this phone. We were extremely shocked and did explain the situation to the reception staff who instantly because very stand offish and rude to us. We maintained a polite manor to them and said that due to my mums condition and the WiFi not working we had no choice but to call from that phone, and were NOT informed once that we would be charged for phone use, if anything, it was made as though this phone really was free to use. I suppose this is just one way to get more money out of guests, however, we did not have this money and are now leaving to go home with no money in our banks to get us by the next couple of weeks as had to use our card for the payment. The charges were extortionate for only a couple of not very long phone calls too... apart from this our stay was brilliant and aside from the hotel staff, all other staff were incredible and beyond friendly and helpful. We were planning on returning but feel we may now try another hotel. We understand the charges but feel that while the hotels WiFi was not working and we HAD to contact home they should have taken responsibility for that down period and now charged guests for out going calls as it was the hotels WiFi not working and preventing us from contacting home, meaning we had no choice but to use this phone. Also, it would be far more guest friendly to state that charges do apply for use or the phone. This is the first time we’ve made a complaint on a holiday and it feels awful. But we already have been through a lot recently with my mums illnesses and we had to be in regular contact with home for those purposes. Also the reception staff gave us a very rude response when we explained this to them... there was no need for that. But I would like to say that ALL other staff and this hotel is beautiful.

December 2019 visit Room 137 (sea view) My wife and I are currently staying here and feel the need to review it before we leave. We’ve been once before two years ago, since becoming a Rui Blue category hotel it’s got even better! Room: We paid the extra £80 through TUI for a limited sea view (see photo), there is nothing limited about it, it’s amazing! Incredible sunset! The room itself is comfortable and clean with the most amazing shower I’ve ever seen in a hotel. Even the TV has three English channels. Since our last visit they’ve added complimentary mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities. Hotel: Lots of places to sit and enjoy a drink. The lady in the Casablanca bar remembered us from two years ago and even remembered our drinks! As soon as your drink has 1/4 left another arrives - she is your best asset by far! The singer is also very good The other bar upstairs has lot of comfortable sofas and board games if you wish to pass the time - personally people stopping is far more fun! Restaurant: Mustapha in the lunch restaurant is the happiest guy I’ve ever seen and so attentive, another employee we remember from two years ago - another great asset! Pool area: Spacious with plenty of beds and sofa areas. It looks like you’ve walked in a jungle, the decoration & garden are very impressive Location: Perfectly placed for a walk to the harbour (45/60 mins each way) Reception: We arrived at 9:15pm (Thurs 5th) so we were quickly wristbanded up sent for dinner, we wandered back to check in and it was a delight. The guy behind the counter was funny and entertaining - another great employee! Rep: English rep means it easy get information. Karina is very good Overall: extremely good hotel, didn’t disappoint for the second time. The staff make the experience even better so well done! Please note: tip the staff they deserve it!