Riu Vallarta

Booked to go to this hotel over 2 years ago having been to Mexico previously. Booked because of the reputation RIU hotels have. however 2 weeks before we were due to go I started reading online reviews about the hotel and started to panic about what people were writing, even to a point where we tried to change our accommodation to no avail. On our arrival at Hotel Riu Valartta we were pleasently surprised at the efficiency and organisation of the staff. Our room was of a comfortable size and very airy with a sea view. Every meal we had was of outstanding quality and was all prepared fresh. All the staff were second to none from the maid service, restaurant staff and bar tenders. The pools were maintained well although there was some leaves floating in the mornings which can only be expected due to the close proximity of the trees. The only drawback is that there are not enough public toilets around the complex. Overall I would highly recommend this hotel, ignore the negative comments and make your own opinions. We are looking to go back next year.

We stayed here for 2 weeks in July (11th) and had the best holiday ever. From the moment we arrived the staff couldn't do enough for you. Special shout out to Alexander on the pool bar who made the best cocktails ever!! The hotel was exceptionally clean and there were always people cleaning (morning and night). The maids did a good job of the room every day and left a new animal towel design for us every day. The mini bar was always restocked and if we ever needed any more bottled water, reception were always happy to give us as many bottles as we needed. The food was absolutely amazing! Plenty of choice and live cooking stations too. We tried all the restaurants and Sir George was definitely the best - the steak was amazing. We got there at 6pm which was as soon as it opened and we were seated straight away. Nirvana and Flamingos were very good too. I like to try somewhere different every year for holidays but this place has definitely got me thinking about returning next year!

Enjoyed my two weeks and have the following comments: 1. Great beach right in front of the hotel ,plenty of sun loungers, warm sea,enough waves to make it fun, waiters bring around drinks 2. Fantastic staff. All brilliant, friendly, attentive, professional, can't fault any of them and they work very hard. 3. Food was very good, nice choice although does get a bit repetitive after two weeks, but where wouldn't? 4. Pool nice but sun loungers a pain in that reserved early on and so called hotel policy not to remove towels isn't followed and same morons reserve and then don't use for hours on end. 5. People eating in the pool, and dropping food. Absolutely disgusting and shouldn't be allowed. Also plates left all round the pool. Hotel doesn't seem bothered by this. 6. Noise. If you have a room overlooking the central quadrant, expect lots of noise from music and drunken holiday makers until gone 11. Better to have a room on the outside in my view. 7. Entertainment, ok in parts but overall not the best. Neon and white parties excellent however. 8. Music around the pool loud all the time, don't try and use.your headphones for.your own music, you won't hear it. 9. Location is a bit far from many things, although taxis are reasonably cheap. Overall enjoyed our stay, love Mexico and the people but wouldn't stay here again.