Riu Playa Blanca - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5405 reviews

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  If you have a party greater than 5, traveling with minor children, or celebrating something special…STAY SOMEWHERE ELSE

  We booked travel over 6 months in advance and contacted the hotel to ask about their policies to accommodate our party which started at 20 guests, but was finalized at 12. I had great hopes because I stay at a Riu at least once a year. However, this location is highly under staffed and too many staff members were rude to my group. They ruined my birthday by refusing our party of 12 at 2 restaurants when we were in line at 7:30pm (restaurant hours are 6-9pm). They still accepted others, but refused us! We then were forced to eat at the buffet which is not ideal for a birthday dinner. The staff failed to group our tables, provide water, and clear soiled plates! All things they had done days before and at other Riu resorts. Things got worse on my birthday when I requested the manager and some man presented who was not the manager! He did not resolve the problem at all. He stated that someone would reach out the next day which they did not. When I called the next morning Emmanuel spoke with me who was rude and disrespectful! They tried to blame us for not being serviced even though we asked them months in advance and days prior to my birthday about their restaurant protocol WHICH WE FOLLOWED. They said we should’ve told them the day before it was for a special occasion even though we have emails stating that it was my birthday and others in the group had birthdays too! They offered a birthday dinner the next day AFTER ALL OF MY GUESTS LEFT! This was unacceptable which I made clear to everyone! It was a horrible experience ruining a milestone birthday. Kids Club is a joke! The ONE staff member there starts work at 12pm and goes on lunch at 1pm!! Therefore, she told us to pick the children up at 12:40pm. She refused to have the children outside in the Kids Club pool because she preferred inside with air conditioning. When I inquired multiple times about the schedule and how long she could keep the children after her lunch break she just ignored the questions! So do not come here if you have children and want a massage or alone time! It won’t happen because no one can watch your child for longer than 30 minutes!! The direct hotel staff and Riu corporate customer service have yet to rectify this issue. They don’t care. They have no loyalty towards devoted customers.

  Jun 27, 2025
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  RIU PLAYA BLANCA

  It is a nice resort priced very reasonably. Entertainment is great, skip devilish show for kids:) Nice pools. You have to prepare that the beach sucks unless we talk about sunsets. Do not expect white sand and calm water. Many stones will cut your legs if not careful. Rip current is extremely strong some days so not really beach for the kids. Plenty of volcanic black sand mixed with brown. This is beyond control of the hotel since it is a simple nature of the Atlantic Ocean.

  Jun 25, 2025
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  excellent place

  Excellent location, atmosphere, food, room, cleanliness; I loved everything. The only minor complaint I have is the horses on the beach, so close to the guests.

  Jun 23, 2025
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  Need some improvement

  A lot of food, almost 24 hrs a day. Cleaning could be better, and towels need urgent replacement. Bring your own towels for a better experience.

  Jun 22, 2025
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  Very good resort for price

  Great views and extremely friendly staff. Rooms a bit dated but didn't spend ton of time other than sleeping. Need to upgrade size of beds and add 120V outlets and/our USB charging.

  Jun 22, 2025