Checking In
We checked into RIU Palace Meloneras on a red hot day in August. The reception area is elegant and a taster of what’s to come staying at this hotel. The checkin experience itself was pleasant and we noted that the receptionists spoke various languages to welcome guests from all over the world.
We already anticipated that we wouldn’t get out room right away so we had a separate pool bag packed and were already in our beachwear. We were given cards to exchange for pool towels which was very convenient as we wanted to head to the pool area and explore the hotel grounds.
Welcome Drinks at Rosa Bar
As we left reception we were greeted with the option of a complimentary fresh orange juice or champagne to enjoy at Rosa Bar. As we sipped on our cold drinks in the shade and nibbled on the bowl of nuts we took in the amazing surroundings. Even the toilets were luxurious! The bathroom in reception made me audibly gasp as I looked around at the art deco style mirrors and dark elegant furnishings.
The Best Swimming Pool
With – of swimming pools to choose from we started with the middle pool next to the Blue Bar which had a much needed sea breeze. The pool is accessible with a curved ramp and pool wheelchair. The one thing I would say is the floor next to the ladders can get very slippy so be careful, hold on as you are getting out and keep your sandals nearby. The adults only pool underneath our balcony was at the back of Ocean Bar and our favourite.
The Room 5205
We finally checked into Room 5205 and were so pleased. The view of the promenade, ocean and pool was lovely and we had two sunbeds on the balcony to enjoy the view. The bathroom had …. shower, toiletries and plenty of space for a change of clothes and places to hang things.
Our balcony overlooked the Adults Only swimming pool which is an infinity pool and a lot more relaxed than the other pools. There’s a quick elevator ride down or stairs to the poolside from the room. It was very peaceful with umbrellas, beds and little tables for food and drinks which you can order from your sunlounger and eat at the pool. We decided to get out of the sun for a while and enjoyed lunch at the Ocean Bar.
Ocean Bar for Snacks
After a few chilled hours by the pool we had worked up an appetite and headed to Ocean Bar which is a very fancy snack bar that changes to a Tapas Bar at night. You can order to eat or drink poolside which is a whole other level of luxury, but you can also sit in if you prefer. If you can get a table by the window and take in the views as you enjoy a bite to eat. We ordered fries with cheese, Spanish omelette, bruschetta and there was a waiter just for bread rolls waiting to top us up.
Dinner at The Magnolia
Walking to our evening meal at The Magnolia we had a nice short stroll through the hotel grounds. The sound of a live reggae band setting the vibe for the night. Dinner was a buffet style experience, we chose a table, ordered a drink with our waiter and went to choose food from a fantastic selection for all tastes. I had the freshly grilled Swordfish with Canarian potatoes and rice. For dessert there was everything you could think of including fresh fruit, ice cream, cakes, pancakes and even a chocolate fountain with sweeties to dip.
A Breakfast Buffet with EVERYTHING
Our most anticipated meal was definitely the breakfast buffet. It seemed there was absolutely everything to choose from including fresh fruit, cereal, mini pancakes and pain au chocolat for those like myself who have a sweet tooth. As we were only here for one night, we went all out and tried a bit of everything.
The coffee was really good, served to the table, black coffee with a small jug of hot milk for our preference. On the buffet there was a variety of freshly squeezed juices, bottles of chilled water still and sparkling. I don’t know about you but I need a glass of water first thing before I eat or drink anything else, so this was perfect. I’m not keen on those communal water coolers that are often in hotels, so to find a proper selection of glass bottled water and not a generic cooler was a huge plus.
Manolo our Maitre made sure we were seated and had everything we needed during our meal. Breakfast is probably the busiest meal time at the RIU Palace Meloneras with around 1,050 clients. Even so, the staff flowed through clearing plates and tables as the chefs made sure the food was fresh and hot. I always enjoy watching show cooking and seeing my food made when staying in a hotel so it was very good to see the high standards and care that went into each area.
Barbie House Style Snack Bar
Bar Blue de Mar was one of my favourite themed areas in the hotel. The bright turquoise decor made me feel like I was at Barbie’s Malibu beach house. Here you get a lovely breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and it’s right next to the pool. There is a ramp access to the promenade via secure door which you use your room keycard to get back in. There’s also a security guard posted here, for that extra bit of reassurance.
We chose to go through the Bar Blue de Mar to have a walk. The gate is very close to the cocktail bar and supermarket on the promenade, there’s also Fund Grub if you want to treat yourself to any perfumes during your stay. If you continue you will reach the Maspalomas lighthouse and plenty of lovely bars and restaurants to enjoy. There’s even a Starbucks should you need it.
After a little walk we came back for coffee and to people watch. It was so nice to sit here and relax in between sunbathing and exploring the rest of the hotel.