This was our second visit to the Hotel Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis (what a mouthful!). Our last was two years ago. We were pleased to see that everything in the hotel has been kept in good condition since the refurbishment - Nothing yet looking tatty like some Riu Palace's we have stayed at have sadly been allowed to do (e.g. Riu Palace Tenerife).

Sun loungers do get taken quite early. If you want the popular ones that get the sun first thing and are close to the pool, you're looking at getting towels out around 8am. Service around the pool for drinks is excellent - never have to wait long for someone to pass by to take an order.

Breakfasts lovely and plenty of room outside if you go before 9am. Shame they don't do omelettes on request though - they always used to. But that is being picky - there was plenty of other choices and v good scramble!

Lunch choice at the outside restaurant has been reduced since our last visit to only ham & cheese toastie or help-yourself-salad. For more choice you now have to go to the main restaurant whre you have breakfast. No big deal I suppose, and what you do get is good at either place.

The main thing we noticed, though, is that the food in the main restaurant has really gone down-hill since our last visit. A lot less choice and not such good quality as it used to be. This is partly made up for by the A La Carte restaurant, which we chose to eat at for 4 of our evenings (we went out for the other two, not wanting to return to the main restaurant after our one visit). The food there is pretty good - some really good restaurant standard, but varied between excellent and full of mistakes (e.g. sugar crust on top of foie gras hadn't been caramelised).

That said, the hotel has an excellent location. Loads of close by restaurants and shops and right by the beach. I would go again, but I wouldn't pay for half board - I'd eat out for dinner at the near-by restaurants.

In summary, I think Riu Palaces (and this one Grand Palace) are losing their edge a bit on the food side, but still a good value holiday with nice accommodation and service.

The reviews on this hotel seem to be either rants or raves. I can't honestly understand where most of the criticism is coming from.

I spent a lovely, relaxing week at the Riu Maspalomas Oasis.

The hotel:
The hotel is fairly old and it's not the most attractive building in the resort. However it is set in the most beautiful grounds - full of palm trees and lakes. The location is perfect, right on the beach - next to the dunes, and just a 5 minute walk from the restaurants and shops of maspalomas.

The room:
Our room was a double room (two twin beds together). Lots and lots of cupboard space - more than you usually get. Choice of ceiling fan or air-con (or both in our case). Decent size - but you pay extra for a decent view (we didn't). Bathroom was functional with a powerful shower.
Our gripes over the room were - the mini bar: we didn't want/use it. Empty fridge would be far more use. In fact we took everthing out and restocked it with our own snacks and beverages. They didn't seem to complain. There is no light on the balcony ... a bit annoying when you're trying to play cards at night. Tip - don't leave the balcony door open - we did briefly and a coakroach got in. They are native to the island so you have to accept they are around the place - although we saw none in the hotel. Finally we had to pay for use of the safe ... that is ridiculous in a 5 star hotel.

Food:
I only had breakfast at the hotel and it was excellent. Wide range of hot and cold foods on the buffet. Lots of fresh juices, smoothies, fruit etc. Also the first time i've ever seen a bottle of vodka on the buffet - for those guests who require a hair of the dog!!
It's not the sort of place where you can get a burger and chips by the pool ... the pool bar only does icecream and drinks.

Service
The hotel deserves its 5 stars for service - I found absolutely NOTHING to complain about here.

Facilities
This hotel has it all. The pool is great - no matter what time you go down you will get a sunbed. Be warned if you have children or a weak swimmer. Big areas of the pool are extremely deep - it ccan really catch you out.
There are also 3 tennis courts, a gym, archery, shooting ... the list goes on.

I recommend this hotel.

We went as a family and adored this hotel , we had the most beautiful suite - with HUGE super,superking size bed - the kids room adjoined ours and we all had a large screen TV !!! the hotel is stunning and gardens beautiful - one thing though it is directed probably more for couples and older visitors and not so much towards young kids - it is set beside locals restaurants and shops which back on to a beautiful beach and we ate out the whole time - the restaurant is a bit snooty with set meal times and not geared for children at all - the same with the evening entertainment where you feel children are " tolerated" - however I cant say anything too negative - it is FAB - a walk past the lighthouse takes you to a further shopping / restaurant resort !! We will definietly go back again !! It has a real 5 star feel !!!

Stayed in this Hotel for one week until 4 June 2007. Hotel staff very
good, rooms clean, food fantastic. Not over keen on location as another Hotel had been built directly on beach front in front of this Hotel. Also lots of food outlets boarder the gardens making it a
bit smelly and noisy at times. The beach was great though the Hotel does not provide sun beds etc. - though towels are provided. Even though the Hotel encourages non saving of pool side sun beds this did
happen - all the time. Lovely promenada to walk along in eve after dinner with glorious sunsets. Plenty of shops also. Medical facilities at the Hotel are really really good - should you need them. Overall a good place to stay, very relaxing, though staff not a friendly as other Riu's I have stayed at, though this is probably the best food, in buffet and main resturant.