My husband and I, along with our two teenage daughters stayed at the Riu for 7 nights on 26th October 2007 on self catering basis. We got a good price through their web site for a 1 bedroomed apartment ,with the girls sleeping in the kitchen/living area on camp beds. Must say the camp beds were much better than what we've previously been used to on other self catering apartments. Another plus was that the air conditioning was available throughout the apartment and not just in the main bedroom as previously encountered. Riu aparthotel is situated in a nice area, about 10 mins leisurely walk to the centre, not a problem for us as the weather particularly in October was not too hot. The complex itself is very well thought out , almost like a village, there was not so much British tourists there but mainly German. The staff were very helpful and our apartment cleaned everyday. We've stayed in many self catering apartments, and must say this has been one of the best, usually we've had to pay extra for the air con and you were also supplied with complimentary toiletries. I would only comment on the decor, a bit drab, however not a problem as we were out most of the time. Can not comment on the food as we ate out.

This is a very good Aparhotel - and take it from somebody who has travelled widely. We booked directly on the Riu website and got a good deal. Getting there from the airport was absolutely no problem via taxi at airport (25 euros). Check in - no hassle, if a little formal - understandable though. We arrived late evening and finding our apartment was a little troublesome - some help here would be appreciated, I think, especially for evening or later arrivals. Anyway, accomodation is excellent value for money - we were on an apartment and Breakfast deal which is exceptional value for money. Breakfast: good quality and varied choice catering for all but choose your table wisely!! (Note). Recommended for families. High management presence too - and they are approachable although we did not require their services. General facilities (bar, pool, entertainment) all good when we used them. Billing accurate and without fuss - a help, indeed. Checkout smooth and reception will organise late departures with room allocation if they can -otherwise they have excellent storage and showering facilities, if you require. Honestly, we have paid a lot more for a lot less. Excellent towel facilities at poolside and appropariate linen and daily room towel change, Nothing appeared a problem. Listen, this place is well recommended and is a bargain but book directly. We'd go back ,but the world has more to share!

This was our second stay at the Riu Adeje, having stayed there the same time last year.

We got a bit lost again when trying to find our allocated apartment, which was 130. We weren't too happy with this as it seemed to be at the back end of the hotel and up a lot of steps. So we decided to ask if we could get an upgrade (and were willing to pay if need be). The person on reception said it would be no problem, we would be doing them a favour and we landed up with the same apartment as last year (630).

No real complaints at all apart from the nightly entertainment which was a bit poor compared to the last time we stayed, but the team did their best.

The weather was gorgeous with only one day of rain/clouds.

One place I would recommend a visit to is the Playa Del Duque beach and area - amazing and beautiful. Only costs about 17 euros for the hire of sun loungers and shade for as long as you are there.

This hotel is more like a small village than a hotel, with 'bungalows' arranged around a large pool area. Even has street names for the walkways around the site but very little else in the way of signs/directions. They do give you a 'diagram map' on the key holder folder but very little else, we kept finding new things during the week which we stayed but we would have prefered better directions from the start.

I can reitterate most of the comments made in the last few reviews so I will try not to repeat them.

We were 'upgraded' to a bungalow next to the main pool, when we arrived (great). Then. we found it was the middle of a 3 storey block, up a flight of stairs, which was inconvenient with a pushchair. Once in the apartment, we found the cot was missing (its now 2am), which we had requested several times in advance and reconfirmed in reception. But the security guard very kindly fetch one for us and also got us a pint of milk for our toddlers morning milk - five star customer service recovery.

Whole complex is mostly kept clean and tidy but some areas are in need of attention, repainting and refurbishment. For example, the 'gardens' outside the each bungalow were, in most instances including our own, uninviting dry dusty soil patches instead of the grass which was intented. Take up the grass and put down a patio with plant around it instead. Inside the apartment, there was plenty of space and they are decorated to a high standard. The only problem was an intermittent foul stench coming from the drains which came and went over the week. We heard similar complaints from other guests.

The area around the main pool had some greenery to soften the area but the kids pool, which is a seperate area was very barren. The pool itself was fine and next to it was a play area (slide, swings etc) within a large sand pit, again great for young kids. Nobody seemed to have responsibility for cleaning the area which meant guests having to pick up any debris each morning. The only other problem would be for families with toddlers and older kids because the two pool areas are some distance apart.
Ditto others comments about bed reserving abuse, especially in some cases, hotel pools towels left behind for days without being moved when guests had clearly gone home.

Finally, the hotel is well located but up a small hill, in the newer area of the resort. The only way in and out was thorough reception, (which does help security) but means an unnecessary walk up to the top of the site to get in and out every time. Other hotels seem to be OK with security 'swipe' gates at the opposite end of their sites, why not the Rui. Also, the hotels carpark was locked and out of use, we were told to park along side the hotel in the street. Finding a space was rarely a problem but aways resulted in a good walk to and from the car.

The Rui isn't a bad hotel and we enjoyed our stay. It does have the potential for being great but does not deserve its 4 star rating nor it high 'Trip Advisor' rank currently.