To get things clear - this is a hotel which we would recommend, and would rank highly compared to many other hotels visited over the years. It is the only hotel we have stayed in which we have actually appreciated the high qualities the longer we stayed. As always I offer a fair review - good points and bad points. The bad points should be taken as constructive criticism.
First the negatives:
The 'Live Music' duo, who performed twice a week.
What a shame; these guys can actually perform and sing well enough (keyboard and guitar) but there are two main issues. One is their complete lack of any personality or animation - we thought they may be holograms. Secondly the music choice. Always difficult with varied ages and cultures, but this was like the worst DJ wedding music x 100. Why do people think that someone who is 40 years old needs to listen to music 40 years old, 50 years old - 50 year old music etc... ?? Loads of people were moaning and many left. Yes, they may think that 'this 50 year old track gets people dancing', but that is because it has a beat. Newer tracks also have beats - that is what music is about. These guys do not represent the ambience of the hotel, holiday time or the hotel's own Animation Team. Get rid.
Smoking Outside
A difficult one to sort, but does...To get things clear - this is a hotel which we would recommend, and would rank highly compared to many other hotels visited over the years. It is the only hotel we have stayed in which we have actually appreciated the high qualities the longer we stayed. As always I offer a fair review - good points and bad points. The bad points should be taken as constructive criticism.
First the negatives:
The 'Live Music' duo, who performed twice a week.
What a shame; these guys can actually perform and sing well enough (keyboard and guitar) but there are two main issues. One is their complete lack of any personality or animation - we thought they may be holograms. Secondly the music choice. Always difficult with varied ages and cultures, but this was like the worst DJ wedding music x 100. Why do people think that someone who is 40 years old needs to listen to music 40 years old, 50 years old - 50 year old music etc... ?? Loads of people were moaning and many left. Yes, they may think that 'this 50 year old track gets people dancing', but that is because it has a beat. Newer tracks also have beats - that is what music is about. These guys do not represent the ambience of the hotel, holiday time or the hotel's own Animation Team. Get rid.
Smoking Outside
A difficult one to sort, but does the hotel realise the amount fo smoke form outside the main entertainment centre which drifts in via all the open doors etc in the evening? As said it is difficult but non smokers (the majority) do suffer. Perhaps restrict outside smoking to at least 1 table width away from the entrances to the centre entrances with some polite notices and a nice designation barrier. Would offer the chance of reducing smoke drifting in.
Good Points:
Cleanliness
This has to be the cleanest and tidiest hotel we have ever stayed in. Everything, from the room service, the communal areas, the communal toilets, the tables inside and outside, the bars etc. Always staff cleaning, wiping down, clearing glasses, dishes, gardening staff etc. Seriously clean.
Staff
So friendly in all areas. From the maids, waiting staff, chefs / servers, bar staff, reception area, cleaners...all were so friendly and polite. Well done to all.
Room
5th Floor pool facing room. What a lovely room. Spacey, fresh decor, lovely comfortable large bed, ceiling fan and air con, free large safe, fridge, large tv and several UK channels if you really want to watch tv. And of course clean ! Only gripe is the lack of a kettle. Really can't understand this, especially and dozens of other reviewers say the same. They have a tray, glasses etc, so just get a kettle and a couple of cups. So easy to sort. We brought our own travel kettle.
Animation Team
How they please allege groups (kids and adults) al, the time is beyond me. So hard working, always looking friendly and approachable, and a few were actually very talented when it came to 'Show Time'. Watch the 'Crazy Show'. If you get in the zone and chill you will find this hilarious. Belly laughed. Well done to all concerned.
General Points :
Booked in having arranged a private taxi transfer. No-one else waiting. Dealt with so well. Wished us a happy anniversary and even sent a bottle of 'Bubbly' to our room.
Lifts are slow when calling (obviously depending on certain times) but were efficient enough.
Location was excellent. The little town of Olhos was lovely. Pretty basic but had restaurants, shops, supermarket, pharmacies, booking ticket offices (instead of paying increased rates through Tui. Only a few minutes walk down into the town / beach from the hotel on gentle incline - it is not steep. We found these facilities better than the big towns, a little more personal and warming. A few great bars here also (Black Cats, Friends)
Albefiera and Vilamoura either side, both 15 / 20 mins away by bus or taxi. Can be walked as many do along the beach but takes apparently a couple of hours. Time I'd rather spend chilling out than getting hot and knackered ! Each to their own.
Food in hotel was as should be expected. On the whole it was hot, but did have a few occasions where we were disappointed with some of the dished out food which stands under heater, being cool. Not good at all. However, we did mention it every time, and the staff were amazing. Apologetic and quick to stoke up some fresh food. There is also a microwave available which can be used for the occasional blast of bits and pieces if needed. Plenty of choices and some nice Portugese dishes which were nice to try.
The on site 'a la carte' restaurant grill was available by booking and could potentially be used every night. It is still self service, a smaller version of the big restaurant, but a much more soothing environment and lovely place to be.
The main restaurant feels like a large canteen. It is organised but lacks any real charisma. This could be resolved with some compartmented areas being set up, perhaps an adult only section, and some warming decor. Could be achieved, but not a huge issue. Just lacked that feeling of a luxury experience.
Drinks were good, with plenty of self service water, ice, genuine brand Coke / Coke Zero, juices, wine and beer. Spirits were local but plentiful. Ask for lattes rather than using the machine. The bar staff serve up better option. Free large water bottles from reception at any time for room etc. (use fridge)
Pools were really nice but f.. f.. f.. freezing. It was October so not their issue. Very nice feel around the pools. Expect would be fab in high season. Loads of sunbeds. Only a few isolated beds reserved before 9:00, so no need to panic to rush out and reserve. It did get busy around the pools despite not using them for swimming, so was a good atmosphere. As stated previously - very clean and well maintained.
Would we return ? - Yes if it worked out with a good offer, or friends/ family wanted to go. However, we have not returned to the same hotel twice in a row before, but in theory we would as we highly rated the quality of the place and the location.
Thank you to all the Riu Guarana staff for making this stay special for us.More
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