Hotel Riu Chiclana - All Inclusive

“Wonderful holiday in Chiclana”

Everything was as normal with a Riu hotel. Everywhere was pristine clean, all staff were extremely obliging, the food was top class and our room was amazing. My only thought that was negative on our holiday was the amount of screaming Spanish children with their very loud parents. This cannot be he… more

Everything was as normal with a Riu hotel. Everywhere was pristine clean, all staff were extremely obliging, the food was top class and our room was amazing. My only thought that was negative on our holiday was the amount of screaming Spanish children with their very loud parents. This cannot be helped but a shame they can't talk on lower decibel level! Apart from that a big thank you to all involved in making our holiday so enjoyable. Yet another 5* for Riu. Thank you .

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“Family holiday”

We had a lovely holiday and enjoyed every minute of it. If there is one criticism, it would be the issue with your bins and the seagulls. They all need lids. The waste bins and the cups and plate trays. If they did, it would stop the seagulls scavenging for the food. Obviously people leaving th… more

We had a lovely holiday and enjoyed every minute of it. If there is one criticism, it would be the issue with your bins and the seagulls. They all need lids. The waste bins and the cups and plate trays. If they did, it would stop the seagulls scavenging for the food. Obviously people leaving there plates around doesn’t help.

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“A very Spanish experience.”

We stayed at the Riu Chiclana from the 8th May for a two week stay. We hired a car from the airport and upon arrival at reception the check in queue was out though the main door. (We overheard someone from our flight say it took an hour to get checked in). As Riu (diamond) members I could not see… more

We stayed at the Riu Chiclana from the 8th May for a two week stay. We hired a car from the airport and upon arrival at reception the check in queue was out though the main door. (We overheard someone from our flight say it took an hour to get checked in). As Riu (diamond) members I could not see the member check in area. So I spoke to a staff member who took us to a desk, that was dealing with customer enquiries. I showed my membership card and we were checked in straight away (avoiding the queue). Our luggage was tagged to be taken to our room, while we headed off for a drink and some lunch. As it was a Friday the hotel fills up with locals, who come for the weekend and the famous Riu parties, so hence the large queue at check in, which was replicated at the bars and restaurants over the weekend. The locals know how to party. We were allocated a room in block 34 (room 3431). It was a good size, with a large double bed, good bathroom with walk in shower, plenty of hot water. Nice balcony which got afternoon sun. It was not overlooked and had a sea view, The grounds are extensive and even over the weekends, no problem finding a sun lounger. Plenty of self-serve and service bars around the pools. Plus food was always available. We ate at all the restaurants over our stay, and I must say we found the food in the main buffet in the evenings very repetitive and the food was over-salted. The other restaurants were also buffets which made a nice change in the evenings from the main restaurant. However we found the food at kiosko pepito, served during the day very poor, everything was either overcooked or cold, so we avoided this option. We only went to the evening entertainment, a few times as it was very cheesy, however the two Riu parties were great. But we did enjoy a quiet drink in the bars away from the theatre. The hotel location is isolated. Only other hotels nearby. The nearest supermarket and pharmacy are a good twenty minute walk from the hotel and the centre of the resort (Novo Sancti Petri) is a bus ride (no8) away. So having a car gives you the freedom to explore the local area, and further afield. However the La Barrosa beach is just outside the back door of the resort, and is expansive in both directions. We enjoyed our stay here, but nothing to rave about. The staff were in the main friendly with a few exceptions, who gave the impression they did not want to be there. The management team were always around and approachable. This part of spain is full of history and with Cadiz, Chiclana, Cape Trafalgar and Jerez nearby it's a brilliant place to explore.

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“Great pools, not the best All inclusive.”

Arrived today, our first time since 2005.Lovely hotel with lovely rooms and great pools for everyone's liking.Room 3676 is ours. The place is massive,you need a map to get orientated the first day. We came in our own car for 3 nights all inclusive. Parking was free in 2005, now it's €5 a day which… more

Arrived today, our first time since 2005.Lovely hotel with lovely rooms and great pools for everyone's liking.Room 3676 is ours. The place is massive,you need a map to get orientated the first day. We came in our own car for 3 nights all inclusive. Parking was free in 2005, now it's €5 a day which is not so bad considering prices at other hotels. It's not a covered parking so bring sunshade for it. The resort has a restaurant which does not require booking, whilst it has others that do. As it's our first day writing this we have oy had lunch here and this is my opinion. Great variety of food with a great selection of deserts. I doubt anyone will complain here, it's just the small things that I don't understand. Butter instead of small packets you have to scoop it up on to your plate. Ketchup instead of sachets or bottles you serve yourself from a massive bowl with the cheapest ketchup available that you get spoons of.Bit disappointing here. Variety of meats was very limited at lunch and there was only one type of grilled fish option. But the options available were of very good quality. Drinks are self service, soft drinks and beer which is a fast way to refill your glass. Pool side was packed with seagulls, too many which made it a bit uncomfortable for people around with food. Self service drinks also here next to every pool which is great. If you want cocktails or special drinks the bars are also near the pools which is very convenient. We are an all inclusive family who always book this way, we have been to many all inclusive, each have their own way of managing theirs. I have to add that here it's the first time we have been to an all inclusive that does not offer snacks like peanuts, bagged crisps ice cream etc in the package. This has made my rating go down 1 point as I find Riu should be offering these snacks included in their package especially when they have one of the most expensive all inclusive offers in the market. Riu can do better. Anyway this stay has brought back incredible memories as our daughter was 3 in 2005 and it was our first family holiday together.

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