Company Overview for Riu Hotels
Riu Hotels & Resorts began in 1953 as a small hotel in Mallorca. The company now encompasses 103 locations worldwide, with most of those in Spain. The chain is divided into four brand extensions based on quality, exclusivity and services.
Riu Classic Hotels form the bulk of the Riu chain with 54 of their 103 locations falling into this category. Hotels typically feature on-site bars, at least one on-site restaurant, entertainment area, conference room, Internet access (additional charge), outdoor and/or indoor pools, children’s pool, complimentary gym, health and beauty center (additional charge), complimentary lounge chairs, parasols and towels (deposit required), poolside snack bar and children’s playground.
Guest room amenities usually include bath with bidet, hair dryer, telephone, air-conditioning/heating, minibar, satellite TV and a balcony or terrace. Suites and studios with kitchenettes and a living room area are also available. All meals are available at on-site dining facilities and are served buffet style. Many hotels are located near a golf course, have games such as table tennis available on-site and provide daytime and evening entertainment programs several times a week.
Riu ClubHotels are one tier above Classic Hotels and focus on guests’ freedom by providing more activities and all-inclusive prices. Under the All-Inclusive program meals, snacks, beverages, sports, activities and entertainment are all included in the original fee. Eight of the 23 Riu ClubHotels also offer all-inclusive service 24 hours a day. Hotels generally feature multiple restaurants and bars, some of which are usually poolside and/or service the beach directly, at least one swimming pool, whirlpool, children’s pool, sun terrace, Internet room, games room, assorted shop, hairdresser, gym, spa, daily daytime and evening entertainment programs, tennis courts, and nearby golf course and various watersports (additional charge). Guest room amenities typically include a bath, hair dryer, telephone, central air-conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, satellite TV, radio alarm clock, in-room safe, balcony or terrace, and Junior suites include an integrated living room area. Several dining options are available for each meal, and most are served buffet style.
Riu Palace Hotels offers 20 locations, with eight of those 19 offering all-inclusive pricing and 24-hour all-inclusive service. Palace Hotels offers most of the same amenities as Riu ClubHotels, with an increased focus on luxury travelers looking for a quiet, exclusive vacation experience. Palace Hotels features a variety of on-site international restaurants ranging from Brazilian to Japanese. The quality of the restaurants is reflected in a gentlemen’s dress code of long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Room amenities are generally the same as ClubHotel locations but may also include a hydro-massage tub and liquor dispenser. Some suites feature whirlpools. Interconnecting rooms may be requested.
Riu Grand Palace Hotels only offers one location and caters to leisure travelers seeking grand luxury and exclusivity. Maspalomas Oasis offers a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, complimentary spa facilities, spa treatments (additional charge), multiple pools, multiple complimentary whirlpools, on-site miniclub, children’s playground, complimentary putting green and golf cage, complimentary yoga, tai chi and gym work outs. Most guest rooms offer garden or sea views and include a bath with bidet and carpeted floors in addition to all the traditional Riu guest room amenities. Suites with adjoining living room are available, as well as two-story sea view suites that offer a living room and additional television.
Under Spanish law, all Riu Hotels & Resorts located in Spain are smoke-free except in special designated areas.