Hotel Riu Papayas - All Inclusive
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Fast facts
Check in from: | 15:00 |
|---|---|
Check out before: | 12:00 |
Pets | Pets not allowed |
Amenities
More about Hotel Riu Papayas - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Papayas - All Inclusive
Located in Playa del Ingles, 1.3 km from Playa del Ingles Beach, Hotel Riu Papayas - All Inclusive provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace.
Comment: 5 Sep 2026
Stayed in: Aug 2026
Riu Papayas – Family Holiday Review
Rooms & Cleanliness
The hotel rooms were great, with really comfortable beds. The whole hotel was spotlessly clean, and the staff clearly work incredibly hard to maintain such a high standard and keep everything clean and tidy.
Location & Getting Around
Although the hotel isn’t directly on the beach, the regular free shuttle bus was fantastic and definitely worth using. The beach itself was lovely, and the waves were great. Taxis were also incredibly cheap – under €4 to the beach and under €10 to the lighthouse in Maspalomas. We also used a taxi to and from the airport, which cost approximately €50 each way.
There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but because taxis are so affordable, it’s really easy to get out and explore.
We visited the Yumbo Centre one evening, although we found it quite seedy and it wasn’t really our thing.
Food & Drinks
The food was varied and catered well for all ages, with plenty of choice. The drinks and cocktails were lovely too. Our only slight disappointment was that there were no ice creams available at the hotel, although there is an ice cream parlour right next door, so it wasn’t a major issue.
Pool & Sunbeds
The pool area was great overall. Being able to change towels daily at the pool was really convenient, and we were able to get a sunbed with a parasol pretty much any time of day. We generally came down around 10am and there were always plenty to choose from.
The pool is probably the warmest hotel pool I’ve ever been in! My only negative would be that it is quite small, and at times it felt a little cramped. It was great that the pool was split into two sides, though, meaning ball games and inflatables were allowed on one side.
If you actually want to swim rather than just relax in the pool, I’d recommend going early or towards the end of the day. Otherwise, you have to navigate around what my daughter affectionately called the “bobbers” – people who simply sit in the pool, rather like a scene from Cocoon!
Facilities & App
The hotel app was excellent for checking what was going on, as well as making requests such as ordering extra pillows. The hotel also has showers and a changing area available for guests with late check-outs, which was super handy.
Atmosphere & Families
Although this isn’t an adults-only hotel, it definitely seemed to have an older clientele. Some guests didn’t appear particularly keen on children splashing around, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re travelling with younger children.
There is a small children’s area aimed at very young kids, but it never appeared particularly busy, perhaps because of the generally older clientele.
Overall
Overall, we had a fantastic holiday at the Riu Papayas and would definitely return to Gran Canaria. We loved the island and how easy and affordable it was to get around.
We might choose a different resort next time, though, as there are plenty of other areas we’d like to explore.
Comment: 30 Aug 2026
Stayed in: Aug 2026
Not the full RIU experience
Because of the area, the hotel is based in one large block configuration rather than individual blocks like in other places. There are stairs or 3 lifts (elevators) to get to your desired floor.
The hotel offers classic RIU rooms with balcony, TV, water, tea, coffee. No optics with drinks which was disappointing. Also nothing in the fridge apart from one bottle of water. You can grab water bottles freely from the bar downstairs.
There is one pool but can and does get crowded very quickly so yes there are sunbed wars.
Quite disappointed that there was no sports bar. Travelled with a friend and we both enjoy football but we had to go to a bar away from the hotel every time - apart from the RIU party at RIU Gran Canaria which felt like more of the normal RIU experience.
Sidenote: Our transfer was at 5PM with checkout at 12PM. I do wish there was a space in the hotel with air con that you can sit and relax with a drink without the fear of sweating all day. This is why something like a sports bar would be amazing.
I think the food was a bit of let down too. Breakfast was continental and standard so can't complain, however the options for lunch and evening just weren't there. We found ourselves eating fries, pizza and pasta most days and 4 of the 7 days we decided to eat out. We're not picky eaters at all, but sometimes the food looked samey or not the most appetising.
The Spanish restaurant had good options and I was happy with that meal and service. The Asian restaurant again, slightly disappointing. Not many options. Feel like the dishes could have just been part of the main restaurant.
I cannot for one second fault the staff. Brilliant individuals that clearly care about what they do and help in every way possible. Bar staff generous with drinks and reception staff were easy to speak to.
This is my 3rd RIU hotel and unfortunately it didn't live up to expectations set by the other two. If you want a simple, easy holiday near the beach with simple and easy food and drink then absolutely choose RIU Papayas. However if you're wanting the full all-inclusive, multiple pool, sports bar extravaganza, I would look at the other RIU hotels on the island.
Hotel response
Comment: 3 Sep 2026
We would like to thank you for staying with us.
We appreciate you took the time to leave your impressions regarding your recent stay with us.
It is disappointing to read that despite our efforts we could not fulfil your expectations in some areas. The management will be informed in order to apply the right measures.
Best Regards,
Hotel Riu Papayas
Online Reputation Manager
Comment: 3 Sep 2026
Stayed in: Aug 2026
Annual Holiday
UK
Comment: 2 Sep 2026
Stayed in: Aug 2026
gran canaria
Comment: 31 Aug 2026
Stayed in: Aug 2026
Family Time
Overall it was a really lovely holiday, my husband is really quite particular about Hotels and he was so impressed and said he would love to come back but also myself and two daughters would also said they would love to return there.
Very good location
Av. de Gran Canaria, 22, Maspalomas, 35100, Spain|2.51 km from city centre
Check in and check out
Check in from:
15:00
Check out before:
12:00
Good to know
Pets not allowed
Please contact the hotel for details about adding extra beds.
