Hotel Riu Garoé

The staff's friendliness and helpfulness were highlighted, along with the immaculate cleanliness and modern, comfortable rooms with beautiful views. However, no specific disadvantages were mentioned.

The hotel was fantastic from reception to poolside and everything in between. The rooms were lovely and clean and looked after very well. Angeles did amazing omlettes for breakfast in the restaurant. Sonia and Juani were fantastic in the restaurant, not only efficient but super friendly aswell. Jessica at the pool bar and Veronica with her beautiful smile seemed to work everywhere. The pool was also a great place to be and enjoy the sunshine. Tennis, squash and crazy golf was a great added bonus. We all had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to return. A beautiful hotel all round.

On arrival at the hotel, we were impressed by the smooth check-in experience although unlike at the Riu Palmeras Palace in Playa del lngles, we had to find our own way to the room with the luggage. We had a pleasant modern room with balcony and partial sea view and a wide landscape vista. Very nice indeed. This would be kept spotlessly clean by our cleaner who was always around between 0800 and 1500 hours. I had e-mailed ahead about tea making facilities and within minutes of our arrival-without asking-a tea/coffee tray suddenly appeared, clearly as a result of the e-mail. However, the e-mail I had sent asking about tea making facilities had actually gone unanswered and I had, in the interim, bought a travel kettle! Again the Riu Palmeras had answered my e-mail immediately. Perhaps I should have chased up an answer from the Garoe. The poolside was well kept and there was absolutely no problem with finding sunbeds. People (other guests) seemed courteous, the pool person seemed very happy dishing out clean towels and always had a smile. A plus was that there were also cushioned mats for the sunbeds which was fantastic and something lacking at other hotels I have visited. There is also a small bar area where you can obtain coffees, cake and drinks; while between 1.00 and 3.00 they also serve lunches, although frankly the breakfasts were so good and fulsome, that I never needed to use this option. The buffet dining room served a wonderful five star breakfast in my opinion. There is even fresh porridge (oatmeal) which British and German guests particularly enjoyed. There was a good array of yogurts, tinned fruits, fresh fruits, honey and wonderful bread which I enjoyed with butter and jam. Omelettes are made to order and I saw a selection of pancakes being made. British-style back bacon is readily available as are scrambled eggs. There is also an eclectic mixture of fruit juices available, as well as a container of fresh water. Teapots too are placed out at a main counter for convenience beside teabags and urns of very hot water. As tea is important to me, this was especially appreciated. There was also a selection of Twining's Loose Leaf teas with infusers to hand. Coffee lovers are also catered for with vacuum jugs brought to the table on request. One thing to note: if anything runs out such as porridge or milk, just ask a staff member and they will immediately obtain it. I cannot praise them enough in this respect. The evening meal requires a bit more attention, as there is such a selection. Take your time to browse what is available before choosing as there is pizza, ribs, steaks, fresh fish, pasta, etc. for mains. I always started with soup and croutons, then had a bowl of salad before attacking the main course. Desserts are on offer including creme caramel, gateaux etc. and the ice cream is of a reasonable quality. There is also a selection of cheeses with crackers. Some nights are themed (eg Oriental). The bar prices are fair and certainly not