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Rating8.4Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Rating8.0Hotel Riu Palace Swahili
Rating8.1Adults Only
Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyGood
Based on 9k reviews
Exceptional Staff
Guests consistently praise the resort staff for their outstanding friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service, often described as going above and beyond.
Varied Dining
The main buffet receives high acclaim for its excellent variety and quality, featuring diverse international cuisine and engaging live cooking stations.
Abundant Pools
The resort offers a fantastic selection of six well-maintained pools, including an infinity pool and an adults-only option, providing ample space for relaxation and fun.
Impeccable Cleanliness
The hotel is frequently lauded for its high standards of cleanliness, beautiful decor, and overall well-maintained appearance throughout all areas.
Engaging Entertainment
The entertainment team and evening events, particularly the Riu Party themed parties and live music, are a significant draw for guests seeking lively activities.
Pool Temperatures
A common concern is that several pools, including those designated as heated, can be quite cold, impacting guest comfort.
Themed Restaurant Quality
While the main buffet excels, some guests find the themed restaurants to be less distinct with inconsistent food quality and service.
Room Noise
The open-ended design of the building can lead to noise disturbances in rooms, particularly from other guests returning late or cleaning activities.
Sun Lounger Comfort
Several guests have noted that the sun loungers provided are basic, rickety, and not particularly comfortable.
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Travelife Standard for Hotels & Accommodations
Certified as sustainable
Travelife
Ecostars
Participates in eco-certified program
Ecostars
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
4.2 out of 5 based on 7335 reviews
TripAdvisor
4-star Hotel
Consistently rated
Riu Hotels & Resorts / Industry Standard
Hotel Riu Buenavista's most tangible selling point is its six-pool complex — not many Tenerife resorts of this price tier include an infinity pool, a dedicated adults-only pool, and a children's splash area with water slides all in one package. The 2020 renovation refreshed all 542 rooms and public spaces, giving it a noticeably cleaner aesthetic than many Canary Islands competitors.
This resort suits families with school-age children and couples who want activity over exclusivity. The RiuLand kids' club runs structured programs for ages 4–12, the evening entertainment runs late, and the Riu Party events draw a lively crowd once a week. Solo travelers or anyone prioritizing quiet will likely find the scale and energy overwhelming — at 542 rooms, it rarely feels intimate.
The honest drawback: there is no beach directly on the resort's doorstep. Playa de Las Galgas, a small man-made beach, sits about 500 meters away via a coastal promenade. The resort provides a shuttle, but it's not the same as walking barefoot from your sunbed to the water. Guests who book expecting a classic beachfront experience are sometimes surprised.
Practically speaking: rooms run 25–52 sq m, airport transfer from Tenerife South (TFS) takes 21–22 minutes, and the all-inclusive covers meals, snacks, and beverages around the clock including a 24-hour bar. Price positioning is mid-range for Tenerife, making it decent value for what's included. Dress codes apply at specialty restaurants — smart casual at minimum, long trousers for men at dinner.
One recurring guest complaint worth flagging: pool loungers are described as cheap and uncomfortable even post-renovation. Bring a sarong or towel to pad them if you plan long poolside days.