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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 2k reviews
Exceptional Dining
Guests consistently rave about the outstanding variety, quality, and presentation of food, from the diverse buffet with live cooking to the acclaimed Krystal fusion restaurant.
Outstanding Service
The staff receives universal praise for their genuine friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency across all departments, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
Impeccable Cleanliness
The entire resort, including rooms and all public areas, is lauded for being spotlessly clean and exceptionally well-maintained by a diligent housekeeping team.
Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms are frequently described as comfortable, clean, and well-appointed with quality fixtures and fittings, providing a pleasant and relaxing stay.
Excellent All-Inclusive
The comprehensive 24-hour all-inclusive package is highly valued for its extensive food and beverage options, diverse entertainment, and included activities, offering superb value.
Inviting Pool Area
The resort's beautifully designed swimming pool area is considered comfortable and appealing, providing a relaxing environment for sunbathing and swimming amidst lush greenery.
Room Size
Some guests noted that standard double rooms could feel on the smaller side; those prioritizing extra space might prefer booking a larger room category.
Krystal Restaurant Bookings
Access to the à la carte Krystal fusion restaurant is by reservation only, and guests are advised to book well in advance due to its popularity.
Gym Equipment/AC
While generally well-received, isolated reports mentioned specific gym equipment issues or non-functioning air conditioning, which could be a factor for fitness enthusiasts.
Beach Access
Although close, beach access involves a 10-minute walk and negotiating stairs, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility challenges.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
Travellers' Choice
Awarded annually
TripAdvisor
Green & Fair Hotel
Sustainability Recognition
Unknown
Riu Palace Palmeras carries historical weight within the RIU brand: it opened in 1985 as the company's first hotel outside Mallorca, originally as Hotel Riu Palmeras. That context matters for understanding the property's character. It's not a resort that was built to specification as a Palace — it was elevated through investment, most recently a €22 million rebuild that finished in August 2019. The renovation was comprehensive: all 274 rooms and a new annexe building were completed, along with dining, public areas, and pool infrastructure.
The post-renovation property performs strongly for a 4-star all-inclusive in Gran Canaria. Reviews consistently praise the food quality, staff friendliness, and cleanliness at a level higher than the star rating implies. That gap — 4-star price, experience that competes with 5-star alternatives — is the primary reason guests return. The all-inclusive program is genuine 24-hour coverage, including the specialty restaurant and room service.
The drawback is the beach connection. Playa del Inglés beach is 350 meters from the property — a 10-minute walk, mostly via stairs. The beach itself is described as massive and backed by a promenade, but the connection isn't seamless. Guests who want to go back and forth multiple times a day to grab drinks or towels will feel the friction. The resort does not have its own beach section or beach service.
Practically: 274 rooms across double, sea-view, and garden categories. Two outdoor swimming pools heated in winter, plus children's pool. RiuLand kids' club operates six times per week (July 1–August 31, ages 4–12). Weekly free transfer to Riu Party at Riu Gran Canaria. 27–34 km from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), 24–25 minutes.