Hotel Riu Monica

This hotel is highly regarded for its direct beach access and stunning sea views, making it a memorable destination for many. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service, high-quality food, and impeccable cleanliness as standout features. It is particularly well-suited for older clientele and couples seeking a tranquil and relaxing getaway, as its adults-only policy contributes to a peaceful atmosphere. Many guests are repeat visitors, underscoring a strong sense of loyalty and satisfaction. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for an even better vista, and be aware that the hotel's demographic tends to be older, which might influence the overall ambiance for younger travelers.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, including both an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, though some guests noted the water in both could be quite cold, especially during cooler months. The sun terrace provides ample sunloungers, but a common issue is the early morning reserving of these by towels. A fitness center is available, though several guests described it as outdated with older machines and limited equipment for strength training. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally strong and reliable throughout the property, allowing for streaming and general browsing. Guests should be aware that there is a charge for using the in-room safe. The hotel is equipped with multiple lifts, ensuring easy access to all floors, and features a convenient pool bar and a main bar for refreshments.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's spotless cleanliness, noting that rooms are meticulously maintained daily. The rooms are generally described as spacious and comfortable, offering a good size for relaxation. Many rooms feature tile floors, which contribute to the fresh feel. The beds are widely reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a recurring concern is the noise levels from adjacent rooms or old plumbing, with some guests experiencing disturbances from flushing toilets or loud neighbors. While the walk-in showers are appreciated for their good pressure, some guests found the towels to be thin, worn, or of poor quality, suggesting an area for improvement. Rooms also typically include a kettle and fridge for convenience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the buffet for both breakfast and dinner, receives widespread acclaim for its high quality and extensive variety. Guests appreciate the plentiful and delicious food, with many options available. While most found the food to be consistently good, some noted that dinner items were occasionally not hot enough, though a microwave is available. The breakfast variety is a highlight, though a few guests wished for more fresh fruit and specific items like English bacon. Feedback on the specialty restaurant is mixed; some found it disappointing with food not significantly different from the main buffet, and one serious concern was raised regarding a gluten-free dietary issue. The dining room atmosphere can be very busy and feel rushed, with tables close together, leading some to prefer dining on the outdoor terrace.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated directly on the beach with convenient access. It is within easy walking distance of the town center and the Balcon de Europa, making it ideal for exploring local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Public transportation is easily accessible, with bus stops located just outside the hotel. The surrounding area offers additional amenities, including several pubs and a supermarket directly across the road. While the hotel does offer parking, it is often described as limited and can be an issue, with street parking being scarce. Guests noted that secure paid parking is available on-site, which is a worthwhile option given the difficulty of finding alternatives.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives outstanding praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, often describing them as cheerful and welcoming. The check-in process is generally smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. Housekeeping is commended for its thoroughness and efficiency in maintaining the hotel's cleanliness. Restaurant staff are noted for being super efficient and attentive, promptly clearing tables and assisting guests. Overall, the dedication of the entire team, from reception to the dining room, is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of this hotel is its adults-only policy, which is appreciated by many seeking a tranquil environment. However, younger guests often noted that the predominant demographic is 70 years and older, leading some to feel out of place or that the atmosphere resembled a retirement community. The hotel provides nightly entertainment, which receives mixed reviews, often featuring singers and sometimes described as low-key or cheesy. Guests should be aware of the informal sunbed reserving practice by towels at the pool area, which can make it challenging to find a spot later in the day. There is a dress code for dinner, requiring gentlemen to wear long trousers. Additionally, drinks ordered at dinner are typically charged to the room rather than accepting cash payments directly.