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"No hotel has ever exceeded my expectations as much as this one. ​At first, I was actually a bit jealous of the people staying in those big hotels right on the coast. But once I walked down there, I realized it was just a dead end full of nothing but tourists and hotel amenities. I even saw people basically fleeing their resorts because they couldn't face another boring hotel buffet! ​Staying in the heart of Santa Maria was a total game-changer. We got to experience the real local culture—eating where the locals eat, chatting, and actually feeling part of the community. Everything we needed (shops, restaurants, you name it) was less than a minute's walk away. ​The hotel itself was great and really well-maintained. The staff did a meticulous job cleaning the rooms, and having Netflix was a huge plus for winding down at the end of the day. Breakfast was served fresh every morning, and even though the menu didn't change much, it was always tasty. It was a bit unlucky that the rooftop was being renovated while we were there, as that would’ve been the icing on the cake, but honestly, the stay was still perfect."

"The Level upgrade is worth it. The staff were super friendly. A great stay overall"

"Beach view room provided partial beach view at best. Rooms dark, still in 80's style. Breakfast good, La Tortue is nice restaurant. Several pools with a lot of chairs, in and out of shade."

"Room was clean and comfortable. Screen door allowed me to sleep with the air off and listening to the winds blow thru the palm trees. Very relaxing. Food was good with plenty of options and beach also nice. Not a fan of the wind blockers around all the beach loungers' as it blocks the view and people are right next to each other. I like my space. Overall, I had a great time and enjoyed the resort. "

"A great, breakfast very good, amazing bed, awesome shower, reception staff great"

"I am Pedro Ramos. Everything in the Riu Palace is the best."

"The property is new and clean, you always see the staff cleaning, the suite is well laid out and clean. They refill our water bottles everyday. But we didn't have slippers in the room until I asked a few times then they delivered them after 3 days, and there's only 1 toilet in the suite. We went in April while it's about 25 degrees, it's quite windy so can't really swim in the sea with the big waves, the pool water also is cold so while I swam a bit, my young kids didn't want to. Food is good in the hotel, they always have 1/2 live cooking stations. Overall it's a beautiful place, nice property, but because of the wind and lack of other things to do with young kids I'm not sure I'll return. I do love the property ground it is beautiful, and the staff are helpful and friendly. "

"I could not praise the staff enough at this hotel - they are all so friendly, helpful and super attentive. The food options were excellent and the buffet meals changed daily (with a few consistent staples. Whilst I agree with some reviews that the rooms are a bit outdated - they were always cleaned properly. The rest of the hotel was not outdated (and who spends enough time in the hotel room to care about it being outdated) and had a good blend of natural elements to make every part of the hotel enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this hotel. "

"Lovely hotel with great views and friendly staff. Big rooms with stunning setting. "