Ria Park Hotel & Spa

This was our fifth visit to this hotel since our first in 2004. It is consistently good with, in our experience, friendly staff. A very clean hotel with great choice at breakfast (there is no “egg station” but if you’d like freshly cooked eggs or an omelette just ask). The location is excellent for access to the beach, restaurants and the Val de Lobo estate.

Spent 7 days here and was happy to leave to be honest. We had high hopes having arrived from the Hilton Vilamoura where we had 5 lovely days in a hotel where the staff and general atmosphere was/were a perfect complement to the fine facilities. More about that in a separate review. On arrival at Ria Park, we encountered three staff behind the counter chatting among themselves. We were the only ones waiting to be checked in. The three staff continued to chat before one of them turned to see us without acknowledgment and then turned back to the other two with a gesture as though it was someone else’s turn to check us in. Eventually one came to the counter and without greeting or even looking at us just said ‘Passports?’ Everything was quite efficient but oddly cold to say the least. When we got to the room, it was a twin. We had booked a double. So went back downstairs and said we’d like a double as that was what we had booked. The staff member said that we had booked a twin and the all their rooms were twins. After I produced evidence of our booking of a double they then turned to a colleague to consult and then turned back to say again that “all our rooms are the same”. There was another conversation behind the counter and the staff member returned to say ‘Ok, we will get housekeeping to make the bed up as one’. This turned out to be a perfectly adequate solution which left us thinking as to why this had not been suggested three minutes earlier. There was no apology. The opposite in fact. We were subjected to near eye- rolling, unveiled and obvious disdain. The seven days turned out to be fine. Pool area was ok. Bed very comfortable. Facilities and room dated but fine. Small TV screen. Breakfast quite good but the breakfast room staff, with the exception of the always pleasant and helpful Marta, looked a bit listless. Checkout was clinical as the whole week had been. No inquiry as to whether we had enjoyed our stay. Nothing. An unsmiling parting. At best, this is hotel with mostly four star facilities and an efficient if box-ticking service.

Been wanting to write a review,...we came back 2 weeks ago. I don't usually write reviews but you deserve this. We had the most wonderful holiday, thank you Ria Park. Beautiful, classy hotel, the staff were really lovely, friendly, helpful, and treated us so well. The pool is gorgeous and there is always space around the garden area for sunbathing, we had our 4 beds every day. Beach not far and also really lovely. The food is really nice, especially the breakfasts, and the rooms were superb. We didn't know what to expect as it is set in a quiet (but extremely picturesque ) location, and we have 2 teenage daughters,...but we found some lovely places to go in the evenings and had a truly excellent holiday. Really sad to be back in London ! Thank you again Ria Park, we WILL be coming back !!!

Checked in to ria park as a last minute booking following a nightmare end of our holiday (in a local apartment) where my youngest son and I were unable to go home as planned with the rest of our family. We had stayed a night before we arrived at Ria park in another local 5 star hotel and had a terrible experience there. From the moment we walked in to the ria park we were made to feel so safe and welcome. The room we were given was perfect, we ordered room service and it was absolutely fantastic. The hotel is so clean. We received a lovely welcome tray with some treats for my son and fresh fruit and waters. The air con was perfect, great tea and coffee facilities. Maid service so efficient. We didn’t have a chance to use the pool but was clean and lovely, lots of loungers available. We were able to get a late check out which I was extremely grateful for after a difficult week and an evening flight. Breakfast was brilliant, lots of offer and we ate lunch at the pool bar. Brilliant selection, I was particularly impressed as I was able to get a vegetarian soja bolognaise. It’s in a great location for lovely restaurants and days out. I’m so pleased we stumbled across this hotel and will be booking to stay here next year. A special mention to Marta on reception. The was just the most kind and lovely person. So helpful. Thank you!

A beautiful hotel in modern Portuguese style (floor tiles and dark wood mixed with delightful modern blue and silver touches). The rooms and balconies are spacious, beds so comfortable. Bathrooms spacious and immaculate. The maid service is exceptional. Very pleasant reception staff. Useful beach shuttle. Stunning lounge and good bar. Large lovely pool surrounded by a very pretty garden where the swifts have a fine time every summers evening bringing a magical touch.. The restaurant was exceptional. To be honest we ate at various locations grabbing Ubers (as you have to) exploring food choices and since we concluded all “price lock” so there’s no real competition (expect to pay £30 pp wherever you go minimum) the hotel restaurant was comparable in price as a result - and superb. Excellent fish dishes. A truly accomplished chef. The desserts were next level. The restaurant service is silver service and is *absolutely superb*. Pretty veranda to watch the sunsets. They should do more to promote the restaurant. And could add a few inviting drinks evenings in the bars. We noticed mainly Portuguese families dining with us. Says a lot! It’s quiet because it’s Underrated in our opinion. However we were as happy here as any beach or local restaurant and rated the food more highly so tended to stay. Kids food catered. A final word about the breakfasts which are typical buffet style with a good hot food selection and as always a wonderful array of breads yoghurts fruits and juices. I can’t quite fathom some of the negative reviews. I guess they must prefer ubiquitous modern soulless styles. We’re thoroughly enjoying our stay. Only advice is to research the area beforehand make use of Ubers. And if you’re really keen on beach restaurants you’ll need to book WEEKs ahead of your stay. Top tip Bold Octopus is overrated. Unlucky if you’re new to the location you’ll struggle to catch on and book in time. The Brits book everything out.

I have just stayed nearly 4 weeks here with my 11 & 12 year old girls. Everything was beyond what I had expected The rooms, pool, restaurants for breaky etc were all you would want or need. I would like to also commend the hotel on their staff who were so helpful at all times and very friendly Thank you Jane