We have just returned for the Suite Princess, it much better than we dare to hope, the lovely staff and very clean pleasant surroundings definitely made the difference. The general atmosphere is chilled and friendly. There were very few under 25 guests but I would guess that most were 40 plus. We really enjoyed this holiday and felt we had received genuine value for money, we hopefully intend to return next year.
Flight
Plane took off on time from Birmingham when we arrived we all had to wait half an hour for the Thomson coach transfers to arrive. Transfer was 45 minutes to hotel and 1hr 15 mins on the return to airport with pickups in Puerto Rico.
Reception
The coach/vehicle access to the hotel reception is on the back road which actually is the 6th floor of the hotel. We arrived 2.30 pm the reception staff were very pleasant, apologised that the room was not ready. We were given our A/L wrist band and directed to where the bar and dining area were. The suitcases were labelled and taken straight to our room, we were asked if we would go back at 3.00 pm, when we went back the room was ready as promised.
Room
We requested from Thomson a high floor and a quiet room and that is what we were given, we didn't hear anything from anywhere all week. On entering the room the bathroom was on the right had a marble floor and walls. On closer inspection there was some cosmetic work needed, the sealant round the bath had been painted but needed replacing, the shower unit was a little dated but still effective. It was not working correctly when I turned on the bath tap the shower also let out water. (Wear a shower cap if don't want to get your hair wet) Thankfully was not a noisy extractor fan, as there are in many hotels, a window which could be opened instead. A short corridor led to a very clean large room which was L shaped a king sized bed was in the smaller area to the right, the larger part ahead had a settee, old type t.v, coffee table etc. Patio doors led to a large balcony. The balcony had a dark grey, five feet high dividing wall which did give complete privacy to the left unfortunately because of the angle of the room blocked out the sea view unless you stood at the very end of the balcony. The room on the other side (8017) was over reception and had a huge balcony which was completely overlooked by us. The bed was large, very clean and fairly comfortable but cold. There was ample drawer and wardrobe space which also housed a safe costing 12 Euro for the 7 days hire. There was a window by the bed with a lovely view of the hills opposite. The room had only on electric plug outlet in the living space, I would suggest a short extension lead if you need more or want to dry your hair using the wardrobe mirrors which are round a corner at the same time. Free pool towels were already in the room, to change them you need a card from reception which allows one free change per 2 week holiday, this takes place in the shop on 1st floor otherwise there is a 1 euro 50 charge which goes towards improving the environment on the island. There was not a kettle in this room but some rooms do have them.
Lifts
There were plenty of lifts and we never waited more than a couple of minutes at any time.

Public Areas
Most public areas, shops, restaurants and bars at this hotel are on the ground floor or 1st floor and are kept very clean and hygienic. The piano bar was my favourite. The staff and guests were friendly and the general atmosphere was very warm and positive. Niko entertained us very well most evenings in the piano bar, there is a small area for those who wanted to dance or shuffle. Because we enjoyed Niko's playing and singing so much we didn't actually get into the other concert room where the resident duo entertained, quizzes took place and visiting acts, what I heard from other guests most very good. The only complaint I would have is there was only one toilet cubicle each for females, one for males near these rooms but three sinks in each, I couldn't work it out. There was also a feature wall in there which consisted of dripping water down the actual cliff wall. This does not help when you are waiting in a queue
Swimming Pools
Both swimming pools were kept clean with a life guard in attendance. The larger pool was acclimatised, was very shallow at one side, a little deeper on the other and was used for the aqua aerobics a couple times a week. The smaller round pool was very cold and only the very brave used it. There was a shaded terrace looking out to sea, a sunny terrace overlooking the water park at the other end and a settee area half way between. There was a loud speaker which did play music from time to time and could or couldn't be heard depending how near to it you were. Occasionally music from the waterpark could be heard at one end. I didn't find any of this to be evasive. Twice a day the entertainments team greeted everybody and announced what was about to take place nobody was forced to join in, most people found this entertaining in its self. Those who did volunteer were usually taken off somewhere else in the hotel grounds. This included activities like Pilates, yoga, darts, archery, shooting and more.
Lunch Pool bar and Terrace Restaurant were spotless and lunch time snacks were very varied and tasty for example tapas, hamburgers, hotels and many hot dishes, there was something for everybody. The resident duo played music and sang on the terrace at about 1.00 pm some days which was very pleasant. The drinks, our choice being red wine and lager were of acceptable quality, the coffee from a machine was very good, we didn't feel the need to upgrade as others had done.
Extras
Wi-Fi charge is 9 euro for 1 day, 18 Euro for 3 days and 29 Euros for the week, there are 2 computers in reception and 2 in the games room which cost 1 Euro for 10 mins and 2 Euros for 20 mins. Safe costs 12 Euro for the 7 days

Restaurant
The main restaurant was efficiently run, the staff greeted you with a smile, found you a table, each table was cleared and cleaned as soon as it is left vacant. We didn't wait for a table once. Plates were heated and each night there was on offer local fish, meat and other freshly cooked items straight from a hob, lamb and spare ribs were also carved here. Vegetables were on an a heated island buffet, the chips were not the best I had tasted but there were other alternatives, the baked potatoes and potatoes in vegetable sauce were delicious and course there were various salad items and bread rolls. Each night had something different to offer. Overall I fail to see how they could do much more. Deserts were too good and I was unable to deny myself as I usually can. The restaurant was on the ground floor with views of the promenade and sea I think only wheelchair users were allowed to use the entrances otherwise to reach the promenade/beach you would walk down the two ramps/steps at the sea end of the swimming pool area, 1st floor, these lead to the gym and a security gate, you have to use your room card to get back in.
Days out
The free hotel bus service left each day to the beautiful Puerto Del Mogan (Friday is market day) between 9.10/9.45 and returned 12.00/13.00, you are given a timetable when you arrive. Public buses to anywhere on the island can be reached either by walking across the very pleasant promenade past the water park or down the hill from reception which is on the 6th floor.
Resort
This is a new resort and consists mainly of three or four hotels, large paved promenade decorated with plants etc. this circles the Sunset Water park/lido plus a handful of useful shops. It is very low key but a pleasant walk after breakfast/dinner. The beach is dark sand and there are a few sun beds for hire.
The only two things that would have improved my holiday experience is a changing cubicle in the pool area, RIU hotels I have visited have these and they are very useful and a heater in the room for when the temperature dropped.
Otherwise I fail to see how the management and staff could try any harder than they do already.
Rooms 20 - 28 on each floor get full sun.