Hotel Riu Helios Bay

We stayed for 11 nights as a family of three (2 adults and a 3 year old). For the price, the holiday was good and hotel of decent quality. But certainly not of platinum standard I’m afraid. The pools were so cold I got in once the whole holiday and we couldn’t let our little one in for longer than 15/20 mins at a time as he’d really start shivering. The food was good, staff polite but not very personable. Rooms were clean, hotel features a bit worn. We were on the third floor and the carpet had definitely seen better days. Drinks were ok, couldn’t drink some of the cocktails as they were 2 part liquid and 8 part crushed ice. Again, good holiday for the price but if you really want a bit of luxury, it won’t be this one and you’ll need to spend a bit more! We’ve learnt our lesson and wouldn’t return.

We came here for 14 nights last 2 weeks in September after reading a lot of very good reviews and taking into account the Riu brand. We left very disappointed. The seeds of doubt were set right at the start. Check in was quick but absolutely no help with cases or directions to room. Breakfast first morning was utter mayhem, no empty tables. Had to clear a table ourselves as staff seemed totally overwhelmed. Orange juice was very watery. No omelettes or live cooking stations. Not what we were expecting. Dinner was more or less the same. We ended up going very late for breakfast and the last half hour for dinner. The roast meat counter was the saving grace for us as there was nothing else that said “eat me” Very disappointingly there was no waiter service at all in the hotel. If you wanted something you had to get it yourself. Food in snack restaurant was very poor. Luke warm burgers, pizza and chips just sitting there for ages. Hygiene was also a problem. Ice cream being re frozen. Chefs using bare hands touching food etc. We had Diahoreah on and off during the holiday. Drinks were reasonable, cocktails depended on who made them. One or two guys were really good others were useless. Sun beds were cheap aluminium type and were very uncomfortable. Pool was cold even on sunny days. Sun beds too close together. Pool bar was was a haven for smokers and lots of wasps were round the drink machine’s. the chill out area above the pool bar was a nice idea but full of smokers. Weather was very mixed during our stay. On poor days there was very little to do. Lobby bar area was too small. Entertainment reminded me of a Spanish 3 star in the eighties. Obzor town was basically closed down so nowhere to walk. Most staff were friendly and tried hard, but we felt 2 weeks was too much and were totally bored after the first 7 days.

We have stayed at other four star Riu hotels which were excellent and we were expecting the same standard for this hotel. Unfortunately, this was not the case and we felt let down as we were expecting more. We had booked a superior room which was spacious but there were no toiletries in the room when we arrived and the towels were very thin. There were no tea and coffee facilities in the room. The reception area was bland and uninviting but the staff were very welcoming and helpful. The main dining room was like a canteen with noisy children running about at every meal time. The bar staff were friendly and efficient but this hotel is not the usual Riu standard so very disappointing.