Riu Tikida Palmeraie

Writing this from the sunbed…… Firstly, Morocco is a hot country. So if you don’t want to be hot or see a few flies don’t come! It’s a very big hotel and there are lots of people. This is as per the advertising. Huge pool, very clean and warm, lovely. Surrounding areas very well kept, beds, umbrellas, etc. Beds do get bagsied very early. Loud music most of the day, we could do without it but it’s not terrible. All the staff around the pool are fun and friendly, plenty of daft activities but they’re not pushy. Rooms better than expected. Quite modern, very clean, aircon and fans work a treat. Zero bugs of any type. FOOD and DRINK! Generally very good, food is fresh and high quality, plenty of variety. It does get a bit bland/samey which, I think, is always a problem with all inclusive. Beer and wine (red, white, rose) are all excellent (genuinely). Cautions on the spirit measures are valid, it’s a bit of a joke really. I reckon a cocktail gets less than half a single measure. Not a massive thing but I’m not really sure why they’re so stingy on this one thing. Bars, restaurants, communal areas, all really nice. Staff can come across a bit too friendly/boisterous which gives it a bit of a stag do atmosphere but they’re all well meaning, attentive and just trying to make your holiday a good one. Bus to town is handy. Paid about £1.2k per person for 10 nights (5 people) and, for that, it’s great value and a good holiday without breaking the bank. No complaints but wouldn’t come back.

Travelled to Marrakech or the first time. Decided to play it safe as single parent and chose this hotel. Grounds are fabulous and we were amazed by the wildlife in an around the ponds. My daughter loved the toads in the evening. The gardens were stunning and the attention to detail in decor throughout was perfect. Best sunrise ever!. Room was very good. Super comfortable beds and huge balcony overlooking the garden area. I cannot fault the hotel for adhering to my room requests ( high floor, quiet area, nice view). The biggest issue was the sunbed situation at the pool. Not enough ground was utilised . Felt cramped on top of each other despite the huge size of pool. Pool size was great. Don't think we've been anywhere with such a large pool. However, finding a spot with a decent lounger and shade proved challenging. Had some lovely mornings here but it wasn't the most relaxing of places. Food was a huge let down. Just no flavour! Felt very beige; catering to the masses.. Limited local variety which is a shame as food outside the resort was outstanding.The evening dining room felt stale . Daytime dining felt rushed . Lovely decor but not attentive service. Only saved by the Moroccan al a carte. Drinks were good, particularly from the lobby bar. Mint tea was lovely at lunch. Service by the pool not the best. Reception staff and maids were fabulous. No other outstanding service noted. Hotel served as a base to and from the city. Used shuttle bus there and taxi back. The shuttle bus was a great service.Spent more time outside the hotel than in it. Ventured to Jema el Fna self guided. Go daytime and evening to get the full experience. New area ( Gueliz?) was nice too,with lots of bars and restaurants.Booked excursions through get your guide which were all brilliant ( city cycling tour, sunset camel and quads with fire show). Really enjoyed discovering the city and it's surroundings. I wouldn't have wanted to be stuck in this hotel for a week without venturing out. Can't comment on kids club or entertainment. Couldn't find much information around even though we had the RIU app. This didn't matter to us, we were more interested in site seeing. I had a good deal through the RIU website so it did work out good value, despite my disappointment at food and staff attentiveness. Probably wouldn't stay here again but will return to Marrakech.

Temu Riu. Not a 4 star, 3 at best. Food not Riu standard, hotel not Riu standard, pool needed cleaning, rooms a bit shabby, food requires some taste, Italian needs some Italian input. Come on Riu sort it out. As for the qualified electricians sorting the pool lights (that just floated about in the pool) they doubled as lifeguards and god help anyone that needed saving, more interested in topping up their tans .