RIU Tikida Beach

"This hotel is 4 star on the surface but the reality is more like a 3 star The good bits: Lovely communal areas - lots of seating areas and gorgeous decor Welcoming staff on reception Nice big rooms with plenty of storage and modern bathrooms The food is fine - nothing outstanding but usual all inclusive fayre Drinks were OK - wine drinkable but cocktails were pre-mixed Easy to book the A La Carte with reception Beach right across the road (however, it would be nice to have the addition of a beach bar, rather than having to go back to the hotel for drinks) Where it does not reach 4 star standards ; Our group had 3 bedrooms and they all had an underlying smell of foist/damp. The worst smelling one also had an awful urinal type like smell in the bathroom. It really was quite disgusting. We asked for a room swap but were told we were better to stay where we were ... not sure why? They came and poured something down the drains which improved things slightly but the room still smelled very damp. The WiFi is terrible - it constantly drops in and out (if you can even get on it). If you want to operate customer service through an app you need working WiFi. It also meant two of us who needed to work remotely could not do so as the connection was too unreliable. The biggest bug bear was sun beds …. Usual selfish guests bagging beds - many already reserved by 7am with no signs of anyone using them for hours. We struggled to get beds around the pool and on the beach with a lot being “reserved” first thing and not being used until late into the afternoon and other people wandering about with nowhere to sit. It’s just so unfair and selfish and needs policing by the staff. Who is monitoring your advertised policy of no reserving of sun beds? We asked the sun bed guy on the beach when there were so many beds reserved and not being used and he just said "it's not my problem"! It makes you wonder if staff are being tipped by guests to ignore it. The dining rooms at breakfast and lunch were so disorganised. Tables full of dirty plates. Never any tables ready. Repeatedly have to ask for the basics - cutlery, napkins, cups, etc. Staff were hit and miss. Some were friendly, others were downright miserable. Overall I found our whole stay disappointing. I booked the hotel independently and did not realise it was affiliated with TUI. I'm shocked that TUI classes it as a 4 star plus - there are many changes that need to be made before I would say it even reaches a 4 star. TIP : have a night at Zanzibar which is not part of the hotel but joined on to it. Brilliant night of food, drinks and entertainment."

"This hotel is not as good as other Tui Blue hotels. We had a major issue with smelly, damp mattresses and a room that smelt awful of mould and damp. The bedside lamp shade have a huge hole in it and it was thick with dust. Broken shelves in the bathroom etc ... We reported it to the Tui rep who spoke to the hotel management who did a big fat nothing! The sun beds and cushions all have pigeon poop on them, it's disgusting, you cannot find a seat that hasn't got it on. We were given blood stained pool towels on at least two occasions! Disgusting. We went to play table tennis; there was one table with a wonky leg, the other table was rusty and broken so much so that it wasn't fit to play on, not good enough! There is no 'speciality' restaurant. It is a joke. Drinks are way too limited and the cocktails are awful! Not much choice at all. The wine at dinner is really dry and there is not choice. Think before you book this place as there are way too many issues to ensure a good holiday; we tried to still relax and still get something of a holiday but it was spoilt."

"Our room was very spacious with a beautiful view of both the sea and pool . The bathroom was huge with good powerful shower. The bed was very hard and took some getting used to. The staff on reception , the bar staff and the cleaning staff were all very friendly. The staff in the dining hall were a little bit hit and miss, we tipped when we received good service however im the restaurant they seems to be a culture that they expect you to tip to get good service. The entertainment staff were great , look out for Adam the photographer he takes great photos when you don't realise and you can buy them at a small cost. I enjoyed the food, my partner is a little more fussy and didn't enjoy it so much. The pool has a nice relaxed atmosphere with some pool games and aqua aerobics. A vistt to the spa for the Haman massage is a must it was lovely and very relaxing . The location is great a few shops and restaurants within a few minutes walk and a few pounds in a taxi to the Marina. I recommend a vist to the Croc park we really enjoyed it."