Riu Hotel in Sri Lanka seems to have been built for bargain hunters. That’s because the room rate you pay genuinely does include everything.
I’ve stayed there three times since it opened a couple of years ago, not just because all drinks and meals (as well as snacks) are included in the room rate but also because it’s so well run, clean, and a really pleasant place to spend a holiday.
The staff seem to know what you want before you do, and there’s no reluctance to pour another drink, bring another omelette from the buffet at breakfast, or provide a birthday cake. In other words, you don’t just get good value, you also feel welcome. And because the bars, restaurants and swimming pools are open only to hotel guests, there’s a reassuring sense of camaraderie that inspires a jolly, carefree holiday atmosphere.
Where is RIU in Sri Lanka
At Ahungalla, on the west coast of Sri Lanka, a small town between the two notorious tourist resorts of Bentota and Hikkaduwa. There’s no hassle to do anything once you are in the hotel’s confines. The beach and sea are there, but so are three swimming pools (including one with swim-up bar) and plenty of sun loungers, so why venture out?
I last went there in June 2019 with Sri Lankan friends whose children were celebrating birthdays. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and two delicious cakes and gifts were presented with the management’s compliments. The kids loved it, especially as they had their own pool with a kids’ animator to help them have fun while their parents relaxed.
An all-inclusive deal at RIU, Sri Lanka
So just what is included when all-inclusive is spelt RIU? Spacious and comfortable accommodation (there are 500 air-conditioned rooms) with garden or sea view and all the usual amenities. The mini bar is stocked with soft drinks and there are coffee and tea making facilities and free WiFi connection.
At least one of the hotel bars will be open during the day (apart from 07.00 to 10.00) and night (except on the day of full moon, which is a religious holiday – Poya Day -in Sri Lanka). And the drinks are top brands, not just local versions of spirits. I even had imported pastis as an aperitif and there are both well-made classic alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
If you don’t drink, don’t worry. You’ll find fantastic value for money in the food. Main meals are buffets with a huge selection and variety of different cuisines. In addition, there are three restaurants with an a la carte menu (but you need to book a table early in the day as they are popular). It was a relief to find exactly what we wanted (steak, jumbo prawns) while the kids gorged on pizza and fresh fruit juice.
Guests are tagged with a coloured wrist-band upon check-in which communicates to the staff the day of departure. Guests pay the all-inclusive room rate on arrival after which there is nothing else to pay – unless you pop into the gift shop or the spa. So RIU, Sri Lanka really does spell all-inclusive – food, drinks, entertainment and holiday fun.
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
The all-inclusive room rates at Riu Sri Lanka change according to the hotel’s anticipated occupancy. So check the hotel’s website for the best rate. And if you have a Sri Lankan passport or residence visa, you qualify for a discount – for the same food, drinks and service that everyone enjoys.
Hotel Riu is part of a Spanish group that has mass-market hotels of style in nearly two dozens places, including the Bahamas, Mexico, Miami, Maldives and Turkey. The professional expertise shows in the way the Sri Lanka Riu hotel was operated so seamlessly. Every single member of staff I encountered was obliging and confident, making guests feel assured, and not like a nameless room number. Indeed, no one knew my room number (I forgot it twice) and, since I didn’t have to sign bills, it didn’t matter.
The stay at Riu was not only enjoyable but also divinely carefree. Since every guest wore a wristband, we felt we were in an environment where people knew each other and were all having a good time. This inspired, high-quality concept sets a new benchmark for beach hotels here, to the delight of visitors and Sri Lankans.
Hotel Riu, Ahungalla Beach, Sri Lanka; 091 5220000
