Hotel Riu Monica

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4130 reviews

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  Outstanding

  This is an outstanding hotel which has a very relaxed atmosphere. We arrived at 10pm and were offered a welcoming drink and then told that a meal had been prepared and was available in the restaurant. This was totally unexpected and set the standard throughout our stay. Everyone of the staff we met was totally professional and delivered top customer service. Our room on the 6th floor was excellent - great views, comfortable bed and good shower. There was a very good choice of food at both Breakfast and Dinner which should cover all tastes. The option to dine in or outside (heatlamps) is a bonus. Plenty of bars and restaurants close by and a 10min walk to the Balcon. No issues whatsoever in recommending this hotel.

  Dec 20, 2025
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  Riu Monica – A Coastal Retreat with Heart

  Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Nerja, Hotel Riu Monica is more than just a beachfront hotel—it’s a haven of hospitality where warmth, efficiency, and attention to detail define the guest experience. From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in a sense of calm and care that only a truly well-run hotel can provide. Staff That Go Above and Beyond What truly elevates Riu Monica is its people. Every member of the team, from the front desk to the restaurant servers to the housekeeping staff, exudes professionalism and genuine kindness. The front desk staff are not only efficient but also incredibly welcoming, always ready with a smile and helpful advice. Housekeeping is equally impressive—rooms are maintained with meticulous care, and any special requests are handled swiftly and graciously. It’s rare to find a hotel where every interaction feels so personal and sincere. Dining That Impresses—Even at Full Capacity The restaurant at Riu Monica is a masterclass in culinary logistics. Even during the busiest breakfast or dinner rush, the dining room runs like a well-oiled machine. The buffet is expansive and thoughtfully curated, with a wide array of international and local dishes that change daily. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, vibrant salads, or indulgent desserts, there's something to satisfy every palate. The chefs are visible and approachable, and the waitstaff are attentive without being intrusive. It’s a dining experience that feels both relaxed and refined. Spotless Spaces & A Location to Love Cleanliness is clearly a cornerstone of the Riu Monica ethos. Public areas gleam, the poolside is immaculate, and rooms are consistently pristine. It’s the kind of place where you can kick off your shoes and feel completely at ease. The hotel’s location is another standout feature—set directly on the beach, it offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and is just a short, scenic walk from the heart of Nerja. Whether you're in the mood for a lazy beach day or an evening exploring tapas bars and quaint alleyways, everything is within easy reach. A Few Things to Note No hotel is without its quirks, and Riu Monica is no exception. For English-speaking guests, the television offerings are surprisingly sparse—just one English-language news channel, which feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise international setting. Additionally, while the rooms are comfortable and well-kept, the décor leans toward the traditional and could benefit from a modern refresh. Noise can also be a minor issue; even in the best suite, sound from hallways or neighboring balconies can occasionally intrude on the tranquility. As a Riu Class premier member it was sad not to have a letter on arrival or Riu gift. First time I have not received. Final Verdict Hotel Riu Monica remains a standout destination for travelers seeking a serene, well-managed, and genuinely welcoming escape on the Costa del Sol. Its exceptional staff, outstanding food service, and pristine environment more than compensate for its minor shortcomings. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Riu Monica offers a consistently delightful experience that lingers in memory long after the sun has set over the sea.

  Dec 17, 2025
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  Looking forward to my next visit

  Just returned from an excellent stay in the Riu Monica from 30/11/25 to 7/12/25. On arrival the receptionist was friendly with a fast check in (checked in online 24 hrs before) & a complimentary drink. The room was ready prior to the check in time which was an added bonus. The room on the 4th floor was very spacious with a safe, fridge, kettle, ceiling fan and a well equipped bathroom with a large shower, hairdryer and toiletries. There was plenty of storage space with two chairs & a small table. The large television had English news channels and was very quiet. The room had stunning view of the sea and you could hear / watch the waves from the balcony with fantastic sunrises. The breakfast and buffet evening meal (from 6pm) was very good with a wide range of food to cater for all tastes. It’s also possible to eat at the Spanish restaurant which makes a change from the buffet. The staff were very efficient, friendly and worked very hard. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool with plenty of sunloungers on various terraces and is located next to a flat promenade with direct access to the beaches and sea. The hotel has a beautiful interior with lots of comfortable chairs & never felt crowded. The Christmas trees and red poinsettias in reception and on the stairs were beautiful. I visited various places by local bus and explored the area with Oletrips an excellent local travel agency. I am looking forward to exploring the area further and returning to the Riu Monica next year. Thanks to all staff for an excellent stay.

  Dec 08, 2025
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  Another lovely holiday

  Another lovely relaxing holiday at the Riu Monica Friendly and helpful staff,good food,pool area and pool bar very nice all the communal areas very smart Bedrooms lovely cleaned to a high standard Also lovely location Will be back soon

  Nov 29, 2025
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  Perhaps the most positive review we've written.

  First class hotel, first class service, amazing food in restaurant. Adults only, and populated largely by over 60s in November, We stayed for a week - for a second time - and couldn’t fault anything. Very pleasant welcome at reception when we arrived - chilled glasses of bubbly were a nice touch. We had our keys for the room within 15 minutes , even though about 40 others were checking in at the same time. Great service after a tiring flight. The room was immaculate, comfortable and clean with a balcony and a view out to sea. Every member of staff we encountered was friendly and welcoming - receptionists, kitchen workers, waiters and cleaners. This is a tightly-run hotel where everyone seems to be happy and staff really seem to want guests to enjoy their holiday. The food in the restaurant was excellent and beautifully presented buffet-style. The choices are incredible, and there's a really good comprehensive healthy-eating selection. Bottles of house wine are of good quality, and at 11 Euros very good value. It was a nice surprise to see the outdoor swimming pool open in November, and many of the guests were happily lazing around on beach beds in the sun, some of them ordering drinks from the pool bar. The indoor pool and gym were very clean, though few people were using the facilities when we were there. There was free live entertainment in the hotel every night, but it wasn't for us. It was of the type you'd expect to see in family holiday centres, so, without wanting to sound snobbish, rather downmarket for a hotel of this standard. This isn't a complaint. The concert room was packed most nights, so perhaps the majority enjoyed the entertainment. The hotel is in a brilliant location, next to the beach, and a 10 minute walk into the centre of Nerja. There are a dozen bars and restaurants very near to the Riu Monica, and the town centre streets are lined with little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Well done to the management and staff for providing such a great base for a holiday.

  Nov 28, 2025