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Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

5.0 star property

Photo gallery for Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Indoor pool, 5 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Lobby
5 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Fusion cuisine
Kayaking
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, windsurfing

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Gym
  • Spa

Explore the area

Map
Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, 32
  • Nazarene Church
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Santa Maria Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Santa Maria Pier
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room, Balcony, Sea View

View from room

Double Room, Balcony, Sea View

  • 29 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

Double Room (Swim-up - Adults Only)

  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

Double Room (Large)

  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Double Room

View from room

Double Room

  • 29 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the area

Sal

With a stay at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Sal, you'll be on the beach, within a 10-minute drive of Santa Maria Beach and Nazarene Church. .This all-inclusive hotel is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Santa Maria Municipal Market and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Santa Maria Town Square.

What's nearby

  • Nazarene Church - 6 min drive
  • Santa Maria Town Square - 8 min drive
  • Santa Maria Beach - 8 min drive
  • Santa Maria Pier - 8 min drive
  • Ponta Preta - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪restaurante Américo's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bar de Praia - Oasis Atlantico - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant Cabo Verde Riu Funana - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Espargos - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Calema - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 5 outdoor pools
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria offers 1001 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars (stocked with some free items) and safes. Rooms open to balconies. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.
5 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with an indoor pool. In addition to a children's pool, other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park and a fitness center.

Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Renova Spa. Services include massages. The spa is equipped with a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Make yourself at home in one of the 1001 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars (stocked with some free items). Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 5 outdoor swimming pools, a complimentary water park, and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a hair salon.
This hotel is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.

Grab a bite to eat at Palmeira, one of the hotel's many dining establishments, which include 5 restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe. Wind down with a drink at one of the 5 bars/lounges or 2 poolside bars. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Palmeira - This buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
Krystal - This theme restaurant specializes in Fusion cuisine and serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Reservations are required. Open daily.
Dorayaki - This theme restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisine and serves dinner only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
La Pappardella - This theme restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and serves dinner only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Praia - This poolside theme restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Reservations are required. Open daily.

All-inclusive details

This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

Buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and beverages included
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers

Water activities

Kayaking
Snorkeling
Surfing/body boarding
Windsurfing

Land activities

Fitness facilities
Volleyball
Spa facilities
Limited spa services
Kids club

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities
Onsite live performances

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Travelife, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • 5 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 2 swim-up bars, 2 poolside bars and 5 bars/lounges

Restaurants on site

  • Palmeira
  • Krystal
  • Dorayaki
  • La Pappardella
  • Praia

Things to do

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Fitness classes
  • Beach volleyball
  • Bike rentals
  • Bike storage
  • Children's pool
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness centre
  • Free water park access
  • Full-service spa
  • Indoor pool
  • Kayaking
  • Playground
  • Surfing/body boarding
  • Windsurfing

Family friendly

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Free children's club
  • Free water park access
  • Indoor pool
  • Playground
  • Water slide

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Hair salon
  • Multilingual staff
  • Water sports equipment

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beachfront location
  • Garden
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Ceiling fan

Bathroom

  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free minibar (some items)

More

  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches
  • LED light bulbs
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
This property does not permit name changes on reservations. The name on the booking must match the name of the guest who is checking in and staying at the property; photo ID is required.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: CVE 276.00 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 17 years of age.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property uses a grey water recycling system
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Covid-19 Health Protocol (RIU)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa

Property is also known as

Riu Palace Santa Maria Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel Sal
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 62 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Luciano

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Suit ruined in laundry service
A disaster the serice. You ruined me a suit that I gave for laundry with a “Delicate” message. You washed it by hand. An Hugo Boss suit. I complaint at receñtion and after 2 days I was comoletely left alone, with manager not facing the situation and the front office manager asking me to ask my personal insurance. I demand compensation I put a complaint at front desk
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I initially booked a week in an oceanfront room but decided to extend my stay in Sal after my flight to Praia was canceled. No other resort can compete with the RIU Santa Maria. There are at least three pools, five to six restaurants, 24 hour service. Hotel staff like Nilton at reception and the ladies at the coffee bar made my solo visit to the island much more enjoyable. The resort sent a bottle of brut to my room in recognition of my birthday (they must have noticed the date on my passport). Book room 6238 in block 6 for beautiful sea views and its proximity to the beach and pools! Also take advantage of the resort spa. Pro tip: download the RIU app to book dinners at the specialty restaurants. Food in the primary dining room is exquisite. Everything is perfect and stunningly clean. I am looking forward to a return visit one day!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tasnia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Claydir

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Our room has no ac and took two days for them to come and check. They wanted to downgrade our room to another room that had ac which wasn’t as good either
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny, Kentwood

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kina

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Josiana

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joao Carlos

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olamide

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience, looks just like pictures, worthwhile resort…although pricy

8/10 Good

Peridice, Brockton

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Property but doesn't have any of the local architecture or culture in the design or esthetics of the property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Xaverie

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very clean and big. You can be sure to walk off all the food from the all inclusive. The staff are very welcoming. Special mention to reception staff Lewis and Leno Reis who were patient with our requirements and also made recommendation on must visit local places. They were always on hand with any queries we had. Also a special mention to bar member Giovanni who went out of his way to ensure he assisted me as i was carrying a baby and another child on hand. The entertainment was also great. My 4 year old loved the kids' club and the staff really do have patience with the kids! There are enough pools to choose from and further entertainment in the pool giving it the Cape Verdian atmosphere. The weather is the beautiful African heat even when they say clouds are grey; the wind you get on that siade of the coast is actually welcomed. I will most certainly visit again.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

4/10 Poor

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I are very happy positive polite people, our glass is always half full as oppose to half empty, we rarely leave feedback but on this occasion I must. My wife and I visited the Rui Palace Hotel from the 10/03/22 to 20/03/22, We were so excited having had friends that stayed there over Christmas They so enthusiastic with the array of fresh seafood that was on offer, Tuna and Grouper etc on a daily basis, and to celebrate my wife's Birthday (my wife is a vegetarian with the addition of fish in her diet,So 5 star luxury with fresh sea food, delicious fruit would be perfect However our experience was not a pleasant one, Quantity is not better than Quality, the food was very bland and invariably cold or lukewarm, the salad and fruit had no taste, the only fresh looking fish that was on offer once, was a whole trout obviously cooked from frozen, plenty of frozen hake fillets was cooked daily tasted of nothing The fish I caught from the beach in the early mornings, that was graciously cooked by the lovely lady's at the swim up bar was the only fresh fish I ate, my wife was ill room bound for three days (tummy bug) I was the same a few days later. (no food eaten off the complex) I emailed the manager with our experience and had no response VERY DISSAPOINTED The entertainment staff were fantastic
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fraser

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Etti

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jackson Flomo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice, very nice!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

6/10 Okay

Ellie

Pros: plenty of food and drinks to go around. You'll rarely, if ever, go hungry or thirsty. Some lovely staff in some of the restaurants. Plenty of loungers. Lovely white sand beach. Cons: food quality very varied depending on where you go. Rooms are not fitting for a 5* property. Our room had lots of ants and mosquitoes, the motion sensor bathroom light shines straight through the frosted glass into the bedroom when you're trying to sleep, and the doors are useless at soundproofing so you can hear everything happening in the echo-y hallways. The people trying to sell excursions on the beach are really aggressive so you feel like you can never relax on the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021