28/07/2003 - RIU Hotels & Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Canary Islands with 35 properties, is investing 10 million Euros on the complete renovation of the emblematic Riu Palace Maspalomas located in the southern coast of Gran Canaria. The renovation includes the upgrading of guestrooms, new furniture, restaurant's refurbishing, new kitchen with state-of-the art technology, the construction of a second and larger pool with Jacuzzis and other

RIU Palace Maspalomas Hotel Gran Canaria Avda. Tirajana, s/n 35100 Playa del Ingles Gran Canaria, Spain

Riu Palace Maspalomas, situated next to the Maspalomas natural dune's park, was inaugurated by the hotel chain in 1989. It was the first "Palace" property, the most prestigious category within RIU's product line.

Loyal to its tradition, RIU has regularly renovated its properties in order to maintain high quality standards. This extensive renovation has begun on May and re-opening is planned by mid-September.

"This hotel has thousands of enthusiastic frequent guests, but it was time to renovate it in order to maintain its renowned category" the chain's management said.
 

Positive reception of the Riu Vistamar The ClubHotel Riu Vistamar, located on Playa de Amadores in Gran Canaria, represents RIU's main novelty for the 2003 season. This property featuring breathtaking ocean views is the company's 35th hotel in the Canary Islands. It was inaugurated in spring and since then it has attracted vacationers from all over the world. A huge number of the island's residents have enjoyed their stay in the beautiful 475-guestroom ClubHotel during the last

ClubHotel Riu Vistamar Avda. de la Cornisa Puerto Rico - Mogan 35130  Gran Canaria, Spain

months. The 4-star property offers the "All Inclusive" system, the same plan featured by the other 4-star ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria located on the Meloneras coast.

Both properties have an excellent occupancy average and high guest satisfaction levels, and are frequently visited by the island residents attracted by the superb facilities, exquisite cuisine and high quality service rendered by the chain's professional staff.

The ClubHotel concept blends the traditional RIU hotel comfort with the characteristic sports and entertainment scheme of a ClubHotel.

RIU Hotels offers 13 hotels in Gran Canaria, 5 in Tenerife, 10 in Fuerteventura and 7 in Lanzarote.

The hotel chain, created 50 years ago in Majorca as a small family business, is presently established in 13 countries and has a 14,000-employee staff.

RIU's further expansion started precisely in the Canary Islands with the opening in 1985 of Riu Palmeras in Gran Canaria.

RIU employs 4,108 people in the Canaries, but with the opening of ClubHotel Riu Vistamar has created 200 additional job positions.

Travel agents in Switzerland, Belgium and Holland have proclaimed Riu Hotels "the best hotel chain in the world" during the past years. RIU has also received in 2002 the "Principe Felipe" award for business excellence.

Several of the best and more rewarded RIU hotels are located in the Canary Islands.