Hotel Riu Chiclana

Located adjacent to La Barrosa Beach, Hotel Riu Chiclana is for families seeking a fun, lively vacation. The hotel is designed like a traditional Andalusian village, with several three-story buildings with white facades and pitched terra-cotta roofs, all set around a central plaza home to several large pools lined with hundreds of loungers. The vibe is casual and bustling, especially on weekends, when local families flock to the hotel for its wonderful beachfront location and solid 24-hour all-inclusive package. There is loud music around the main pool area during the day, and many of the activities offered as part of the entertainment program take place in the same area, making this hotel more suitable for those wanting to let loose rather than couples seeking some peace and quiet. The property underwent full renovations in the winter of 2018, and interiors are contemporary and appealing (though a tad generic), with a soft brown and gray palette offset by pops of bright-yellow in the lobby, and streamlined Scandinavian-style design in restaurants. While this is an excellent pick for families and groups of friends wanting something fun and bustling, travelers who don’t need a 24-hour all-inclusive package may want to compare rates and amenities at the adjacent [ILUNION Tartessus Sancti Petri Hotels](ILUNION Tartessus Sancti Petri Hotels), which is smaller and offers simple one- and two-bedroom apartments and villas, plus a great hammam and direct access to a golf club.  

Hotel Riu Chiclana is located adjacent to La Barrosa, a beautiful, sandy beach in Novo Sancti Petri, a quiet community about a 15-minute drive from Chiclana. There are a few other resorts in the area, as well as private residences close to the beach, but this stretch of sand is quieter than those farther east and west. There is a small shopping area about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and guests can find a couple of bars and restaurants along the beach, but there is little else of general interest within walking distance. Those wanting to explore other beaches in the area can find several gorgeous ones within a 45-minute drive of the hotel, including Canos de Meca, Barbate, and Zahara de los Atunes. Cadiz, known for its beautiful architecture, is a 35-minute drive away, while the nearest airport is in Jerez de la Frontera, located a 45-minute drive north of the hotel. 

The hotel’s 832 rooms were fully renovated in early 2018 and are designed in a simple yet contemporary style that combines wood-like tile floors with clean lines and a soft neutral palette with pops of gray and yellow. Though not particularly sleek, rooms feel modern and fresh, and all have big glass doors that open onto furnished balconies. Views vary, but many offer at least side sea views. Starting at 280 square feet, standard units feel spacious, having enough room for a desk, a luggage rack, and a built-in closet. Also, all but entry-level rooms are outfitted with a double sofa bed.Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, empty mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and safes, plus all rooms feature air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with walk-in rainfall showers, spacious sink areas with big mirrors, and additional storage space on wooden shelves. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

Aside from access to a lovely beach, the other main highlight at the Riu Chiclana is its pools. There are five outdoor pools for families -- including one with a swim-up bar and two heated seasonally -- plus two kiddy pools with slides and a pirate ship. Hundreds of loungers line each pool, offering plenty of space to relax. Loud music is piped during the day and into the afternoon around the pools, and most of the activities offered as part of the entertainment program take place around them, which means there are few quiet outdoor areas. The kids’ club offers activities for toddlers, older children, and teens, and there are two playgrounds on-site, including one indoors, complete with a ball pit. A fitness center offers an array of cardio and strength-training machines, and the spa, though small, is a pleasant spot for a break from the sun and the music, featuring a hydrotherapy area that guests can access free of charge, plus four treatment rooms and a salon. A comprehensive all-inclusive package covers all food and drinks 24 hours per day. Food gets consistently good reviews, but some find the offer somewhat limited in the colder months, when only the buffet is open. During peak season, however, there are three additional a la carte restaurants serving international, regional, and Italian cuisine. The Riu Chiclana also offers six bars, two of which are only open seasonally.