Isla Cristina Palace

"Never been to Isla Cristina before, we didn't venture out too much as we were quite happy chilling around the hotel. Very quiet and chilled atmosphere all day, never had to worry about sunbeds during our stay. Pool area very nice and sunbeds comfortable. Having that system of using your room key card to pay for drinks/adding to your room bill is very good and easy. Food was very nice for breakfast and dinner (half board) and the pool bar food was nice too. There is a private access gate to get to the beach from the hotel which is less than a minute walk. There is a bar there and a hotel specific sun lounger/umbrella area for the hotel but these aren't free, possibly if you are all inclusive but otherwise about 9ish euros for the day I believe... the beach and sea was lovely and there is a nice beach bar/cafe less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Pool cabanas are also at extra cost too and a nice jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and indoor pool downstairs near the spa. Our room had a partial sea view on the 4th floor, very quiet, clean and spacious. On Fridays the hotel offers a beach bbq for an extra 17.50 euros per person where they cook local food, fish and meat with a salad buffet which is well worth it for the food and the sunsets on the beach. The only minor downsides experienced was check in and check out can take a long time but otherwise a perfect stay."

"Check in and out was efficient Sometimes the desk isn’t manned and they just leave the QR code out for the app which hopefully answers all your questions but it loses the personal touch. Sonia housekeeping, Maria omelettes, Victoria restaurant, Domingo pool towels were all friendly and efficient and helped me along improving my Spanish Pros beach location, pool area (not sure if there would be enough sun beds if the hotel is full) pool towels are good. Everywhere very clean, housekeeping out early sweeping up Reception toilets nice and clean, pool toilets not so good Gardens well maintained and nice shaded areas Wi fi very good everywhere Junior suite large and airy little outdated, large balcony with sun beds but it doesn’t get the sun on it Comfy bed once we had got some extra pillows Bath towels are thin and not great, robes are ok Breakfast usual buffet style but not much hot selection The restaurant is more like a canteen, service not great, food not brilliant, good selection of wines though No dress code enforced which would be the norm in 5 star establishment Normally you would be greeted and seated, but not so, find your own seats and then try and get served drinks. Service very poor to remove used plates from tables ended up putting them on the adjacent table I have never seen tip boxes on show in a restaurant before, I always tip individuals for good service and I found the tip boxes a little bit distasteful Not much around the hotel like tapas bars and restaurants etc Good Mercadona supermercado walk half a mile away Beach bar good but you have to pay extra for the sun beds and parasols Good program of events but the animation team are not very animated, didn’t come round and talk to anyone to ask if you were going to take part in anything Price quality ratio ok for a Four Star Hotel, if you don’t expect Five Star standards and quality then you won’t be disappointed! "

"Spent a week here and really enjoyed ourselves. Pros: The All Inclusive is excellent. Plenty of choices for drinks at all the bars. One night included in the specialty restaurant. Only a 10 euro charge for the Beach Bash BBQ including drinks. Plenty of lounge chairs around the pool. Excellent staff...very friendly and accommodating. Buffet had plenty of choices and the desserts were yummy! Loved going to the beach bar each day! Nightly entertainment was fun. Rooms were clean. Cons: The pool is too cold to enjoy. Some people did but not for long. The beds are somewhat uncomfortable and may be at the point of replacing. Could use more daytime activities. When getting the fish, make sure it cooked thoroughly. (ask them to leave on grill a little longer) We had a major issue with our AC...ended up switching rooms but the staff was extremely helpful. Overall and excellent week!"