"Our first visit since the apartments have changed ownership so naturally we were a little apprehensive but we needn’t have worried. Having read a number of varied reviews on various booking sites I would like to make the following points:
The location – still good as ever and despite some reviewers writing that ‘noise’ from the local bars was intrusive we were never aware of any problems. We actually arrived on the final night of Carnival which was also St Patrick’s Day and even then there was no raucous noise near Erika nor badly behaved people wandering about Corralejo in general.
The staff – those we encountered were friendly and helpful and answered all queries - before arrival, at Check In and during our stay - honestly and efficiently.
The complex – not many obvious changes as yet but we asked about the intentions of the new owners and were advised that plans are underway to make alterations, update and generally improve the apartments and communal areas. No dates as yet and we plan to check later in the year to see if the complex will be open next March when we plan to visit Corralejo again as Erika ticks all boxes for us and staying anywhere else would feel like a compromise.
Access and Security – Reception is open Mon to Fri from 12 until 5, Sat and Sun 1 until 4. The main gate is locked at all times and guests are reminded to lock it whenever they leave the complex (we never found it had been left unlocked so all seemed to comply) For Arrival when reception is closed you need to notify flight details and expected time you will arrive at Erika and you are sent email giving a code to a key box on the wall next to the gate where keys to the gate, your apartment (2 sets) and a safe box key can be found inside.
The apartment – we stayed in a Ground Floor Deluxe One Bedroom apartment as usual. Basic but clean and lots of space. Large terrace with table and chairs, sunbeds and drying rack and another smaller terrace off the bedroom with small table and chairs – you can sit in the sun in one or other as the sun moves around
* Bedroom has a comfortable large bed with a thick mattress topper, wardrobe with hanging space and shelves enough for a holiday stay, safe box in wardrobe included in the price for the apartment. There is also air con included in the price and we found that using this overnight with windows closed ensured a comfortable night sleep with no noise (other than from rain down spouts during a couple of much needed heavy overnight downpours) There are blackout curtains behind the normal curtains which also helps sleep
* Kitchen is galley style and has enough kit to prepare breakfast, light snacks, drinks etc. (mugs as well as small cups is always a winner with us!) Electric hob with one small and one large ring, easy to work out how to use, fridge was not iced up as can be the case with little spare time to defrost between occupancies. Washing Up liquid, sponge scrub, dishcloth and tea towels are provided and in a cupboard there are brush, mop and bucket to deal with any spillages and walked in dirt if necessary. A microwave was also in the cupboard which is a bit unusual but saves space in the kitchen and at least it is there as an additional option to the hob
* Lounge area – very minimal and the sofa has seen better days (hopefully the renovations will include replacement) Dining table and chairs should the weather prevent eating breakfast outside. TV is OK and we were able to keep up with news in english but not many other channels for entertainment (but why would you want to spend hours in the apartment while on holiday and most people have devices that they use for entertainment needs anyway!)
* Bathroom – functional but not luxurious. We were told on arrival that there had been some issues with water pressure and the shower was not great on our first night (Sunday) and next morning, but there was hot water. This was attended to and shower was adequate for the rest of our stay
* Cleaning – towels changed and bins emptied, floor mopped on Day 3 and Day 7 of a 10 night stay plus bed change, towel change and a more thorough clean including bin emptying on Day 5. The terraces were dusty but that’s what happens in windy Fuerteventura especially if there are rain showers and if it bothers guests that much then as stated above there is a brush available for a quick sweep round.
* WiFi only really worked near the patio door and terrace but never had issues connecting if using wifi in that area
* Swimming Pool – is small and unheated but water always looked clean. There are some sunbeds and also an upstairs terrace but we mainly used our own apartment terrace to spend time in the sun. The beds and outside furniture have all seen better days so hopefully will be replaced soon
In short Erika is not luxury accommodation and the prices reflect this – set realistic expectations and don’t expect daily cleaning, towel change, luxury toiletries padded sunbeds, rainfall showers and suchlike and you won’t be disappointed. If those things are important to you then go elsewhere and pay considerably more."
