"The hotel is in a fantastic location close by to everything you could possibly need. Immaculately clean with a fresh, modern decor and a friendly atmosphere. Small enough to be caring and personal and big enough to deal with different people's varying needs and requirements. One of most varied number of customer nationalities I have seen abroad.
Our room on the second floor was modern, spacious, bright decor, very clean, with a nice balcony with a table and 2 chairs, comfy beds and a large bathroom with a huge walk in shower, renewed bath/ body wash creme gel every day along with towels by the excellent service from the staff.
There is a hair dryer in the bathroom which worked well (my wife tells me!).
In the wardrobe is a free safe that is easy to operate and big enough to house your passports, wallets, a mid size hand bag and or jewellery should you care to do so. The normal rider applies in that the hotel themselves cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to items placed in the safe. We had no issues at all with the operation and use of our safe.
The 2 sided wardrobe itself is spacious and will take lots of clothes although there are only about 6 hangers on a rail on each side so you will need to take a few more if you are taking loads of hanging clothes.
Being an adult only hotel meant that the clientele were generally responsible and well behaved with noise being kept to a very acceptable level.
There are 5 floors with the top floor being the roof top bar, small dipping pools and sunbeds on the artificial grass surface. Great 360 degree views from up there.
As all inclusive, we had fantastic food with dishes catering for every need (yes including vegetarians!) there really is something for everyone. The standard of food was first class and during our week here we had no need or desire to eat out at all, so good was the food and drink on offer. (There are plenty of other bars and small eateries close by should you wish to try them and all within easy walking distance).
The staff in the restaurant are super efficient and will quickly remove unattended plates so if you are on your own, don't disappear to grab a drink if your food is half eaten and you leave your dining implements on the plate itself 'cos it probably won't be there when you get back! That said if you are dining with someone else, simply stagger your moves to the serving area to ensure your food isn't taken away so the other can keep guard!
There is a land train about 20 yards outside the hotel and on a day when the weather was very mild and a bit overcast we had a trip into the local town centre and a short stop off to look over the area from a great vantage point before taking the trip back to the hotel. In all it takes about 45 minutes and costs 6 Euros each. It is not fast so no need to worry about that in fact it is really relaxing.
Within the hotel and the pool areas there are a few small bars where you can grab a hot drink, beers and wine etc, snacks and ice creams. The staff are excellent, friendly, informative, professional and with a genuine cheery disposition and willingness to help.
A word of advice....... there is a strict 2 drinks per person policy at the bars for the AI (all inclusive) clients and IT IS strictly imposed! It is a good thing but if you are looking to go mad.... be prepared to make lots of trips to the bar! Another thing to be aware of is that the beer is served in a small glass on AI (25cl or just under half a pint) however if you are paying for your beer (5 Euros I believe) you will get about 2/3 of a pint in a larger Heineken glass. That said, as soon as the bar staff get to know you and that you are in a party of 3 or 4 (as we were with friends) they will allow you to order 3 or 4 drinks as long as you only take 2 away and come back for the other couple of drinks. Or alternatively, simply go up with your partner/mates and get your own allocation of 2 drinks each.
Evening entertainment in the hotel is varied and also varies in it's entertainment value...... from 'Ok' to 'Outstanding'.
During our week here we have witnessed average guitar/singing performers to excellent magic shows, excellent solo singers to superb traditional Spanish and Brazilian dance troupes. Whatever is on, you are sure to be entertained and for the start of the year we were pleasantly surprised at how good the majority of the entertainment was. A few drinks and most everyone is ready to join in!
My only criticism is the fact the communal toilets/lavatories are very small in the hotel with as far as the men's facility goes is a single urinal, single toilet cubicle and a small hand sink and dryer. I believe the ladies are the same as my wife tells me. Also the disabled toilet facility was actually used by a couple of the acts as thier dressing room so was completely out of use during their performance. This could do with being addressed and made bigger overall. That said you cannot complain about the cleanliness of any of the communal areas and or toilet facilities. Again, to reiterate our bathroom in our room was superbly clean, spacious and with everything we needed but you can't take that downstairs with you during the evening!
One of the highlights of an evening was the half an hour bingo game played before the main entertainment and hosted by the fantastic Fillipo.
A very talented and multi lingual young man whose personality and friendliness are a massive plus to the hotel itself and for the customer's daytime activities.
Fillipo organises, leads , conducts, takes part (and breaks up all the fights that ensue during) his, skittles, aquarobics and bingo sessions. (Joking about the fights!) He is a huge asset to the team and his infectious smile, sense of humour and genuine enjoyment to include people in simple yet rewarding activities makes people feel welcome and involved. Great guy.
Also the lovely Christine whose smile and friendliness each lunch time when checking us in for lunch was a joy in itself.
It seems unfair to mention just a few people as every single member of the huge team provides fantastic service with a smile and enthusiasm, at reception, room servicing, bars, restaurant, pool bars in fact every area of the hotels superb customer service.
Thank you Hotel Marieta for an unforgettable first experience of Gran Canaria. We are booking now ready for next year!"
