"I'm surprised at the negative reviews that probably expected a five star hotel at a three star price. Yes, it's quite basic but it provides everything one may need on holiday. The rooms are spacious (we had 2 pool-view rooms), have a living area with a sofa, a bathroom and a bedroom. There is a kitchenette but I don't think it's there to be used as it lacks any cookware or tableware - probably from before the times when they decided to encourage people to go all-inclusive. The rooms were clean and the housekeeping would clean them every other day, while bed sheets were changed every 4 days.
There are 2 pool areas and you can see them being hosed down each morning. We saw the pool floors cleaned once during our stay, which was fine. The 7am towel wars are true, breakfast starts at 7.45 and you could see most loungers being reserved by that time. Honestly, most hotels I've been to had a similar problem so if you're staying by the hotel pool, make sure to get up early. We hardly ever did so it wasn't a problem for us.
All-inclusive meals are fine, nothing fancy but enough choice for everyone to find something they like. Breakfast offer basics for both continental and Irish/English breakfast. There are scrambled eggs, eggs sunny side up, cooked eggs, sausages, beans, cheeses, cold cuts, pastries, hash browns, pancakes, cereal, yogurts, fruit and vegetables plus tea/coffee, chocolate, juices. Lunches are definitely the best meal of the day with a selection of salads, meats, fish and desserts. Dinners seem to always have staples like chips, pastas, pasta sauces, burgers, pizza, paella and chicken or fish nuggets plus different stews/curries/hot vegetables and a selection of sides.
It's true there are lines for the drinks but they move very quickly, it takes a few seconds to serve one person and the fabulous hotel staff are always very efficient, no complaints there. The cocktail of the day is pre-made so don't expect a proper one, but thanks to that it's poured just as quickly as soft drinks. The 1 euro cup system works fine, you pay a 1 euro deposit the first time you get a drink, get a cup and a voucher and then you bring your cup with you when you want a refill (they take it away and give you a new one, not just reuse the dirty one, in case you were wondering). When you're going home, you return the vouchers to the bar and get your deposit back.
No idea what entertainment options there were, if there was an event schedule somewhere, we didn't find it (a note to the hotel management - maybe it would be a good idea to have posters letting the guests know what activities there are). There definitely was an aqua-aerobic class during the day and shooting practice. In the evenings there was music and karaoke but the seating area is not very big so unless you get there early, you won't get a seat. There's a volleyball area, a football pitch and a gym as well as laundry room, a small library and a game room.
I found the location great, it it on the outskirts of the town so if you don't like walking, you'd want to rent a car or use taxis. We love walking so it was great for us, it's under a kilometre to a Hiper Dino and pubs and to El Campanario with another Hiper Dino, a beautiful climbable tower and a crafts fair that takes place every Thursday and Sunday. Continuing straight up from there, you get to the main street with numerous shops, stalls and bars. The beach is not far but if you want long stretches of golden sands you have to head in the direction of Dune Park for about 2-3km along a busy road. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a car.
All in all, we had a great time there. The staff were always helpful, no problem arranging late check-out or getting a maintenance technician to fix a problem quickly. It's a decent place for the price and if you go there expecting three stars, you will not be disappointed - you may actually get pleasantly surprised"
