"The hotel is around 20-30 minutes from the airport.
It is on a main road and when the bus stopped there was no signage to indicate it was the Marylanza Hotel and the driver (Tui) did not indicate it was the hotel. As the bus began to drive away I realised it was the Marylanza and disembarked. The hotel is situated approximately 15-20 minute walk down to the main beach PLA area. This suited me as it was away from the hustle and bustle.
The hotel reception was very spacious, light and airy.
Check in was quick, and I was allocated a sunny room which I had previously emailed my request to the hotel. The sunny room was main road facing.
The room itself was more akin to a suite. The large bedroom was separate and was situated at the rear of the room (which was away from the main road) and it backed onto the main pool area.
There is a safe- which you have to pay to use - I think it cost around 15 euro for the week.
The bathroom was a good size with shower gel and shampoo. The shower was an over the bath type and was effective.
There were no tissues, body lotion or hair conditioner.
There were no robes or slippers. I would expect these as a 4* + hotel.
Beach towel cost 5 euro per week - which is refunded when they are returned upon checkout. There is a charge of 1 euro for a change.
There was a lounge area which was large, and a kitchen area to the side of it. The kitchen was equipped with crockery, glasses and cutlery. There was also a microwave and a full size fridge.
There was a complimentary bottle of still water and tea/coffee making facilities. There was more than ample storage in the bedroom.
There were two large pools, but I found the layout very tight- sun loungers lined in rows with no walk in space between a lot of them.
There was no quiet place to sit, it was kind of compacted.
The food was very good, in quality, presentation and taste- there is something for everyone- whatever you taste or dietary requirements. However on one occasion there was some pieces of chicken that were raw… See photo… The dining area was on the small size compared to other hotels, but it worked because the staff were very efficient at clearing away and re- setting the tables. There is an outside courtyard where you could sit and dine if you wished.
There is a pool bar, which is where the snack bar food is situated. Although I did not eat at the bar, I must say the food looked very nice and freshly cooked to order. The staff at this bar were always happy to serve you and very welcoming.
There was nightly entertainment, but I did not attend as I preferred to go out in the evenings.
I travelled around the island, visiting the local towns on their local buses. It cost around 2.30 euros to Los Cristianos and I travelled to Los Gigantes which took just over an hour and cost 4.50 euros. I really like that area, it was less touristy and more up market.
There is a gym and a spa which I did not use, so I can't comment on them.
I chose not to have the housekeeping come into my room, (I kept it clean myself) but they gave me fresh towels each day. I left any bins outside my door if they needed emptying. I also placed the "Do not disturb" notice on my door- which is actually a large RED sign that says "STOP". I also advised reception that I did not require housekeeping.
One morning I had left the room to go out for the day, I ensured the "STOP" sign was secured to my door before leaving. The maid was in the room directly opposite mine- two feet away when she came out of the room, I pointed to the "STOP" sign and asked for fresh towels which she gave me. I took them into my room and left again. I used a translation app to inform her that I did not wish her to enter my room for cleaning or anything else as she had given me everything I needed directly.
She understood and said "Okay". I left and when I got down to reception, I realised I had forgotten a piece of jewellery on the bedside table. I went back up to the room and saw my door was open ( with the "STOP" sign still attached and secure). As I entered my the maid was in it- she was surprised to see me back so soon… I picked up the piece of jewellery and ushered her out of my room, secured it and went to reception to tell them what had happened. I was not at all happy about this situation. For the avoidance of doubt… Whenever I stay in any hotel, and the "Do not disturb" sign is affixed to the room door- you do not enter. It means what is says… I have had situations previously in other hotels when I have requested items be brought to my room and they have not arrived. When I have telephoned their reception asking where the items were- I've been informed "Apologies madam but your Do not disturb sign is on your door.
So… there was no excuse for this maid to enter my room when I had verbally informed her via translation app and visually with the sign on my door…"
