"My fiancé and I spent 9 blissful nights here in July, (bar the fact that one day my phone said it was 35°C, felt like 41°C with humidity of 85%, but there's nothing the hotel can do about the weather! 🥵)
If I were to design a hotel myself, it would probably be very similar to this. The overall interior and aesthetic is total boho chic — stylish yet incredibly chilled out. In fact, it’s easily the most chilled hotel we’ve ever stayed in, which was exactly what we needed. I loved it so much that I'm already planning to go back next year with my mum.
Holidays are expensive and a BIG decision. I really value TripAdvisor reviews before I book so here's a few tips of mine and things I think are handy to know before you go!
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Wonderful Staff: Everyone was so lovely, especially Baryan and Salina (I think her name was) in the bar/restaurant. Once I told them I spoke a little bit of the language, they made an effort to chat with me in Spanish and even tried getting my fiancé involved, although his Spanish still needs a bit of work!
2. Relaxed Pool Area: The pool area is SO quiet and relaxed. The playlist is chilled, so much so that I didn't even listen to my iPod once. Do not come here if you want a party holiday, I'll have your room! There were always plenty of sunbeds and loungers available and they were extremely comfortable. Admittedly, there was some sun bed reserving but, in the end, my fiancé just joined in and we went right outside our room.
3. Delicious Food & Treats: Breakfast was delicious, featuring a vast selection of pastries (one of my absolute favourite parts of holidays abroad, see photo). N.B. the toaster is automatic.
Be sure to check out the Italian ice cream stall right on the hotel premises — the staff there are lovely and the ice cream is beautiful. We went several times, especially in the July heatwave!
4. Low-Key Atmosphere: There’s no overwhelming boring evening entertainment here, which we loved. During our 9 night stay, on the Tuesday and Saturday, they had a subtle bit of live music from 4:30 - 5:30 pm, which made for a lovely, light backdrop. I don't know if this was weekly though or just random (check the Instagram page)
HELPFUL TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS:
—Bracelets: If you decide to wear your bracelet (that you can pay for food/drinks with throughout your stay), don't pull them too tight otherwise you'll have to be cut out like my fiancé was!
—Mobility & Accessibility: The hotel and surrounding areas are fairly flat, making it a great option if you have mobility issues. The only slight gradient is the bridge you cross to get to the other side of the marina (if you're heading out left as you leave the hotel) and some of the pavements are a bit uneven. If you turn right out of the hotel, you can get to the marina that way, but there are some slopes involved.
—Supermarkets Nearby: Once you cross the marina bridge, there are a couple of handy supermarkets immediately in front of you. The first one doesn't have air conditioning, but if you walk a little further down to the second one, it has AC and a lovely fresh pastry section. Plus, we found the staff friendlier.
—Hotel Transfers: If you have a hotel transfer, the coach will likely drop you/pick you up at a bus stop directly opposite the hotel, as large buses can't fit down the road. You’ll just need to wheel your suitcase across the road to reach the entrance. (You'll go past the ice cream place I mentioned above). I'm not a massive fan of having to do this for a hotel but it's not a deal breaker here given the exceptional holiday.
—Lunch Menus & Dining Areas: There are two distinct lunch options; the yellow 'Pool Snack Menu' is strictly for eating by the pool i.e. the bao buns pictured (you can't eat these options at the restaurant/bar area). The 'Sweet & Salty Restaurant Menu' is for the bar/restaurant area (you can't have these by the pool). Alternatively, for a cheaper option, Top Market (about half way round the marina) was one of the places we found that did fresh baguettes to take away, €4.50 each.
—Poolside Drinks: You can order drinks for the pool - the staff will ask you if it's for around the pool and then serve them in plastic cups for safety. Regular table service with glassware is provided in the restaurant and bar areas.
—Exploring the Marina: Head down to the marina and try the plethora of restaurants and bars. Try 'Iconic Gelato' on the corner right by the crepe stall after Medbar, next to one of the supermarkets. The ice cream there is absolutely beautiful and was a total lifesaver in the summer heat! Plus, the helpful staff will let you try samples before you buy.
CONS:
If you absolutely HAD to squeeze some cons out of me and I'm struggling....
1. My fiancé said he would have liked perhaps a fresh omelette/pancake section at breakfast. I did see 2 guests looking like they were requesting things from a chef but I think they were Spanish and not sure if this was dietary? And a coffee machine for different coffees (although I THINK you could buy them from the bar). I would have liked cooked mushrooms at breakfast and maybe some different fruits i.e. strawberries and apple to go with the yoghurt.
2. The bathroom was a little small but we're both very tall - I kept banging my elbow on the door and we did have some drainage issues with the shower when we first arrived but this eventually seemed to resolve itself. They could have sacrificed a little bit of bedroom space to add a bit more to the bathroom, it still would have been ample.
3. I would have liked our air conditioning to be cooler but, when we enquired at Reception, they did offer to get maintenance to have a look at it but I think as it was just so hot, it probably couldn't get any cooler.
Overall and looking back now we're back to the boring, miserable 9-5, we did truly have a marvellous stay and I don't think you fully realise just how much until you get home. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a down to earth, chilled, peaceful retreat. I'd go back in a heartbeat, missing it already! Can I live here?!
An easy 9.5/10 stay. My advice? Go, book it, but not before I book it with my mum!! See you next May, Caramelo Marina!"
