Side Spring Hotel

"We stayed at Side Spring hotel. This is a family run hotel, the family are absolutely lovely and very helpful. However, the hotel in itself is incredibly basic. There is no 24 hour cafe as stated in the information. The closest beach is way further than 0.9km. The old town is a 38 minute walk, okay for us but wouldn’t work for those less able. The rooms have paper thin walls where our neighbours had very loud sex nightly, we heard every conversation also. The TV didn’t work, the lights flickered, the electricity went out a few times, the main light didn’t work, the shower hose was broken and the shower cubicle was very very small. Had I been a larger person I’d have struggled to get into the cubicle as the door was so small. You are not allowed to bring food / snacks in from the outside. The breakfast was mostly processed food and wasn’t very nice and actually made me sick on one occasion. You get just one very thin blanket on each bed, pillow cases were ripped. The cleaners just let themselves into the rooms whilst you’re in there, this could be rectified by having signs on the door handle like they do in other hotels. There is no lift yet there are 4 floors. An older lady that we arrived with had requested a ground floor room and was housed instead on the 4th floor, this is a lady that was wheeled to the plane in a wheelchair. I don’t like to leave negative reviews but I feel it’s important for people to see. I would not stay here again."

"Excellent value hotel, and the awesome staff make it feel like a home from home and made us feel so welcome and comfortable. All rooms have a pool view, breakfast is ok and can be enjoyed indoors or outside which is a big plus for us because some hotels only allow you to eat indoors. A few mini markets are a 2mins walk away to buy bits for the room, and an ice cream to walk back with of an evening. Pool is perfect size and shape, I’m 5,2 and could stand up on top toes and my husband could do decent lengths and it was warm too! There’s a free bus shuttle to Makara Beach which is really nice and you get free sunbeds and shade as long as you buy your drinks from there, we ate there a few times and really enjoyed it and good value, cheese toasty and chips was €4. Flying Horse, Red Lion and My Corner amongst other restaurants were only 8 mins walk away if you want to stay local rather than go into old town. 10/10 would recommend this hotel."

"Needed a holiday away from everything with my friend of 46 years. we both had a horrible year so far, stress wise, for different reasons. This was the best medicine. Hotel clean and tidy, Staff very friendly, even the owners there 24/7 if required. The food was lovely and freshly prepared each meal. The pool is a good size too. Going back next year for some more relaxing by the pool, oh and the myriad things to do outside the hotel, which we sampled. Transfers included. Prices very reasonable too. would definitely recommend. Missed the 4am wake up call by the local cockerel this morning lol."