Haciendas II

"Firstly, I think you should make sure you know exactly where your apartment/complex is, check Jet2, Haciendas site and do some good Google map searches before you leave the UK. I was dropped off by the coach transfer at a different complex, Island Village by The Food Co., plus there are two Haciendas (Haciendas and Haciendas IV) and so this could have become a nightmare before the holiday had even started. With some reasoning and some luck, I did find where I was meant to be very quickly, but believe me, signage isn’t at its best here so keep your eyes peeled. I saved my apartment location to Google maps before I left the UK, so on realising I was not dropped off exactly at my expected location, I used map directions to help me. I was a couple of hours early arriving at reception and was expecting to have to leave my case with them whilst housekeeping had sorted the place, luckily though, my apartment had just been finished, and they very kindly allowed me access. My apartment (214B) was spotless, on the table I found a bottle of red, a small bottle of white and enough tea, coffee and sugar to keep me going until I got to the shops, the fridge had a two-litre bottle of water also, excellent. I checked over everything, oven, microwave, toaster, washing machine, you’d think they were new. This place matches the photos on the Haciendas/Jet2 site exactly, no hidden surprises at all, if anything, I was surprised at the little extras that weren’t even mentioned. I arrived on Thursday afternoon, whilst I was out on the Sunday housekeeping came in and went through the place from top to bottom, fresh towels and bedding also, I didn’t even know this was in with the deal, they called again on the Wednesday, every three days it would seem. There are two large mobile fans in the apartment, which I didn’t need, if anything, it did get a bit chilly in the evening, which for mid-March you’d expect. But for later in the year during the high season, there isn’t any air conditioning which I find I little odd. Steps, you’ve read about the steps so don’t be surprised on arrival when you come across them, from my place to the gated entrance/exit, 146 of the pesky things. You can avoid many of them by entering the complex/your apartment from the parking lay-by on Avenida Europa, still at least 26 of them to get to my front door though. Wi-Fi was excellent throughout my stay, I was using three devices, and all were fine, listening to UK radio and watching UK TV live/catchup on my laptop. The entire resort is very up and down, very steep roads and pavements in places, I’m fit and able but after a few drinks and an evening meal down at the beach/main town areas, walking back is quite a slog. 90m (300 foot) climb in less than 1.5KM (1 mile) To the nearest, on foot as a stroll: Bar/restaurant – 2mins General shop – 3min Pharmacy – 3min The Food Co (Iceland and Morrisons stockist) - 4min Local shops, bars and eateries – 5min Main shops, bars and restaurants – 10min Beaches - 15min stroll at most, various routes once you know your way around "

"I was booking 2 bungalows for my daughters and friends - I booked on hotel website but was told after I’d put payments details in that that particular room wasn’t available and gave options so I booked 2 rooms (one thru the hotel and one thru booking.com) - I noticed payment was still pending and contacted hotel. They responded that 3 rooms had been booked and it was no cancellation - even tho I explained that this was an error on their website and they could clearly see I’d gone on to book other rooms they refused to refund a room ( cost £800) they provided a credit note minus 20% for admin fee !!! When the group arrived and went to use the hot tub it was broken and the reception did not reply or offer solution. Accommodation and terrace were apparently nice but accommodation was slightly out side town and hotel reception refused to call any taxis for group unless they were going to airport !!! ( never heard a hotel doing this in my life) All in all very poor customer service from a company that has more than one hotel on the island"

"Lovely stay for our family perfect for what we needed.. We had a one bedroom apartment with a hammock and sea view.. Overall the apartments was brilliant some minor things let it down the bed was rock hard so didn’t get a full nights sleep at all wish we had swapped with the kids on the bed settee as looked much comfier a few more cushions wouldn’t go a miss either a mattress topper may solve this issue! And the only mirror available was in the bathroom meaning I had to do my hair stood from the bedroom as no plug socket available in the bathroom apart from the hairdryer already there small matters and didn’t ruin our holiday at all… We did have a few people over the period we was there underneath who were quite noisy so I was glad we was above but again my music blocked this out. Overall it is a very clean complex with maids attending which was unexpected also. Best bathroom I have had on holiday the power on the shower could be better that’s all. Perfect kitchen etc with a washer so meant no washing to do when home BONUS…. There is a lot of steps but if you have no mobility issues or prams it’s worth the steps.. We stayed Hacienda 2 which was next to reception and the pool area was lovely and clean staff all helpful and polite.. Shops and a local pub and restaurants around if didn’t want the walk into town.. Walking distance to Aqualand and around 15-20 mins walk to the front downhill we sometimes got a taxi back which ranged from 4-7 euros depending on time.. We are already looking to come back next year we enjoyed our stay that much.. Thankyou for a lovely stay"