"Having read the negative reviews of this hotel posted in early January, have felt it necessary to add our own more positive review and at the same time although not dismissing those earlier comments at least to put them in some clearer context.
It is clearly upsetting to read about the lady who had a fall whilst visiting the toilets near the swimming pool and we hope she is recovering, but we have to make it clear having been there ourselves for the last nine days, that these washroom facilities are in extremely close proximity to the swimming pool (no more than a few feet) and therefore clearly will have people bringing water into the walkway area leading to and including the toilets. There has always been clear signage via large yellow stand up signposts warning of a possible slip hazard, placed just inside that entrance area, and it is incumbent on people to take care as the floors are likely to be wet. The cleaning staff do mop during the day but cannot be expected to be there 24/7 and therefore the hotel have taken reasonable precautions.
In relation to the brown water issue reported by numerous clients we can also confirm we experienced a similar problem in the first few days, but Tenerife South in general has a problem with old water supply pipes which the Canary Islands water authorities according to radio reports whilst we were there, are looking to address, and whilst other hotels may have taken previous remedial measures, Ole Tropical had not up to this week.
We only found out after enduring a day of no hot water that they have replaced the main tanks and filtration system and in the last couple of days when the hot water returned it was running clear of brown colour, so will be interested to read from future reviewers if that positive situation continues .
Having got those issues out of the way, our own stay produced positive and negative aspects but mostly positive.
This was our fourth visit to the hotel and we book upper floor sea view and all inclusive.
The stand out positive is the excellent animation team of Tamas, Diego and Manu with the first two having been there for many years and their enthusiasm and interaction with guests are a pleasure. During the day you are invited to participate with a choice of archery, mini golf, table tennis, darts or petanque (Boules) on different days in both the morning and afternoon, with a choice of pilates, yoga or stretching sessions available each day.
Many guests choose not to partake and just relax which is also fine, but whilst we were there the above events were always well attended.
In the evening there was always a show, preceded either by short bingo or quiz sessions.
The shows were good including singers, flamenco dancers, Chinese acrobats, but for many of us "regulars" the highlight was the animation team putting on their own take off of notable singers that had many of those present in howls of laughter .
Again mention of Pawel who is part of the bar staff and is a complete character and totally enters into the spirit of whichever evening show is taking place.
The rooms are fairly basic as highlighted by others BUT you can hire a kettle, just ask at reception and you get your deposit back on departure.
Rooms are cleaned daily and towels changed regularly.
In the restaurant the choice is varied and there is always the option at lunch or dinner for fresh meat or fish cooked in front of you and likewise at breakfast omelettes or fried eggs cooked to order.
So those are the positives, and what is clear is the number of guests who repeatedly return to this hotel.
Do bear in mind this is not a five star hotel and they never pretend to be, but more of an adult friendly four star.
You want a more sedate and upmarket five star venue then look elsewhere, but at Ole Tropical all the staff enter fully into looking after their guests and carrying out their duties with a mainly pleasant and friendly demeanor.
Before readers think that we are in the "Pay" of the hotel then carry on reading.
For the negatives, yes there are a few and sadly they fall at the door of the senior management.
The main one is lack of communication.
They were aware the boiler tanks were due to be changed which took place during the afternoon of one day, so finding a cold shower in the evening, although there are worse hardships, was unexpected, and it was only when guests met at dinner we all realized this affected all rooms. Not a word from Senior Management.
The following morning my wife and I bumped into the Jet 2 representatives before breakfast who had been called to the hotel because of so many complaints, and we said there had been no communication at all, and to simply put notices in the lifts and on the main doors of the dining room and bars would at least let people know what was going on. By the time we had finished breakfast we went to the lift and a notice was up apologizing for the lack of hot water that was due to essential remedial works, so well done to the Jet 2 reps, but it should not have been necessary for them or us to point out such a basic lack of communication.
It took another day of cold water before hot water supplies were restored and the situation rectified. This will hopefully also rectify other issues with the brown water.
Finally, and this is a personal bugbear, but there are a couple of gentlemen from senior management who take to walking around the hotel communal areas such as the main dining room and pool bar area carrying out inspections and checks, which is all very praiseworthy, but to do so with your hands in your pockets as you walk around is not very professional or becoming of senior management.
Will be watching out for an improvement when we return, and indeed we will, because we like the hotel and happy to recommend it.
Clive and Diana"
