"We visited this hotel for 10 years on the trot ... last time was 2012 I think, so when our daughter decided to get married nearby, on 27th may, we immediately booked here, as did our friends, What a mistake. We booked a package holiday with Jet2, and arrived at 11a.m ish, we both commented that the reception/lobby area was the same ... even the faded decor, wall pictures etc ... its such a dreary, dark and dated entrance, completely unwelcoming. Couldn't access our room until 2.30pm. The carpeted corridor from the lifts looked tatty and covered in fluff, dirt and bits, the lift itself had something horrible on the wall, the smell off drains was revolting! Lovely view of the marina, but that was about the only good thing. Small table and 2 plastic chairs on the balcony, but, alas so uncomfortable with no cushions, and accessed by a sliding door covered in greasy finger prints, hair on the floor, dust on the lamps, bits on the rugs and some unsightly marks on the blankets ... which were definitely not needed in 32 degree heat. Bathroom tiny, and smelly ..
Shower leaked dreadfully, and the floor got soaked, every shower usage, including the bath mat! Reception didn't answer the phone when I needed new towels, so a trip down to request our room was serviced at 4pm, despite the 'please service our room' sign hanging on the door from 9 a.m! To be told by an extremely rude receptionist ' we allow til 5 pm! I then timed the cleaners ... 2.48 seconds from entry to exit! Pulled the bed over and wiped the bathroom floor. No new bath mat left so I had to request one despite the dirty wringing wet one being left! Our hand soap was not topped up.once throughout our 2 weeks ... therefore empty for a whole week! There were no socket plugs near the mirror so hair styling was impossible, plus the room was so dark in the evenings as no central lights. Aircon was fairly good. Breakfasts were busy at every time of service, between 7a.m and 10, no condiments on tables ... the same food each day, but tasty enough if hungry, and the staff were pleasant to a point.
The sun bed towels didn't anywhere near cover the sun beds. Each guest needs 2.
One pool bar guy in particular was exceptionally rude, we spent quite a lot daily on cool drinks, ice creams and lunches and the queues could sometimes mean waiting upto 20 minutes, I helped myself to an ice cube from a bucket and he yelled at me to stop, and went on to say he was in charge and running a busy bar! I took an ice cube for goodness sake, not money from the til! Completely embarrassing me in front of the other paying guests who were all as taken aback as I was! Another occasion he told everyone waiting to form one queue ... honestly ... he needs some serious customer service training. He also seemed determined to go through various receipts instead of taking guest orders, therefore making us all wait even longer, He wasn't the regular bar man, just Sunday/Monday I think. The lady, and Fillipe? who work the pool bar were both very nice. Bar snacks were reasonably priced and tasty.
I include photos to show the dilapidated state of various parts of the hotel which absoloutely needs at least one, possibly 2 stars knocking from its 4 star status... we will never return, a very sad and dated, and dare I say unclean hotel which is in serious need of a complete overhaul.
Completely regret my choice at booking vila gale marina and would not recommend."
