Puente Real

Awful experience we didn't sleep at all due to the nightclub over the road, we also had a man climb up the fire exit onto our 15 year old daughter's balcony, girl on reception not interested at all. the food was awful which for an all inclusive I understand its going to be cold.... The club opposite had an outburst of people shaking the cars and wouldn't let people walk down the street extremely violent I wouldn't take children here especially young girls, in the evenings your can not venture out if the crowds are there as they are very drunk and violent the entertainment in the hotel is mainly for under 5s you can only have one drink at a time as you have to have a blue coin they give you for one cup each and you have to return the coin for a clean cup so continuously queuing save money and go further up the beach to the hotels as the main shops and things to do are a 25 min walk, you cant get a space around the pool and if you do the older people who must be more local get funny with you, it has 2 lifts that are so small and take forever to arrive the main dining area is always so busy we could never get a seat its gone right down hill from my previous visit never again. Wouldnt recommend hiring a car as if you see the pics below im not sure insurance would cover you as they were being climbed all over shook and kicked .

We have just arrived back today 28th July after a week in Puente Real and to be perfectly honest it is one of those hotels that some will love but others will hate with a passion.

The positives,

If you love the beach (which is right across the road )and enjoy lounging around the pool drinking and eating all day then this is right up your street. The snack bar is decent kebabs and cheese and toasties are nice. The staff are friendly and helpful definitely not offhand compared to other hotels we have stayed in.

The hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport which is good as our transfer didn't arrive (not hotels fault a easyJet issue that I will take up with them) but the staff organised a taxi very quickly so we didn't miss our flight home so can't thank them enough for that.

There were several activities throughout the day for adults and kids alike so thumbs up to the entertainment staff for that.

Overall we found the place clean and tidy

The Negatives.

I will start with the room 2812 in the main building which had a lovely sea view (great for watching the planes) and large balcony however we had booked a superior room to which we were advised by easyJet was a room and a separate bedroom but apparently not we had a double bed single bed and camp bed all side by side squeezed in to a tight area. With 2 teenagers a boy and girl it wasn't the best and we certainly wouldn't have booked this hotel had we known this . I did question about the room to reception but they were adamant we had the correct room and our provider (easyJet) had given us the wrong information (looking at other reviews we weren't the only ones expecting bigger and better rooms). Maybe check this before you book and get it in writing by your tour operator.

The Evening Entertainment although I can't fault the effort especially with the younger kids but including the main acts afterwards it started 9.15/9.30 most nights and was finished by 10.45. If you sit outside near the bar area forget hearing the entertainment as the speakers aren't loud enough to hear anything.

Restaurant.

Very hit and miss queues were only occasionally and they went down pretty quick.

Breakfast was alright depending on what time you went. Go at the right time and the food is fresh and piping hot but other times lukewarm.

Lunch we only tried once mainly because of the snackbar so can't really comment too much

Evening meal there is a different food theme every night, some were decent like the Italian night Tagatelle and risotto which was extremely good as were the paella as you would expect. The pork ribs were very good too but other days it was like eating a basic meal at home.

The Pools.

We aren't sunbeds lovers so never go down early but we did get them everyday baring one so no complains there.

The smaller pool is better than the jam packed larger pool which I would avoid when busy.

No umbrella are allowed up even in the slightest bit of wind so be warned even the lifeguard apologised but said it was policy of the management, so I do wonder if something had happened previously.

We unfortunately missed the foam party due to our two teenagers being taken ill with sickness and vomiting (again reading reviews seems others had the same problem)

The Bar.

We didn't mind the help yourself to beer soft drinks and coffees but the plastic cups are awful. They start to stink after a few drinks and to change them you have to queue at the bar and ask for a new cup which was annoying. Many people started to use their wine glasses from their room or ones they took from the restaurant. I would advice to get your drinks from the bar near the restaurant instead as they give you clean cups every time and will pour your drink.

Location

Like I say great for the beach and airport but a good 35/40 mins walk to torremolinos town centre best get a taxi around €7.

If you like your sports then a pub down the road called eat and drink is worth trying plenty of different beers and other drinks. available.

Overall it's exactly what I say in the title Marmite some will love some will hate. Personally I don't think we would return especially not in the near future as I think there are better 4* all inclusive out there for similar money.

Our score would be

6.5/ 10

The Dodd Family

We had a good stay. The hotel itself is very much inline with what you would expect. The entertainment team are great with an extra shout out to Saray, we had a shy little girl on our first day but Saray made sure she made her feel extra welcome and helped her to overcome her nerves. She made an extra effort to make her feel special whenever she saw her. In addition she has great energy and made every activity that she done enjoyable with her funny sense of humour. Thank you Saray!