GF Isabel

This was our 2nd stay in two years having booked again (this time for 10 nights) after such a wonderful stay last year and we were once again not disappointed. The hotel is located about a 10 minute walk (downhill) from the beach/promenade and has a supermarket next door with everything you might need which was really helpful as we were staying B&B and a shopping center on the opposite side. There is also a bus stop nearby and also close to a taxi rank. We used the bus to get to Playa las Americas and it cost around 1.50 euro per person. We also booked a car through Cicar which is based in the shopping center on the opposite side of the roundabout behind the Marylebone pub for a trip to Loro Parque. I would highly recommend doing this if you do want to go as it was cheaper, quicker and much more comfortable than travelling on a bus.

The hotel itself was very clean which was a prominent factor in our stay last year and this was evident throughout. We stayed in an apartment which was situated to the east of the hotel. The apartment itself was basic but met our needs. I would say it was slightly more dated than the room we stayed in last year but was clean nonetheless. You get basic kitchen utensils, plates, hob microwave and glasses. Shower is decent and our towels were replaced daily if we used them. The beds were also quite comfy, slightly firm and pillows were good too. Our balcony faces the sun in the evenings so could get quite hot (which we liked) and although we were the bottom floor, the room was just slightly elevated from the main walkway which gave us some privacy unless you literally stood against the wall at the front.

The pool area was clean and regularly tidied by staff. Having bought drink tokens last year and didn't feel it was great value for money, we opted for just paying for drinks ourselves this time. We felt drinks were quite reasonable having been to other hotels previously that would sting you if you weren't AI with cocktails at about 8 euros. You could take cans round the pool too but not any kind of glass which they are strict on. The main pool itself was a great refreshing temperature and has a separated children's area. BE AWARE you are not allowed any inflatables in the pool except for babies. The children's pool was also very popular with our 4 year old and is lifeguarded too with sunbeds and shaded areas available. We didn't visit the top pool during our stay. Every other day the entertainment team would roll out the mat across the pool which was both fun and great entertainment for all those watching. I would recommend having a go regardless of your age/shape and size!

Evening entertainment was mostly good with a variety of shows. Our daughter loved the mini disco although (and this is just my opinion) there didn't seem to be as many English speaking songs this year so whilst she copied the actions she didn't understand it as much as last year. The later entertainment was varied and we really enjoyed the Kenyan Boys and the Magician/Clown (apologies I can't remember his name). My only criticism was the evening where there was a lot of hype around what we found out was a glorified DJ. There seemed to be loads of external guests for this one but to be honest as a lover of dance music it was a bit rubbish and didn't seem to excite the audience.

As we were only B&B we only had breakfast and this was similar to what we experienced last year. Lots of choice (albeit mostly the same each day) and the food was mostly always hot with staff regularly refreshing the stock. One thing we did notice is there did not seem to be as many staff clearing and tidying outside which allowed the pigeons to often take food from tables so beware if you leave your table for something and you want to eat what you left. Whilst I appreciate there is probably little the hotel could do, last year with more staff the pigeons seems to be ushered away more often. We sat outside for breakfast for all of our ten days and as long as you are mindful then everything is ok. The restaurant does get busy the later you go for breakfast but there was always seating outside.

Finally service throughout was always very friendly and helpful, particularly the staff at the pool bar and on reception. Again we didn't feel there were as many staff on in the evening in the entertainment area and it did take longer than expected at times to order drinks. The staff are also not keen on you going to the bar to order either.

We really enjoyed our stay and were glad that we booked ten days this time. A couple of things were 'different' this time which may have had a very minor negative impact compared to last time however we would still highly recommend and stay here again.

Lovely hotel, grounds were spotless, bright and pretty. We had 2 ground floor bungalows with connecting door which was great. Only downside to being on the ground floor we had a few cockroaches because someone kept leaving a door open 🥴. Big pool at the bottom, middle pool had some small slides and the top pool which was smaller but we preferred it as not as deep so safer for the kids but deep enough to swim a few lengths. Pool snack bars were good, ate lots of lovely fresh salads. Pretty close to the beach but as we were with someone with reduced mobility we got a taxi which was 4 euros. A few shops next door plus a handy supermarket. Found the staff on reception very helpful and happy. A few of the bar staff could be a bit frosty but not a problem. Daytime Kids club was good, well organised under a breezy shaded area. Kids disco at night was rather cheesy I’d say any kids above 5/6 would find it cheesy, it’s more sing along than a dancing disco. We enjoyed our holiday, if it wasn’t that we like to try somewhere new each year we would go back.