Iberostar Sabila

Excellent pool staff , especially Carmela

Hotel is amazing and food is the best I have ever experienced. Carmela at the pool was such a star making sure our sunbeds were booked and ready for the next day, keep up the good work.

We stayed at this hotel just after Covid and loved it, it’s definitely changed a lot since then. So much busier (as expected) but didn’t feel as exclusive and calm as our first visit. Special mention to Nelson who was great when we arrived and Marcos who checked us in. Both were brilliant!

€30-35 for a taxi one way from the airport. No need to book as there’s plenty available when you exit the airport. They take cash or card.

The room Spacious enough and modern. We had some air con issues on arrival, the unit said 10 degrees (it was more like 30 and not working!). Maintenance came out, didn’t speak English so it was difficult to communicate, turned the temperature to 17 and off he went. It never really got cool throughout the trip, but was just about bearable. Rooms cleaned daily, towels replaced when needed and plenty shower gel/shampoo etc and good quality too.

Unfortunately the music goes on quite late from the hotel opposite and also in gourmet market, so if your room is on that side and you want to sleep before 10:30, you’ve got no chance.

Sunbeds / pool Mixed feelings about the booking system. It definitely helps prevent people reserving loungers at a ridiculous hour, so it’s actually great for that reason. The downside is if you’re not on the app bang on 1pm to reserve them for the next couple of days, all the best ones are already taken. So instead of sunbed wars at 7am, you end up scrambling to book as quick as you can instead. Can imagine it’s much better in quieter seasons but the hotel was full when we stayed.

The pool is great, there’s some shallow areas and some a bit deeper (can stand up all around the pool, it’s not deep and I’m only short so no issues if you can’t swim!). Quite a few tiles missing and end up just floating round the pool which isn’t ideal but other than that the pool facilities are lovely. Probably the nicest pool toilets I’ve ever seen. Just beware they get very slippy and we saw a few people fall in the time we were there.

Food Great variety and plenty choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Does get very repetitive though so we ate out a few times. The lady cooking fish and meat at night was GREAT, we didn’t get her name but definitely worth a mention. She’ll cook the food exactly how you like it. Water and drinks included at breakfast but you have to pay at lunch and dinner (if you’re half board). Understandable having to pay for drinks, but do think it’s wrong you have to pay for water, especially since there’s free filtered water stations on every floor. (Which is actually a great benefit throughout the day, we saved so much money as we drink a lot of water when it’s hot, I’d recommended taking refillable water bottles and using these, always really cold too). Occasionally bring round free cocktails at the pool during the day which is a nice added touch.

There’s a lot of restaurants within 15 minutes walk of the hotel in either direction. McDonald’s is less than 5 minute walk and a few beach clubs. The restaurants all pretty much do the same food but plenty to choose from. There’s a nice little cafe type place called ‘Michelle’ not far and food was always great and reasonably priced too. Couple of English/Irish pubs that play the major sports games too within 5 minute walk, so handy for the England matches! Small shop right across the road from the hotel and a few more down the beachfront so can always get bits you need.

Activities / entertainment The hotel put on a lot of activities which is great if that’s what you’re interested in. Everything from yoga, art workshops, sports sessions, live music, bingo etc. they also have a few pool tables (€2) a go, book swap etc.

You will definitely get mithered by photographers! Both round the pool and in the evening. The photoshoot itself is ‘free’ and the photos are €15 to buy for a single printed photo and you don’t get that as a digital copy, or 5 for €65 is the cheapest package.

As much as we had a great stay, it wasn’t the quiet break we were expecting. If you’re wanting a peaceful holiday where you can completely switch off and relax, it’s quite hard to avoid the noise unfortunately. so may not be the best hotel for you! Totally depends what you’re looking for out of your holiday.