Reviews of Santa Clara Apartments, Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria

Santa clara bungalows

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

charlies granny

Comments:

We booked the santa clara months ago and we had booked 2x2bedroom apartments. When we arrived at las palmas airport they had no record of our two parties at all and no places on the transfer coach. Luckily we always carry copies of the invoices nd they then found trnsport for us but, they said the santa clara was overbooked and they took us to the montemar. As this was late in the day we could not do any other than stay there for the one night. The next morning it turn out there were others who had arrived after us who had also booked the santa clara and were all placed at the monte mar. 12 in total. We were offered £40 to stay there for the two weeks which we refused and after a very long day argueing with the rep we were moved to the koala garden suites at maspolomas which was lovely but, it is a day and a half of the holiday lost really. The rep says they cannot help the fact the santa clara is often overbooked (strange) I will not book for there again as you are not guaranteed to get to stay there.

Our 1st family holiday!

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

sweet cheeks

Comments:

Weve just returned from our 1week stay in the Santa Clara Bungalows,myself,fiance & our 2children 8 & 15mths we had a lovely time we didnt want to come home,the apartments were lovely basic but every thing was there you needed we only saw 1 cockroch the whole week we was there.There were a few ants in our bungalow which i suppose thats to be expected when your on ground level,the fan in our bedroom wasnt working but we reported it to our rep Maggie & it got sorted the next day,the pools are both big & lovely also there's a pool bar that serves breakfast & snacks.
If you want great fresh food with fantastic service & value for money go to the britannia restaurant in the Gran Chaparral where you will find all english bars the best fish & chips around even better than home!
The beach is about a 10min walk from the apartments & the yumbo centre is just around the corner everyone is friendly which is so nice & the weather was fantastic any thing from 27 to 33degrees what more can i say.

its a nice place with lovely...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss Km Whitney

Comments:

its a nice place with lovely friendly people, and with lots of entertainment arround. we did enjoy our holiday it was nice and relaxing for us, although when it was time to leave i was very dissappointed in the service. we were flying at night on the way back and we had to leave our appartment by 12 on the monday morning. we wasnt going to be picked up untill 10.45pm that night. but never the less we asked for a curtisey room for our bags and to get showerd before getting on the bus. we had public showers with only cold water, we didnt have a room where we could either put our heads down or be in private. it was a shock as we had such a great time, and to end with a service like this was a great dissapointment.

Just returned from 2 weeks at...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs L Shooter

Comments:

Just returned from 2 weeks at the Santa Clara bungalows, We (myself, husband, 8year old and 9 month old) had a brilliant time.

The rooms were basic but had everything that you needed and were cleaned regularly by the maids, and yes they even wash the pots! The little garden and patio area was lovely to sit out in mornings and evenings and handy for small children to play in as it was all fenced in. We did have a little problem with ants but they were tiny and you were provided with insect spray that got rid of them quickly, we also saw a couple of cockroaches but expected it really being in a ground floor bungalow!

The pools were fantastic, my son hardly ever got out, and the little children's one was ideal for my 9 month old. We did have to save our sun loungers though about 7.30am. I would recommend getting a parasol though for around the pool as they are not provided and it does get very hot. (use the large water bottles filled up to keep the parasol in place!). We did find the pool bar quite expensive and so didn't tend to use it, ice-creams and snacks are much cheaper from the supermarkets a short walk away.

We found everyone really friendly and helpful, most of the receptionists speak English and are keen to help. Our rep Ryan was one of the best we have met, genuinely interested in making sure your having a good time. The locals that live there are also friendly and most speak broken English, one lady even gave my son swimming lessons in the pool! Overall this was a great value for money holiday and i would recommend it.

Santa Clara is one of the most...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr T Blendell

Comments:

Santa Clara is one of the most unclean , ant infested place i have ever been. Being one of the sons to Mrs R Blendell i had to share a room with my mum and upon arival into that room we found a cockroach being eaten by ants. When the recoptionist tried to turn on the lights they blew. Once we had been moved to our 2 bedroom bungalow this had ants crawling in and out of it all the time. Within 3 days i had an ear-infection due to unclean pool water and you could visably see the dirt by just looking on the suface of the water where there were dead insects and dirt at the bottom of the pool. We couldnt boil the kettle and have the TV on at the same time because the electricity couldnt cope. We found that the full time residents were very rude when we gathered outside freinds bungalows to have a quite drink and chat hurling abuse at us. The receptionitsts cannot speak a word of english. The food they served at the pool bar was reasonable but nothing special. I just had the feeling that everything was unclean ( even though the 'maids' came in and done the 'cleaning' if thats what you like to call it ). Overall the Santa Clara is a very unprofessional and dirty place. If you are going there i would recommend taking ant killer and cover work sufaces at all times due to the ants.

The things to do around the area are very limited due to the expensive prices i.e AquaLand and the Go-Karts . The menus are all very much alike where ever you go. If you go to the beach guard your personal belongs at all times because we had things stolen. And if you do eat out double check your bills to make sure they are the correct amount because they do like to charge for things that you never got. One place i would reccomend is the greek restaurant that is onsite. 10/10



I would rate this holiday 2/10 it was only for the company i had i would have flown straight back home

We have just arrived back from a...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr C Carroll

Comments:

We have just arrived back from a 2 week holiday in Gran Canaria and were to say the least angry and dissatisfied. Firstly was when we booked to go there we booked to go to Santa Clara Bungalows a year ago.



Our flights where changed 6 times in the time before we went and to top it off when we landed in Las Palmas we were told that we had been upgraded to the Dorotea because Santa Clara Bungalows had been over booked.



The Dorotea apartment's were not what we wanted or expected. If we had known what we were to expect then we would never have booked to go there in the first place, we were met by the reception who on arriving were very rude to us and were of no help in telling us which apartment we were in. We had very little amenities a broken kettle, broken toaster and shower curtain was filthy the pull out bed in the sitting area was broken too, When go in the pool we could smell the drains on one side of the pool so we did not use it much. On one of the days we had to get out because there was (POO) excrement in it. I beg to differ but with the smell of the drains everyone thought it came into the pool through the drains



Our bedding was only changed once and towels twice in the two weeks we were there.

There is so much to say about the Dorotea I could go on for ever.



We went up to the Santa Clara bungalows to see what we were missing out on and that's where it hit us. Thomas Cook said it was an upgrade, not at all it was a down grade to a hostel. With a little look around Santa Clara bungalows had 3 pools entertainment for the kids and a kids club 3 restaurants and the receptionist was more than happy to talk to us.



We spoke to one of the bar staff only to find out she was an ex rep of Thomas cook, she told us that there where 6 bungalows empty and that Thomas Cook had lost the contract 6 months ago with Santa Clara.



So if you intend to book the Santa Cl ara bungalows go direct to them as you can book a bungalow for 4 weeks at a cost of £500 or 2 weeks at £250. was when we booked to go there we booked to go to santa clara bungalows a year ago.

We have just come back from a 2...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr C Carroll

Comments:

We have just come back from a 2 week holiday from gran canaria and was not happy one bit, the first thing was when we booked to go there we booked to go to santa clara bungalows a year ago.



Are flights where changed 6 times in that time before we went and to top it off when we landed in las palmas we where told that we had been upgraded to the dorotea because santa clara bungalows had been over booked.



The dorotea apartment's were not what we wanted and what we no now would never have booked to go there in the first place, we where met by the reception who was very rood to us and was no help in telling us which apartment we was in, we had very little amenities a broken kettle, broken toaster shower curtain was filthy and the pull out bed in the sitting area was broken too, When go in the pool you can smell the drains on one side of the pool so we did not use it much and on one of the days we had to get out because there was (POO)as the kids said in the pool i beg to differ but with the smell off the drains everyone thought it came into the pool through the drains



Are bedding was only changed once and towels twice in the two weeks we where there.

there is so much to say about the dorotea i could go on for ever.



We went up to the santa clara bungalows to see what we was missing out on and that's where it hit us. Thomas cook said it was an upgrade not at all it was a down grade to a hostel. With a little look around Santa clara bungalows had 3 pools entertainment for the kids and a kids club 3 resarunts and the receptionist was more than happy to talk to us.



we spoke to one of the bar staff only to find out she was an x rep of Thomas cook, she told us that there where 6 bungalows empty and that Thomas cook had lost the contract 6 months ago with santa clara.



So if you intend to book the santa clara bungalows go direct to them as you can book a bungalow for 4 weeks at a cost of £500 or 2 weeks at £250.We have just come back from a 2 week holiday from gran canaria and was not happy one bit, the first thing was when we booked to go there we booked to go to santa clara bungalows a year ago.



Are flights where changed 6 times in that time before we went and to top it off when we landed in las palmas we where told that we had been upgraded to the dorotea because santa clara bungalows had been over booked.



The dorotea apartment's were not what we wanted and what we no now would never have booked to go there in the first place, we where met by the reception who was very rood to us and was no help in telling us which apartment we was in, we had very little amenities a broken kettle, broken toaster shower curtain was filthy and the pull out bed in the sitting area was broken too, When go in the pool you can smell the drains on one side of the pool so we did not use it much and on one of the days we had to get out because there was (POO)as the kids said in the pool i beg to differ but with the smell off the drains everyone thought it came into the pool through the drains



Are bedding was only changed once and towels twice in the two weeks we where there.

there is so much to say about the dorotea i could go on for ever.



We went up to the santa clara bungalows to see what we was missing out on and that's where it hit us. Thomas cook said it was an upgrade not at all it was a down grade to a hostel. With a little look around Santa clara bungalows had 3 pools entertainment for the kids and a kids club 3 resarunts and the receptionist was more than happy to talk to us.



we spoke to one of the bar staff only to find out she was an x rep of Thomas cook, she told us that there where 6 bungalows empty and that Thomas cook had lost the contract 6 months ago with santa clara.



So if you intend to book the santa clara bungalows go direct to them as you can book a bungalow for 4 weeks at a cost of £500 or 2 weeks at £250.

Holiday spoilt before we even...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

hull lass

Comments:

Holiday spoilt before we even got there by being told the bungalow we had booked had been DOUBLE BOOKED.

Husband in one bungalow with son no 1 and me in the other bungalow with son no 2!!

We were informed of this 48 hours before we were due to fly out, I cant believe this has happened again (happened to us last year too!!)

So the lesson here is....

To be stressed before you go on holiday...

Dont just book it.... Thomas Cook it!!

Guess what!!!!!
My family...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs R Blendell

Comments:

Guess what!!!!!

My family have been double booked in Santa Clara aswell!!!

We are due to go in two days and I got a call from the travel agent to say our 2 bed bungalow has been double booked and me, my husband and two boys have been allocated two one bedroomed bungalows, that means my husband and one son is in one bungalow and myself and the other son will be in the other!!! It's going to be a fab holiday for us all!

I can't believe this can happen again to us again (it happened last year too) To say I am not happy is an understatement but they really dont seem to care now they have our money!

Never again!

Me (18) and my boyfriend (20)...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Select

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Select

Submitted By:

Mrs  Rachel

Comments:

Me (18) and my boyfriend (20) have just got back from 2 weeks staying in the Santa Clara Bungalows and we couldn't fault it.

The bungalows themselves were basic but very clean with the maids coming in every morning apart from sundays and towels etc. were changed frequently. Our bungalow had a nice front patio area which was great for towel drying and for sitting out at during the evening and was situated about 10 seconds away from one of the pools!

The two main pools are a very good size, very clean and there is no fighting for sunloungers as there were always plenty and some spare throughout the day.

Many of the bungalows were owned by Spanish residents and sometimes during the weekends especially we found it was more populated by Spanish than English. However they were all very friendly and there was a great atmosphere there.

The pool bar was a good place to get drinks and a snack during the day. However the bar closes at 6pm in the evening and so there is nowhere to have a drink on the site during the evening which is a shame. The Grand Chaperal was just around the corner though where there were a few English bars and a restraunt called Britannia serving great English fry-ups and even Sunday Roasts on Sundays!

The Kasbah was only a 10 minute walk away but a taxi would have only have cost about 2-3 Euro. This is the main restraunt place and nightlife with bars such as Linekers (would highly recommend!) and clubs such as Cream and Pacha. There are many PR's on the streets handing out leaflets and trying to get you into their places but most are friendly and will accept if you say no.

All in all a great place to stay if you want basic comfortable accomodation with great pools for the daytime and a great location with the beach and main bars and shops being just a 10-15 minute stroll away.

We too have just been informed...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss R Roberts

Comments:

We too have just been informed that we have been double booked, the day before we fly!! They have offered us a transfer to the Liberty apartments, which I've just had a look at, and from the reviews I've read although the place is nice people haven't enjoyed their stay because money has been stolen from their rooms! Disgusted to say the least!!



Also the Bungalows are of a better standard, (nicer layout and a small garden), than the block style apartments we have been offered! Not a happy bunny!

Have'nt even made it there! Even...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss HM Gorrod

Comments:

Have'nt even made it there! Even though we booked in October, have just been told we have been double booked! Not good eneough! Wouldn't recommend anyone else to book there in case you spend all year looking forward to it to then be told you can't stay there and be offered one of their lower rated hotels instead!

well me and partner went till...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss S Monaghan

Comments:

well me and partner went till santa clara im march this year. r room(212) was great 4 the 1st couple of days then we stared to regonise that we had mice.



the staff acted promtly and then moved us till another room (242) then we had more mice i difenitly wudnt recommend there till no 1.



other than that the nite life is really good and so was the weather.

We stayed at playa for the first...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

boo-boo

Comments:

We stayed at playa for the first time in santa clara bungalows. The complex is very clean and the staff are all very friendly. Thay have 2 large pools and a small childrens pool which are very clean. The pool bar has snack meal available at reasonable prices. These bungalows are in the ideal place to get to all the main centers like the kasbah,the yumbo and plenty of english eating outlets around. The beach is about 15min walk and if you don't want to walk back you can get a taxi for around 3euros or less.

just got back off a weeks stay...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss S Howard

Comments:

just got back off a weeks stay at santa clara, amazing place thomas cook should deffinatly reconsiders its rating!!

maids were in nearly everyday (didnt speak any english tho) even washed the pots which was very surprising. pools were lovely and clean couldnt fault anything except you dont get very much hot water when showering! staff were very helpfull and very friendly with my daughter. sanata clara is near plenty of shops and a few minutes walk from kasbah, jumbo, metro and plaza shopping cantres.

playa del ingles is a lovely resort the only problem we had is that everywere is steps and not enough slops for pushchairs or the disabled!! the beach is amazing although we found it a little to hot for my daughter to spend the day there, plenty of cheap restaurants and bars around but a little more pricey near the beach!

we loved it so much that we are thinking about going there permenantly!!