Reviews of Barcelo Las Margaritas Hotel, Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria

Oh Dear!

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

cjmitchell172@ntlworld.com

Comments:

Yes it was a late booking however I thought we wee going to a 4 star hotel that boasted plenty to do, with great entertainment and Vegetarians catered for.
Travelling with a small child and 2 other grown ups, there was absolutely nothing to entertain the little girl. Terrible animation team and their attempt at the River Dance was to painful to watch. All I caould think was that everything stopped once September has finished. The rooms although spacious were decorated circa 1970 - there is mo way that this is a 4 star hotel by usual standards.

Cleaners friendly but restaurant staff (except for those in charge) very rude and even told us to hurry up eating as they wanted to close. Dont be fooled by 'extensive menu' for vegetarians as this tends to be the same every night and comprises of some quite strange salad comcoctions.

The all inclusive closed each day at 10 minutes before the printed times and the pools didn't look particularly clean. Gym completeley broken down with nobody inside to supervise

Advice:

ine if you intend to spend the whole time elsewhere

Activities:

The beach is lovely and if you go off track, so are some of the Spanish restaurants

Good for:

Beach 

Mmmm not bad...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2008

Tour Operator:

Other - Please Specify

Submitted By:

lisa_1986

Comments:

Have just returned from 2 weeks holiday at Las Margaritas and overall it was ok.
Good points:
Cleaners were superb. They came everyday without fail. My daughter always had a nap around the time that they were cleaning so they came back later. Everything in the room was spotless. I would say that if you are travelling with children and they need milk, make sure that you keep your room key in the machine because the fridge turns off therefore the milk gets warm.
The pool areas were quite clean and you could always get a sunbed. I would recommend using the sunbeds by the self catering apartments because the sun always shines there.
The staff was quite friendly once you got to know them. The reception staff were very helpful when we needed recommendations for places. The pool staff were lovely.
Daytime entertainment was good. My husband had fun doing activities such as volleyball and water polo. In the evenings you get awarded a t-shirt and certificate if you won.

Bad points:
The food was pretty bad. They had the same thing night after night and morning after morning. There was often the night before's dinner for breakfast. Things that were advertised on the special night's menu weren't available. Couldn't wait to get home to have something different. Also the restaurant staff were very slow at clearing plates. The entire time we were there the long trousers rule was enforced so be careful!
The entry system to the room was awful. It was very temperamental. My husband often had to get replacement cards which wasn't fun as we were on the 7th floor.
Transfers to the hotel were bad. If you go with Thomas Cook prepare to be the last ones dropped off so a 30min transfer turns into an hour which is not good with a 20month old!
The check-in at the hotel was bad. The staff couldn't cope with the amount of people checking-in and were unprepared. It took 40mins!
The balcony lights came on when it was pitch black. We often had the room's lamp on the balcony so we could see!

I've been to 2 Barcelo hotels now and I would say that they need to rethink which one is their flagship hotel! Overall we were disappointed and will not be returning.

What a great holiday, the 8 is...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss L Walsh

Comments:

What a great holiday, the 8 is for the resort not hotel. Hotel is very clean and I am very fussy, always room by pool for sunbeds, though would go to smaller pool by apartments if don't have children. Snack bar by pool really good and cheap, though did notice those snacks weren't free for all inclusive. One big downside is that if have to check out of room at 12 and don't leave til much later only given a room to shower in for half and hour, despite being told by another member of staff in the morning of check out likely to be able to have the room. some staff weren't very helpful but on whole great. Playa de ingles odd ish set up, spread out over three different centres kasbah place to go in the night can get bit wild. Brilliant resturant is asaldo opposite Rui Flamingo complexs, Molly Molanes Irish bar in the plaza really good laugh. Overall would say the hotel made the holiday rather than the resort

very good accomodation very...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2006

Tour Operator:

Broadway travel

Submitted By:

Mr R Duffield

Comments:

very good accomodation very helpful staff all around may be speaking spanish does help a little. I do feel anoyed at people complaining of staff rudeness, afterall how rude is it to go to spain expecting people to speak english ?

just returned from our...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr M Bragg

Comments:

just returned from our holiday.although we enjoyed it there are several points i would like to mention.our appartment was very clean and comfy,the maids and cleaners were friendly.most of the reception staff were rude and unhelpful mainly the ones in the appartment reception.the main pool area is too small for the size of the hotel and the other pool area is dirty.the pool water turns white cloths green.service at pool bars bad,always serve spainish people first.daytime activites for over eights very poor.could not get late check out room only got courtesy room for 30 minutes for 4 people to get ready

2nd time at this hotel went last...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs C Houlihan

Comments:

2nd time at this hotel went last year in June, enjoyed myself yet again.



Entertainment..........

First time we went really enjoyed the entertainment, this time round we went out most nights as my husband kept saying we saw that last year or it was very similar..



Hotel staff.......

Reception i found polite both times, restaurant staff very nice sometimes it was a bit hard to tell them what drink i wanted as they couldnt understand me so ended up just getting it myself, they paid attention to my son which was nice, especially the girls at dinner at the till...

I dont know why they tell you that you have to wear long trousers as we never did both times round everyone just dresses up smart casual. The last night as we didnt have our room i went in with wet hair, my son and husband were wearing swim shorts and t shirt and nothing was said to them.

Room on leaving is a pain as you have to check out of room i think at 12 we did it after breakfast at 10 but then you have no where to get ready til when you book the spare room in evening, which isnt too much of a problem but when theres more than 2 of you and you only have 30 mins in there its a bit of a rush, but it was fine.



Beach isnt too far about 30 mins walk which we did a few times, there is a bus that goes there and taxis only cos 4 euros, we always went maspalomas lighthouse prfefer that beach and it was always 4 euros.



Our hotel room 2nd time was on 1st floor bit worried as tenerife i got things stollen from balcony but this hotel your above ground and i loved the view of the pool as i could see the sunbeds being put out...



Overall I like the hotel think i might try somewhere else next time though, but i would go back

I recently stayed at this hotel...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr JM Findlay

Comments:

I recently stayed at this hotel and was less than impressed.



The hotel was, on the surface clean, the reception was quite impressive and the staff at reception both friendly and very efficient giving a good first impression. However the staff elsewhere, namely the bars and snack bars were unfriendly and unhelpful - questioning the drinks requested on the all-inclusive package. The facilities were basic and the entertainment questionable.



In view of this, I do not feel that it should be classed as a 4* resort, everything about it is just about adequate. I'm unsure how this resort can be noted as the company's flagship hotel!?!



In general, this hotel should be rated, at most, 3* (and that is being generous) This hotel is not yet ready to deal with the requirements and expectations of all inclusive.



A tip for those already booked to go away, there is a small pool located in the kids club area which was great for young families. However despite being a hotel suitable for families, there are no baby change facilities located on the complex.

This is the first time I have...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr S Hill

Comments:

This is the first time I have felt the need to place a comment on any holiday I have taken.



Reception :-

On the odd occasion I needed the help & guidance of the reception staff I found them to be extremely rude bordering on ignorant. Just one example of this was when I asked if I could extend my room on the day we were leaving as we had a late flight home on that Saturday night, all I got back was laughter and no explanation just a grunt “were full” ( not helpful and not cleaver )



Dining room staff :-

Again rude and unhelpful, we put this down to the fact they were run off their feet due to lack of staff. Also be aware if you go half board no drinks are supplied with your evening meal not even water, you can buy them however at extortionate prices.

The food however was spot on something for everyone and a wide choice.



Room:-

Clean and tidy.



Location:-

We were told the beach was a 10 minuet walk, 30 minuets minimum whoever the bus service is frequent enough.



Overall I was disappointed with the hotel and staff and would NOT recommend it.

All in all, a real success &...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs J Williams

Comments:

All in all, a real success & would definitely go back & we can be quite fussy.



Reception was quick & efficient & always helpful. The rooms were fine, dated but clean & we all had new matresses on the bed, apart from our teenage son, who was on a put-me-up & he said he couldn't sleep it was so uncomfy.



We always used the small pool, which was immaculate but got VERY busy & by week 2 we were having to get up before 8am to get a decent sunbed. Our older son used the other pool once, though & said it was dirty. For such a large hotel the pools are small.



Me & hubby loved the food in the restaurant & we were never stuck for something to eat, our young girls stuck to pizza & spag bol mainly, the only complaints came from our teenage son.....surprise surpise!! We were very impressed by the bottles of Cava on ice, several evenings....& even some mornings!!! The only complaint being that is got VERY busy & the waiting staff were rushed off their feet, so hard to get tables cleared & drinks at times. The food at the pool bar was fine...a limited menu but tasty enough & We found the bar staff at the pool bar brilliant, really great with our young girls & very friendly.



The First Choice Mini Club was great, our 2 loved going (which is a first!) & the mini disco was the highlight of their day!



The hotel is situated near the Yumbo centre (well worth a visit) but quite a way from the beach, though there is a shuttle bus.



One word of caution, we booked the camel safari through First Choice & when we went on the expedition we saw the price list, we worked out we'd paid an extra 80 euros, taking into account if we'd caught taxis for 5 of us....the only extra a piece of cake & a coffee in a bar in Maspalomas!!! Next time we'd book it ourselves

Just returned from a weeks...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs N A Martin

Comments:

Just returned from a weeks holiday at this hotel and I must say we really did not want to leave (wish we had booked for 2 weeks) The hotel itself is lovely good location, the rooms were clean and comfortable and the food was to die for especially the desserts. The entertainment was o.k some nights were a bit pants but it did and there was a lovely relaxed atmosphere wherever you went. Have read reports about the staff being rude and arrogant but i must say we didn't experience this. All in all i would recommend this hotel to travellers of any description Families(young & older children), Couples (young and old) Singles etc as it is an all round good hotel. We are definately booking this hotel again this time for 2 weeks!!!!

JUST RETURNED, WAS WORRIED ABOUT...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs P ECCLESTON

Comments:

JUST RETURNED, WAS WORRIED ABOUT VISITING THIS HOTEL AFTER READING SOME OF THE REVIEWS. WE FOUND THE HOTEL VERY CLEAN. ROOMS WERE NICE AND MAID SERVICE BRILL. FOOD WAS GOOD ALTHOUGH IT WAS SIMILIAR EVERY DAY.



ENTERTAINMENT WAS A BIT BORING, BUT THEN WE WENT OUT EVERYNIGHT. MUST VISIT QE2 IN THE YUMBO CENTRE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME.

Me and my husband stoped at the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs M Herring

Comments:

Me and my husband stoped at the barcelo las Margaritas, we were AI and really enjoyed our holiday! The hotel was nice, the rooms were o.k but did need updating!

There are two pools, but it can get very busy round the pool so you do have to get up early to get a sunbed. We usually stoped around the hotel main pool as this is were they did all the activies through the day, (Shuttleboard, french bowls, waterpolo, archry, rifle shooting). The entertainment staff were brilliant and tried to involve everyone, they were really friendly. If you won an activity in the day you won a free cocktail, t-shirt and certificate at night which was all good fun!

We thought the AI was very good, you could get something to eat anytime of the day unlike AI hotel's we have previuosly stopped in. If the main restaurant wasn't open you could get snacks from the pool bar like burgers, hot dogs, chips, toasties. Most of the drinks were help yourselves so it was easy and you didn't have to que at the bar, also bottles of water was AI which I was impressed with. The main restaurant as 2 theme nights per week then on the other nights the food is lovely but very simular each night so after a week we started to get a little fed up with it and fancied a change and ate out a few nights!

Some of the night entertainment was really good, apart from the mini childrens disco as we have no children we got a little fed up with the kids songs but it was only on for about 30mins a night so we could put up with it!

The staff were friendly and helpful on the reception, some of the bar men were a bit rude sometimes and didn't rush to serve you and they shut the AI down dead on 11PM even if you had been waiting at the bar for ages, so make sure you get there well before 11. After 11 some nights we did go the disco downstairs which was open till 3am, which was o.k if you was drunk and fancied a dance!



The hotel room was cleaned every day and clean towels left which was good. The only down side we can say about the hotel was the room balconys wern't private at all and the pool areas were to little to accomendate the large hotel, it was getting very busy towards the end of our holiday so i asume it would be mayhem in peak time.



The location was good it was only 5 minute walk from the yumbo centre which is a great laugh must go and see, and taxi's are only a couple of euros to go to places like masaplomas, the lighthouse(Which as some lovely restaurants). The beach is about 15 minutes walk, there is a free cortesy bus that goes to playa del ingles or masaplmas during the day but we never used it as taxi's were so cheap.

We visited Puerto Rico which is a nice little place and mogan (Little Venice) Which is also a lovely place it costed 3 euros each on the bus then we got the water ferry back for about 10euros each to afia which has a lovely little beach.



We traveled with Thomas Cook our rep on the coach going to the hotel from the airport was very helpful we never seen her though for the whole two weeks of staying there. Unfortunately traveling back to the airport the Thomas Cook rep was very rude and the spanish bus driver was pig ignorant when slinging our suitcases in to the coach.



Overall we would definately go back to Gran Canaria and barcelo las margaritas, we had a fab time!

Have booked already for 09. Had...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

JacciT

Comments:

Have booked already for 09. Had a ball. Food great, drinks great Smirnoff/Jonny Walker (and other home brands) also included in the All Inclusive. Ice Cream, Milk shakes/slush puppys available all day for kids. Cakes, Chocolate doughnuts to die for. Entertainment good on the majority of nights. Daddy Cool and African Footprints NOT to be missed. In general everything about this Hotel was 10/10. Beds not the most comfortable, but hey - if you go on holiday to lie in bed most of the morning - well - sure stay at home. Air Con a dream - really made the holiday a pleasure. What more can I say! Have just paid 5.5K to go next year with my 2 kids (one travelling as an adult, hence the price) and my Mum. Roll on next August!!! Went for a week - 2 weeks next year - will have to be rolled back onto the plane the food and drink is so good. Anyone who could find complaint here could not possibly be pleased anywhere!!!!

i would just like to add im the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss N Triantaphilli

Comments:

i would just like to add im the fussiest person ever and nothing is ever good enuff for me but this holiday and hotel was great so here goes....we had a great time, hotel was lovely, all inclusive was definitely the best option, and i do not think the holiday was at all expensive, we were really close to everywhere, the staff were kind, the food was fine always something to eat, and with a.inclusive option u could eat burgers, hotdogs, pizzas, chips so if you didnt like the food for dinner u could eat summink like that,

unlimited drinks and ice creams aswell,

the only thing that was a bit pants was the evening entertainment, but it was so cheap to go out in a cab you could find somewhere to go,

i would definitely recomend this hotel, it was me and my boyfriend who went and it was the best holiday we went on so far,

also the weather was great xxxx we loved it x

This was our first trip to Gran...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs S Harichandra

Comments:

This was our first trip to Gran Canaria and I must say we throughly enjoyed it.

The weather was fantastic. The hotel was quite good. Clean and nice.

Our room was confortable. As we went with a todler, we had a double bed (even though it was two singles pushed together) and also a sofa bed.

The room was cleaned everyday and fresh towels replaced but they don't replace the toileteries often (until it runs out) and there is only one bottle of each left. So for a family of three it is never enough. It will be better if they could leave more.



This was the first time that we went half board because we always travel to see places so we only go for a B&B deal. As we went with a child, we went for half board.

We were not given enough information about the half board and full board options at the hotel. For eg, if you are half board you have to pay for your drinks (soft drinks) that you have with your meal. I don't expect it to be unlimited but should atleast give one drink free. Food was nice, always had plenty of choice. I must say some time the labeling of the food is not very good. For example there was a soup labelled as potato soup and you would expect it to be a vegetarian soup. It had fried egg pieces in it and one couple who were vegans, they were quite shocked. Another example is, they always label just "pizza" and never the main ingredients. I don't eat beaf so I always avoid having the pizza because I don't know what it in it.

The labelling of food can definetly be a bit clearer.



There were a lot of activities during the day to keep both adults and chlidren occupied.

The games were well organised and conductd by really friendly staff.

The best one is the mini disco at 20:30 every night for kids(adults too).

Franzi ,Ivan and others from the animation team are doing a great job entertaining pople and their contribution towards our holiday was much appreciated.



Overall it was an enjoyable holiday and I will recommend it to family or friends