Balito Beach Apartments, Arguineguin, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Arguineguín used to be a a small fishing village. Today it is still a working fishing port as well as a busy tourist resort. It has managed to preserve its original centre with several fish restaurants and some lively fishermen`s bars at the harbour, On a Tuesday Arguineguin has one of the biggest markets in the region. There is a coastal promenade connecting the town with the beaches and coves at Patalavaca. loading...
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Balito Beach Apartments Reviews
" two years on the trot and more 2 come "
Submitted By: clifford/warner
Last october 9 of us turned up only to find our rooms werent booked .... no fault of Balito Beach. The poor lady on reception couldnt have done more to help us than she did, the staff were wonderful and friendly, our rooms were cleaned almost on a daily basis, even washing the odd pot we left, tidying the odd clothes left lying around and arranging night wear into fans, swans, flowers... and not one thing 'went missing' the whole set up was brilliant - the views were fantastic, the pool was very very clean plus surrounding areas washed down brushed down or whatever every morning. Im glad the lady in one of the reviews had all the cockroaches queing at her apartment because that left ours cockroach free ... oh but we did have a surprise visitor from a tiny lizard ... amazing.
So having had such a fantastic time we did something weve never ever done before.... we re-booked .... even asked for the more or less the same rooms and got them!!!! One year and one month down the line it had only improved! No cockroaches, friendly staff, clean and thorough cleaners, same old fantastic views, same old steps and hills but hey that climbing just made up for the two euro vodka's and redbulls from a fantastic little bar called M & M's in puerto rico, and you must pop and visit the lovely people who own 'the nags head' real friendly british couple. We came back on Thursday 11th with two weeks left for christmas - relaxed tanned (it was between 22 and 25 degrees most days) enoyed another perfect 2 weeks and we'll be back there next year with out a doubt, balito beach. arguinguin, puerto rico, maspalomas, porto mogan, not to mention the other bits of the island we found - perfect thank you to all at Balito Beach.
So having had such a fantastic time we did something weve never ever done before.... we re-booked .... even asked for the more or less the same rooms and got them!!!! One year and one month down the line it had only improved! No cockroaches, friendly staff, clean and thorough cleaners, same old fantastic views, same old steps and hills but hey that climbing just made up for the two euro vodka's and redbulls from a fantastic little bar called M & M's in puerto rico, and you must pop and visit the lovely people who own 'the nags head' real friendly british couple. We came back on Thursday 11th with two weeks left for christmas - relaxed tanned (it was between 22 and 25 degrees most days) enoyed another perfect 2 weeks and we'll be back there next year with out a doubt, balito beach. arguinguin, puerto rico, maspalomas, porto mogan, not to mention the other bits of the island we found - perfect thank you to all at Balito Beach.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:on the beach
" I am shocked to read the reviews that... "
Submitted By: Other T.H.E Klumps
I am shocked to read the reviews that have already been written about this holiday.We have been back from there for not even a week-I would go straight back tommorrow !!The bad reviews on here are complete rubbish...there were 14 of us that stayed in these appartments and not 1 of us had any complaints...the rooms were spotless as was the pool area and all other facilities...there were very few cockroaches and tiny at that!!!we all had a fantastic time...staff were lovely and helpful...the main town was a 2 min taxi ride away and the bars and clubs were fab....i would recommend this holiday to anybody MATE :)
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" First of all the name - "Balito... "
Submitted By: Mr D SUTCLIFFE
First of all the name - "Balito Beach" - it doesn't have a beach. It consists of a main hotel block set on a rocky shoreline with an area of scrub land next to it and a seperate area of apartments built on a cliff top - many with spectacular views. This place could be great - but it isn't. El Towers Fawlty!
The main problem with the place is the food. It really is the worst I've ever encountered anywhere in the world. All meals are buffet style. There are usually 3 or 4 choices such as chicken nuggets, meat balls, pasta, chips, fried fish full of bones and some form of stew which may have been rabbit. All of this food was kept warm by means of vats of boiling water under metal tins - the result was that everything was soggy. There was also a salad bar which was left open to the elements so that flies gratefully shared your choice of salad. The ice cream bar was empty for 12 out of our 14 days stay.
Our room was adequate although the sliding door to the balcony didn't slide and had to be shoved open. Outside there was a 2-inch gap above the sliding door - a wooden wedge had been hammered in to hold the door in place.
Next the "Supermarket". Not so super. Very limited stock - if you were staying self-catering (I wish we had) there was not enough variety to feed a family sufficiently. Also do not believe the sign which says "open all day 8 till 8" on the supermarket window as it closed for 4 hours every afternoon.
In a similar vein posters by reception boast of "entertainment and dancing every night". Perhaps I missed it but I never noticed anything like that.
"Sky Sports" in the pool bar was also slighlty exagerated. I went to watch a football match one night and the "pool bar" was shut and there were builders drilling everywhere. The manager assured me I could watch it on my TV in my room - this was also totally untrue of course as we only had German or Spanish stations.
Overall, apart from the view, this is an awful place to stay.
The main problem with the place is the food. It really is the worst I've ever encountered anywhere in the world. All meals are buffet style. There are usually 3 or 4 choices such as chicken nuggets, meat balls, pasta, chips, fried fish full of bones and some form of stew which may have been rabbit. All of this food was kept warm by means of vats of boiling water under metal tins - the result was that everything was soggy. There was also a salad bar which was left open to the elements so that flies gratefully shared your choice of salad. The ice cream bar was empty for 12 out of our 14 days stay.
Our room was adequate although the sliding door to the balcony didn't slide and had to be shoved open. Outside there was a 2-inch gap above the sliding door - a wooden wedge had been hammered in to hold the door in place.
Next the "Supermarket". Not so super. Very limited stock - if you were staying self-catering (I wish we had) there was not enough variety to feed a family sufficiently. Also do not believe the sign which says "open all day 8 till 8" on the supermarket window as it closed for 4 hours every afternoon.
In a similar vein posters by reception boast of "entertainment and dancing every night". Perhaps I missed it but I never noticed anything like that.
"Sky Sports" in the pool bar was also slighlty exagerated. I went to watch a football match one night and the "pool bar" was shut and there were builders drilling everywhere. The manager assured me I could watch it on my TV in my room - this was also totally untrue of course as we only had German or Spanish stations.
Overall, apart from the view, this is an awful place to stay.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:TravelRepublic.co.uk
" loved the holiday it was bostin mate.... "
Submitted By: Mr L.g Slimm
loved the holiday it was bostin mate. full of spanish so you could make as much noise as possible knowing that you was annoying them. bar staff were very friendly. all in all splendid mate. very easy to get taxi into town to get hammered and the views out of the room were beautifull
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" I am a 66 year old male. this is the... "
Submitted By: Mr Robert Broadbent
I am a 66 year old male. this is the first time I have been with Sunmaster. Balito Beach is about 1.5 miles from Puerto Rica, which I often walked into mainly in the morning. The room I had over looked the atlantic, nice views. the complex had a mini market, restaurant, A nice pool. There are bus stops just outside reception on the main road to take you to Puerto rica or towards las Palma. this was my second trip to Gran Canaria the other being 15 years before to Playa Del Cura. I love swimming (& walking) and swam almost every day, some days I took the Bus to one of the man made beaches. I liked amadores & puerto Morgan the best for swimming. Puerto Morgan also has a Market on a friday. I like self catering becuase as I do My own breakfast and the rest of the day is mine, I like to have a fridge for my drinks as well. On the evening I caught the bus into Puerto Rico for my last meal of the day, choosing a different restaurant nearly every day, I did not have a bad meal but some where better than others. On the whole the holiday pleased me, restful, & doing things at my own pace.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I booked the Balito Beach as a last... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Rogers (South Wales)
I booked the Balito Beach as a last minute holiday for my family.......the worst thing I have ever done.
Accomodation was basic and cleanliness, well, just ok. The complex is very large and has very little facilities. The shop was closed for the best part of the day and when open stocked very very little. The pool area was absolutely disgusting, extremely dirty with what I can only call a 'carpeted' area surrounding the pool that led further to other parts of the complex such as paths/walk-ways. If I had seen a vacuum lying around I would have been tempted to use it! Aside from dirt, debris and ciggarette ends the carpeted areas were clearly unhygenic - I warned my children to ensure they keep their footwear on. The pool itself was very dirty with a clear covering of slime/grease in the pool and along the wall sides. Also noted, which is by Law a requirement under the H & S Leglisation, was that the pool water was never tested as well as never cleaned.
What made the situation worsen was the fact that we had to share this pool area with a hoard of what I can honestly say were the roughest, dirtiest, rudest Spanish people I have ever encountered. Even the Rep agreed that they had booked this place because it was so cheap!
The pool bar was very dirty, basic hygiene requirements were missing and of course the bar person enjoyed a cigarette or two whilst cooking or serving beers! Hand-wash techniques - never heard of!!!!!! No ice lollies or ice cream stocked there!
We stayed here for one week, several trips to the beach by day were required of course, but whilst we did stay at the pool area we made friends with two other families which obviously made it bearable, without them I would have had to leave after the second or third day.
And now I am coming to the best part.....................
COCKROACHES - BIG BIG COCKROACHES!!!!! Yes, I assure you these were like you have never ever seen before. On our return home each evening they would be queing at the appartment door to enter with us! We all had trouble sleeping as they would find their way in anyway. To help with keeping them away I used a whole bottle om DKNY around the door, at gaps in the cupboards etc etc.
Finally, the family we had become friendly with were leaving for home and both my husband and myself agreed that we would either try to find a flight home or enquire about moving - we moved, at a cost of 300 Euro. The next appartment complex was great, kids entertainment, spotlessly clean(chefs all in uniform and hats), evening entertainment, fabulously clean pool area with lifeguard attendance, appartments were fab, clean and of course...... NO COCKROACHES. We had a good second week in that we relaxed, enjoyed and kids were happy. Whilst we were at our new hotel we met another family who had also moved from the Balito Beach, and I understand that a few other families had moved.
I advised the Rep, who I believe was not that interested, of the state and quality of the Balito Beach, cleanliness, disruptive clientelle(Spanish), lack of hygiene requirements and of course facilities, not even in the evening was there a terraced bar area to sit and relax with the children. (not that I would have mind!)
Please, please, please, do take my and others' advice on this place. I can honestly say that I have never ever had a terrible time whilst on holiday and having spent most of the first week crying and stressed I would not like any other family to go through my experience.
Accomodation was basic and cleanliness, well, just ok. The complex is very large and has very little facilities. The shop was closed for the best part of the day and when open stocked very very little. The pool area was absolutely disgusting, extremely dirty with what I can only call a 'carpeted' area surrounding the pool that led further to other parts of the complex such as paths/walk-ways. If I had seen a vacuum lying around I would have been tempted to use it! Aside from dirt, debris and ciggarette ends the carpeted areas were clearly unhygenic - I warned my children to ensure they keep their footwear on. The pool itself was very dirty with a clear covering of slime/grease in the pool and along the wall sides. Also noted, which is by Law a requirement under the H & S Leglisation, was that the pool water was never tested as well as never cleaned.
What made the situation worsen was the fact that we had to share this pool area with a hoard of what I can honestly say were the roughest, dirtiest, rudest Spanish people I have ever encountered. Even the Rep agreed that they had booked this place because it was so cheap!
The pool bar was very dirty, basic hygiene requirements were missing and of course the bar person enjoyed a cigarette or two whilst cooking or serving beers! Hand-wash techniques - never heard of!!!!!! No ice lollies or ice cream stocked there!
We stayed here for one week, several trips to the beach by day were required of course, but whilst we did stay at the pool area we made friends with two other families which obviously made it bearable, without them I would have had to leave after the second or third day.
And now I am coming to the best part.....................
COCKROACHES - BIG BIG COCKROACHES!!!!! Yes, I assure you these were like you have never ever seen before. On our return home each evening they would be queing at the appartment door to enter with us! We all had trouble sleeping as they would find their way in anyway. To help with keeping them away I used a whole bottle om DKNY around the door, at gaps in the cupboards etc etc.
Finally, the family we had become friendly with were leaving for home and both my husband and myself agreed that we would either try to find a flight home or enquire about moving - we moved, at a cost of 300 Euro. The next appartment complex was great, kids entertainment, spotlessly clean(chefs all in uniform and hats), evening entertainment, fabulously clean pool area with lifeguard attendance, appartments were fab, clean and of course...... NO COCKROACHES. We had a good second week in that we relaxed, enjoyed and kids were happy. Whilst we were at our new hotel we met another family who had also moved from the Balito Beach, and I understand that a few other families had moved.
I advised the Rep, who I believe was not that interested, of the state and quality of the Balito Beach, cleanliness, disruptive clientelle(Spanish), lack of hygiene requirements and of course facilities, not even in the evening was there a terraced bar area to sit and relax with the children. (not that I would have mind!)
Please, please, please, do take my and others' advice on this place. I can honestly say that I have never ever had a terrible time whilst on holiday and having spent most of the first week crying and stressed I would not like any other family to go through my experience.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:a1travel
" Had there have been a opportunity to... "
Submitted By: Miss A L Wade
Had there have been a opportunity to rate this hotel 0/10 I would have done, soley based on the poor service and food at Balito Beach.
The rooms themselves were fine, nothing to complain about there, nice sea view from the balcony and it was clean and tidy, but I do advise that you do lock your cases when leaving rooms on the days they are cleaned... as a few items of clothing did seem to 'disappear'. When confronted the chambermaid told us that the missing items could have gone in the laundry with the bedding!? Reception staff were unhelpful and dismissive when told about this, so we stopped the cleaning service for the remaining days of our holiday. Don't expect to be aknowledged with staff unless you speak Spanish...
Although our stay only lasted 8 days as we moved to another hotel for the remainder of our holiday, it was a week and a day of hell where the food was concerned. We chose the half board option for our stay and my advice to anyone else thinking of booking a holiday here would be to stay well clear of the food- That is unless you would like to eat fish fingers and chips for the majority of your holiday. The evening 'buffet' consisted of 4 trays of lukewarm and often cold food, two trays would have chips, the other rice and the fourth, meatballs or the dreaded fish fingers. All 8 strawberry jellies made for dessert were gone by 6.30pm...- and we went to eat at the restaurant at the time it opened, (around 6pm) so I hate to think what it would be like later on in the evening as they don't finish serving the food until 10pm. Breakfast was served as undercooked bacon, hard-as-rocks bread rolls and ham and cheese complete with flies. A child in our party was ill, along with others from other families we got talking to, which I think we can fairly say was because of the terrible food.
Staff were smoking whilst preparing food at the pool bar, (where there was even less choice of food than in the restaurant!) It was dirty and yet again staff were ignorant and rude towards all English customers. If you want to complain to the restaurant manager about this, I hope you aren't in any rush as he seemed to be a phantom man... Around the pool was what can only be described as black gunge, which came with a funny smell... didn't stay around long enough to find out what this was!
The amount of people we observed complaining about the food at this hotel was clear evidence it wasn't just us, and during our 8 day stay three other families we were talking to also moved. Our new hotel was fabulous in comparison!
Overall, a terrible 1st week of my holiday, my advice would be to stay WELL clear of Balito Beach.
The rooms themselves were fine, nothing to complain about there, nice sea view from the balcony and it was clean and tidy, but I do advise that you do lock your cases when leaving rooms on the days they are cleaned... as a few items of clothing did seem to 'disappear'. When confronted the chambermaid told us that the missing items could have gone in the laundry with the bedding!? Reception staff were unhelpful and dismissive when told about this, so we stopped the cleaning service for the remaining days of our holiday. Don't expect to be aknowledged with staff unless you speak Spanish...
Although our stay only lasted 8 days as we moved to another hotel for the remainder of our holiday, it was a week and a day of hell where the food was concerned. We chose the half board option for our stay and my advice to anyone else thinking of booking a holiday here would be to stay well clear of the food- That is unless you would like to eat fish fingers and chips for the majority of your holiday. The evening 'buffet' consisted of 4 trays of lukewarm and often cold food, two trays would have chips, the other rice and the fourth, meatballs or the dreaded fish fingers. All 8 strawberry jellies made for dessert were gone by 6.30pm...- and we went to eat at the restaurant at the time it opened, (around 6pm) so I hate to think what it would be like later on in the evening as they don't finish serving the food until 10pm. Breakfast was served as undercooked bacon, hard-as-rocks bread rolls and ham and cheese complete with flies. A child in our party was ill, along with others from other families we got talking to, which I think we can fairly say was because of the terrible food.
Staff were smoking whilst preparing food at the pool bar, (where there was even less choice of food than in the restaurant!) It was dirty and yet again staff were ignorant and rude towards all English customers. If you want to complain to the restaurant manager about this, I hope you aren't in any rush as he seemed to be a phantom man... Around the pool was what can only be described as black gunge, which came with a funny smell... didn't stay around long enough to find out what this was!
The amount of people we observed complaining about the food at this hotel was clear evidence it wasn't just us, and during our 8 day stay three other families we were talking to also moved. Our new hotel was fabulous in comparison!
Overall, a terrible 1st week of my holiday, my advice would be to stay WELL clear of Balito Beach.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Were do i start about this Holiday... "
Submitted By: Miss J,Liz,Pete Trueman
Were do i start about this Holiday what a Nightmare!! We travelled in July/Aug, of a party of 5 people (6,17,19,43,55) and i must say we are not a family who moan about anything this was something to complain about! We have been to Puerto Rico many times and have been to the Balito several years ago and i must say it has changed dramatically. This holiday was a Disaster which we put up with for 8 days, which we were then moved on to another hotel located in Puerto Rico which felt like 5 Star compared to the Balito which i would not even rate 1!!!
First of all the FOOD! Wow, i wouldnt even feed to my dog!!!!!!! It was terrible and was cold everynight/morning, no matter what time you went down and when it was gone, it was gone! No more food being prepared!! It was supposed to be a Buffet Style, but i didnt think these days buffet style meant (4 dishes) ?? which normally consisted of 2 being chips and the the other was meatballs which we had for 3 nights which changed colour everynight!! so TIP: KEEP AWAY FROM THE MEATBALLS!!!
There was 3 small plates of salad for tea, and ham and cheese for breakfast which was covered in Flies 24/7. The bread rolls, was not fresh, and was rock hard every day so give that a miss! We complained several times, then one day they decided to cover with clingfilm. Hm, Deserts? I would give that a miss too, they prepared around 6 jellies and when they went, they went! No more being served. Ice Cream we had for 1 night ! So the food was terrible, not only that the people was arrogant too, i mean it does not hurt to smile, the guy in the restaurant was a pain ignorant and nasty!!! There was one young girl in there who was very polite, shame they wernt all like her! Drinks were expensive think they make up their own prices! Everytime we complained we was told to see the restaurant manager and in the whole 8 days we never seen the guy once! Also there was building work when we was there which we wernt notified about as they were building a new pool bar, which was needed indeed from the grubbiest pool bar you had ever seen (Mud Hut). I once went up and asked for a Toastie, and the same arrogant man who is in the restaurant was there, making my toastie while smoking at the same time! The place was terrible, even the pool was dirty, brown stains around the pool which wernt never cleaned! There was no drinks served after 6:30 - 7pm. No entertainment at night etc. The place was derelict, the best bit was walking to the Anfi, along a derelict footpath, and that place was wonderful! There was no buses to get into Puerto Rico, as there used to be a free bus from the Hotel. We needed to pay for 2 taxi's everynight there and back around 10 euros each way for 2 taxis.
What can i say about this Hotel, Dirty and unclean!! Not suitable for people with prams/walking difficulties etc! Well not suitable for anyone at all! I would also like to mention the Spanish People around the Pool, working at the hotel, arrogant and unfriendly!! Does not hurt to smile right? Also i was staying in a room with a friend (19,17) and we both noticted clothes going missing, and god knows what else!! We had, had enough of that Dive of a place and complained many times until we were finally located to another hotel. Which was Fantastic, compared to the Balito!
So PEOPLE stay Away from the Balito! We moved after 8 days of our holiday wasted, and the last 6 days were amazing just a shame we all had to experience this place! Never Ever going back to Balito! Stay away, believe me!!
First of all the FOOD! Wow, i wouldnt even feed to my dog!!!!!!! It was terrible and was cold everynight/morning, no matter what time you went down and when it was gone, it was gone! No more food being prepared!! It was supposed to be a Buffet Style, but i didnt think these days buffet style meant (4 dishes) ?? which normally consisted of 2 being chips and the the other was meatballs which we had for 3 nights which changed colour everynight!! so TIP: KEEP AWAY FROM THE MEATBALLS!!!
There was 3 small plates of salad for tea, and ham and cheese for breakfast which was covered in Flies 24/7. The bread rolls, was not fresh, and was rock hard every day so give that a miss! We complained several times, then one day they decided to cover with clingfilm. Hm, Deserts? I would give that a miss too, they prepared around 6 jellies and when they went, they went! No more being served. Ice Cream we had for 1 night ! So the food was terrible, not only that the people was arrogant too, i mean it does not hurt to smile, the guy in the restaurant was a pain ignorant and nasty!!! There was one young girl in there who was very polite, shame they wernt all like her! Drinks were expensive think they make up their own prices! Everytime we complained we was told to see the restaurant manager and in the whole 8 days we never seen the guy once! Also there was building work when we was there which we wernt notified about as they were building a new pool bar, which was needed indeed from the grubbiest pool bar you had ever seen (Mud Hut). I once went up and asked for a Toastie, and the same arrogant man who is in the restaurant was there, making my toastie while smoking at the same time! The place was terrible, even the pool was dirty, brown stains around the pool which wernt never cleaned! There was no drinks served after 6:30 - 7pm. No entertainment at night etc. The place was derelict, the best bit was walking to the Anfi, along a derelict footpath, and that place was wonderful! There was no buses to get into Puerto Rico, as there used to be a free bus from the Hotel. We needed to pay for 2 taxi's everynight there and back around 10 euros each way for 2 taxis.
What can i say about this Hotel, Dirty and unclean!! Not suitable for people with prams/walking difficulties etc! Well not suitable for anyone at all! I would also like to mention the Spanish People around the Pool, working at the hotel, arrogant and unfriendly!! Does not hurt to smile right? Also i was staying in a room with a friend (19,17) and we both noticted clothes going missing, and god knows what else!! We had, had enough of that Dive of a place and complained many times until we were finally located to another hotel. Which was Fantastic, compared to the Balito!
So PEOPLE stay Away from the Balito! We moved after 8 days of our holiday wasted, and the last 6 days were amazing just a shame we all had to experience this place! Never Ever going back to Balito! Stay away, believe me!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" After so many problems with booking... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Alcock
After so many problems with booking with on the beach for a party of ten including 4 teenagers, we thought the holiday was going to be terrible.
We got there at 4 .30 in the morning, the hotel reception staff were great, no messing about, straight to our rooms. All the rooms were together. We got up late in the morning, opened the patio doors the view was teriffic.
We were staying half board we went down for evening meal first night what a shock cold chips, rice, 5 pork chops and very little else. Looking forward to what breakfast held. There was not a bad choice at breakfast cereal, toast, juice, fry up and other choices. All evening meals consisted of chips, rice, meatballs and beefburgers for the next fortnight so most nights we ate out.
Balito beach its self stands on a hill so there are some steps nothing to strenuos up to the pool we got fed up with the arrogant spanish who were staying there although second week most had gone home. The rooms were well cleaned regulary and bedding was changed often.
If you go into Peurto Rico go down to the harbour there are some nice bars and places to eat, harbour lights was a good place nice pint of magners on draught and a good quiz. If you want something more lively, then walk into the town which is about 10-15 mins walk there are plenty of happy and cheerful bars and places to eat. A taxi into Peurto Rico varys from 3-4 euros, this would be the best way to get there, as there is no pavement. If you go to Anfi Beach, this place is well worth visiting, it's about a 20 min walk from the hotel. When you get there it is a lovely harbour and beach with shops, a big Spar supermarket and a few places to eat. We spent some time down there, daytime and evenings.
Overall, the holiday was very enjoyable and relaxing, the only let down was the food, which was terrible.
We got there at 4 .30 in the morning, the hotel reception staff were great, no messing about, straight to our rooms. All the rooms were together. We got up late in the morning, opened the patio doors the view was teriffic.
We were staying half board we went down for evening meal first night what a shock cold chips, rice, 5 pork chops and very little else. Looking forward to what breakfast held. There was not a bad choice at breakfast cereal, toast, juice, fry up and other choices. All evening meals consisted of chips, rice, meatballs and beefburgers for the next fortnight so most nights we ate out.
Balito beach its self stands on a hill so there are some steps nothing to strenuos up to the pool we got fed up with the arrogant spanish who were staying there although second week most had gone home. The rooms were well cleaned regulary and bedding was changed often.
If you go into Peurto Rico go down to the harbour there are some nice bars and places to eat, harbour lights was a good place nice pint of magners on draught and a good quiz. If you want something more lively, then walk into the town which is about 10-15 mins walk there are plenty of happy and cheerful bars and places to eat. A taxi into Peurto Rico varys from 3-4 euros, this would be the best way to get there, as there is no pavement. If you go to Anfi Beach, this place is well worth visiting, it's about a 20 min walk from the hotel. When you get there it is a lovely harbour and beach with shops, a big Spar supermarket and a few places to eat. We spent some time down there, daytime and evenings.
Overall, the holiday was very enjoyable and relaxing, the only let down was the food, which was terrible.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:onthe beach
" Right lets get one thing straight,... "
Submitted By: Miss Hana Alcock
Right lets get one thing straight, the people who moan about there is to many hills and steps well let just say there perfetic, there is a few steps up to the pool but nothing else! the only thing that was terribal was the food in the resturant, (we went half-bord) if you can live of rice and chips for 2 weeks then thats ok but it is cheap enough to eat out in Puerto Rico which you can get a taxi into for about 3 euros! When in Puerto Rico the pubs n clubs are brilliant, i recomend to goin to covent gardens or harleys! anway i am 17 and really enjoy my holiday to Puerto Rico.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:onthebeach.com
" OH MY GOD, Let's start with the best... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Toon
OH MY GOD, Let's start with the best bit of my holiday........... coming home! Although the kids enjoyed the pool that was the highlight of the whole week. We only booked this holiday 3 days before our departure so i will have to accept some responcibility although we did read the reviews before i confirmed the booking which where quite positive on the whole.
The food in the hotel ranged from abismal to poor, the breakfast was always fried and floating in grease, the cooked meat, cheese and bread etc, were left out in the open and covered in flys.The main evening meal was no better and it was only when someone complained that they covered the food left out in cling film.The rooms were cleaned to an acceptable standard, however the outside areas were dirty and litter was left laying about for days.
There was no air conditioning in any appartment which made it very uncomfotable to sleep at night because if you left the door or windows open you were invaded by cockroaches and once we even had a visit from a lizard. I do accept that being in such a hot climate you have to accept the local insect life, but not in your appartment to that extent. You can hire fans and air conditioning units from reception.
If you enjoy lying by the pool get your towels out early as i went down to the pool on the first morning at just before 9 and there wasn't a bed to be had, although nobody was there, so if you can beat them join them and from then on i went down every morning at about 8 to reserve our beds, even at that time i wasn't the first.
During the day the pool was very busy with mainly local spanish people who came across as very surly and arogant and there children didnt seem to have any concers about pushing and shoving other kids about, they would all stand aroud the swimming pool steps and refused to move for you to climb out.
In all not a good holiday and i wounld not reccomend these apartments to anyone however if you do go spend the day at Anfi a very nice beach and resort.
The food in the hotel ranged from abismal to poor, the breakfast was always fried and floating in grease, the cooked meat, cheese and bread etc, were left out in the open and covered in flys.The main evening meal was no better and it was only when someone complained that they covered the food left out in cling film.The rooms were cleaned to an acceptable standard, however the outside areas were dirty and litter was left laying about for days.
There was no air conditioning in any appartment which made it very uncomfotable to sleep at night because if you left the door or windows open you were invaded by cockroaches and once we even had a visit from a lizard. I do accept that being in such a hot climate you have to accept the local insect life, but not in your appartment to that extent. You can hire fans and air conditioning units from reception.
If you enjoy lying by the pool get your towels out early as i went down to the pool on the first morning at just before 9 and there wasn't a bed to be had, although nobody was there, so if you can beat them join them and from then on i went down every morning at about 8 to reserve our beds, even at that time i wasn't the first.
During the day the pool was very busy with mainly local spanish people who came across as very surly and arogant and there children didnt seem to have any concers about pushing and shoving other kids about, they would all stand aroud the swimming pool steps and refused to move for you to climb out.
In all not a good holiday and i wounld not reccomend these apartments to anyone however if you do go spend the day at Anfi a very nice beach and resort.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My wife, and three chldren, aged 1, 6... "
Submitted By: Mr G McCarthy
My wife, and three chldren, aged 1, 6 and 12 stayed at the Balito Beach Apts for 1 week and have just returned. My wife and I lived in Lanzarote a fews years back and had always gone back there, but this time decided to give Gran Canaria a try.
The Balito beach apts are about 35mins drive from the airport, (we hired a car £82.00 for 1 week - Carjet) alternatively it costs about £40.00 each way in a taxi, so if you're ok with a car, it's much better value and will let you explore more. Now I would agree with other reviewers that the location would not be suitable for people with walking difficulties. As long as you're willing to try to burn off the excess calories from the food and alcohol you'll consume, then prams, pushchairs are ok, but be prepared for lots of steps and hills.
The apartments are set in three seperate blocks and I would say 90% of these have a lovely sea view so you'd be unluckly not to get one, and if you don't the staff are very helpful and would no doubt transfer you to another if you wished. From our experience of the canaries we found these apartments a little small, but well equipped. You'll be outside more than inside anyway so this was not a problem for us. The pool is a good size, accessed to by about 4 flights of stairs (burn them calories!) and has a sensible green carpeted surround, excellent to avoid slipping for the kids. The pool bar/restaurant serves good food, and we ate there in the evening 3 times. One tip: Don't have lunch at the pool bar, (a small kids glass of coke is £2.00) buy a bottle from the supermarket next to reception along with rolls, ham crisps etc and eat these by the pool, it will save you a fortune. Several spanish families turned up during our stay, and they know best, they didn't eat or drink at the pool bar at all, bought a few cans of beer from the shop, some paella, melon, ham etc, and it really does add up to a good saving over the course of the holiday.
Location: The apartments are set on a cliff top overlooking a small not yet complete man made rocky beach. Once the sand is added (in a year or so) this will probably make the cost of this apartment rocket so make the most of it. Next to reception there are some steps which take you down to this beach. Follow the sort of (path) right around the bay, this will bring you after about 10 -15 mins walk to one of the most exclusive beaches, and marinas on the island. The place is called Anfi. Do a search on the internet for some pics, very very pretty indeed. A little caribbean-like to be honest. Lovely white sand, turquoise waters, restaurants, beautfully landscaped, exclusive marina, really needs to be seen. If you don't have a car, this will be your ideal local beach location for your stay. Balito is right next to Puerto Rico in the other direction although it is not possible to walk there as there is no path to take you there;only by the side of the road which I would not recommend at all. A taxi is about 3.5 euros, (ordered free by reception) so pretty good value. Puerto Rico is quite lively, good beach, lots of restaurants, bars. I Recommend Harbour Lights bar/ restaurant near the beach. 2 pints of San Miguel for 3 euros from 7pm till midnight! Back to the days when a spanish holiday really was good value! Other drinks are also much better priced than anywhere else we found, they also do a nightly quiz which is good fun. Also for anyone into fishing, try a deep sea trip from Puerto Rico harbour. for £48.00 for 6 hours this a great value, caught 2 large Rays, and the boat fishing next to us caught a whopping 300kg Marlin ( I had my photo taken with it and told the wife and friends that I caught it) no one believed me of course. This was the 4th Marlin they'd caught in 2 weeks! Good day out, take travel tablets though and lots of suncream. Lunch and drinks are included.
5 Mins round the corner from Puerto Rico is the fantastic beach of Amadores, another jewell in the crown of Gran Canarias beaches, this really does have a postcard setting, fantastic clear blue water, nice water temperature, loads of beach front restaurants and bars, similar to Anfi, difficult to split the two as to which I prefer as they are both beautiful, and are must visit places during your stay. About 20 mins on from Amadores is the lovely Puerto De Mogan, known as the venice of the Canaries, a lovely beach and marina and very pretty place awaits, another must visit in my opinion. Would even spend a week there to be honest as was so impressed.
Anyway, Balito Beach is a good base for a lovely holiday, excellent value, lovely sunsets to watch from your balcony with a glass of wine, a fantastic beach just 10 mins walk away, a large resort 4 mins away in a taxi, other beautiful locations just minutes away by car. I'm going back - asap!
The Balito beach apts are about 35mins drive from the airport, (we hired a car £82.00 for 1 week - Carjet) alternatively it costs about £40.00 each way in a taxi, so if you're ok with a car, it's much better value and will let you explore more. Now I would agree with other reviewers that the location would not be suitable for people with walking difficulties. As long as you're willing to try to burn off the excess calories from the food and alcohol you'll consume, then prams, pushchairs are ok, but be prepared for lots of steps and hills.
The apartments are set in three seperate blocks and I would say 90% of these have a lovely sea view so you'd be unluckly not to get one, and if you don't the staff are very helpful and would no doubt transfer you to another if you wished. From our experience of the canaries we found these apartments a little small, but well equipped. You'll be outside more than inside anyway so this was not a problem for us. The pool is a good size, accessed to by about 4 flights of stairs (burn them calories!) and has a sensible green carpeted surround, excellent to avoid slipping for the kids. The pool bar/restaurant serves good food, and we ate there in the evening 3 times. One tip: Don't have lunch at the pool bar, (a small kids glass of coke is £2.00) buy a bottle from the supermarket next to reception along with rolls, ham crisps etc and eat these by the pool, it will save you a fortune. Several spanish families turned up during our stay, and they know best, they didn't eat or drink at the pool bar at all, bought a few cans of beer from the shop, some paella, melon, ham etc, and it really does add up to a good saving over the course of the holiday.
Location: The apartments are set on a cliff top overlooking a small not yet complete man made rocky beach. Once the sand is added (in a year or so) this will probably make the cost of this apartment rocket so make the most of it. Next to reception there are some steps which take you down to this beach. Follow the sort of (path) right around the bay, this will bring you after about 10 -15 mins walk to one of the most exclusive beaches, and marinas on the island. The place is called Anfi. Do a search on the internet for some pics, very very pretty indeed. A little caribbean-like to be honest. Lovely white sand, turquoise waters, restaurants, beautfully landscaped, exclusive marina, really needs to be seen. If you don't have a car, this will be your ideal local beach location for your stay. Balito is right next to Puerto Rico in the other direction although it is not possible to walk there as there is no path to take you there;only by the side of the road which I would not recommend at all. A taxi is about 3.5 euros, (ordered free by reception) so pretty good value. Puerto Rico is quite lively, good beach, lots of restaurants, bars. I Recommend Harbour Lights bar/ restaurant near the beach. 2 pints of San Miguel for 3 euros from 7pm till midnight! Back to the days when a spanish holiday really was good value! Other drinks are also much better priced than anywhere else we found, they also do a nightly quiz which is good fun. Also for anyone into fishing, try a deep sea trip from Puerto Rico harbour. for £48.00 for 6 hours this a great value, caught 2 large Rays, and the boat fishing next to us caught a whopping 300kg Marlin ( I had my photo taken with it and told the wife and friends that I caught it) no one believed me of course. This was the 4th Marlin they'd caught in 2 weeks! Good day out, take travel tablets though and lots of suncream. Lunch and drinks are included.
5 Mins round the corner from Puerto Rico is the fantastic beach of Amadores, another jewell in the crown of Gran Canarias beaches, this really does have a postcard setting, fantastic clear blue water, nice water temperature, loads of beach front restaurants and bars, similar to Anfi, difficult to split the two as to which I prefer as they are both beautiful, and are must visit places during your stay. About 20 mins on from Amadores is the lovely Puerto De Mogan, known as the venice of the Canaries, a lovely beach and marina and very pretty place awaits, another must visit in my opinion. Would even spend a week there to be honest as was so impressed.
Anyway, Balito Beach is a good base for a lovely holiday, excellent value, lovely sunsets to watch from your balcony with a glass of wine, a fantastic beach just 10 mins walk away, a large resort 4 mins away in a taxi, other beautiful locations just minutes away by car. I'm going back - asap!
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" apartments on a steep hill not... "
Submitted By: Mr P Quin
apartments on a steep hill not suitable for elderly, or parents with push-chairs,
views are nice, and a 15 min walk to amfi beach which is a nice sandy beach.we went half board, food ok, but breakfast was fry up every morning no cereal! staff very friendly, and reception was a great help, bar prices expensive around 520 euros for rum/coke! go to puerto rico for many bars, only a cheap taxi or bus ride away.
Balito is center point for everything, bus services are good.
as a family of four, there was no entertainment on site over easter period, seemed to cater for danish/swedish tourists, as there was only danish papers in the expensive supermarket,
overall a cheap holiday ,in this no frills apartments, a very picturest place, bring plenty of sun block.
views are nice, and a 15 min walk to amfi beach which is a nice sandy beach.we went half board, food ok, but breakfast was fry up every morning no cereal! staff very friendly, and reception was a great help, bar prices expensive around 520 euros for rum/coke! go to puerto rico for many bars, only a cheap taxi or bus ride away.
Balito is center point for everything, bus services are good.
as a family of four, there was no entertainment on site over easter period, seemed to cater for danish/swedish tourists, as there was only danish papers in the expensive supermarket,
overall a cheap holiday ,in this no frills apartments, a very picturest place, bring plenty of sun block.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Landed in snow this morning after a... "
Submitted By: Miss S Belsey
Landed in snow this morning after a very hot week in Gran Canaria. Going by the positive reviews on here we are happy to add that Balito Beach apartments are well worth the money, and can't understand the negative reviews left. OK so the the place is stuck between Arguineguin and Puerto Rico, but for 3Euros in a taxi or 1Euro each by bus you really aren't that far away from it all.
The staff are very friendly, nice reception lounge, minimarket a little on the pricey side, Restaurant was closed, but pool bar did do snacks (the beer was more pricey here than in the centre but that's to be expected) The rooms are basic but very nice for the money you pay, with a well stocked kitchen if you are planning on eating in (had even left a big bottle of water in the fridge on our arrival, which wasn't discovered until the morning after the first dehydrated night :-) So check when you arrive!!!)
Large bathroom, bedroom, and balcony, tv, phone, & welcome pack. Rooms are cleaned daily- beds made and towels changed (even, rather embarrassingly, tidying our mess) Lovely sea views over a rocky beach, but recommend a walk on the beach to really appreciate the hotel's location!
The staff are very friendly, nice reception lounge, minimarket a little on the pricey side, Restaurant was closed, but pool bar did do snacks (the beer was more pricey here than in the centre but that's to be expected) The rooms are basic but very nice for the money you pay, with a well stocked kitchen if you are planning on eating in (had even left a big bottle of water in the fridge on our arrival, which wasn't discovered until the morning after the first dehydrated night :-) So check when you arrive!!!)
Large bathroom, bedroom, and balcony, tv, phone, & welcome pack. Rooms are cleaned daily- beds made and towels changed (even, rather embarrassingly, tidying our mess) Lovely sea views over a rocky beach, but recommend a walk on the beach to really appreciate the hotel's location!
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Meninland
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Hope you take heed.
Advice: Dont do it trust me
Activities: Puerto Rico