Babalu Apartments, Puerto Rico, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Babalu Apartments is a relaxing holiday base, offering comfortable, terrace style accommodation set in the Puerto Rico hillside. This complex attracts a mainly British clientele in summer. Facilities at the Babalu Apartments include two swimming pools with panoramic views. Tennis court, squash and mini golf available at the Europa Commercial Centre. Watersports are available on the beach. loading...
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Babalu Apartments Reviews
" Loved it!!!! "
Submitted By: DelBoy and Raquel
I got back from Babalu yesterday morning,
I had an absolutely brilliant time there. Weather was in the 30's every day we had no rain whatsoever.
Is a short walk from the Europa centre.. couple of decent restaurants/bars but going down to puerto rico itself was better. The 2 main bars we went to were harleys (absolutely brilliant there) and joker (kinda empty but good club).
The apartments themselves were ok the TV didnt work and the shower was tempremental but once you got used to it it was fine. The beds were 2 singles pushed togethor which arent that nice if you're out there with someone. Also had 400 cigarettes stolen so keep your valuables locked up!!!!!
There were 3 pools which were all different sizes. The entertainment could not have been better!! Dave was the life and soul of this place, There were different entertainers every night and I got to hold snakes iguanas and all sorts of birds. Some of the singers werent too great but there was 1 black called greg who was brilliant!! Dave put on the shows and was always cracking jokes and somehow.. I ended up with the nickname DelBoy!! Just coz I was the only southerner there!! He was a great laugh and I thoroughly enjoyed his company, told us the best places to eat/drink etc. Even offered to take us to town one night but got stuck in tenerife which was a shame. On our last night he made a point of telling people and we actually won his comedy bingo twice in one night!!!
Overall this was probably the best holiday I've been on and I put it solely down to the quality of entertainment!!!
Del Boy and Raquel!!!
I had an absolutely brilliant time there. Weather was in the 30's every day we had no rain whatsoever.
Is a short walk from the Europa centre.. couple of decent restaurants/bars but going down to puerto rico itself was better. The 2 main bars we went to were harleys (absolutely brilliant there) and joker (kinda empty but good club).
The apartments themselves were ok the TV didnt work and the shower was tempremental but once you got used to it it was fine. The beds were 2 singles pushed togethor which arent that nice if you're out there with someone. Also had 400 cigarettes stolen so keep your valuables locked up!!!!!
There were 3 pools which were all different sizes. The entertainment could not have been better!! Dave was the life and soul of this place, There were different entertainers every night and I got to hold snakes iguanas and all sorts of birds. Some of the singers werent too great but there was 1 black called greg who was brilliant!! Dave put on the shows and was always cracking jokes and somehow.. I ended up with the nickname DelBoy!! Just coz I was the only southerner there!! He was a great laugh and I thoroughly enjoyed his company, told us the best places to eat/drink etc. Even offered to take us to town one night but got stuck in tenerife which was a shame. On our last night he made a point of telling people and we actually won his comedy bingo twice in one night!!!
Overall this was probably the best holiday I've been on and I put it solely down to the quality of entertainment!!!
Del Boy and Raquel!!!
Advice: Go babalu to see dave you wont regret it!!
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" fantastic "
Submitted By: mbk
we stopped at the babalu for 14 night at the begining of august.we found the room basic but with everything you needed to make your stay comfortable.we were in room 405 and we got the sun on the balconey all day.the room was cleaned every other day.the pool was just fantastic good for adult and the kids.the pool bar serve excellent snacks and local beer 180 euros a pint.we found dave the entertainer a nice easy going funny bloke,his barbque was excelent value for money,he put on entertainment most nights which was good.his daily games of football were great for the kids and adults alike.it was just a short walk away across the road to all the bars and restaurants although very close but not noisy.excellent meals and large portions at most of the restaurants but our favourite was the el toro very nice food, easy going friendly people.for a drink i would recomend biblos bar good music and friendly staff.the beaches are a nice 20 minute walk away downhill we found these to be excellent one of them man made but lovely white sand and nice clear waters.i would recomend a taxi back 3 to 4 euros well worth it walked back a couple of times i would not recomend this tho especialy if you are elderly or have kids with you.the only negative thing was the time share idiots and some of the electrical shop owners down by the harbour trying to pull you into there shops.we had a great holiday and will be going back to the babalu again
Advice: give it a try you will enjoy yourselves there.
Activities: boat trip to morgan
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great time at Babalu "
Submitted By: pamlee
Just back from a week at Babalu and had a great time! The apartment was cleaned just about everyday and towels changed regularly. On arrival the man on reception seemed a bit of a grump but it was 6 am, apart from that one occasion he was very nice. If you are going to stay by the pool you will have to be up early to get a lounger, even at 7.30 many were already taken by towels. The pool bar was ok we didnt use it that much as we made breakfast/lunch. The food was reasonably priced but soft drinks and alcohol were very expensive at least 4 euros!! exception being a pint of beer which was 1.80 and everyone seemed to be drinking it. They have 2 happy hours one a lunch time but only on certain drinks and the other was at 8.30pm on all drinks but very few people were around at this time unless they were staying for the entertainment. Dave the entertainment man was ok, he organised football and water polo games most days, personally not my cup of tea. The supermarket joined to Babalu was pricey go to the hyperdino in the europa centre.
The apartments have a great view although if we went back again we would probably stay somewhere down at the main commercial centre as this is where we ate and spent most of our evenings. Would recommend the Niza apartments very basic apartments but super location less than 5 mins to the beach and the centre, stayed there last year. The hill is ok to walk down great views, only takes about 15-20 mins and a taxi back up was never more than 3.70 euros.
Most places were ok price wise for a meal but the drinks really bump up your bill! There is a great wee bar called M&M down at the centre next to the Highlander. It was packed every night with British people due to the fact that nearly all beers were 1 euro, vodka 2 euros and cider was roughly the same!! Got to be the cheapest bar in the whole resort!! Went there every night and it was the same faces, everyone was really nice.
The apartments have a great view although if we went back again we would probably stay somewhere down at the main commercial centre as this is where we ate and spent most of our evenings. Would recommend the Niza apartments very basic apartments but super location less than 5 mins to the beach and the centre, stayed there last year. The hill is ok to walk down great views, only takes about 15-20 mins and a taxi back up was never more than 3.70 euros.
Most places were ok price wise for a meal but the drinks really bump up your bill! There is a great wee bar called M&M down at the centre next to the Highlander. It was packed every night with British people due to the fact that nearly all beers were 1 euro, vodka 2 euros and cider was roughly the same!! Got to be the cheapest bar in the whole resort!! Went there every night and it was the same faces, everyone was really nice.
Advice: amadores beach is nice picture wise but prefer the main beach
Activities: M&M bar, the chinese buffet on the same level as highlander
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" brilliant "
Submitted By: clutton/oneil
Accomodation spotless pools great entertainment good when on it was a shame more people did not use the poolside bar more in the evening as the entertainment was based on how many people were there Dave the entertainments manager was great, overall very good holiday.
Advice: excellant island with fabulous scenery and a good night life.
Activities: too many to remember
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Bababrilliant! "
Submitted By: Heather.Lee
Stayed in Gran Canaria for the first time, wasnt sure what to expect because of previous reviews.
Nothing at all to worry about;
* Apartment great- basic but just what you need.
* Pool's brilliant
* No need to get up early to get a sunbed
* Pool bar reasonable and staff friendly
* Babalu BBQ excellent is well worth the money
* Hotel situated in a great location for the Europa centre
* Few minute taxi ride to the main commercial centre for around 3-3.50 Euro
* Must see Amadores beach
* Mogan "little Venice" absolutely gorgeous, market every friday
* Maspalomas water park fantastic easy to get to by the number 70 bus from the bus station in Puerto Rico centre
* Watch out for ANFI reps
* If visiting the Europa centre, go and see Russ and Sarah in Xtreeemes- had many great nights in there and lots of free shots!
All in all, cracking holiday- will definately go back in the future
Nothing at all to worry about;
* Apartment great- basic but just what you need.
* Pool's brilliant
* No need to get up early to get a sunbed
* Pool bar reasonable and staff friendly
* Babalu BBQ excellent is well worth the money
* Hotel situated in a great location for the Europa centre
* Few minute taxi ride to the main commercial centre for around 3-3.50 Euro
* Must see Amadores beach
* Mogan "little Venice" absolutely gorgeous, market every friday
* Maspalomas water park fantastic easy to get to by the number 70 bus from the bus station in Puerto Rico centre
* Watch out for ANFI reps
* If visiting the Europa centre, go and see Russ and Sarah in Xtreeemes- had many great nights in there and lots of free shots!
All in all, cracking holiday- will definately go back in the future
Advice: Depends what they're looking for
Activities: Amadeus in the Europa centre, Supercat trip and Maspalomas water park
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" brilliant "
Submitted By: jessuca.gibbon
Ok, where do i start? this has been one of the best holidays i have been on. Everything was great. I was sad when I had to leave. Dave was brilliant at entertainment from the "comedy bingo" to the water polo(very violent lol) this has been something I will remember forever. I really want to go back. The food from the pool bar was brilliant. All the staff were friendly and good humoured. I didn't know what to expect from Puerto Rico but after a trip on the Supercat, I highly recommend seeing the sights. The beach at Amadores was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Im sure that I will be back with my family hopefully in the near future. I recommend Babalu to anyone whether it's a family holiday like mine or just a couple trying to get away. Babalu is far enough away from the main centre that no noise travels up the valley. Everything here is brilliant!!
Advice: very worth it
Activities: El Toro Negro( favourite resturant) Supercat( best activity)
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Babalu "
Submitted By: stuboy
A nice, clean albeit basic hotel. Beds were very uncomfortable and one friend had to sleep on the sofa (I wouldn't have been too happy if i'd spent a lot of money and was told to sleep on a sofa for a week)
Staff were friendly and was close by to The Europa Centre (which seemed very quiet) I'd recommend a nice walk down to Amadores Beach.
Staff were friendly and was close by to The Europa Centre (which seemed very quiet) I'd recommend a nice walk down to Amadores Beach.
Advice: Great night out at the Commercial Centre
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Apart From Grumpy Receptionists... "
Submitted By: Scotland 1984
Okay, my opinions. Both positives (p) and negatives (n). This may be a great place if you are female... (n)- A few male receptionists acted as if you were a pain in their bum, even when all you were doing was asking for the time or something. Neither my freinds nor I are rowdy and annoying, so what their problem was is a mystery. Young female guests however seem to be met with smiles and laughter... Cleavage a must it seems. (p/n) Rooms basic, small but clean. Our maid was nice and friendly, on floor 1, but didnt turn up for three days at the end of the week. Why????? Who knows?... (p)- Food at poolside bar was well priced, quickly cooked and tasted good. Cannot fault this, and would recommend eating here as much as you can... (n)- It's probably wrong of me to fault the price, because beer was cheap. But spirits with mixtures were dear. Mind you, I remember the good old days of pesetas so I blame the cost of the Euro for this... (p) Entertainment was okay. Family orientated, and Dave the entertainer (there in July 09) was friendly and funny enough. Really wanted to get people involved, and helped out behind the bar if they were short staffed. (p) Swimming pool was good. Three seperate wee pools, shallow, medium, deep. Plenty of chairs and sun loungers. Get down early to beat the Spanish guests / live in residents. They seem to go to bed at 9pm and get up at 7am... (p/n)- Distance... Okay, this is a tough one. You are at the top of a hill which is difficult in the heat to walk up. Don't try and prove your fitness, or even masculinity, by saying you can jog up it everyday. Taxis are cheap enough. Forty minutes walk from both beaches, with one beach being ten minutes from Puerto Ricos main shopping / entertainment centre. Back up beside Babalu was the smaller Europa centre with pubs and restaurant. Really reminded me of that whole Butlins entertainment venue you used to love as a kid. It's great for families... (( Miscellaneous )) Babalu is one minute from a chemist, three from the taxi rank. That's good. The lift sometimes stops and breaks down for no reason. Rowdy, loud obnoxious guests were complained about by other guests, but nothing was done.These are my opinions only, so you may not agree. P.S PARENTS BE WARNED!! There is hardcore pornography on their equivalent of terrestrial television.
Advice: Families / relaxing couples come here. Youngsters looking for fun go to Playa Del Ingles
Activities: Cant stress how good the poolside food was!
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" loved it loved it loved it!!!!! "
Submitted By: lucyargent
well what can i say this has to be one of the best holidays me and my artner have been on!and im a fussy 1 as well!!
went in june with my boyfriend stayed at babalu for a week,rooms were basic but clean, all you could really need.pool area was fantastic perfect for chilling out.the barbacoa bar/resturant across the road is good for food and the shows are very good too,but would strongly recommend going down into the center of puerto rico every night cabbi only cost 3 euros there is such a big variety of food places and bars and lots of shops it took us all week to finally looking in all the shops,i recommend the all you can buffet on the top floor ate there twice very nice!! watch out for the drag queens that walk around !!
all in all had a great time and would 100% go back tomoz if i had the chance!!!!
went in june with my boyfriend stayed at babalu for a week,rooms were basic but clean, all you could really need.pool area was fantastic perfect for chilling out.the barbacoa bar/resturant across the road is good for food and the shows are very good too,but would strongly recommend going down into the center of puerto rico every night cabbi only cost 3 euros there is such a big variety of food places and bars and lots of shops it took us all week to finally looking in all the shops,i recommend the all you can buffet on the top floor ate there twice very nice!! watch out for the drag queens that walk around !!
all in all had a great time and would 100% go back tomoz if i had the chance!!!!
Advice: lots of hills but taxis are cheap
Activities: dolphine boat trip
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great!! "
Submitted By: weebegbie
Stayed here with my boyfriend in June and had a great time! The apartments are pretty basic, but do their job! The pool area is really nice (although the sunloungers are pretty uncomfy so buy yourself a lilo on your fist day a use that to put on top of the lounger it's much better!)The daytime and night time entertainment was supplied by Dave. Dave was the life and soul of this place. He got everyone in the pool playing water polo and for those who didn't want to play it was the best entertainment you could ask for! He even got all us young ones together and took us down to the main centre for a night out! Couldn't ask for more!
Dave definitely made up for the lack of a kettle and toaster in the room!
The only reason the apartments got a 9 and not a 10 was the fact I struggled to get a nice daytime nap because the pool music was on constantly from about 11 in the morning till midnight, and you couldn‘t not hear it from the apartment!
Dave definitely made up for the lack of a kettle and toaster in the room!
The only reason the apartments got a 9 and not a 10 was the fact I struggled to get a nice daytime nap because the pool music was on constantly from about 11 in the morning till midnight, and you couldn‘t not hear it from the apartment!
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" would rcomend to anyone "
Submitted By: Reedswood
Enjoyed 2 weeks at these apartments with my husband in June 2009. Basic but clean,(cleaned 5 times a week) friendly reception, bar staff and cleaners. If you need a kettle or toaster they are not included in room so you have to hire them. I took a travel kettle but hired a toaster for the 2 weeks - 10 euros plus 10 euros deposit. Balcony was huge with patio table and chairs. You can hire a sunbed for balcony if you want. Sun is on balconies all day. entertainer - Dave - very friendly Organises football and waterpolo during day and bingo and different entertainment 5 nights a week. Beer 1.50 euro all day at pool bar. Also 2 happy hours, one day and one night at bar 2 for 1. Food at pool bar very good and a fair price. 3 pools - one for kids, one you can walk into and a deeper pool cleaned daily. Plenty of sunbeds. Europa centre directly behind apartments. Plenty of bars - Biblos Bar very nice music bar wher wou can chill out - eating places a few shops and a Netto supermarket - not cheap! There is a small supermarket right by reception but this is more expensive than Netto. Have been to Puerto rice twice before and was sorry to see that some bars and shops in centre have closed. Place was very quiet. Amadores beach is about 15 min. walk away and is a lovely beach. Take taxis back from beach and centre of Puerto rico as it is uphill all way back. Taxis about 3 euros.
Advice: Plently of eating places, bars and shops
Activities: Amadores Beach well worth a visit and Puerto Mogan a small fishing village about 30 mins. away
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" Girls Holiday.. "
Submitted By: xxJxx
Just back from a week in Gran Canaria with two of my friends. Stayed at the Babalu Apartments.
The apartment was fine for what we needed...
Twin room and sofa bed in the Living Room area. The beds were not too comfortable, but not unbearable to sleep on. We thought it was very strange that the mirror was right behind the door, was a complete pain in the bum with 3 girls trying to get ready and coming in and out of the room every 5 minutes, but we coped!:)
Kitchen facilities were a twin ring, fridge, microwave.. Had lots of cooking equipment compared to some hotels I have stayed in.. Pans, plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery, chopping boards, juicer etc..
Bathroom was a good size with a proper showerhead.. Only thing was quite a few night we didn’t get very hot water but it was so warm weather we didn’t really worry!
The Balcony was absolutely huge.. had a table with 4 chairs and a clothes dryer.. You could also hire sun loungers for I think 6 euros a week to have on your balcony but we didn’t bother as the pool area was so quite..
The pool area was great.. It has a walk in pool so it was great just for dripping your feet if you are feeling the heat! It also has a baby pool and a deeper pool. We ate at the pool bar quite a few lunchtimes and the food was pretty standard, roughly 4-5 euros for a meal. We found juice and ice lolly's quite expensive but were willing to pay as it was so hot some days!
The week we were there the hotel was very quite only a few couples and 2 or 3 families so the pool area was great for relaxing in the sun..
The lift was broken while we were there.. But there seemed to be people there straight away to fix it and it was soon up and running again..
The Europa Centre in a 2 minute walk away, we went to Barbacoa a few days for breakfast which was really nice.. The cocktail bar next door also does lovely cocktails in the evening. We ate at The Chinese Restaurant in the Europa Centre on the first night and 2 out of the 3 of us had slight upset stomachs the next day so would not recommend eating there.. We shopped in the Netto supermarket a few times also which we found quite expensive..
The Puerto Rico Shopping Centre is a 3-4 euro taxi ride away.. We found this a lot better for restaurants, shops etc, especially the Mexican restaurant upstairs.. We ate there twice as it was so good! The PR people at the restaurants were quite annoying as they constantly try to collar you into their restaurants.. Some were quite rude in fact..
We got the boat to Mogan Market on the Friday which was 10 euros return from the harbour. I would recommend you get there early as they start packing up around 12-1pm..
All in all the hotel was basic but perfect if you just want a cheap relaxing holiday.. The resort was ok, was very family orientated.. Not to lively not too quiet!
:)
The apartment was fine for what we needed...
Twin room and sofa bed in the Living Room area. The beds were not too comfortable, but not unbearable to sleep on. We thought it was very strange that the mirror was right behind the door, was a complete pain in the bum with 3 girls trying to get ready and coming in and out of the room every 5 minutes, but we coped!:)
Kitchen facilities were a twin ring, fridge, microwave.. Had lots of cooking equipment compared to some hotels I have stayed in.. Pans, plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery, chopping boards, juicer etc..
Bathroom was a good size with a proper showerhead.. Only thing was quite a few night we didn’t get very hot water but it was so warm weather we didn’t really worry!
The Balcony was absolutely huge.. had a table with 4 chairs and a clothes dryer.. You could also hire sun loungers for I think 6 euros a week to have on your balcony but we didn’t bother as the pool area was so quite..
The pool area was great.. It has a walk in pool so it was great just for dripping your feet if you are feeling the heat! It also has a baby pool and a deeper pool. We ate at the pool bar quite a few lunchtimes and the food was pretty standard, roughly 4-5 euros for a meal. We found juice and ice lolly's quite expensive but were willing to pay as it was so hot some days!
The week we were there the hotel was very quite only a few couples and 2 or 3 families so the pool area was great for relaxing in the sun..
The lift was broken while we were there.. But there seemed to be people there straight away to fix it and it was soon up and running again..
The Europa Centre in a 2 minute walk away, we went to Barbacoa a few days for breakfast which was really nice.. The cocktail bar next door also does lovely cocktails in the evening. We ate at The Chinese Restaurant in the Europa Centre on the first night and 2 out of the 3 of us had slight upset stomachs the next day so would not recommend eating there.. We shopped in the Netto supermarket a few times also which we found quite expensive..
The Puerto Rico Shopping Centre is a 3-4 euro taxi ride away.. We found this a lot better for restaurants, shops etc, especially the Mexican restaurant upstairs.. We ate there twice as it was so good! The PR people at the restaurants were quite annoying as they constantly try to collar you into their restaurants.. Some were quite rude in fact..
We got the boat to Mogan Market on the Friday which was 10 euros return from the harbour. I would recommend you get there early as they start packing up around 12-1pm..
All in all the hotel was basic but perfect if you just want a cheap relaxing holiday.. The resort was ok, was very family orientated.. Not to lively not too quiet!
:)
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" A Nice Place... "
Submitted By: stevomufc1
Just got back from holiday this morning & thought id leave my views so here goes...
Location is excellent, right next to the europa center which is handy for staggering back to the apt's, I would not reccomend attempting to walk up/down the hill unless you're EXTREMELY fit - Even people who have lived there for years have told me they never have & never would attempt it, The bottom center is only 3/4 euro in a taxi which is really worth it and taxi's are readily avaliable, the apt's we're better than i expected though the hot water heating system always seemed to not work properly and had to have it seen to, also there was nowhere to bath the baby so he had to bath in the sink which wasn't very practical. The travel cot we were initially supplied with was broken and was immediately replaced after reporting it. self catering facilities were a 2 ring stove & a microwave, no toaster or kettle. maid service wasnt very good to be honest and they only left a few towels which were expected to last a few days, the room always smelled of soiled nappies due to the infrequent maid service & bins not being emptied. beds were a little uncomfy but the room was a fair size with a huge balcony. Most annoying thing about the resort itself is being pestered all the time, you couldn't walk past a bar or restaurant without being hounded, beware of african people selling you goods that can be found in the shops pretty much next to where they stand for a lot cheaper, i even had one of them offer me "gear" ! , also the "gran canaria tourist information desk" people are not tourist information but time share reps trying to tout business, they try and tell you its not time share and dress it up as something else but thats all it is basically & they try every trick in the book to try and get you to agree to go and have a meeting with someone, bribery / guilt... In regards to the bars & restaurants the barbacoa in the europa was very popular (maybe had something to do with it being the first one you hit) but it was a little expensive, some of the food was nice though (steak & ale pie & the jacket potatoes...yummy) the best bar we found was definately without a doubt the turbo bar in the europa, bev was fantastic with our little boy & we were made to feel really welcome, chris the dj (smithy) was great fun too. All in all we would return to the resort in the future but not at the babalu as it didnt suit our needs.
Location is excellent, right next to the europa center which is handy for staggering back to the apt's, I would not reccomend attempting to walk up/down the hill unless you're EXTREMELY fit - Even people who have lived there for years have told me they never have & never would attempt it, The bottom center is only 3/4 euro in a taxi which is really worth it and taxi's are readily avaliable, the apt's we're better than i expected though the hot water heating system always seemed to not work properly and had to have it seen to, also there was nowhere to bath the baby so he had to bath in the sink which wasn't very practical. The travel cot we were initially supplied with was broken and was immediately replaced after reporting it. self catering facilities were a 2 ring stove & a microwave, no toaster or kettle. maid service wasnt very good to be honest and they only left a few towels which were expected to last a few days, the room always smelled of soiled nappies due to the infrequent maid service & bins not being emptied. beds were a little uncomfy but the room was a fair size with a huge balcony. Most annoying thing about the resort itself is being pestered all the time, you couldn't walk past a bar or restaurant without being hounded, beware of african people selling you goods that can be found in the shops pretty much next to where they stand for a lot cheaper, i even had one of them offer me "gear" ! , also the "gran canaria tourist information desk" people are not tourist information but time share reps trying to tout business, they try and tell you its not time share and dress it up as something else but thats all it is basically & they try every trick in the book to try and get you to agree to go and have a meeting with someone, bribery / guilt... In regards to the bars & restaurants the barbacoa in the europa was very popular (maybe had something to do with it being the first one you hit) but it was a little expensive, some of the food was nice though (steak & ale pie & the jacket potatoes...yummy) the best bar we found was definately without a doubt the turbo bar in the europa, bev was fantastic with our little boy & we were made to feel really welcome, chris the dj (smithy) was great fun too. All in all we would return to the resort in the future but not at the babalu as it didnt suit our needs.
Advice: nice weather, nice beaches, nice bars...
Activities: TURBO Bar
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" babalu "
Submitted By: lilli-mae
Rooms were basic but clean,balcony huge. Never saw the legendary DAVE in fact no entertainment for the two weeks we were there. Europa centre 2mins away,recommend El Brasero (great steaks.The first day we were there we had no hot water,went to reception,and we had a new boiler fitted in 10 mins,very impressed.We ate out every night,and sometimes went out for breakfast,Flick's is good for breakfast,barbacoe good for entertainment.Take a trip to Arguineguin market (tuesday 9am-2.00pm)6 euros in taxi.or Mogan market (friday 9am-2.00pm)15 euros in taxi,more expensive but better than hanging around for buses.Food in the supermarket is expensive 3 euros for a loaf of bread,booze & cigarettes are really cheap.Take a taxi down to puerto rico,more bars & restaurants.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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I have been to Puerto Rico 4 times previously to this time and this apartment twice before.
I'll just keep going back and i'll tell you why.
Firstly the weather - Consistently hitting 30°C no problem throughout the day which is fantastic considering October time.
The room was very clean and practical along with a large sized balcony over looking the sea/pool area south facing. Plenty of room for the two of us.
The poolside bar was definately the highlight of the entire holiday. Food served there was great value for money along with drinks. Happy hour is on every single night. Activities for all are present at night. The food was very good along with very good prices which beat any resturants.
Bingo which was comical, Singers, Comedians, a variety of animal shows are on 6 nights in the week I think it was. The bar staff are very friendly along with the main entertainer Dave. Fantastic guy who really brings a spark to the holiday. Pop down one night and witness one of his evenings and you won't regret it.
The location of the Babalu isn't as bad as the brochures make it out to be. You hear alot of steep hills to climb to get anywhere which is false due to cheap taxis. The Europa center is about a 2 - 5 minute walk away from the Babalu. At the Europa, there are all types of bars, resturants, a supermarket and arcades. A place to eat is very easy to find ranging from Italian to Chinese to fish and chips.
There are two local beaches both no longer than 5 mionutes in a taxi...and both costing no more than 3 euros in a taxi.
A trip to Mogan on a market day is quite nice...Again very cheap to get there. I prefer the ferry from Puerto Rico port for a very reasonable price. It's a nice 30 minute relaxing trip.
Finally
It's a package suitable for all ages and groups from families to couples.
Will definately be going back there in early 2010 and again in Oct 2010.
3* Apartment means great price.
5* Entertainment mean value for money.
Advice: Relaxed resort with plenty to do for pretty much everyone. See Dave for top notch entertainment !
Activities: Little Italy + El Toro Negro ! The cocktail shaker for a nice english breakfast.
Good for: Beach