Ocean Palace Apartments, Costa Adeje, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Ocean Palace Apartment is an excellent complex located in the developing area of Costa Adeje on the outskirts of Playa De Las Americas. Offering modern, spacious accommodation and friendly staff, there are numerous facilities on-site. This is an ideal choice for families and couples seeking a relaxing holiday with all the amenities of the resort close by. The Ocean Palace is 1.6 kms from the sandy beach and shopping centre of Fanable, also just 2.3kms from the centre of Playa De Las Americas with its many shops, bars and restaurants. loading...
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Ocean Palace Apartments Reviews
" holiday from hell "
Submitted By: julieking
well what can i say food was great weater very hot. rest of it was hell. what you read is true barbra did not want to help at all. i have wrote to first choice and they dont want to help me but i will never go back to this hotel my 5 year old had no shade we had no parasols as we was on the apartment side. we stayed this side as the other side was full of older kids and i did not think it was safe for young children to go in to. and the pool bar at the rear was closed most of the time we was there. we had to walk to other side to get our drinks wich was thought the hotel. i have now gone to abta to help as this can not carry on like this . we was not the only ones who have had this prob. the kids club was great. it just seemed like if you had a apartment behind the hotel you was left out and they did not want to help you at all. there was a lot of us who spoke to the mamager and he did not want to help us. we just wanted to go home and i am so glade when we did get home. i have gone with first choice for many many years. and i will not go with them again as they just seem they dont want to help me. i payed just over £2000 for a week here for a family of 4. i could go on more but most people on here say it all holiday from hell
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" ocean palace resort "
Submitted By: helenf
having read several bad review before going i was in two minds whether to cancel or change resorts. I would say this is more a 3* not 4* hotel as advitised, the food was first class with plenty of choice, and the christmas gala dinner was exceptional.The hotel has recently been taken over by a german company therfore the only entertainment for the british guests was during the evening in the irish bar which had karaoke, which is not our cup of tea therefore we found ourselves going out most evenings therefore defeating being AI. I would return to Tenerife but would not choose this hotel again.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:a1 travel
" Best Holiday ever "
Submitted By: Staffordshire Mum
We stayed at the Ocean Palace in Sep, when we first read the reviews we were to say the least in two minds whether to cancel. What a huge mistake it would of been we had an absolutely fantastic holiday. Our hotel room was cleaned every day fresh towels every day and clean bedding every other day. The food was really good, yes there was chips every day but there was other potato dishes too!!!! You dont have to have chips you can choose something else. The staff in the restaurant were very pleasant and a few of them had a real sense of humour. The pool was cleaned, they even emptied one of the pools during our stay then refilled it with clean water. The Kids club Reps were really COOL!!!! Still in contact with most of them now, they were an AMAZING Bunch, and they all got the patience of a saint because there were a few nowty children in the club. The Entertainment Staff were Excellent they had most people up and dancing most nights. Al in all it was one of the BEST Holidays we have ever been on. The weather did help because even though it was late in the year it was still very HOT. But i firmly believe it had a lot to do with how we were looked after by the Hotel, The Reps and the Entertainment Staff. Well Done to you all.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" be aware "
Submitted By: karen b
came back 11/11/08 didn't realise until got there, it is now german run,very little entertainment very little translation, very disappointed, been before and was impressed. rooms in nogel area not good, faulty and reception werent that interested.food worth it staff very friendly. overall holiday good but will never go their again. heard on 10/11/08 thomson had pulled out.
hope this helps.
hope this helps.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Beware of Theft in Ocean Resort Hotel "
Submitted By: hannahbear1
I wanted to forwarn everyone we had £420 GBP stolen from my handbag in the wardrobe - there was no sigh of break in
Make sure you hire a safe !!!!!!!!
A big lesson learnt by us - glad I changed £100 GBP to go up the mount Teide or pos another £100 pound would have been stolen.
Manager at 1st would not speak with me but I wanted to make him aware that someone is thieving out of the rooms, he said he has to leave it to police investigation, he wasn't too bothered!!
Also German entertainment took over from 1st Nov -On Tues a man on stage naked with 2 hats, covering his front bits and backside is discusting with my 6year old daughter in the showbar, We made a sharp exit and we complained to be told after 9.30 it is adult entertainment !!No notices in English to forwarn of this vulgar show!!!
Make sure you hire a safe !!!!!!!!
A big lesson learnt by us - glad I changed £100 GBP to go up the mount Teide or pos another £100 pound would have been stolen.
Manager at 1st would not speak with me but I wanted to make him aware that someone is thieving out of the rooms, he said he has to leave it to police investigation, he wasn't too bothered!!
Also German entertainment took over from 1st Nov -On Tues a man on stage naked with 2 hats, covering his front bits and backside is discusting with my 6year old daughter in the showbar, We made a sharp exit and we complained to be told after 9.30 it is adult entertainment !!No notices in English to forwarn of this vulgar show!!!
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" what a Hell Hole "
Submitted By: Alisa & crew
Where do i start after reading the reviews i didnt want to go but thought maybe people were just being very fussy and nit picking we arrived at about 10.15ish at night and had to go to the local pizza take away the man on the desk said we had to go there if we wanted something to eat as they didnt have anything out for us and they wouldn't give us a safe key as the man who deals with them only works half days so we had to sleep with or passports and money on our first night and after looking at the photos of the last persons review i thought that they were just exaggerating but everything was how the photos were i dont even think that the ocean palace has ever heard of health and saftey the amount of people and young children and even adults that fell around the pool it was a death trap waiting to happen we stayed around at the other pools as it was like a cattle market at the main pool if you want your kids to be safe stay at the nogal side where it wasnt as slippy at lunch times my husband and i and our 3 young kids had to sit on the steps as there weren't enough tables and chairs for everyone to eat at,the food was okay the carvery was lovley but the italians was disgusting but my god the packed lunches wot can i say we ordered one just to see what they were like to go to the beach with, the pears were rotten, a slice of salaimi on dried bread bottled water it went in the bin and we went to sub way,the maids were so nice and the reps were such a god send,and the ocean resort is no where near Las Americas its in costa Adeje which costs you 10euros to get to las americas. When you get dropped off on arrival you think WoW but when you get passed the doors be ready for your jaw to drop case you think your seeing things as if this hotel was in england it would be closed down within minutes, hense to say first choice wont be working here from the 31st oct what does that tell you?
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" I really could go on all day about... "
Submitted By: realpissedoff
I really could go on all day about this place, the reception staff are ok & the kids club reps are hardworking & loveley...
The room are Filthy & unless you watch the maids they dont actually clean your room until you start complaining..
Around the pool are broken uneven tiles, smell of sewage, brocken sun beds & ripped parasols & more filth...This hotel is not a 4 star more like 1 & pushing a 2..
There was brocken glass outside our room all week...oh & something went missing from our room & up to now, nobodys actually contacted us to resolve the issue...Its just a really bad quailty hotel & if you have to work for your money I really wouldnt bother!
The room are Filthy & unless you watch the maids they dont actually clean your room until you start complaining..
Around the pool are broken uneven tiles, smell of sewage, brocken sun beds & ripped parasols & more filth...This hotel is not a 4 star more like 1 & pushing a 2..
There was brocken glass outside our room all week...oh & something went missing from our room & up to now, nobodys actually contacted us to resolve the issue...Its just a really bad quailty hotel & if you have to work for your money I really wouldnt bother!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" I travelled with my girlfriend and... "
Submitted By: Mr R Pascoe
I travelled with my girlfriend and her 2 sisters 12 and 13. We Arrived at 10.30pm there was no food available although we had booked all inclusive. The man at the reception even suggested we ordered pizza from a take away. We had booked the suite room which was a nice room however we were not allowed to keep our room on we were willing to pay the money but instead got stuck with the shower room, never again, it is literally 2 showers with no ventilation, and the floors were very slippy not very safe at all. We had only half an hour for 4 ppl to get showered and ready, we also had some people knockin on the door trying to get in early, Also it was to stuffy to put on your clothes better off gettin out of the pool and changing to go home they also charge 3 euro for a towel so i would advise to take the one from the room if you have to use these rooms. Also there isnt much chance of gettin the restaurant meal unless you are FRIEND of the manager. we tried to book both restaurants and didnt get in either, we were told we could not book until 5pm the day before, a few people had already been reserved for the restaurant before anyone else could (managers friends we got told). Needs more attention to general cleaning of the hotel i slipped on a puddle of water that had leaked from a wall. I fell onto the tile floor, when told about this the reception said we will clean it up i went past later to see a towel covering over the water. Also if you want a seat in the entertainment bar you would need to que from around 7pm the bar opens at 7.30 also it is very hot a stuffy in the bar no A/C bar staff and waitresses were all good. The welcome pack says 'no reserving sunbeds' this is not the case, if you wanted a bed you would need to go out at around 7 because everyone had towels on beds some did not even come to the pool til later on in the afternoon. On our first day we moved towels off some of the beds as the reception said we could, this meant other ppl started to do this aswell. My advice is to go out through the day and come back later afternoon save any hasle with beds. Theres a few good shows on, the bird show snake shows and parrot shows. Entertainment from first choice reps was always good. I think the spirits were watered down but this wasnt a big deal. The 8 out of 10 is for the food drinks and entertainment not for the hotel and reception. i would visit playa americas again but would not go back to this hotel.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" I have been home from Tenerife now... "
Submitted By: Mrs G MOORE
I have been home from Tenerife now for 2 days and am still angry!! I have never felt compelled to post a message on a review site until now. The Ocean Resort is most certainly not a four star hotel. This was our third visit to this hotel, and it has gone to hell altogether. Apparently the hotel has been sold to Germans and it would appear that they are doing no repairs to the place in the interim.
Balcony doors that don't lock, big cracks in the bathroom and balcony, crumbling plaster at the bottom of walls, wardrobe doors falling off, cupboard doors falling off, broken tiles all over the place, stairs and poolside, just some of the problems.
The food is disgusting. Lunchtime is rehashed previous evening's dinner. However, if you like cold pasta with brussel sprouts, then you might enjoy lunch there. The problem is that I had paid all inclusive for myself and two sons and we had to go out every single night to eat with money we should have had for other treats.
|I will never set foot in the place again, and to other parents thinking of going there I strongly urge you to rethink.
There is a plus side and that is the first choice reps. They are absolutely fantastic with the kids Natalie and Jen in particular. Those girls work their butts off for very little money and the kids all fall in love with them.
Take your 4 stars down Ocean palace you have no right to display them.
Balcony doors that don't lock, big cracks in the bathroom and balcony, crumbling plaster at the bottom of walls, wardrobe doors falling off, cupboard doors falling off, broken tiles all over the place, stairs and poolside, just some of the problems.
The food is disgusting. Lunchtime is rehashed previous evening's dinner. However, if you like cold pasta with brussel sprouts, then you might enjoy lunch there. The problem is that I had paid all inclusive for myself and two sons and we had to go out every single night to eat with money we should have had for other treats.
|I will never set foot in the place again, and to other parents thinking of going there I strongly urge you to rethink.
There is a plus side and that is the first choice reps. They are absolutely fantastic with the kids Natalie and Jen in particular. Those girls work their butts off for very little money and the kids all fall in love with them.
Take your 4 stars down Ocean palace you have no right to display them.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" After reading the previous reviews... "
Submitted By: Miss L Hammersley
After reading the previous reviews were were a little worried about going but decided to have an open mind! When we arrived at 5.00am I was pleasantly pleased with the look of the hotel and hoped that the next 2 weeks were going to be good. Reception service was very good with an excellent level of english. Our room was excellent situated on 2 levels and very clean. One thing I will say is that in the letter that you receive on arrival it states that towels cannot be laid on sun beds until 9.00 - well this certainly does not happen as we found that we had to get up about 7.30am with any hope of getting a bed at all! The beds were chanined up for the first week so it was a little more organised but the second week they werent so it was unfortunately a free-for-all! The food was exellent as there was always something that you liked. One thing I will say is don't bother booking a night in the italian restuarant as it was rubbish! The waiter is like Basil Fawlty, ahthough it was fun to watch! The rooms were cleaned 6 times a week with clean towels twice a week. One thing you are not told about is that you can pay for channels on your television for 3 euros a day and you organise that at reception. Entertainment was good by the First Choice Reps but they will be leaving the Hotel in October and an animation team will be going in. This means the entertainment will be done in 6 different languages!!! We took my 2 children (ages 15 and 10) and they were not bored. The entertainment reps organised water polo; football; cricket; darts etc so there was lots to do. On previous comments people mentioned about the slippery tiles around the pool. This does definately have to be watched as I did see a few children fall over. owever, if flip flops are worn this will not happen! I would say that this hotel is definately for familiies but Playa de las Americas is only a short cab ride awy. Aqualand is very near to the hotel but BEWARE! Once you pay to get in you also need to pay for rubber rings to go on certain rides; chairs; lockers etc. The day we went was also public holiday so it was very very busy so double check before you go! Overall, we had a great holiday and remember it is what you make of it!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:On The Beach.Com
" Just returned from the Ocean Palace,... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Conlin
Just returned from the Ocean Palace, we booked in January and had read mostly good reviews but we were dreading going after reading some resent reviews. We booked a suite in the main hotel and thankfully got what we had booked. The hotel staff were very nice and helpful although in some areas i think they are under staffed ie the pool bar, the cleaning staff especially in the stair areas, their was different spillages on the stairs and they were left for almost a week.The rooms were really nice air con effective mostly in the bedroom but did keep the place bareable in the height of summer, beds comfy, could have done with towels changing more often and towels were quite old for a 4 star hotel. Food was ok its very reasonable for all inclusive and you can pay daily if you like yes their were chips everyday but most evenings their was another choice of potatoes, always lots of different salads, veg, pastas, fish and meats I do think the drinks are watered down as i never really felt tipsy or had a hangover but it suited us with two children aged 5 and 7. I read preveously about the tv porn channel and i think it should only be added if requested and not only removed if required had a few near misses with it luckily i was standing in front of tv when changing channels so be carefull with this. I dont know what the appartments in the nogal beach were like chatted to one couple with three young children and they said they were ok but a bit tired. Entertainment wasn,t up to much really although the First Choice Reps/Entertainers were Fantastic and probably make a lot of peoples holidays, kids clubs great ours both loved it and it was very safe and secure, reps never complained and i,m sure my 5 year old would try anyones patience. The pool is quite shabby and there are a lot of brocken tiles on the steps certainly not 4 star any more also it needs cleaning more thoroughly than it is, lots of black bits floating about, lots of fun going on in it though water vollyball water basket ball etc always something going on for children young and older. The sunbed situation is madness we couldn,t believe it on our first morning watching the people moving/swaping beds around and sun umberellas but if you don,t join in you don,t get a sunbed thier simply just isn.t enough to go around. All in all we had a great holiday kids didn,t want to come home and for us that's what it,s all about.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Took a week at the Ocean Palace from... "
Submitted By: Mr I Hopkins
Took a week at the Ocean Palace from the 15th to the 22nd August 2008. As a single father, this was my third holiday with my two sons, Lloyd (10) and Elliott (7), and by far the best. Everything was good from the booking in the agents in South Wales, the flight, connections, the food, the room, the resort, pools, the weather and the entertainment.
My only complaint was the TV. I awoke on the second morning to find my boys watching hardcore porn on the TV - which they found by going through the small number of pre-set channels. I was disgusted and when I reported it to Babs the rep, I was not overly impressed by the laughter and the general unconcern. At a family resort, I don't know why this is even on the TV system!
I have put this issue on my customer survey completed on the plane home - so will wait and see if any official apology comes from First Choice or weather the scores are simply input to come up with the 'league tables' (which was rammed down your throat a bit by Stuart and Nat, the entertainers, when they didn't need to. We were told to make sure we tick 'excellent' time and time again, as they were second to Cyprus but "gaining fast". Nat even told us she enjoyed working the exotic holidays, and didn't fancy being a redcoast in Bognor!!).
To close on a positive, the one rep, Jen Talbot (sure that was her second name). I've been on about 25 holidays, and she is by far and away, the most good natured, friendly, patient and extremly multi-talented rep I have ever seen. I hope sincerely she goes on to bigger and better things, she was wonderful totally. My boys wanted to write a letter on departure to her but I told them to put all the reps names - I think they might have been having their first crush - and to be honest, I think their dad might have one too!!!!
Good luck in the future Jen (if you ever read this) - I hope my comments on the survey are passed to you somehow and the company realise what a gem they have in their ranks!
To other holidaymakers wishing to go to this resort, there will always be good and bad comments about all resorts - holidays are what you make it, and this is as good a place to have a fun-filled time, or a relaxing holiday, the choice is yours!!!
My only complaint was the TV. I awoke on the second morning to find my boys watching hardcore porn on the TV - which they found by going through the small number of pre-set channels. I was disgusted and when I reported it to Babs the rep, I was not overly impressed by the laughter and the general unconcern. At a family resort, I don't know why this is even on the TV system!
I have put this issue on my customer survey completed on the plane home - so will wait and see if any official apology comes from First Choice or weather the scores are simply input to come up with the 'league tables' (which was rammed down your throat a bit by Stuart and Nat, the entertainers, when they didn't need to. We were told to make sure we tick 'excellent' time and time again, as they were second to Cyprus but "gaining fast". Nat even told us she enjoyed working the exotic holidays, and didn't fancy being a redcoast in Bognor!!).
To close on a positive, the one rep, Jen Talbot (sure that was her second name). I've been on about 25 holidays, and she is by far and away, the most good natured, friendly, patient and extremly multi-talented rep I have ever seen. I hope sincerely she goes on to bigger and better things, she was wonderful totally. My boys wanted to write a letter on departure to her but I told them to put all the reps names - I think they might have been having their first crush - and to be honest, I think their dad might have one too!!!!
Good luck in the future Jen (if you ever read this) - I hope my comments on the survey are passed to you somehow and the company realise what a gem they have in their ranks!
To other holidaymakers wishing to go to this resort, there will always be good and bad comments about all resorts - holidays are what you make it, and this is as good a place to have a fun-filled time, or a relaxing holiday, the choice is yours!!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Me and my fiance stayed here last... "
Submitted By: Miss D Ashbridge
Me and my fiance stayed here last August. We booked the holiday a week before we flew and got quite a good deal. We arrived at the hotel in the middle of the day and when we arrived at the hotel were surprised by the reception area (it was gorgeous)! Checked in and went straight to the room and were completely shocked... the room was absolutely gorgeous! I am a bit of a snob when it comes to hotels but this was lovely. We had a corner room so think it was larger than most, it was very clean and modern and we even had a jacquzzi in the bathroom! Beware though as there was another hotel attached to ours via a bridge and it was nowhere near as nice so just make sure you are in Ocean Palace when you book.
Trying to get a sunbed every morning was an absolute joke! If you got to the pool late morning you had no chance so we started setting our alarm so we could get one. The sunbeds were chained up every night and some guy came and took the chain off them about 8:30am by which time there was a queue. People were actually arguing over them! I've never been to a hotel where you had to practically fight for a sunbed.
The food was disgusting and the drinks weren't up to much either to be honest. We ate there 2 nights and I wouldn't go back. People also kept saying there partner/child, etc had been ill with the food. Although I'm not entirely sure if this was true as I didn't see it first hand. The entertainment was rubbish (although kids may find it better) and if you didn't get there early enough and get a good table, then you could barely see what was going on due to the layout of the room. The hotel is also on the very outskirts of the resort and there isn't much nearby apart from the market. It cost us 10euro to get to the pubs!
Anyway to summarise, the apartment was gorgeous but personally I wouldn't pay the extra to go all inclusive.
Trying to get a sunbed every morning was an absolute joke! If you got to the pool late morning you had no chance so we started setting our alarm so we could get one. The sunbeds were chained up every night and some guy came and took the chain off them about 8:30am by which time there was a queue. People were actually arguing over them! I've never been to a hotel where you had to practically fight for a sunbed.
The food was disgusting and the drinks weren't up to much either to be honest. We ate there 2 nights and I wouldn't go back. People also kept saying there partner/child, etc had been ill with the food. Although I'm not entirely sure if this was true as I didn't see it first hand. The entertainment was rubbish (although kids may find it better) and if you didn't get there early enough and get a good table, then you could barely see what was going on due to the layout of the room. The hotel is also on the very outskirts of the resort and there isn't much nearby apart from the market. It cost us 10euro to get to the pubs!
Anyway to summarise, the apartment was gorgeous but personally I wouldn't pay the extra to go all inclusive.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Just returned from 2 weeks all... "
Submitted By: Mr S Gill
Just returned from 2 weeks all inclusive in the Ocean palace. Party was 3 adults and a 3 year old and a 1 year old.
We were roomed in the annexe part of complex, see brochure small print (3* standard) and it is very basic. Brochure says that there is Air con in bedrooms, there isn't. After a sleepless first night we had to hire a fan from reception at 40 euros for the 2 weeks to be able to sleep. The A/C in the living area was pretty useless also. Room fan only works with main light on so take out bulbs in living area!! The room itself was very basic, but ok. Bath clean, shower, hairdryer, fridge, microwave etc all worked. TV is 2 euro's per day if you want it. Had no complaints abouts the maids, they changed sheets and towels as we wanted. Just leave them in the bath. Apart from 3 cockroaches during stay and the A/C, okay.
Entertainment - The rep's are non stop and really keep the kids entertained all day. The kids disco 2015-2100 is a bit repetitive but the kids loved it. Kids Clubs are great and our son really liked them, but as everything they book up early (1800 every night for next day only 24 places per session and some kids are on every list. They either really liked it or their parents didn't want them!!) Evening bingo and quiz are quite competitive (125 euro win for bingo). The main entertainment is reasonable, but has a weekly changeover, so get prepared if on 2 week holiday for a bit of repetitivness. The bar closing at 2330 is a bit of a bummer, but you can take a few drinks back to your balcony and carry on, we did and its a lot cooler. Be prepared to queue to get a decent seat in non A/C entertainment room though, people start at 1900 and opens at 1930. Not much for the teens to do at night, which is a shame because it meant that they get very bored and make their own entertainment around the complex, usually very loudly and sometimes destructive!! I am not a snob, but where are the parents!!
Food - Generally we found the food pretty good. I agree about not enough seating, a bit of recycling of previous meals and drinks machines not always working, but overall ok. Breakfast is definitely the best meal, just a pity it didn't start til 0830. When your kids are up at 0630, that's a long 2 hours!!!! Lunch at the main pool is better than the annexe, more choice and quicker service. Most of the time it was quicker to walk to the main pool from the annexe rather than queue up. (Only one person at annexe side) Carvery and Italian can be booked once a week, but don't be late they book up very quickly. Italian very basic and carvery very nice.
Pools - Main pool, can't put towels out til 0900, so a stampede will occur from all people waiting from 0830 with towels. Very slippy around pool and a danger to all if not careful. All entertainment is at main pool so can get annoying. Annexe pool, lot more laid back, we put towels out at 0800 and there were no problems at all. Very quiet and we spent most of time there.
Trips - Aqualand, very good day, kids loved it. Booked through reps and got free bus just down road, went at 0945 and returned at 1600. Kids under 4 go free. All rides are worked out on height not age, if child is under 1.2 m then must have arm bands on. Sunbeds 3 euros each but get free cap with each bed, food quite expensive but took lunch boxes from hotel (get ham and cheese from dining room day before unles you like salami sandwiches). Unless you are going on big rides don't pay for rubber rings, If you are then get it as soon as it opens at 10 or get prepared for a big queue.
Loro parque - Great day out, booked through rep's, maybe 5 euro's dearer per person but got picked up at hotel at 0830 had 6 and a half hours there and left at 1630. Go straight to Sea lion show (GREAT) then straight to dolphin show (PRETTY GOOD) then straight to Whale show (GREAT, got soaked!!) That will take you to lunch and then leave you 2 hours to walk around. Don't bother with Natural World show, a lot of hype but rubbish!!
Overall, we had a good 2 weeks holiday. Most of the reviews are pretty accurate, but some are petty. I have tried to give a review that i would have liked to have read prior to going.
The thing that really disappointed me was 50% of the people staying there. They pay £2000 for a holiday and want to abuse it and get £6000 worth. No need. They left litter everywhere, abused staff, abused facilities and treated the place like dirt. There is an ownership struggle going on at the minute so the hotel is nowhere near 4*, but it is not helped by some of the slobs that are staying there.
Advice -
Stick to the annexe side, away from the chav's.
Go to breakfast early to avoid queues
Get lunch from main pool side and take to annexe
Book early for Carvery and Italian
Don't bother with beach
Get as many 50 cent coins as you can, kids machines take them and they are like rocking horse *hit.
Don't bother with rep's greeting meeting, go and see Bab's at 1600 and talk 1 to 1.
Will i go again, no, but still had good time, would just like a 4* hotel when i've paid for one!!
Hope this helps
We were roomed in the annexe part of complex, see brochure small print (3* standard) and it is very basic. Brochure says that there is Air con in bedrooms, there isn't. After a sleepless first night we had to hire a fan from reception at 40 euros for the 2 weeks to be able to sleep. The A/C in the living area was pretty useless also. Room fan only works with main light on so take out bulbs in living area!! The room itself was very basic, but ok. Bath clean, shower, hairdryer, fridge, microwave etc all worked. TV is 2 euro's per day if you want it. Had no complaints abouts the maids, they changed sheets and towels as we wanted. Just leave them in the bath. Apart from 3 cockroaches during stay and the A/C, okay.
Entertainment - The rep's are non stop and really keep the kids entertained all day. The kids disco 2015-2100 is a bit repetitive but the kids loved it. Kids Clubs are great and our son really liked them, but as everything they book up early (1800 every night for next day only 24 places per session and some kids are on every list. They either really liked it or their parents didn't want them!!) Evening bingo and quiz are quite competitive (125 euro win for bingo). The main entertainment is reasonable, but has a weekly changeover, so get prepared if on 2 week holiday for a bit of repetitivness. The bar closing at 2330 is a bit of a bummer, but you can take a few drinks back to your balcony and carry on, we did and its a lot cooler. Be prepared to queue to get a decent seat in non A/C entertainment room though, people start at 1900 and opens at 1930. Not much for the teens to do at night, which is a shame because it meant that they get very bored and make their own entertainment around the complex, usually very loudly and sometimes destructive!! I am not a snob, but where are the parents!!
Food - Generally we found the food pretty good. I agree about not enough seating, a bit of recycling of previous meals and drinks machines not always working, but overall ok. Breakfast is definitely the best meal, just a pity it didn't start til 0830. When your kids are up at 0630, that's a long 2 hours!!!! Lunch at the main pool is better than the annexe, more choice and quicker service. Most of the time it was quicker to walk to the main pool from the annexe rather than queue up. (Only one person at annexe side) Carvery and Italian can be booked once a week, but don't be late they book up very quickly. Italian very basic and carvery very nice.
Pools - Main pool, can't put towels out til 0900, so a stampede will occur from all people waiting from 0830 with towels. Very slippy around pool and a danger to all if not careful. All entertainment is at main pool so can get annoying. Annexe pool, lot more laid back, we put towels out at 0800 and there were no problems at all. Very quiet and we spent most of time there.
Trips - Aqualand, very good day, kids loved it. Booked through reps and got free bus just down road, went at 0945 and returned at 1600. Kids under 4 go free. All rides are worked out on height not age, if child is under 1.2 m then must have arm bands on. Sunbeds 3 euros each but get free cap with each bed, food quite expensive but took lunch boxes from hotel (get ham and cheese from dining room day before unles you like salami sandwiches). Unless you are going on big rides don't pay for rubber rings, If you are then get it as soon as it opens at 10 or get prepared for a big queue.
Loro parque - Great day out, booked through rep's, maybe 5 euro's dearer per person but got picked up at hotel at 0830 had 6 and a half hours there and left at 1630. Go straight to Sea lion show (GREAT) then straight to dolphin show (PRETTY GOOD) then straight to Whale show (GREAT, got soaked!!) That will take you to lunch and then leave you 2 hours to walk around. Don't bother with Natural World show, a lot of hype but rubbish!!
Overall, we had a good 2 weeks holiday. Most of the reviews are pretty accurate, but some are petty. I have tried to give a review that i would have liked to have read prior to going.
The thing that really disappointed me was 50% of the people staying there. They pay £2000 for a holiday and want to abuse it and get £6000 worth. No need. They left litter everywhere, abused staff, abused facilities and treated the place like dirt. There is an ownership struggle going on at the minute so the hotel is nowhere near 4*, but it is not helped by some of the slobs that are staying there.
Advice -
Stick to the annexe side, away from the chav's.
Go to breakfast early to avoid queues
Get lunch from main pool side and take to annexe
Book early for Carvery and Italian
Don't bother with beach
Get as many 50 cent coins as you can, kids machines take them and they are like rocking horse *hit.
Don't bother with rep's greeting meeting, go and see Bab's at 1600 and talk 1 to 1.
Will i go again, no, but still had good time, would just like a 4* hotel when i've paid for one!!
Hope this helps
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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Advice: Lovely area, very clean, superb shopping and wonderful clean beaches.
Activities: Walking along the broadwalk each morning
Good for: City Breaks