Spring Hotel Bitacora, Playa De Las Americas, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £110
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Bitacora Hotel is situated just outside Playa de las Americas and is surrounded by a large sub tropical garden. Facilities at the hotel include two outdoor swimming pools with a water chute. Guest rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, television, direct dial telephone and mini bar. The hotel offers guests the perfect atmosphere to relax in. loading...
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Spring Hotel Bitacora Reviews
" Just returned from a 2 week holiday... "
Submitted By: Mr RA Armstrong
Just returned from a 2 week holiday in Hotel Bitacora. This is the first time my wife, 5 year old boy and i have went to a hotel on half board basis as we had a bad experience some years ago staying half board in another resort.
First impressions last and this really does.The rooms are super and i don't think you can ask for much more - there was space,cleanliness all you need for the amount of time you spend in your room.
The Restaurant - well what more do you want? No-one staying here could never say there was nothing for them to eat.The food was great, we have a 5 year old boy and even he had something different every night.
The staff are so helpful and friendly, from the waiters to the maids who clean your rooms.
The pools are very big and suitable for all ages the way they are laid out, the life guard who looks after the slide always seems to be aware of what is going on around him.
We came home and we all agreed that this is the best holiday we have ever had, and i can honestly say that the hotel was the main reason - even our 5 year old boy who has been to Alcudia the last 3 years with us said"this is the best holiday ever".
I would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone - couples or families you will have a great time.
First impressions last and this really does.The rooms are super and i don't think you can ask for much more - there was space,cleanliness all you need for the amount of time you spend in your room.
The Restaurant - well what more do you want? No-one staying here could never say there was nothing for them to eat.The food was great, we have a 5 year old boy and even he had something different every night.
The staff are so helpful and friendly, from the waiters to the maids who clean your rooms.
The pools are very big and suitable for all ages the way they are laid out, the life guard who looks after the slide always seems to be aware of what is going on around him.
We came home and we all agreed that this is the best holiday we have ever had, and i can honestly say that the hotel was the main reason - even our 5 year old boy who has been to Alcudia the last 3 years with us said"this is the best holiday ever".
I would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone - couples or families you will have a great time.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We spent two weeks at the hotel... "
Submitted By: Ms T Hill
We spent two weeks at the hotel Bitacora from 25th July. We had a fantastic holiday and loved the hotel. Everywhere very clean, staff very helpful and friendly, and food excellent. The hotel is in a great location very central and in a really nice area.
I must dis-agree with the previous reviewer who must have been there at the same time as us. This isn't a quiet hotel, but we certainly never experienced larger louts or unruly children. We have a 10yr old son and from what we saw most of the children were well behaved, there were a lot of children in the hotel but we never saw or experienced any problems. There were a few kids running in and out and playing just after the show had finished on some evenings, but nothing that you wouldn't get at any hotel, we have certainly seen worse behaviour in the past !
The pool area is very hectic and busy but that is to be expected during the school holidays. There were no inflatables in the main large pool, we saw the life guard telling people off for trying to take inflatables in there on several occassions, there were inflatables only in the smaller kids pool. Getting a sun bed is a pain as people reserve them early, but we find that everywhere we go, if you want to choose where you sit you have to get up early !
We would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants an enjoyable family holiday.
I must dis-agree with the previous reviewer who must have been there at the same time as us. This isn't a quiet hotel, but we certainly never experienced larger louts or unruly children. We have a 10yr old son and from what we saw most of the children were well behaved, there were a lot of children in the hotel but we never saw or experienced any problems. There were a few kids running in and out and playing just after the show had finished on some evenings, but nothing that you wouldn't get at any hotel, we have certainly seen worse behaviour in the past !
The pool area is very hectic and busy but that is to be expected during the school holidays. There were no inflatables in the main large pool, we saw the life guard telling people off for trying to take inflatables in there on several occassions, there were inflatables only in the smaller kids pool. Getting a sun bed is a pain as people reserve them early, but we find that everywhere we go, if you want to choose where you sit you have to get up early !
We would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants an enjoyable family holiday.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We had a two week stay at the... "
Submitted By: Mr R Spencer
We had a two week stay at the Bitacora from the 28th July. The hotel was immaculately clean, as were the rooms although they could do with updating. The sun bed farce was comical and provided us with entertainment every morning!! We only used the pool on return from the beach so it didn’t bother us!
The food was acceptable but in the second week became boring and not so well cooked!! Also it was all over the place getting meat from one place veg from other etc etc kid’s meals from yet somewhere else. The waiters/waitresses couldn’t wait to clear your plates as soon as you put something down they tried to take it away, finished or not!!!!
Getting back to the pool, it’s a wonder that someone has not been hurt or worse as there is a total lack of supervision! One lifeguard whose sole duty seemed to be controlling the water slide queue. Although signs forbid inflatable’s diving etc. these were in abundance causing lots of problems for young children in the pool. Also so many sun beds directly at the pool edge!
Be wary if you want a quiet hotel! As this one is definitely not! And while we were there it had its share of beer swilling idiots in football shirts and their loud/foul mouthed ignorant kids in tow some of whom took to jumping in the pool fully dressed at 11pm whilst their parents sat drinking there selves into a drunken stupor every night (and day!!)
All in all a good holiday but would not return to the Bitacora a 4* it is not! Much prefer the Siesta (opposite) which definitely is a 4* still……. Nothing ventured nothing gained!
The food was acceptable but in the second week became boring and not so well cooked!! Also it was all over the place getting meat from one place veg from other etc etc kid’s meals from yet somewhere else. The waiters/waitresses couldn’t wait to clear your plates as soon as you put something down they tried to take it away, finished or not!!!!
Getting back to the pool, it’s a wonder that someone has not been hurt or worse as there is a total lack of supervision! One lifeguard whose sole duty seemed to be controlling the water slide queue. Although signs forbid inflatable’s diving etc. these were in abundance causing lots of problems for young children in the pool. Also so many sun beds directly at the pool edge!
Be wary if you want a quiet hotel! As this one is definitely not! And while we were there it had its share of beer swilling idiots in football shirts and their loud/foul mouthed ignorant kids in tow some of whom took to jumping in the pool fully dressed at 11pm whilst their parents sat drinking there selves into a drunken stupor every night (and day!!)
All in all a good holiday but would not return to the Bitacora a 4* it is not! Much prefer the Siesta (opposite) which definitely is a 4* still……. Nothing ventured nothing gained!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" When arriving at this hotel i thought... "
Submitted By: crosby4087
When arriving at this hotel i thought it looked very nice. Walked into reception and it was very nice. Waiting to be served at reception for 10mins. There was a few familys infront. On a busy day you would think there would have more than two staff dealing with reception. But no need to complain over that. When i got into the room it was clean and tidy.
Stayed in the hotel for a week.,
The food was nice. One night coming back from pub i was walking up an corridor and there was a cockroach on the floor dead.
The weather was nice so you could sit arround the pool
The price of drinks where good. The bar inside was nice aswell.
Overall the place was very nice.
On the last day there was a big cockroach in my bathroom on my tooth brush,. So i left it and got out stright away.
Overall nice place
Stayed in the hotel for a week.,
The food was nice. One night coming back from pub i was walking up an corridor and there was a cockroach on the floor dead.
The weather was nice so you could sit arround the pool
The price of drinks where good. The bar inside was nice aswell.
Overall the place was very nice.
On the last day there was a big cockroach in my bathroom on my tooth brush,. So i left it and got out stright away.
Overall nice place
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Just returned from a fab 2 week... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Green
Just returned from a fab 2 week holiday at the Hotel Bitacora all hotel staff were very friendly and hotel very well maintained.
Rooms were very spacious and clean with a tv in every room bbc, itv and cbbc , great for the kids while your getting ready. Each room had a mini bar that you could have emptied and you could use as a fridge for 2.50 euros per day, and a safe deposit box.
Food was excellent plenty of choice, carvery, salads and childrens buffet etc, men have to wear long trousers for the evening meal however did see some men in long cropped trousers. A variety of activities going on throughout the day for the kids, ball pool, mini golf, and competitions. Also lots of activities for the adults to get involved in, pistol shooting, archery, killer pool, rifle shooting and french boules.
There are 2 large swimming pools and a water chute and getting sunbeds was not a problem.
Hotel is in a good location, lots of shops, bars and restraunts nearby, can understand why people return to this hotel year after year.
Rooms were very spacious and clean with a tv in every room bbc, itv and cbbc , great for the kids while your getting ready. Each room had a mini bar that you could have emptied and you could use as a fridge for 2.50 euros per day, and a safe deposit box.
Food was excellent plenty of choice, carvery, salads and childrens buffet etc, men have to wear long trousers for the evening meal however did see some men in long cropped trousers. A variety of activities going on throughout the day for the kids, ball pool, mini golf, and competitions. Also lots of activities for the adults to get involved in, pistol shooting, archery, killer pool, rifle shooting and french boules.
There are 2 large swimming pools and a water chute and getting sunbeds was not a problem.
Hotel is in a good location, lots of shops, bars and restraunts nearby, can understand why people return to this hotel year after year.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Accomodation : We have visited this... "
Submitted By: indy
Accomodation : We have visited this hotel 5 times in the last 3 years, this year the room had been redecorated (8th floor) view of resort and pool was superb. Room was very clean, towels changed daily.
Hotel staff : Very friendly and approachable, especially the restaurant and reception staff, they greated us as long lost friends on arrival.
Food ; QUALITY AND VARIETY WAS EXCELLENT, all aspects could not be faulted. I can say no more!!
Pool : Sunbed allocation was a negative . people reserving sunbeds from 0500 hrs from every location ( pool view rooms are recommended)
Tip : would recommend a 'spring hotel' card, all drinks from bars, restaurants, mini bar subject to 15% discount.
Overview : The hotel is excellent and provided one of the best value for money locations we have visited. Would definetely recommend to a friend.
Hotel staff : Very friendly and approachable, especially the restaurant and reception staff, they greated us as long lost friends on arrival.
Food ; QUALITY AND VARIETY WAS EXCELLENT, all aspects could not be faulted. I can say no more!!
Pool : Sunbed allocation was a negative . people reserving sunbeds from 0500 hrs from every location ( pool view rooms are recommended)
Tip : would recommend a 'spring hotel' card, all drinks from bars, restaurants, mini bar subject to 15% discount.
Overview : The hotel is excellent and provided one of the best value for money locations we have visited. Would definetely recommend to a friend.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
" We have stayed in this hotel seven or... "
Submitted By: Mr J Robertson
We have stayed in this hotel seven or eight times over the past years, i would really advised poeople to go there because the staff and management are efficient and helpful in particular the dining room staff with head waiter Arsenio most courteous and helpful. There is all plently of food with wide variety to choose from. My favourite was the grill where every night there was fresh fish and meat ( Steaks and chops etc) available
The cleanliness of the hotel is brilliant, you get your towels and sheets changed every day and the room is always spotless, the rooms are also spacious.
The Pool is a bit of a problem because there is not very much space between the sun beds but there is no problem trying to find a bed. It is ideal for children
The entertainment for the children is brillant during the day and in the evening there is always a mini disco,also there is a mini cinema for the children . Some of the evening acts are disappointing however there are plenty of cabaret bars etc within in a few minutes walk of the hotel.
The Beach is about a five to ten minute walk, i would advise you to visit the pool bar
because it is reasonable with there prices.
The cleanliness of the hotel is brilliant, you get your towels and sheets changed every day and the room is always spotless, the rooms are also spacious.
The Pool is a bit of a problem because there is not very much space between the sun beds but there is no problem trying to find a bed. It is ideal for children
The entertainment for the children is brillant during the day and in the evening there is always a mini disco,also there is a mini cinema for the children . Some of the evening acts are disappointing however there are plenty of cabaret bars etc within in a few minutes walk of the hotel.
The Beach is about a five to ten minute walk, i would advise you to visit the pool bar
because it is reasonable with there prices.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" have you got kids
do you want... "
have you got kids
do you want amazing food for adults and kids
do you want a good sheltered play ground, tennis courts, crazy golf, bouncey castle ,soft play area all together.
2 pools, poolside restraunt
evening entertainment in cocktail bar ,or childrens entertainment in another bar (dancing, games ,a disney film) non of wich is rowdy.
collecting from the airport free of charge if you book direct www.springhoteles.
only pay when you get there
god local shopping close to beach
the same staff year after year
verry glam
the 1st year we stayed my son was poorley and a chambermaid came to our room 4 times int the night with fresh bedding nothing was to much trouble
computers in the lobby
i would say the hotel is for young famillys and older couples and no body in between
if you book and go i promise you will go again next year
join the springs club 10% off everything next visit
averry nice location in agood area
i love it there even my husband and he's a farmer
do you want amazing food for adults and kids
do you want a good sheltered play ground, tennis courts, crazy golf, bouncey castle ,soft play area all together.
2 pools, poolside restraunt
evening entertainment in cocktail bar ,or childrens entertainment in another bar (dancing, games ,a disney film) non of wich is rowdy.
collecting from the airport free of charge if you book direct www.springhoteles.
only pay when you get there
god local shopping close to beach
the same staff year after year
verry glam
the 1st year we stayed my son was poorley and a chambermaid came to our room 4 times int the night with fresh bedding nothing was to much trouble
computers in the lobby
i would say the hotel is for young famillys and older couples and no body in between
if you book and go i promise you will go again next year
join the springs club 10% off everything next visit
averry nice location in agood area
i love it there even my husband and he's a farmer
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We stayed in the Bitacora as part of... "
Submitted By: Mr D England
We stayed in the Bitacora as part of a package holiday. We were very very glad indeed that we chose this hotel thanks to the other very favourable reviews of it here and on tripadvisor.com. We travelled with our two daughters (4 and 2).
The first impression of the hotel is very good indeed. There is a huge reception area, with lots of comfortable chairs around coffee tables, a large reception desk and corridors leading to rooms, lifts and the bars. The restaurant is down a flight of stairs (or a lift) from the reception area. The reception staff are multilingual, polite and efficient and do their best to sort out any problems.
The rooms are quite large, the decor is relatively old-fashioned, but the rooms were clean and well appointed. There was a good bathroom with bath/shower, toilet, sink and bidet, and the TV, quite unusually in my experience, had BBC1, and ITV1 as well as more familiar satellite stations such as CNN and BBC World, as well as many other Spanish, French, German and Dutch channels. In our room our 'double bed' was two single beds pushed together. They were very comfortable, but we needed to get more pillows from reception as they were quite thin. The beds for the children were a) the sofa converted into a bed and b) a small portable collapsible bed - both were made up into beds by the room staff. Linen was changed once during our one week stay and towels were changed whenever we wanted them changing. There was good air-conditioning.
The most irritating aspect of the room was the minibar. It was a very old (and not clean, actually) little refrigerator filled with bottles of beer, small bottles of water and lots of fizzy drinks. Given that we had small children who needed milk and that it was hot and we all needed to keep hydrated, we moved some of their bottles to one side to put milk and larger bottles of water in, but this action was met with a sharp note from the mini-bar police in the hotel saying this was not acceptable. I eventually persuaded the nice folk at reception that people with small children a) need to keep milk cold and b) don't give them coca cola and fanta fizzy orange and so I was allowed to keep milk in the fridge, but the whole minibar experience was rather an off-putting one - it was a triviality in the bigger picture, but surely a hotel of this class, accepting children staying in a room, could see that actually such people need some fridge space. In theory I could have 'hired' a fridge (basically the mini-bar police come along and empty the minibar and leave you with the fridge, but you pay for the privilege...). Also the rooms contained a safe which you could hire for 23 euros a week (though 12 euros of this is deposit).
Our room overlooked the children's play area and what looked like an overgrown and no longer used tennis club (so the view, actually, was not particularly nice, but suited us because it meant that a) we could see what was going on in the children's club before committing to going there and b) it meant we didn't have the sun beating into our room). We were in a normal room - those in a superior room get a better view apparently, and also get to use hotel towels by the swimming pool. If you're in a normal room, you don't get towels provided for the pool (though you can hire them) and can't use the ones from the bathroom. It would have been good if we'd known this beforehand, but actually a lot of the shops nearby sold perfectly good (if a little bright...) towels for 4 euros which served the purpose well. The rooms also had a small balcony. We noticed on our first day that we were above the laundry in the hotel and one of their extraction fan pipes had become disconnected and was pumping hot air towards our balcony. We told reception and they had this fixed very quickly.
We stayed at the hotel on a half-board basis and so had breakfast and dinner there. When you arrive at the hotel you’re given a special card which you show each time you go into breakfast and/or dinner. At dinner times you’re then given a piece of paper which the waiters write your drinks orders on and when you leave the dining hall you sign a receipt to say that this bill can be charged to your room… Seeing as we had children, we were always seated right at the very back, far end of the dining hall (which was huge…). The waiters were all very polite, helpful, and engaged readily with the children. All meals we had were self-service and there was an enormous choice.
For breakfasts there was the usual hot ‘English’ breakfast, cereals, breads, porridge, cakes, fruit, yoghurts, hams, cheeses etc etc and machines serving coffee and tea and juice (though the latter wasn’t real juice…). At dinner there was a griddle area where a cook fried various meats and fishes, a range of hot meals, there was always a carvery, a large salad bar, and again fruits, cakes, puddings, etc. The range and choice was truly amazing. My only slight criticism (and this was probably a reflection of the residents – mostly northern European, 90% 60 years old or over) was that there was very little obviously *Spanish* food and very little spicy or non-European food at all – so at the end of the week I was desperate for some noodles and some chilli, but I suspect I was one of very few who felt that way. It really was very very good indeed. Men have to wear long trousers for dinner, and there are no free drinks at dinner either – you pay for bottled water (because the tap water is apparently not drinkable) too, though prices were reasonable. During the meals, waiters scuttle around clearing away plates and so on.
The pool area is very nice. We were there in early December and one pool was heated to 28 degrees C and the other not and was around 21 degrees. The pool was very clean and it was lovely to swim around in. There was the usual problem trying to find a spare lounger by the pool (and it has to be said there weren’t many Germans staying at the hotel, so it wasn’t their fault…!).
The hotel had an ‘animation’ team to get people involved and doing things and this included the children’s play area which had a bouncy castle, a soft climbing frame/ball pool set-up, mini-golf, a sand pit and each day it was staffed with someone who didn’t look after, but helped out the kids playing there – our daughters enjoyed going there on some days for a half an hour and on a couple of occasions they did some colouring-in too and were presented with certificates (at the Mini-Disco for kids – more below) for their work too. The animator in the children’s area when we were there was Portuguese and lovely. It has to be said though that many of her colleagues in the animation team (particularly the men) were next to useless. Our week we had two men who were trying to encourage the adults to do things (as well as occasionally being on duty in the Minidisco for kids) and clearly they either didn’t really want to be there or had no clue what to do. Two different men had to lead an aquaerobics class in the pool on consecutive lunchtimes and neither had a clue what to do nor seemed to care that they didn’t know and the class sort of petered out after about 15 minutes.
Each evening at 8.30pm there was a minidisco for the kids which lasted about 40 minutes and this included some dancing, some competitions (e.g. musical bumps) and the presentation of the certificates and was then followed by a film for the kids. Because we had the children, we didn’t partake in any of the later entertainment for adults, but while we were there there were various tribute bands, some drag queens and so on – the usual fare.
All in all this is an excellent hotel – I’ve highlighted the very few not-so-good bits that we experienced during our stay and I think most people reading this will see that actually virtually everything was fine and the problems were minor when all things are being considered. It’s a short walk from the safari shopping centre and just a little further from the beach – very well placed, really. Once you venture too far, Playa de las Americas is a bit less plush, the timeshare touts are about, and various young men and women trying to give you discount cards for stores etc etc. Thankfully, the Bitacora was so good we didn’t feel the need to venture out too much.
The first impression of the hotel is very good indeed. There is a huge reception area, with lots of comfortable chairs around coffee tables, a large reception desk and corridors leading to rooms, lifts and the bars. The restaurant is down a flight of stairs (or a lift) from the reception area. The reception staff are multilingual, polite and efficient and do their best to sort out any problems.
The rooms are quite large, the decor is relatively old-fashioned, but the rooms were clean and well appointed. There was a good bathroom with bath/shower, toilet, sink and bidet, and the TV, quite unusually in my experience, had BBC1, and ITV1 as well as more familiar satellite stations such as CNN and BBC World, as well as many other Spanish, French, German and Dutch channels. In our room our 'double bed' was two single beds pushed together. They were very comfortable, but we needed to get more pillows from reception as they were quite thin. The beds for the children were a) the sofa converted into a bed and b) a small portable collapsible bed - both were made up into beds by the room staff. Linen was changed once during our one week stay and towels were changed whenever we wanted them changing. There was good air-conditioning.
The most irritating aspect of the room was the minibar. It was a very old (and not clean, actually) little refrigerator filled with bottles of beer, small bottles of water and lots of fizzy drinks. Given that we had small children who needed milk and that it was hot and we all needed to keep hydrated, we moved some of their bottles to one side to put milk and larger bottles of water in, but this action was met with a sharp note from the mini-bar police in the hotel saying this was not acceptable. I eventually persuaded the nice folk at reception that people with small children a) need to keep milk cold and b) don't give them coca cola and fanta fizzy orange and so I was allowed to keep milk in the fridge, but the whole minibar experience was rather an off-putting one - it was a triviality in the bigger picture, but surely a hotel of this class, accepting children staying in a room, could see that actually such people need some fridge space. In theory I could have 'hired' a fridge (basically the mini-bar police come along and empty the minibar and leave you with the fridge, but you pay for the privilege...). Also the rooms contained a safe which you could hire for 23 euros a week (though 12 euros of this is deposit).
Our room overlooked the children's play area and what looked like an overgrown and no longer used tennis club (so the view, actually, was not particularly nice, but suited us because it meant that a) we could see what was going on in the children's club before committing to going there and b) it meant we didn't have the sun beating into our room). We were in a normal room - those in a superior room get a better view apparently, and also get to use hotel towels by the swimming pool. If you're in a normal room, you don't get towels provided for the pool (though you can hire them) and can't use the ones from the bathroom. It would have been good if we'd known this beforehand, but actually a lot of the shops nearby sold perfectly good (if a little bright...) towels for 4 euros which served the purpose well. The rooms also had a small balcony. We noticed on our first day that we were above the laundry in the hotel and one of their extraction fan pipes had become disconnected and was pumping hot air towards our balcony. We told reception and they had this fixed very quickly.
We stayed at the hotel on a half-board basis and so had breakfast and dinner there. When you arrive at the hotel you’re given a special card which you show each time you go into breakfast and/or dinner. At dinner times you’re then given a piece of paper which the waiters write your drinks orders on and when you leave the dining hall you sign a receipt to say that this bill can be charged to your room… Seeing as we had children, we were always seated right at the very back, far end of the dining hall (which was huge…). The waiters were all very polite, helpful, and engaged readily with the children. All meals we had were self-service and there was an enormous choice.
For breakfasts there was the usual hot ‘English’ breakfast, cereals, breads, porridge, cakes, fruit, yoghurts, hams, cheeses etc etc and machines serving coffee and tea and juice (though the latter wasn’t real juice…). At dinner there was a griddle area where a cook fried various meats and fishes, a range of hot meals, there was always a carvery, a large salad bar, and again fruits, cakes, puddings, etc. The range and choice was truly amazing. My only slight criticism (and this was probably a reflection of the residents – mostly northern European, 90% 60 years old or over) was that there was very little obviously *Spanish* food and very little spicy or non-European food at all – so at the end of the week I was desperate for some noodles and some chilli, but I suspect I was one of very few who felt that way. It really was very very good indeed. Men have to wear long trousers for dinner, and there are no free drinks at dinner either – you pay for bottled water (because the tap water is apparently not drinkable) too, though prices were reasonable. During the meals, waiters scuttle around clearing away plates and so on.
The pool area is very nice. We were there in early December and one pool was heated to 28 degrees C and the other not and was around 21 degrees. The pool was very clean and it was lovely to swim around in. There was the usual problem trying to find a spare lounger by the pool (and it has to be said there weren’t many Germans staying at the hotel, so it wasn’t their fault…!).
The hotel had an ‘animation’ team to get people involved and doing things and this included the children’s play area which had a bouncy castle, a soft climbing frame/ball pool set-up, mini-golf, a sand pit and each day it was staffed with someone who didn’t look after, but helped out the kids playing there – our daughters enjoyed going there on some days for a half an hour and on a couple of occasions they did some colouring-in too and were presented with certificates (at the Mini-Disco for kids – more below) for their work too. The animator in the children’s area when we were there was Portuguese and lovely. It has to be said though that many of her colleagues in the animation team (particularly the men) were next to useless. Our week we had two men who were trying to encourage the adults to do things (as well as occasionally being on duty in the Minidisco for kids) and clearly they either didn’t really want to be there or had no clue what to do. Two different men had to lead an aquaerobics class in the pool on consecutive lunchtimes and neither had a clue what to do nor seemed to care that they didn’t know and the class sort of petered out after about 15 minutes.
Each evening at 8.30pm there was a minidisco for the kids which lasted about 40 minutes and this included some dancing, some competitions (e.g. musical bumps) and the presentation of the certificates and was then followed by a film for the kids. Because we had the children, we didn’t partake in any of the later entertainment for adults, but while we were there there were various tribute bands, some drag queens and so on – the usual fare.
All in all this is an excellent hotel – I’ve highlighted the very few not-so-good bits that we experienced during our stay and I think most people reading this will see that actually virtually everything was fine and the problems were minor when all things are being considered. It’s a short walk from the safari shopping centre and just a little further from the beach – very well placed, really. Once you venture too far, Playa de las Americas is a bit less plush, the timeshare touts are about, and various young men and women trying to give you discount cards for stores etc etc. Thankfully, the Bitacora was so good we didn’t feel the need to venture out too much.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Just arrived back from a very... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Smith
Just arrived back from a very pleasant week at this hotel. Lovely rooms with friendly staff.
Buffet breakfast & evening meals had plenty of good choice. Short walk to a good beach.
Some nice shops to wonder round of an evening, was not keen on Las America, but as Hotel Bitacora was on the outskirt we just walked in the opposite direction which was very nice.
Would definitely revisit this hotel.
Only one downfall there was a ruling of no sunbed saving, but by about 9.30 most beds were covered with towels!
Buffet breakfast & evening meals had plenty of good choice. Short walk to a good beach.
Some nice shops to wonder round of an evening, was not keen on Las America, but as Hotel Bitacora was on the outskirt we just walked in the opposite direction which was very nice.
Would definitely revisit this hotel.
Only one downfall there was a ruling of no sunbed saving, but by about 9.30 most beds were covered with towels!
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" I have just returned from a 2 week... "
Submitted By: Miss W Hill
I have just returned from a 2 week holiday with my Boyfriend and 4 friends after visiting the Hotel Bitacora. This is the 1st time that I have visited a Spring Hotel/Bitacora and can honestly say that I would recommend this hotel to anyone.
On arrival the Hotel Staff are really friendly and give you a warm welcome. U are handed a Spring Hotel Loyalty card on the hope that you will come back (which we definitely will). Check in is really fast and there is availability to buy a safe (€42 for the fortnight with €12 deposit being returned when you check out) and a fridge either empty or full (we chose empty which was €30 for the fortnight).
We were on the 3rd floor and recommend that you get a room overlooking the reception as there is loads of comings and goings but no noise at nigh time. The rooms are massive and you could easily have a party they are that big although there isn’t a lot of drawer space but loads of shelf space. Bathrooms are lovely also and the full room is cleaned daily with fresh towels.
The pool area is lovely although not that big recommend that if you want a bed be down for about 8ish to reserve. At lunch time the pool bar is very fast and efficient the food is lovely usual food burgers, toasties, pizza etc all arrive hot!
I personally didn’t take part in the entertainment but the animacion team are really nice and always keen to play jokes on each other!!!
The restaurant in the morning & night time is efficient also and tend to see the same staff that were at the pool bar restaurant during the day (very hard working staff). The selection of food is great both morning and night time and the grill food (night time) is cooked to perfection (you let them know how you want it cooked).
The Cafe Bar (the bar where Happy Hour is between 6pm - 7pm and the evening entertainment) is a bit slow on the service side of things but that doesn’t spoil anything. What I will say is if you like to go for a drink before dinner and haven't finished it you can’t take it into the restaurant to drink with your meal company policy apparently...
There is also a Russian Masseur who offers massages for €30 for half an hour. What I will say is if you’re after a relaxing massage he's not the guy to see. He specialises in problems like Frozen Shoulders, RSI, and sports injuries and is world renowned...
If you like to try out different pubs then you have the usual Los Angeles (brill entertainment) JAGS (Scottish pub all home cooked food and brill Scottish breakfast even with black pudding). If you walk up the side of the Hotel Vulcano there is a lit lane which takes you to a row of pubs for all cultures but don’t go into the Soul Suite it'll cost you a fortune.
Lastly the Cheeky faced Security Guard he has to get a mention. One of the friendliest Spanish Men we have met, loves a flutter on the football coupons and will always stop and have a conversation with you about the games the night before!!
Highly Recommend this hotel on every level!
On arrival the Hotel Staff are really friendly and give you a warm welcome. U are handed a Spring Hotel Loyalty card on the hope that you will come back (which we definitely will). Check in is really fast and there is availability to buy a safe (€42 for the fortnight with €12 deposit being returned when you check out) and a fridge either empty or full (we chose empty which was €30 for the fortnight).
We were on the 3rd floor and recommend that you get a room overlooking the reception as there is loads of comings and goings but no noise at nigh time. The rooms are massive and you could easily have a party they are that big although there isn’t a lot of drawer space but loads of shelf space. Bathrooms are lovely also and the full room is cleaned daily with fresh towels.
The pool area is lovely although not that big recommend that if you want a bed be down for about 8ish to reserve. At lunch time the pool bar is very fast and efficient the food is lovely usual food burgers, toasties, pizza etc all arrive hot!
I personally didn’t take part in the entertainment but the animacion team are really nice and always keen to play jokes on each other!!!
The restaurant in the morning & night time is efficient also and tend to see the same staff that were at the pool bar restaurant during the day (very hard working staff). The selection of food is great both morning and night time and the grill food (night time) is cooked to perfection (you let them know how you want it cooked).
The Cafe Bar (the bar where Happy Hour is between 6pm - 7pm and the evening entertainment) is a bit slow on the service side of things but that doesn’t spoil anything. What I will say is if you like to go for a drink before dinner and haven't finished it you can’t take it into the restaurant to drink with your meal company policy apparently...
There is also a Russian Masseur who offers massages for €30 for half an hour. What I will say is if you’re after a relaxing massage he's not the guy to see. He specialises in problems like Frozen Shoulders, RSI, and sports injuries and is world renowned...
If you like to try out different pubs then you have the usual Los Angeles (brill entertainment) JAGS (Scottish pub all home cooked food and brill Scottish breakfast even with black pudding). If you walk up the side of the Hotel Vulcano there is a lit lane which takes you to a row of pubs for all cultures but don’t go into the Soul Suite it'll cost you a fortune.
Lastly the Cheeky faced Security Guard he has to get a mention. One of the friendliest Spanish Men we have met, loves a flutter on the football coupons and will always stop and have a conversation with you about the games the night before!!
Highly Recommend this hotel on every level!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Stayed here for a week, anyone... "
Submitted By: Miss H Taylor
Stayed here for a week, anyone considering staying then please ignore the negative comments about Bitacora apts.
We found the reception helpful, safes are allocated to every room. The rooms were badly decorated but overall clean and tidy, not a cockroach in sight.
These are budget apartments and do very well. There are 3 pools and the only irritating thing is certain people up at the crack of dawn to reserve loungers!
We did have breakfast once which was 4 euro, there was a excellent selection, and the food was hot.
The hill that everyone mentions (cardiac hill) is abit of a killer but it's not that long, I managed it and I’m 6 months pregnant, it isn't nice during the hot days though, but even if you are unfit/elderly or can't be bothered to walk up the hill, taxi's are plentiful and cost 2.60 euro (bout £1.50) to take you to the apartments.
Please remember that you get what you pay for and this is very good value for money, let’s face it you don't go on holiday just to view the complex you stay in!
We found the reception helpful, safes are allocated to every room. The rooms were badly decorated but overall clean and tidy, not a cockroach in sight.
These are budget apartments and do very well. There are 3 pools and the only irritating thing is certain people up at the crack of dawn to reserve loungers!
We did have breakfast once which was 4 euro, there was a excellent selection, and the food was hot.
The hill that everyone mentions (cardiac hill) is abit of a killer but it's not that long, I managed it and I’m 6 months pregnant, it isn't nice during the hot days though, but even if you are unfit/elderly or can't be bothered to walk up the hill, taxi's are plentiful and cost 2.60 euro (bout £1.50) to take you to the apartments.
Please remember that you get what you pay for and this is very good value for money, let’s face it you don't go on holiday just to view the complex you stay in!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Sunworld
" This is out 3rd time staying at this... "
Submitted By: Mrs N Appleton
This is out 3rd time staying at this hotel. Previously It has been fabulous getting better year after year, but I was a little worried this time after reading a few people comments about the rooms looking tired.
My fears were unfounded the hotel again completely surpassed all previous visits.
The hotel was cleaned throughout the day immaculately our rooms were cleaned and immaculate; they also looked fresh and not tired at all.
To be honest having had superior rooms and basic rooms I’d stick with the cheaper basic rooms they are exactly the same size only difference being you get a pool view, use of pool towels, tiny bottle of cheep red wine and dried prunes with the superior.
It’s simply not worth it in my opinion.
The pool area was great although it could get packed and people were lying on the grass the pools were still nice and hot with them both being heated. I have to say though some people went to ridiculous extremes for reserving sunbeds one night I woke up at 4am to find outside in pitch black people were dragging sunbeds by the pool and putting towels on them!
THE FOOD THE FOOD THE FOOD!! Oh my goodness me we didn't think it could get better then it had in previous years well they did how I have no idea but they did, I don't know how they do it but they do every time.
The staff now most of the staff are friendly and happy to help bar one particular grumpy female receptionist she has absolutely no people skills at all.
TIPS: Be sure to apply for a spring hotel card you get 10% off all your drinks plus if you put it on your room you don't end paying out a fortune I huge tips every night we got 55 euro's discount and saved a fortune on no tips.
BEWARE: The only thing I have to make people beware of re this hotel unlike other hotels you can request a sea view/pool view in the hope they might upgrade you free as many places do they won't guarantee it unless you pay, but will note the request, the Bitacora simply give nothing away for free they will just charge you on top and you will get a nasty surprise at the end of the holiday, so simply don’t ask unless you are prepared to pay for the upgrade.
I would absolutely recommend this hotel it’s been consistently fantastic we are off to the H10 Conquistador in Oct 07 but will no doubt be back at the Bitacora next year.
My fears were unfounded the hotel again completely surpassed all previous visits.
The hotel was cleaned throughout the day immaculately our rooms were cleaned and immaculate; they also looked fresh and not tired at all.
To be honest having had superior rooms and basic rooms I’d stick with the cheaper basic rooms they are exactly the same size only difference being you get a pool view, use of pool towels, tiny bottle of cheep red wine and dried prunes with the superior.
It’s simply not worth it in my opinion.
The pool area was great although it could get packed and people were lying on the grass the pools were still nice and hot with them both being heated. I have to say though some people went to ridiculous extremes for reserving sunbeds one night I woke up at 4am to find outside in pitch black people were dragging sunbeds by the pool and putting towels on them!
THE FOOD THE FOOD THE FOOD!! Oh my goodness me we didn't think it could get better then it had in previous years well they did how I have no idea but they did, I don't know how they do it but they do every time.
The staff now most of the staff are friendly and happy to help bar one particular grumpy female receptionist she has absolutely no people skills at all.
TIPS: Be sure to apply for a spring hotel card you get 10% off all your drinks plus if you put it on your room you don't end paying out a fortune I huge tips every night we got 55 euro's discount and saved a fortune on no tips.
BEWARE: The only thing I have to make people beware of re this hotel unlike other hotels you can request a sea view/pool view in the hope they might upgrade you free as many places do they won't guarantee it unless you pay, but will note the request, the Bitacora simply give nothing away for free they will just charge you on top and you will get a nasty surprise at the end of the holiday, so simply don’t ask unless you are prepared to pay for the upgrade.
I would absolutely recommend this hotel it’s been consistently fantastic we are off to the H10 Conquistador in Oct 07 but will no doubt be back at the Bitacora next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" Just returned from a 2 week holiday... "
Submitted By: Mr G IRELAND
Just returned from a 2 week holiday with my mum, dad, wife and 2 young children at this hotel and could not fault it in any way.
Hotel was spotlessly clean at all times and the staff were absolutely fantastic, very friendly and nothing was ever a problem to them.
Food was amazing with plenty of choice and always hot!!
Drinks at the hotel were cheap and lunch at the pool bar was good.
Most people that we spoke to return to this hotel year after year and even sometimes three times a year. My children did not want to come home (me too!). We will certainly return to this hotel again and would recommend it to anyone.
Hotel was spotlessly clean at all times and the staff were absolutely fantastic, very friendly and nothing was ever a problem to them.
Food was amazing with plenty of choice and always hot!!
Drinks at the hotel were cheap and lunch at the pool bar was good.
Most people that we spoke to return to this hotel year after year and even sometimes three times a year. My children did not want to come home (me too!). We will certainly return to this hotel again and would recommend it to anyone.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
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Overall a wonderfully relaxing and even lazy holiday - just what we were looking for - but beware the sun is very hot from 12:30pm to 3:30pm if you lay out in it !!!
Will we return - I certainly hope so.