Holiday Village Sun Tropical Hotel, Playa Blanca
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Picture one of the largest entertainment and pool area's on the island combined with fantastic accommodation and you are a guest at the Holiday Village. Providing great service, all your home comforts and a variety of restaurants, bars, sports and activities, the only thing you need to think about is the sunshine. loading...
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Holiday Village Sun Tropical Hotel Reviews
" Great all round holiday "
Submitted By: Hutchinsons
We have just returned from a week`s all inclusive family holiday at Sun Tropical.There is not one bad word I can say about it!The complex is spotless,cleaning staff everywhere you look -the rooms are comfy with the linen/towels changed regularly.The staff are polite and the reps really made our holiday.They work non-stop all day with the kids/family activities, which you take part in only if you want to. They are very safety conscious and so encouraging,making an effort to get to know all the kids by name.We had three meals a day in the restaurant,with different choices every day,the staff there quickly clearing tables and the food temperatures and quantity`s checked regularly.Crisps/ice cream/drinks served by the poolside bar,and in the evening drinks at the Tavern and the dome.It is a short stoll down to the prom/beach,then you catch the courtesy bus back.The beach is very safe for children-no waves just white sand and clear water-ours spent ages feeding the fishes with bread!We were so glad we went all-inclusive with the Euro not so good at the moment-it works out quite expensive with families otherwise.This complex is in an ideal location and has everything you could want for a relaxing or action packed holiday-we would recommend it-especially for young families like ours!
Advice: Great beach and a good prom to walk on
Activities:
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" holiday "
Submitted By: marknali
just returned from a two week break at sun tropical. again after reading previous reviews we were a bit sceptical,but couldnt have been happier. the apartments were spacious enough and very clesn.plenty of towels and clean bedding every day. we upgraded to all inclusive on the second day as nothing is cheap. it was well worth it. the reps were brilliant with kids even though you had to pay for all activities.pools were very clean,but cold.take no notice of negative reviews,this place is lovely and family friendly.
Advice: lovely sights and clean
Activities:
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Holiday Village Sun Tropical "
Submitted By: zacdog
Just returned from a weeks stay at the Holiday Village Sun Tropical with my husband and our son age 4 and daughter 9 months. Was quite apprehensive about going after reading some of the reviews, however don't let any of these over critical comments put you off. Was completely impressed from start to finish. The place is wonderful for families. The complex and rooms were spotless. The layout of the apartments and pools was brill, easy access to them all and because of their vast number they weren't over crowded. The back gate pass is ideal and gives you a head start to Playa Dorada Beach which roughly takes about 15 mins (with 2 children in toe!), the beach itself is beaut. We decided to go Self Catering however after sampling a few evening meals, and the price of food and drink out and about, we decided to opt for all inclusive for the last 2 days of our holiday. The food is gorgeous and plentyful, lots of choice for adults and kids, our only regret is that we didn't go all inclusive from the start, would have saved us a fortune. Fab place, we've all really enjoyed ourselves and was gutted to come home. Hopefully going to book again for October.
Advice: Picturesque, gorgeous beach, lots of lovely restaurants and bars.
Activities: Sunday lunch at Mollies, well worth a visit!
Good for: Beach
3 out of
3 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Great for Kids "
Submitted By: muscrat
Just returned after a week in Sun Tropical. Like probabley many before a bit nervous as the reviews were mixed. As a couple in our late forties, we were pleasantly surprised. Yes, the village is geared around children, but going outside the school holidays we had a relaxing week! The food was reasonable, better than some we,ve had & there was a good choice.
The apartment was large and had everything you needed. The only fault-the hairdryer was in a state of disrepair and although we reported it straight away, nothing was done whilst we were there.
Staff were very friendly, we stayed away from The Dome and went to The village Tavern most nights. Barmaid Sandy was great.
All in all a great holiday, the weather and resort was fantastic and yes we would go again.
If you have children would recommend this as they never seemed to be bored. An enthusiastic entertainment staff who work 12 hour days never seemed to tire - oh for some of their energy.
The apartment was large and had everything you needed. The only fault-the hairdryer was in a state of disrepair and although we reported it straight away, nothing was done whilst we were there.
Staff were very friendly, we stayed away from The Dome and went to The village Tavern most nights. Barmaid Sandy was great.
All in all a great holiday, the weather and resort was fantastic and yes we would go again.
If you have children would recommend this as they never seemed to be bored. An enthusiastic entertainment staff who work 12 hour days never seemed to tire - oh for some of their energy.
Advice: Beach was lovely, great walks
Activities:
Good for: Beach
2 out of
2 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" can't fault it!!!! "
Submitted By: burndengirl
Just got back from a fantastic holiday at the holiday village. Please ignore any negative reviews i dont know how anyone could find fault. The rooms were great food superb staff amazing and even the weather was fantastic. My husband and I along with our 7yr old daughter had a great 2 weeks. We have been to other holiday villages and this is just as good. The entertainment team are the best I've ever seen full of energy and fun 24/7, thanks Jo,Adam,Jax,Melanie,Lewis and Ricky. You all deserve big pay rises for the job that you do, and i am still singing chocolate`.
The resort is great and there is a free bus to a gorgeous beech on the hour from the hotel. we hired a car and toured the island only cost us 66 euro's for three days.
So book with confidence you wont regret it we will definitely be going back!!!
Dianne (beetroot face!!),Simon and Jessica
The resort is great and there is a free bus to a gorgeous beech on the hour from the hotel. we hired a car and toured the island only cost us 66 euro's for three days.
So book with confidence you wont regret it we will definitely be going back!!!
Dianne (beetroot face!!),Simon and Jessica
Advice: lovely
Activities: el golfo was lovely and rancho texas night a must
Good for: Beach
3 out of
3 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Excellent Holiday "
Submitted By: flossy147
Myself, my partner and our 4 year old daughter had a great time at Lanzarote Holiday Village.
Food excellent, excellent service.
Apartments clean, you can pay 3 euros a day to have all satelite channels.
We all enjoyed the entertainment, they do work hard.
Would recommend and go back again
Food excellent, excellent service.
Apartments clean, you can pay 3 euros a day to have all satelite channels.
We all enjoyed the entertainment, they do work hard.
Would recommend and go back again
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Not 4 star as advertised! "
Submitted By: cazzawestmids
First of all be warned this is not 4 star as First Choice lead you to believe in their brochure. Even the rep admitted it was officially 3 star. This really annoyed us and we could tell within minutes of arriving that this was the case.
Don't go if you are vegetarian. The food was boring but vegetarians had no choice at all. We complained a number of times but the Restaurant Manager was awful and didn't care less. If the hotel got a new Restaurant Manager maybe things would improve.
Overall though for what we paid it wasn't too bad. I suppose the old saying of you get what you pay for is true. Compared to the other Holiday Villages we have been to in Cyprus and Majorca this didn't compare but then again it was much cheaper.
Hotel was very clean with some very friendly staff. Kids clubs were great and especially new recruit Beau who was excellent. Rooms were basic but ok and beds were uncomfortable.
Resort of Playa Blanca and the nearby Marina Rubicon areas were lovely and made our holiday.
Weather was mixed being 28 degrees one day and 20 with a cold wind the next. Never ventured into the pools as they were all so cold. It definitely wasn't pool type weather.
If you have the money try the other Holiday Villages first!
Don't go if you are vegetarian. The food was boring but vegetarians had no choice at all. We complained a number of times but the Restaurant Manager was awful and didn't care less. If the hotel got a new Restaurant Manager maybe things would improve.
Overall though for what we paid it wasn't too bad. I suppose the old saying of you get what you pay for is true. Compared to the other Holiday Villages we have been to in Cyprus and Majorca this didn't compare but then again it was much cheaper.
Hotel was very clean with some very friendly staff. Kids clubs were great and especially new recruit Beau who was excellent. Rooms were basic but ok and beds were uncomfortable.
Resort of Playa Blanca and the nearby Marina Rubicon areas were lovely and made our holiday.
Weather was mixed being 28 degrees one day and 20 with a cold wind the next. Never ventured into the pools as they were all so cold. It definitely wasn't pool type weather.
If you have the money try the other Holiday Villages first!
Advice: Pretty resort with lots to see and do
Activities: Cafe del Moar in the Marina Rubicon area
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Great family holiday "
Submitted By: Lrider
Holiday was easy from start to finish.
Rooms available on time, no hassel at reception, clean large rooms. As we had asked to be next to other family members it was a bonus to have an ajoining rooms. Very secure apartments.
Pools not heated apart from one, although blame Thomson for this as did ask at the time of booking if any were heated, did not relalise the only one would be a paddling pool!
All food to a high quality something different every evening and lunch. Never found a problem finding a highchair. Spanish restaurant a disappointment as not much choice and did not feel typically Spanish?!?!
All staff helpful and served with a smile, even let on when off duty.
Having never had kids clubs available on previous holidays was dubious, but they were secure, educational and above all the kids had fun. One of my memories of this holiday will be all the childrens singing a chant a the tops of their voices whilst marching around the pool in their bunny hats, faces painted and holding hands.
Entertainment staff were brilliant at all times never without a smile whether on duty or not, even if children were not in kids clubs they came out around the pool to entertain whilst us parents observed from our sun loungers!! They derserve a medal for their patience.
An easy holiday if you have children, in a very clean relaxed environment.Will book again.
Rooms available on time, no hassel at reception, clean large rooms. As we had asked to be next to other family members it was a bonus to have an ajoining rooms. Very secure apartments.
Pools not heated apart from one, although blame Thomson for this as did ask at the time of booking if any were heated, did not relalise the only one would be a paddling pool!
All food to a high quality something different every evening and lunch. Never found a problem finding a highchair. Spanish restaurant a disappointment as not much choice and did not feel typically Spanish?!?!
All staff helpful and served with a smile, even let on when off duty.
Having never had kids clubs available on previous holidays was dubious, but they were secure, educational and above all the kids had fun. One of my memories of this holiday will be all the childrens singing a chant a the tops of their voices whilst marching around the pool in their bunny hats, faces painted and holding hands.
Entertainment staff were brilliant at all times never without a smile whether on duty or not, even if children were not in kids clubs they came out around the pool to entertain whilst us parents observed from our sun loungers!! They derserve a medal for their patience.
An easy holiday if you have children, in a very clean relaxed environment.Will book again.
Advice: Lovely beach
Activities: Did not have to leave complex
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" A game of 2 halves "
Submitted By: helen27
Was a bit concerned before we went after reading a few of the reviews on here. Went last week in March for 2 weeks - a party of 8 including 3 pensioners, 3 adults, 4 year old and 2 year old. On arrival at 3pm only 2 of our 3 apartments ready and had to wait until 5pm for other to be cleaned. On arrival reception a bit disorganised.
Apartments not 4 star, but clean enough. Pools cold but clean and plenty of them. Buffet restaurant a disapointment - not much choice, but always something. Did get a bit repetative, but it often does. Most restaurant staff really helpful and pleasant - a couple of grumpy ones. Main criticism is not enough high chairs - only 9 in whole restaurant and often had to wait for one to become available. Italian restaurant ok - had 2 good meals in there. Spanish grill a bit rubbish - not helped by the grumpiest member of staff being on duty for our 2nd visit.
Our 4 year old loved kids club (as she did last year at the Holiday Village in Majorca).
As far as evening entertainment we only stayed for the Ministry of Fun (kids disco). Entertainment team worked really hard and were brilliant.
In comparison to the Holiday Village in Majorca we were a bit disappointed, but overall we had a good holiday and the all inclusive was definetely good value for money.
Apartments not 4 star, but clean enough. Pools cold but clean and plenty of them. Buffet restaurant a disapointment - not much choice, but always something. Did get a bit repetative, but it often does. Most restaurant staff really helpful and pleasant - a couple of grumpy ones. Main criticism is not enough high chairs - only 9 in whole restaurant and often had to wait for one to become available. Italian restaurant ok - had 2 good meals in there. Spanish grill a bit rubbish - not helped by the grumpiest member of staff being on duty for our 2nd visit.
Our 4 year old loved kids club (as she did last year at the Holiday Village in Majorca).
As far as evening entertainment we only stayed for the Ministry of Fun (kids disco). Entertainment team worked really hard and were brilliant.
In comparison to the Holiday Village in Majorca we were a bit disappointed, but overall we had a good holiday and the all inclusive was definetely good value for money.
Advice: Nice beach
Activities: Didn
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" BRILLIANT "
Submitted By: jane25
just come back from the sun tropical and it was brilliant!!!! The food was excellent lots to choose from and different every night pretty much - the staff are very friendly too, aprtment was clean and very big - maid service was excellent. The reps done a fantastic job in the evenings and round the pool - very professional. kids loved it!! everything you need from a family holiday - best for people with younger children though esp in the evening!! take the bad reviews with a pinch of salt. (not really sure what other people are expecting - 6*!!!) Their were plenty of people at the hotel who said it was excellent all different ages, families, couples etc. We didnt hear anyone fault the place. We will def go back sometime. It is situated 20mins from playa blanca (1.5 km)- which is what first choice state (some people seem to not notice this) but there is so much going on at the hotel that you wont be bored. there is a free bus which takes you into playa blanca too.
reading to bad reviews its like nit picking on petty things according to peoples personal opinions- this isnt the same for everyone especially not us!!!!!!
have a great holiday!!!!!!
reading to bad reviews its like nit picking on petty things according to peoples personal opinions- this isnt the same for everyone especially not us!!!!!!
have a great holiday!!!!!!
Advice: YES
Activities:
Good for: Beach
2 out of
2 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The Best Ever Trust Me !!!!!!!! "
Submitted By: kezza1991
All the people that are giving bad comments are jusy stupid because this place is just fantastic. i went with craven college with all my Mates for work experiance and its was just the BEST EVER all of the entertainment team were just fantastic and treat us like part of there team, there were the best entertainment team i have ever seen :D the accommodation was good, you had all the facilities u need and all of the representatives were great always there to help you out, the swimming pools were great and the entertainment team at the dome really no how to make your night great. and playa blanca was a great place to see, and as for rancho texas well what can i say the best night out ever.
over all we all had a fantastic time when we were there
Kerry X, Charlotte X, Ema X, Katie X, Hayley X, Chris X, Danny x, Ali X, Leannah X
over all we all had a fantastic time when we were there
Kerry X, Charlotte X, Ema X, Katie X, Hayley X, Chris X, Danny x, Ali X, Leannah X
Advice: You really Need to go :D
Activities: Rancho Texas
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Take no notice of other reviews "
Submitted By: hendo1972
I would just like to say I can't believe all the bad reviews with regards to the Sun Tropical resort in Playa Blanca Lanzarote. Our family of 4, 2 adults and 2 children aged 8 and 4 have just returned back from this resort and I feel the need to write this asap as I read many reviews before we went and can't believe what we experienced.
For one our room was very clean and cleaned most days 5 out of 7. The room was equipped with fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle and all this with our all inclusive package. Yes the complex is a distance from the beach and town but a free coach is provided on the hour every hour throughout the day and this takes no more than 3 minutes to arrive at beach. The complex has many pools and are all great for adults and kids alike with more than enough sunbeds for everyone.
The First choice reps and the In2action guys were absolutely fantastic with something always going on for the kids throughout the day and into the evening with my kids feeling right at home with all of the guys. This is the first time we have ever left our children whilst on a holiday in a kids club but they enjoyed it so much we couldn't get them out. With their free t-shirt and sun hat this was the best place for them whilst the sun was at its hottest at 30 degrees.
The food was normal for an all inclusive/half board restaurant with the correct foods been hot and cold. The beer,wines and spirits included were great along with the kids drinks and ice-creams.
All people we spoke to who were there on holiday also agreed on how good value this resort was for the money...
You have to remember that 4 stars in these countries is more like 3 stars in the UK so as long as you this into account you will have a great time.
Believe me we have 2 foreign holidays a year and this was by far the best we had had with our children since taking them away, in fact I think we will be booking to go there again later in the year as soon as possible.
For one our room was very clean and cleaned most days 5 out of 7. The room was equipped with fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle and all this with our all inclusive package. Yes the complex is a distance from the beach and town but a free coach is provided on the hour every hour throughout the day and this takes no more than 3 minutes to arrive at beach. The complex has many pools and are all great for adults and kids alike with more than enough sunbeds for everyone.
The First choice reps and the In2action guys were absolutely fantastic with something always going on for the kids throughout the day and into the evening with my kids feeling right at home with all of the guys. This is the first time we have ever left our children whilst on a holiday in a kids club but they enjoyed it so much we couldn't get them out. With their free t-shirt and sun hat this was the best place for them whilst the sun was at its hottest at 30 degrees.
The food was normal for an all inclusive/half board restaurant with the correct foods been hot and cold. The beer,wines and spirits included were great along with the kids drinks and ice-creams.
All people we spoke to who were there on holiday also agreed on how good value this resort was for the money...
You have to remember that 4 stars in these countries is more like 3 stars in the UK so as long as you this into account you will have a great time.
Believe me we have 2 foreign holidays a year and this was by far the best we had had with our children since taking them away, in fact I think we will be booking to go there again later in the year as soon as possible.
Advice: quiet little harbour town
Activities:
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" you would need to hire a car "
Submitted By: stefph
hotel was lovely and clean, food in resaurant nice but allfull in snack bar.
staff very friendly.
the only heated swimming pool was the size of a bath tub.
no shops close bye and its a long way to the beach.
the kids two boys of 4 and 6 found the kids clubs boring.
evening shows were good but very late.
lanzaroti as a hole lives up to its name (lanza grotti).
if we hadnt of met up with friends this holiday would of been crap.
staff very friendly.
the only heated swimming pool was the size of a bath tub.
no shops close bye and its a long way to the beach.
the kids two boys of 4 and 6 found the kids clubs boring.
evening shows were good but very late.
lanzaroti as a hole lives up to its name (lanza grotti).
if we hadnt of met up with friends this holiday would of been crap.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Would never return, disappointing "
Submitted By: sarahelizabeththomas
We have just returned from a week all inclusive at the Sun Tropical and we were extremely disappointed to say the least! There were four of us in our party, myself, my husband, my son Jack who is 5 and my daughter Olivia who has just turned 3. Having been all inclusive several times before and having seen in the brochure that the Sun Tropical was a "4 star hotel" we were expecting the hotel to be nice and food to be lovely, we were very much mistaken!
The food was absolutely dreadful! Having stayed on an all inclusive basis 5 times in the past (the last time being August 2008 for 2 weeks in the Holiday Village in Portugal with First Choice, which was wonderful) this was by far the worst food we have even had! There was no choice or selection and the food was cold on occasions! One morning the lady in front of me in the breakfast line complained and asked for the fried eggs to be taken back to the kitchen as they were not cooked! Every night we were given the same cheesecake with no other selections available apart from ice-cream and every night the cheesecake was still frozen in the middle. The salad on the salad bar was never fresh and for your evening meal you only got a choice of 3 things every night. It was worse than school dinners! I know for a fact that several guests complained about this.
With regards to our room, this was very basic and was definitely not up to 4 star standards. We had broken light bulbs in the bathroom and living room and the apartment was in much need of refurbishment. The worst thing about our room was the fact that the cleaner failed to clean it 2 days in a row, despite us putting the "please clean sign" on the door. We were absolutely disgusted with this, especially as we have 2 small children and I was heavily pregnant during the holiday. We phoned Reception twice to complain and then went the Rep to complain only to be told that "they were having an extremely busy time as 200 new guests had just arrived". This simply was not good enough. We were given clean towels for that evening but our room was not cleaned. This has never happened to us whilst on holiday before and myself and my husband were appalled with this service.
One of the reasons we booked this hotel was because we stayed in the holiday village in Portugal for 2 weeks in the summer and had a fantastic time. The Children especially loved the kids clubs in Portugal. However, we were very disappointed with the kids clubs in the Sun Tropical. The Kids Club day staff were grumpy and could not be bothered to be there. They had run out of bags, t-shirts, hats and cups for the "little Stars" age group which my 5 year old sun found extremely disappointing, especially as the 8 year old group had their bags etc. We asked about this twice and the Kids Club staff said they needed to order more! My children did not enjoy the club and in fact only went a couple of times during the holiday as they did not want to go. Whilst we stayed at the holiday village in Portugal my son asked to go the kid’s club everyday!
I could go on and on complaining about this hotel but I will focus on some of the few positive points. The hotel facilities i.e. pools, parks etc were fab. The hotel is very near to a fantastic beach, which my children loved. Every evening we took the children down to the entertainment dome which they loved. The children's entertainment was very good every evening and the staff were fantastic, especially Melanie who my daughter loved. On site the Pizza restaurant and Spanish restaurant (which you are allowed to use once each per week whilst all inclusive were fantastic, the food was excellent and the staff were lovely, warm and friendly (unlike the staff in the main all inclusive restaurant, who were grumpy and on occasions rude). Playa Blanca itself is a lovely resort, very pretty, clean, lots to see and do with a fantastic beach which is very safe for little ones.
On a side note, the 2 families staying in the rooms either side of us were both on their third visits back to the hotel as in previous years they had loved it. However, both families told us that they would not be returning again and that they felt "the hotel had gone down hill" and was not up to the same high standards as previous years. Both families were extremely disappointed.
On the whole we had a lovely holiday, but we spent the majority of our time down the beach away from the hotel and eat out quite a few times to get away from the terrible food. I would never recommend this holiday to anyone and would recommend that you think twice before booking! Having stayed in the holiday village in Portugal during August for 2 weeks the differences between the 2 hotels is remarkable. The Sun Tropical is by no way to a 4 star standard hotel. Extremely disappointing - we will be writing to First Choice to complain!
The food was absolutely dreadful! Having stayed on an all inclusive basis 5 times in the past (the last time being August 2008 for 2 weeks in the Holiday Village in Portugal with First Choice, which was wonderful) this was by far the worst food we have even had! There was no choice or selection and the food was cold on occasions! One morning the lady in front of me in the breakfast line complained and asked for the fried eggs to be taken back to the kitchen as they were not cooked! Every night we were given the same cheesecake with no other selections available apart from ice-cream and every night the cheesecake was still frozen in the middle. The salad on the salad bar was never fresh and for your evening meal you only got a choice of 3 things every night. It was worse than school dinners! I know for a fact that several guests complained about this.
With regards to our room, this was very basic and was definitely not up to 4 star standards. We had broken light bulbs in the bathroom and living room and the apartment was in much need of refurbishment. The worst thing about our room was the fact that the cleaner failed to clean it 2 days in a row, despite us putting the "please clean sign" on the door. We were absolutely disgusted with this, especially as we have 2 small children and I was heavily pregnant during the holiday. We phoned Reception twice to complain and then went the Rep to complain only to be told that "they were having an extremely busy time as 200 new guests had just arrived". This simply was not good enough. We were given clean towels for that evening but our room was not cleaned. This has never happened to us whilst on holiday before and myself and my husband were appalled with this service.
One of the reasons we booked this hotel was because we stayed in the holiday village in Portugal for 2 weeks in the summer and had a fantastic time. The Children especially loved the kids clubs in Portugal. However, we were very disappointed with the kids clubs in the Sun Tropical. The Kids Club day staff were grumpy and could not be bothered to be there. They had run out of bags, t-shirts, hats and cups for the "little Stars" age group which my 5 year old sun found extremely disappointing, especially as the 8 year old group had their bags etc. We asked about this twice and the Kids Club staff said they needed to order more! My children did not enjoy the club and in fact only went a couple of times during the holiday as they did not want to go. Whilst we stayed at the holiday village in Portugal my son asked to go the kid’s club everyday!
I could go on and on complaining about this hotel but I will focus on some of the few positive points. The hotel facilities i.e. pools, parks etc were fab. The hotel is very near to a fantastic beach, which my children loved. Every evening we took the children down to the entertainment dome which they loved. The children's entertainment was very good every evening and the staff were fantastic, especially Melanie who my daughter loved. On site the Pizza restaurant and Spanish restaurant (which you are allowed to use once each per week whilst all inclusive were fantastic, the food was excellent and the staff were lovely, warm and friendly (unlike the staff in the main all inclusive restaurant, who were grumpy and on occasions rude). Playa Blanca itself is a lovely resort, very pretty, clean, lots to see and do with a fantastic beach which is very safe for little ones.
On a side note, the 2 families staying in the rooms either side of us were both on their third visits back to the hotel as in previous years they had loved it. However, both families told us that they would not be returning again and that they felt "the hotel had gone down hill" and was not up to the same high standards as previous years. Both families were extremely disappointed.
On the whole we had a lovely holiday, but we spent the majority of our time down the beach away from the hotel and eat out quite a few times to get away from the terrible food. I would never recommend this holiday to anyone and would recommend that you think twice before booking! Having stayed in the holiday village in Portugal during August for 2 weeks the differences between the 2 hotels is remarkable. The Sun Tropical is by no way to a 4 star standard hotel. Extremely disappointing - we will be writing to First Choice to complain!
Advice: Playa Blanca is lovely, family friendly resort with a beautiful beach.
Activities: The volcano park was a really good day trip, definately worth a visit!
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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Negatives (self catering only)
- Very expensive to shop at the holiday village mini supermarket.
- Very expensive for drinks at the bars. 7 euros for 2 pints of local larger.
- £25 to use the apartment security safe (absolute rip off)
- Kids are aloud to run riot at the dome (stage for entertainments team at night) knocking over our drinks on 2 occasions.
Positives:
- Free snacks for kids (even self catering)
- Very clean and maintained complex and apartment.
- Excellent entertainments team (for kids only!)
- Bar staff and maids very polite.
- Big pool and very scenic surroundings.
- Beach 10 mins walk
Advice: Great area and sea and mountain views
Activities: Marina Rubicon