Holiday Village Sun Tropical Hotel, Playa Blanca, Canary Islands
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
" Don't go "
Submitted By: delillah
We have just got home from a weeks holiday at the sun tropical. If you are expecting this holiday village to be the same as the other holiday villages you will be very disappointed.
The hotel is nice a bit run down, but o.k. The food is edible, not great but its edible. The pools are o.k, all of them are very deep and we saw 2 children almost drown due to the depth of them and the fact there are no life guards at all.The sun beds are all broken and there are only a couple of parasols around each of the pool. You need to get up very early to get a sunbed and parasol, try 6.30am !!!
There are only 2 bars to get drinks from if you are AI, and you will have to queue for ages.
The bar staff are very grumpy and rude, they obviously don't like children as the lady at the pool bar would tell them to go away or ignore them completely.
Don't expect to get chicken at the chicken shack if you are AI, its one of the many things that isn't included in AI, along with TV, coffee after 10pm, crisps from certain bars, I could go on but the list is so long its boring!
Before we arrived the air con broke down due to hot weather nad it was still not working in our room when we left. We had to sleep on the lounge floor to keep cool. I don't like camping!!
The kids clubs and in2action team are fabulous, its a shame the rest of the hotel and staff let them down.
This is not a 4 star hotel and it is certainly not all inclusive as you know it. There are so many problems at this hotel I would advise you to go somewhere else if you can.
The hotel is nice a bit run down, but o.k. The food is edible, not great but its edible. The pools are o.k, all of them are very deep and we saw 2 children almost drown due to the depth of them and the fact there are no life guards at all.The sun beds are all broken and there are only a couple of parasols around each of the pool. You need to get up very early to get a sunbed and parasol, try 6.30am !!!
There are only 2 bars to get drinks from if you are AI, and you will have to queue for ages.
The bar staff are very grumpy and rude, they obviously don't like children as the lady at the pool bar would tell them to go away or ignore them completely.
Don't expect to get chicken at the chicken shack if you are AI, its one of the many things that isn't included in AI, along with TV, coffee after 10pm, crisps from certain bars, I could go on but the list is so long its boring!
Before we arrived the air con broke down due to hot weather nad it was still not working in our room when we left. We had to sleep on the lounge floor to keep cool. I don't like camping!!
The kids clubs and in2action team are fabulous, its a shame the rest of the hotel and staff let them down.
This is not a 4 star hotel and it is certainly not all inclusive as you know it. There are so many problems at this hotel I would advise you to go somewhere else if you can.
Advice: Playa Blanca is beautiful, with fab beaches.
Activities: the chinese restaurant on the sea front (not jumbos)
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Completely Genuine "
Submitted By: hlouc
In january me and my partner stayed at this resort in playa blanca, i would say it is a really nice place, and very clean! however i would not go back. The only reason being is because it is excellent for families and children but for a young couple i would not reccommend. Also pleaseeeeeeeee dont go on this holiday, if your looking at going all-inclusive, we went one nite to the italian restaurant and discovered that they were running back and forth to the spanish restaurant to get the food, so they werent actually cooking the food themselves, i ordered some carbonara pasta and it was like trying to eat a rubber balloon, im not the moaning type i found it quite funny although my meal wasnt cheap so that was the down side. All the other customers on that particular night noticed aswell that the food was not being cooked in our actual restaurant and found it hilarious. Overall me and my partner enjoyed our stay here and just ate out each night. This is a nice place to stay if your taking your family, as it is really big and has plenty of pools and facilities for you, although i would deffinately reccommend not to go all inclusive.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" relaxing,entertaining, gr8 for kids !!!! "
Submitted By: eleganteaves.com
We have just returned from 10 days at the sun tropical, we had a fantastic holiday , the accomodation is excellent, the staff friendly and the reps,kids club reps and evening entertainers well what can I say " Jo Slow, Melanie, Lewis ,Adam and Rikki, WE LOVE YOU !!! they are fantastic, we didnt want to come home and our girls loved it. We went all inclusive the buffet restaurant was gr8 but the chicken shack you could only have a toastie, burger, slice of pizza or a hot dog and you could only get this between 10am and 6pm which was a bit bad, the pool bar only gave out small pots of icecream in a yoghurt type pot for all inclusive there was no choice of icecreams or lollies and the snacks served there were only crisps, the woman who worked behind this bar was miserable and tutted and huffed when you went up to ask for anything, she also always told the children to go away if they went up on their own to get drinks/snacks. One downside to the holiday was that the pools were all 1.5m deep which for small children who cant swim is too deep, and they are freezing cold which puts you off from going into them. Playa blanca itself is a beautiful resort very quiet and picturesque, and we cant w8 to go back again next year !!!
Advice: Quiet/beautiful/picturesque.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" complainers - have you got nothing better to do with your time? "
Submitted By: superman1234
Like all other families I have to admit I had read some of the articles on here and on tripadvisor and to be honest I was very sceptical but thought what the hey ill give it a try anyway.
When we arrived I was plesantly suprised at the greeting we all got, the guys in blue and yellow shirts (in2action) were there to give us a warm welcome all singing and dancing the cho-co-lat-e if you have been to the sun trop you will know what i mean.
My children were very impressed when bob the builder even turned up to say hello.
Check in was quick and easy with no problems at all.
When we got to our room, yeah they were pretty basic but nothing you couldnt live with they had all the basics and they were clean probably could of done with a lick of paint but I mean if you want top class then you book a 4star resort somewhere.
In saying that there were a few problems with the room nothing major but a couple of lights were out and the lock on the window didnt shut properly but we reported it to the first choice reps which i must add were fantastic and it was dealt with straight away.
We ventured down the next morning for breakfast which we thought was great, there were lots of choice fruit, cereal, fry ups, fruit juice, milk etc etc from reading some of the reviews i think the people who said there wasnt any choice were staying at a different hotel, either that or they expected caviar or something.
Some days though in the buffett restaurant the food wasnt gordan ramsey but definitely still edible but again if you want that type of food you go and stay at a 4 or 5 star resort.
Yeah ill agree that the hotel does run on skeleton staff and could do with more but that would prob be my only qwarm with the hotel.
My little ones absolutely loved the kids clubs especially the chocolate party and sweety bingo, they loved amanda who always had facepaint on and always took time out to say hello even when on her lunch in the restaurant.
The entertainment in the evening was really good a shame about the accoustics in the dome though the guys always tried really hard and put on great shows. Jo slow was absolutely nuts and the kids again thought she was great.
All in all we had a fantastic time and are looking forward to next year already.
sorry to drag this on but......
It did make me laugh in the previous posting on here about the reps leaving the office. I mean on the occasions i did go down to see the reps there were a queue of people ready to complain all moaning in the queue about this that and the other. If these people hadnt been moaning about the slightest little thing im sure the reps would of gone out and been able to do something about some of the issues brought up and also the doctors makes you thankful really for the NHS. I really do think some people go on holiday to moan i mean at the end of the day where does it get you you may as well just relax and get on with it and make the best of it.
Bottom line if your a snob and dont really like to have a laugh then go elsewhere, if your up for a crack, looking to make sure your kids have a fantastic time then sun tropical has it all.
When we arrived I was plesantly suprised at the greeting we all got, the guys in blue and yellow shirts (in2action) were there to give us a warm welcome all singing and dancing the cho-co-lat-e if you have been to the sun trop you will know what i mean.
My children were very impressed when bob the builder even turned up to say hello.
Check in was quick and easy with no problems at all.
When we got to our room, yeah they were pretty basic but nothing you couldnt live with they had all the basics and they were clean probably could of done with a lick of paint but I mean if you want top class then you book a 4star resort somewhere.
In saying that there were a few problems with the room nothing major but a couple of lights were out and the lock on the window didnt shut properly but we reported it to the first choice reps which i must add were fantastic and it was dealt with straight away.
We ventured down the next morning for breakfast which we thought was great, there were lots of choice fruit, cereal, fry ups, fruit juice, milk etc etc from reading some of the reviews i think the people who said there wasnt any choice were staying at a different hotel, either that or they expected caviar or something.
Some days though in the buffett restaurant the food wasnt gordan ramsey but definitely still edible but again if you want that type of food you go and stay at a 4 or 5 star resort.
Yeah ill agree that the hotel does run on skeleton staff and could do with more but that would prob be my only qwarm with the hotel.
My little ones absolutely loved the kids clubs especially the chocolate party and sweety bingo, they loved amanda who always had facepaint on and always took time out to say hello even when on her lunch in the restaurant.
The entertainment in the evening was really good a shame about the accoustics in the dome though the guys always tried really hard and put on great shows. Jo slow was absolutely nuts and the kids again thought she was great.
All in all we had a fantastic time and are looking forward to next year already.
sorry to drag this on but......
It did make me laugh in the previous posting on here about the reps leaving the office. I mean on the occasions i did go down to see the reps there were a queue of people ready to complain all moaning in the queue about this that and the other. If these people hadnt been moaning about the slightest little thing im sure the reps would of gone out and been able to do something about some of the issues brought up and also the doctors makes you thankful really for the NHS. I really do think some people go on holiday to moan i mean at the end of the day where does it get you you may as well just relax and get on with it and make the best of it.
Bottom line if your a snob and dont really like to have a laugh then go elsewhere, if your up for a crack, looking to make sure your kids have a fantastic time then sun tropical has it all.
Advice: lovely beaches, lots of restaurants but obnly a few bars
Activities: luna rossa, recommended by chris the rep and rooftops
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" What a let down, 'just' a 3 star and not worth the money! "
Submitted By: nosmo2807
I returned from here on 09/07/09 having spent 2 weeks 'all inclusive'. I have read several of the good and several of the bad reports and would have to say that there are elements of truth in both.
All I say are GENUINE ISSUES and hopefully will help you get the most out of your holiday. Ristly be aware this IS an exclusive FIRST CHOICE complex but they're not using it next season - that says it all really; don't expect to find the 4 stars you might think you've paid for cos you won't find them and it WILL ruin your holiday trying!! But you MUST ensure that FIRST CHOICE delivers you the holiday you've paid them top money for...
The brochure 'boasts' "at least 2 al a carte' restaurants - well a pizza house and a 'Spanish Tapas' are the offers here and NEITHER can be classed al a carte; the pizzas are O.K. but nothing to rave about (ask for 'extra cheese'). Seriously, if you have young children and you use the Pizza restaurant be aware of the VERY HOT serving dishes(they will burn your hands, and definitely young childrens if they hold them).
The buffet was edible but it genuinely became depressing to walk down for your meal, a combination of the restaurant being underground/dark and the very limited (but generally edible) selection of repetative food choices. I attempted the 'pizza' from the chicken shack (no chicken available if you're all inclusive!!) however this was just warmed up pizza base with a thin covering of tomato paste - delightful!
ALL of my party came down with upset tummies during the holiday and these MUST have been picked up in complex; all I would say is ensure all the kids food is fully cooked (including burgers from the shack) and I personally avoided the salad bar after the first couple of days. DEFINITELY eat down at the harbour, the quality of the food is excellent (fillet steaks are massive and tender) plus it will get you out of the 'restaurant'.
The tavern bar is only good as somewhere to stop off and pick-up a couple of 'balcony' drinks when heading back to your room and I found that a 'no ice' policy (the ice cubes are massive) meant that I at least got a taste of the supposed drink i'd asked for - better get your own bottle and just get the 'mixer'. Get your drinks from the chicken shack during the day as you'll generally miss the queues at the pool bar and the drinks appear better quality.
The 'dome' is a disaster; it appears to be open air when viewed from the brochure but is in fact FULLY enclosed and acoustically probably the worst place i've had the misfortune to view a 'show' from. The 'props' available to the evening entertainment team looked like they'd cost @ £10 - about 5 years ago!! The evening ent' team worked their butts off to provide shows and are a genuinely talented team of but they're undermanned (as evidenced by the blank photo' frames) and the shows are very repetative. There was NO sign of the (Brochure "qouted") selection of International shows, pantomimes, 70s or 80s nights, rather it's bingo, an (embarressing) quiz and a 'turn' by one of the resident team - but i'm NOT knocking the team. Our last night was painfully spent watching the Rep's show, which although they seemed to enjoy and DID put in loads of effort, they even admitted that they'd only rehersed it for 30 minutes (and YES it did show!!) COME ON FIRST CHOICE I PAID NEARLY £3500 FOR THIS HOLIDAY.
The hotel staff levels are VERY poor - the entertainment dome, which is essentailly the ONLY on-site evening entertainment, only had 1 member of bar staff to serve everyone and they were also tasked with leaving the bar to clear tables. I formally complained to the on-site First Choice rep' re this issue and was informed that they were attempting to address it; not that this occurred in the 2 weeks I was there! You must complain about this in the hope that FIRST CHOICE resolve it else this will get on your nerves.
I also had to formally complain about the treacherous poolside - the biege tiles around the entire main pool are VERY SLIPPERY when wet/in bare feet - which you tend to have when you get out of the pool. I saw numerous youngsters (including my own) fall hard on these tiles but when I complained to FIRST CHOICE rep's they stated that I was the first person to bring this to their attention. I did 'suggest' that they may want to leave their office (occasionally!!!!) and walk around the complex asking people how things were - not that they took up my offer...
Be aware that there is also an advertised "on site" doctor (nice) however he's on-site 10:30 - 11:30 Mon/Sat inc' - but he also does Emergency call outs around resort so is pretty much NEVER there. SO. if like me your daughter gets a sickness bug don't bother hanging around like an idiot waiting for him to MAYBE turn up - just go the reps and get them to call in an emergency doctor to your room as, guess what, both will cost the same (85 euros) - so that's a no brainer really!!
All the above said my kids loved the clubs which they attended each afternoon for the session (although there were also morning and night sessions); they're 4 & 7 and the team were great with them and the club is VERY secure with individual passes/controlled access.
All I say are GENUINE ISSUES and hopefully will help you get the most out of your holiday. Ristly be aware this IS an exclusive FIRST CHOICE complex but they're not using it next season - that says it all really; don't expect to find the 4 stars you might think you've paid for cos you won't find them and it WILL ruin your holiday trying!! But you MUST ensure that FIRST CHOICE delivers you the holiday you've paid them top money for...
The brochure 'boasts' "at least 2 al a carte' restaurants - well a pizza house and a 'Spanish Tapas' are the offers here and NEITHER can be classed al a carte; the pizzas are O.K. but nothing to rave about (ask for 'extra cheese'). Seriously, if you have young children and you use the Pizza restaurant be aware of the VERY HOT serving dishes(they will burn your hands, and definitely young childrens if they hold them).
The buffet was edible but it genuinely became depressing to walk down for your meal, a combination of the restaurant being underground/dark and the very limited (but generally edible) selection of repetative food choices. I attempted the 'pizza' from the chicken shack (no chicken available if you're all inclusive!!) however this was just warmed up pizza base with a thin covering of tomato paste - delightful!
ALL of my party came down with upset tummies during the holiday and these MUST have been picked up in complex; all I would say is ensure all the kids food is fully cooked (including burgers from the shack) and I personally avoided the salad bar after the first couple of days. DEFINITELY eat down at the harbour, the quality of the food is excellent (fillet steaks are massive and tender) plus it will get you out of the 'restaurant'.
The tavern bar is only good as somewhere to stop off and pick-up a couple of 'balcony' drinks when heading back to your room and I found that a 'no ice' policy (the ice cubes are massive) meant that I at least got a taste of the supposed drink i'd asked for - better get your own bottle and just get the 'mixer'. Get your drinks from the chicken shack during the day as you'll generally miss the queues at the pool bar and the drinks appear better quality.
The 'dome' is a disaster; it appears to be open air when viewed from the brochure but is in fact FULLY enclosed and acoustically probably the worst place i've had the misfortune to view a 'show' from. The 'props' available to the evening entertainment team looked like they'd cost @ £10 - about 5 years ago!! The evening ent' team worked their butts off to provide shows and are a genuinely talented team of but they're undermanned (as evidenced by the blank photo' frames) and the shows are very repetative. There was NO sign of the (Brochure "qouted") selection of International shows, pantomimes, 70s or 80s nights, rather it's bingo, an (embarressing) quiz and a 'turn' by one of the resident team - but i'm NOT knocking the team. Our last night was painfully spent watching the Rep's show, which although they seemed to enjoy and DID put in loads of effort, they even admitted that they'd only rehersed it for 30 minutes (and YES it did show!!) COME ON FIRST CHOICE I PAID NEARLY £3500 FOR THIS HOLIDAY.
The hotel staff levels are VERY poor - the entertainment dome, which is essentailly the ONLY on-site evening entertainment, only had 1 member of bar staff to serve everyone and they were also tasked with leaving the bar to clear tables. I formally complained to the on-site First Choice rep' re this issue and was informed that they were attempting to address it; not that this occurred in the 2 weeks I was there! You must complain about this in the hope that FIRST CHOICE resolve it else this will get on your nerves.
I also had to formally complain about the treacherous poolside - the biege tiles around the entire main pool are VERY SLIPPERY when wet/in bare feet - which you tend to have when you get out of the pool. I saw numerous youngsters (including my own) fall hard on these tiles but when I complained to FIRST CHOICE rep's they stated that I was the first person to bring this to their attention. I did 'suggest' that they may want to leave their office (occasionally!!!!) and walk around the complex asking people how things were - not that they took up my offer...
Be aware that there is also an advertised "on site" doctor (nice) however he's on-site 10:30 - 11:30 Mon/Sat inc' - but he also does Emergency call outs around resort so is pretty much NEVER there. SO. if like me your daughter gets a sickness bug don't bother hanging around like an idiot waiting for him to MAYBE turn up - just go the reps and get them to call in an emergency doctor to your room as, guess what, both will cost the same (85 euros) - so that's a no brainer really!!
All the above said my kids loved the clubs which they attended each afternoon for the session (although there were also morning and night sessions); they're 4 & 7 and the team were great with them and the club is VERY secure with individual passes/controlled access.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Enjoyed but wouldn't return "
Submitted By: harry12092002
Had 2 weeks all inclusive here and although we enjoyed it we would't want to return there. Having been to the Majorca holiday village last year we compared it to that and it wasn't as good.
The kids clubs,football academy and swim kids are all excellent and everybody there works very hard.
There are some areas that need working on and I have already written to Fc about them.
The main issue is the food,it is warm and cooked ok but the lack of variet drove us all nuts. Breakfast is pretty standard but lunch and dinner you had 1 choice of fish,1 or 2 meat and pasta.If you didn't want any of them you were left with the kids buffet or salad. Whilst we didn't go hungry I would not choose to go into a restaurant with such a limited choice. The Italian restaurant was very good and we used that twice,the cvhicken shack is very odd for AI as you could could get burger,pizza and toasties but you couldn't have chips or anything with it so you couldn't make it a meal.
The other big problem is the depth of the pools,plenty to choose from but the small ones were 0.40m and the lagre were either 1.30m shallow end or 1.50m deep end. For non swimmer children this wasn't ideal.
The rooms are ok,could do with an overhaul as all zips on sofa were broken but had everything you needed. Cleaning was supposed to be 6 times weekly but we only got 6 times in 2 weeks and 1 of those days they only swept the floor.
There is a free bus to the beach and whenever we went into Playa Blanca on an evening we got a taxi for 3euro.
The evening entertainment is ok but The Dome did remind me of Butlins which I have been to and enjoyed but I wouldn't pay over £2500 for Butlins. The kids fun time 8-9 is good but the songs will drive you mad.This is followed by bingo,the reps quiz (prepare to be involved) and then the main entertainment at 10pm This was occasionally good but 1 night I read my book as couldn't bear to listen to them.
Anyway i read the reviews on here and get myself worried about it but all said and done you have to make the best of it,its 2 weeks we save up all year for but if you were still deciding and it was between Lanzarote and Majorca,Majorca was by far the best overall.
Probably will try Egypt next year which is meant to be fab.
The kids clubs,football academy and swim kids are all excellent and everybody there works very hard.
There are some areas that need working on and I have already written to Fc about them.
The main issue is the food,it is warm and cooked ok but the lack of variet drove us all nuts. Breakfast is pretty standard but lunch and dinner you had 1 choice of fish,1 or 2 meat and pasta.If you didn't want any of them you were left with the kids buffet or salad. Whilst we didn't go hungry I would not choose to go into a restaurant with such a limited choice. The Italian restaurant was very good and we used that twice,the cvhicken shack is very odd for AI as you could could get burger,pizza and toasties but you couldn't have chips or anything with it so you couldn't make it a meal.
The other big problem is the depth of the pools,plenty to choose from but the small ones were 0.40m and the lagre were either 1.30m shallow end or 1.50m deep end. For non swimmer children this wasn't ideal.
The rooms are ok,could do with an overhaul as all zips on sofa were broken but had everything you needed. Cleaning was supposed to be 6 times weekly but we only got 6 times in 2 weeks and 1 of those days they only swept the floor.
There is a free bus to the beach and whenever we went into Playa Blanca on an evening we got a taxi for 3euro.
The evening entertainment is ok but The Dome did remind me of Butlins which I have been to and enjoyed but I wouldn't pay over £2500 for Butlins. The kids fun time 8-9 is good but the songs will drive you mad.This is followed by bingo,the reps quiz (prepare to be involved) and then the main entertainment at 10pm This was occasionally good but 1 night I read my book as couldn't bear to listen to them.
Anyway i read the reviews on here and get myself worried about it but all said and done you have to make the best of it,its 2 weeks we save up all year for but if you were still deciding and it was between Lanzarote and Majorca,Majorca was by far the best overall.
Probably will try Egypt next year which is meant to be fab.
Advice: Typical small beach town
Activities:
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Fantastic Holiday "
Submitted By: masseys
First of all I want to say I don't know what people expect!! Some of the negitive comments about the place are so exagerated.
We had an ace holiday. We were there for 2 weeks, me, my husband and 2 girls (2 and 4). Entertainment was great, hotel was great, food was great...
Yes the hotel could do with abit of a refurb on minor things, but there is nothing that would spoil your holiday.. The rooms are cleaned most days and are spotless, the hotel is beautiful with a good selection of different size pools.
The kids club/reps/entertainment are fantastic. Swim kids with Hollie and Sam is a must, my 4 yr old loved her lessons. The night time entertainers are excellent. We even got to meet Bob The Builder and Barny!!
I can't believe people complain about the food, breakfast you had a choice of a full english breakfast/toast/croissants/cereal/pastries/fruit/Youghurts/cheeses(even salad - strange).
Dinner and Tea there were great variations of fish, red and white meat, pasta, potatoes, veg, salad (beer and wine on tap). Then you have the chicken Shack were you can get burgers/hot dogs/toasted sandwiches/pizza. If you can't find something you like then you must be very fussy!!
Also a must is a visit to the on site italian, you get a free visit each week, we only went in the second week but if we had known it would be that good we would have gone twice.
Go and have a good time and don't listen to negitive comments.. I would definately go back again....
We had an ace holiday. We were there for 2 weeks, me, my husband and 2 girls (2 and 4). Entertainment was great, hotel was great, food was great...
Yes the hotel could do with abit of a refurb on minor things, but there is nothing that would spoil your holiday.. The rooms are cleaned most days and are spotless, the hotel is beautiful with a good selection of different size pools.
The kids club/reps/entertainment are fantastic. Swim kids with Hollie and Sam is a must, my 4 yr old loved her lessons. The night time entertainers are excellent. We even got to meet Bob The Builder and Barny!!
I can't believe people complain about the food, breakfast you had a choice of a full english breakfast/toast/croissants/cereal/pastries/fruit/Youghurts/cheeses(even salad - strange).
Dinner and Tea there were great variations of fish, red and white meat, pasta, potatoes, veg, salad (beer and wine on tap). Then you have the chicken Shack were you can get burgers/hot dogs/toasted sandwiches/pizza. If you can't find something you like then you must be very fussy!!
Also a must is a visit to the on site italian, you get a free visit each week, we only went in the second week but if we had known it would be that good we would have gone twice.
Go and have a good time and don't listen to negitive comments.. I would definately go back again....
Advice: Beautiful Beach
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Excellent "
Submitted By: leasha
What a holiday... The First Choice Reps were fantastic... The Swimming Academy teachers (Sam and Hollie) were brilliant, they built up my daughter's (Ellise) confidence in the water no end. The entertainment in the dome was perfect for young families. The holiday advisors at reception were great, they gave us their honest opinions about everything and every trip we went on, was just as described.
The Holiday village was close enough to the beach (which was crystal clear, and calm), a back gate key is a must if you plan to walk it, or you could get the courtesy bus. We got a taxi when it was really hot and paid about 4 euros.
The food was nice, sometimes a bit rich, but the kids selections were great. The waiting staff were very fast at clearing the tables and we never waited more than 5 mins for a table (there were 8 of us - so that's pretty good going).
I drew the short straw and had to sleep on the sofa, it wasn't very comfortable but the pull out bed seemed ok. The maids were lovely. There were a few maintenance issues, like a broken door and window, but these were eventually resolved.
Overall a fantastic holiday, thank you Rikki, Jo, Lewis, Adam (Alex - lol), Jax, Chris, Dave and Sarah. Keep up the good work. See you all next June.
The Holiday village was close enough to the beach (which was crystal clear, and calm), a back gate key is a must if you plan to walk it, or you could get the courtesy bus. We got a taxi when it was really hot and paid about 4 euros.
The food was nice, sometimes a bit rich, but the kids selections were great. The waiting staff were very fast at clearing the tables and we never waited more than 5 mins for a table (there were 8 of us - so that's pretty good going).
I drew the short straw and had to sleep on the sofa, it wasn't very comfortable but the pull out bed seemed ok. The maids were lovely. There were a few maintenance issues, like a broken door and window, but these were eventually resolved.
Overall a fantastic holiday, thank you Rikki, Jo, Lewis, Adam (Alex - lol), Jax, Chris, Dave and Sarah. Keep up the good work. See you all next June.
Advice: It was lovely, the beach is amazing.
Activities: Rancho Texas Evening
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Co-op travel
" FAB COMPLEX FOR KIDS!! "
Submitted By: melanie.parnham1@ntlworld.com
Just had a very pleasant 2 week holiday here with our 3 children, aged 1, 6 and 11. Like everyone else we were a bit worried about what to expect due to some of the negative reviews - some were right and some were uncalled for!! We personally didn't choose this hotel - we originally booked to go to another hotel in Playa Blanca with Thomsons but the hotel decided to close in May to refurbish, so we were allocated a room at the Sun Tropical instead with First Choice. First impressions were excellent - reception staff were very friendly - even though we were self catering all 3 children were given wristbands which entitled them to FREE drinks, crisps and ice cream for the whole holiday which saved us a fortune!! The rooms, we thought, were a disappointment. They have obviously been well used and are in desperate need of refurbishment. All the zips had broken on the main sofa and back cushions so they kept coming off and both the sofa bed and pull out bed in the lounge were very uncomfortable. It wasn't the cleanest apartment we've stayed in but was OK - wore flip flops the whole time though! The shower hose had a large split in it but after contacting reception a new hose was fitted in less than 10 minutes!! We stayed in the banana block which had its own pool, which was lovely but very cold. The whole complex was very clean and well set out. There is even a water park for the younger ones which gets switched on for 15 minutes every hour. Like many others we had a back gate pass which is a MUST. It is a deposit of 10 euros but you get this back at the end of your stay so is well worth it. The walk to the beaches is lovely. There is the main beach which has lots of sunbeds and brollies and the smaller beach next to the harbour, both very clean. (BEWARE WHEN THE FERRIES COME AND GO NEXT TO THE SMALLER BEACH - THE WAVES THEY MAKE, MAKE THE TIDE COME IN VERY QUICK WITHOUT WARNING!!) There are loads of choices of bars and restaurants - although some are a lot more expensive than others. If you like chinese the Jumbo chinese restaurant on the front is well worth a visit - very reasonable with free gifts for the kids and drink (shots) for the adults. Yes, it is very expensive with the euro not being good at the moment but there are some cheaper places to eat and drink if you look. We ate in the chicken shack, on the complex, a couple of times which was o.k. and reasonsably priced (apart from the drinks - these are expensive!) but they also do take-away. The Italian and Spanish restaurants were also nice (especially the tapas). We found the Netto supermarket the cheapest - especially for beer - this is located opposite the taxi rank in the town. If you want to cook the Spar supermarket had some lovely fresh meat and fish. Overall we had a lovely 2 weeks and kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves - especially the mini disco in the dome. The kids entertainers were absolutely fantastic - there was always something for the kids to take part in all day as well as the kids clubs. If the rooms had have been better then we would have rated the overall holiday 10 out of 10.
Advice: LOVELY CLEAN BEACHES
Activities: JUMBO CHINESE, CHARMERS MUSIC BAR (FAB SUNDAY LUNCH)
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Glorified Butlins "
Submitted By: markp
We are not ones to complain and have never left a review before but felt that it might help people in the future when looking at staying here. Firstly the apartments are very clean and spacious, however they are very very standard. The food is terrible,one lunch time the menu for lunch was chips and green beans! 95% of the sunbeds were all broken with the head rests missing and the cusions looked like they had not been changed since world war 2. It was great for the kids but you do have to pay extra for some of the activities, for example the football was 42 Euro for 4 sessions per child! There is only one bar near the pool open in the day where you can get food from and this is limited to a cheese burger,hotdog or ham and cheese toastie, if you want chips you either have to pay or go downstairs to the gloomy restaurant,and thats even if your all inclusive! If you like Butlins then you will love this place, if not though give it a miss, this is also no way a 4 star resort,sorry First Choice!
Advice: The beach was lovely, but the resort rubbish.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Expensive for self catering "
Submitted By: Powell
11 days self catering.
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
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
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" 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
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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
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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
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- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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I would agree this is not a 4 star resort as First choice describes, but a very good 3 star we found the room to be very clean and in good condition, the air con worked just fine, The swimming pools were clean and well kept and my children loved the water it can be a little cool first thing in the morning but soon warms up as the sun gets up.
The Food is some of the Best I have ever had on holiday plenty of choice and loads of it the restaurant is very well run and very clean and tidy.
We had no trouble in getting drinks and snacks in any of the bars and made full use of the all inclusive and I would recommend it for a family.
The entertainment team are some of the best I have ever seen on Holiday they work all day to keep the Children happy and most of the night.
Bad points , some of the beds are now a little tired some don’t work , pool can be cold in the morning , poor free ice cream far to small and not the best .
Advice: Great Family Hoilday
Activities:
Good for: Beach