San Marcial Apartments, Matagorda, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The San Marcial is situated only 300 metres from the beach and 400 metres from the resort centre. The large freeform swimming pool with its spacious sun terrace is the focal point of the complex, and is the ideal place to cool off after soaking up the Lanzarote sun. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Rating: 7 / 10
Las Gaviotas Bungalows
Matagorda, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Rating: 6 / 10
Nautilus Bungalows
Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Rating: 10 / 10
Morro Mar Apartments
Matagorda, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Rating: 9 / 10
La Geria Hotel
Playa De Los Pocillos, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Check Rates and Availability
San Marcial Apartments Reviews
" Matagorda Holiday "
Submitted By: sbilts
Just returned from 2 week holiday at San Marcial Apartments.We had a great time (especially our 3 boys who made a lot of friends). We found Lanzarote very expensive though and we ended up having to cook most nights rather than eating out.We found we were having to spend about 65 euros every couple of days just on bread,veg and fruit etc and that was in what was probably the cheapest supermarket on the island(Hiper Dino).Sadly the cooking facilities were a bit basic for a family of 5 (2 hotplates and a Microwave)and there were only 2 saucepans provided and one small frying pan.Other stuff was available but had to be hired which I though was a bit cheeky.The cleaning of the rooms left a bit to be desired but there seemed to be one girl who did all the cleaning and another who sort of supervised with a stern face so I expect she was doing her best as there are quite a few apartments that make up the complex.It was cloudy for most of the first week and the boys were bored as going in the cold swimming pool is the main attraction really.We wanted to do more touring of the island but they only wanted to stay round the pool and complex with their new mates so it created friction for us.The Supermarket at San Marcial and the bar are a bit overpriced but I think the Credit Crunch is to blame for that mostly however the surly chap in the supermarket tried to overcharge my wife one day (43 euros for 12 euros worth of shopping). The apartments are a good size and the staff were friendly even though the children tested their patience a few times (not just our boys I should add). The place would benefit by having an area where they could kick a ball about I think.Matagorda is very quiet but Puerto del Carmen is walkable and thats a lively place.It depends what you want out of a holiday really...Lanzarote is very windy incidentally
Advice: Pleasant enough and fairly quiet place.Good for plane spotters
Activities: Did not eat out much due to high cost. Fire Mountain is a must, Mirador del Rio and Teguise Market
Good for: Beach
-
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Arrived at the apartments late sunday... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Fox
Arrived at the apartments late sunday night (10.30pm ish) Apartment very spacious and very clean. Pool bar open doing karaoke so went and had a drink (and eldest daughter 16yrs had a sing) before going to bed. Quite shocked at how much a round of drinks were (gin and bitter lemon, pint of lager shandy, diet coke and bottle of magners cider) 16 euros. Went to supermarket next morning to get some supplies. Reasonaly priced apart from items that had to be imported from UK (milk, newspaper).
Would recommend you definately take cardigan or fleece for the evenings as does get quite chilly with the breeze/wind.
Apartment could have more utensils for cooking considering we were self catering. No toaster, only microwave and two electric rings. Rolls for breakfast/lunch and ate out in evening. This wasnt as cheap as we were expecting either so be warned to budget wisely before going. For four of us to eat out with two rounds of drinks was coming to at least 60 euros so pretty much the same as at home.
Pool was cleaned every morning and was cold when first got in but you climatised quickly. Not enough umbrellas for around the pool there was only two when we were there and one of those was broken so no shade to get under.
Went on one of the trips to Timanfaya National Park - EXCELLENT would strongly recommend this whilst there.
Overall would defo go back to San Marcial.
Would recommend you definately take cardigan or fleece for the evenings as does get quite chilly with the breeze/wind.
Apartment could have more utensils for cooking considering we were self catering. No toaster, only microwave and two electric rings. Rolls for breakfast/lunch and ate out in evening. This wasnt as cheap as we were expecting either so be warned to budget wisely before going. For four of us to eat out with two rounds of drinks was coming to at least 60 euros so pretty much the same as at home.
Pool was cleaned every morning and was cold when first got in but you climatised quickly. Not enough umbrellas for around the pool there was only two when we were there and one of those was broken so no shade to get under.
Went on one of the trips to Timanfaya National Park - EXCELLENT would strongly recommend this whilst there.
Overall would defo go back to San Marcial.
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This holiday was one of the best that... "
Submitted By: Miss LAD Drew
This holiday was one of the best that ive ever had! We landed in accerife airport and the weather was amazing for january, the airport just looks like it has jut been fully refibished. We got onto the coach for our short journey to the san marcial apartments (only 10mins away from the airport). The reception area was lovely, all the staff were very helpful and friendly and there was a little restaurant selling different foods, which was lovely! if you love a big breakfast it was fantastic :)
The swimming pool was cold but you can live with that if you are in january. The weather reached above 28 oc, and there is just a 5min walk away from a gorgeous beach were you can watch all the planes fly in. I do admit that you could hear the planes but after a while you get used to it and because the apartments are self catering you might not always be there.
The rep was lovely!
These apartments are highly recommended for everyone, but disabled people will deffiently need a ground floor room.
The swimming pool was cold but you can live with that if you are in january. The weather reached above 28 oc, and there is just a 5min walk away from a gorgeous beach were you can watch all the planes fly in. I do admit that you could hear the planes but after a while you get used to it and because the apartments are self catering you might not always be there.
The rep was lovely!
These apartments are highly recommended for everyone, but disabled people will deffiently need a ground floor room.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We ( my Wife and son) stayed here in... "
Submitted By: Mr D K
We ( my Wife and son) stayed here in may '06 and '07 and just loved it there.To eat in the complex and for what you get is brilliant.We just loved it there and although we are going back again this year(2008) we couldnt get a spot in the San Marcial,but we will drop up to say hello to the couple who run the resteraunt. Our rooms were basic I suppose, but spacious,the staff all very friendly.The pool yes a little cold but the resort itself is great.Suit a young family or someone who just wants to chill out and relax without too much noise.You do get used to and them immune to the aircraf noise after a few hours you hardly even notice.The supermarket sells lovely fresh bread and cakes and you almost smell them cooking as soon as you enter,it has everything you need for your "holiday home " tea,coffee etc and it's inexpensive, a great holiday and always a pleasure to go back.....Now must fly as I have a plane to catch....posted 5th May '08 and flying out in 3 hours.
-
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Pleasantly surprised. Very spacious... "
Submitted By: Mr D Burchmore
Pleasantly surprised. Very spacious apartment, ideal for big family. This complex is superb for plane spotters as the airport is only 10 mins away, & an aircraft of some description or another seems to be landing or taking off every few mins. You do get used to the noise very quickly though.
Although apts are very good I wouldn’t recommend those that don’t like steps or hills to stay here as there are too many of them. Not very disabled or pushchair friendly. Food and supermarket on site are good, and seem fairly reasonable. Limited entertainment, 3 out of 7 nights & didn’t start till kids were too tired to enjoy!
Matagorda itself is only a 5 minute stroll and has everything on offer there. Fantastic restaurant to eat at is the Tratoria Timbayba (waiters wear red shirts). Lovely food, treated extremely well especially if you have children with you, and terrific special offers. You can get a 3 course meal with coffee or tea for 10 Euros. We ate here most of the time but made a mistake of going on a Thursday when ALL the usual staff have a day off. Still good but run by the restaurant next door, and that much slower without the meal deal advertised. If you're pool players the amusement arcade in the centre of Matagorda offers games for 1 euro which is half the price of the hotel. Do not miss seeing the fire hills. Ideal for the kid’s geography homework to see a volcanoes workings. Another trip not to miss is the Texas rodeo which is quite expensive if you don’t take advantage of the free flowing alcohol! All in all, a terrific place for a great holiday.
Although apts are very good I wouldn’t recommend those that don’t like steps or hills to stay here as there are too many of them. Not very disabled or pushchair friendly. Food and supermarket on site are good, and seem fairly reasonable. Limited entertainment, 3 out of 7 nights & didn’t start till kids were too tired to enjoy!
Matagorda itself is only a 5 minute stroll and has everything on offer there. Fantastic restaurant to eat at is the Tratoria Timbayba (waiters wear red shirts). Lovely food, treated extremely well especially if you have children with you, and terrific special offers. You can get a 3 course meal with coffee or tea for 10 Euros. We ate here most of the time but made a mistake of going on a Thursday when ALL the usual staff have a day off. Still good but run by the restaurant next door, and that much slower without the meal deal advertised. If you're pool players the amusement arcade in the centre of Matagorda offers games for 1 euro which is half the price of the hotel. Do not miss seeing the fire hills. Ideal for the kid’s geography homework to see a volcanoes workings. Another trip not to miss is the Texas rodeo which is quite expensive if you don’t take advantage of the free flowing alcohol! All in all, a terrific place for a great holiday.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The apartments are large, we had a 2... "
Submitted By: Mrs Anna Bell
The apartments are large, we had a 2 bedroom and we enjoyed our holiday despite the arrival. Having left Gatwick at 6am add three hours for check-in, we arrived about 13.00 hours and were told along with about 7 other families that they were still cleaning the rooms.
We were tired hot and bothered and told that we would have to wait until 15.00 when the apartment would be ready. We waited at the snack bar. Not ready at 15.00, we were told still not ready and the disinterested receptionist said didn't know when would be ready and apparently this happened every early/midday changeover in high season.
At 17.00 I demanded to know which apartment we were allocated and went along to find the cleaner doing her best. I mopped the kitchen and lounge area while she finished off making up the beds. Asked for a teaspoon and mug each.
We had no cleaner during the week we were there, no change of sheets, although I think that was stated and one change of towels.
The apartments are in the quiet resort of Matagordo with enough restaurants for a week and our grandson loved the pool, we are not "lounger" types but they were full of towels by 8am and I hate that type of competitive thing.
In high season do need air-con at night-none available. If I ever returned I would make sure arrival was late afternoon.
We were tired hot and bothered and told that we would have to wait until 15.00 when the apartment would be ready. We waited at the snack bar. Not ready at 15.00, we were told still not ready and the disinterested receptionist said didn't know when would be ready and apparently this happened every early/midday changeover in high season.
At 17.00 I demanded to know which apartment we were allocated and went along to find the cleaner doing her best. I mopped the kitchen and lounge area while she finished off making up the beds. Asked for a teaspoon and mug each.
We had no cleaner during the week we were there, no change of sheets, although I think that was stated and one change of towels.
The apartments are in the quiet resort of Matagordo with enough restaurants for a week and our grandson loved the pool, we are not "lounger" types but they were full of towels by 8am and I hate that type of competitive thing.
In high season do need air-con at night-none available. If I ever returned I would make sure arrival was late afternoon.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Myself and my husband choose... "
Submitted By: Miss Penny Dogly
Myself and my husband choose Matagorda because we were looking forward to a nice relaxing break. We choose very well, Matagorda is a perfect location, very clean, plenty of entertainment in the nearby Matagorda centre.
Our accommodation was clean and plenty of room with a lovely pool.
Our favourite bar was the sportsman bar, a lovely couple own the bar and show all live sports and have a family quiz 3 nights a week which is good fun.
There are lovely restaurants in the centre and plenty to choose from.
The beach is lovely and clean and there is a lovely promenade which is safe for walking or cycling.
We had a perfect holiday and will be booking to go back there again, I highly recommend Matagorda.
We did not feel the need to go to pto del Carmen at all as everything was in the centre, including Spar and another supermarket and also we had a supermarket in the complex where we stayed. The staff were very friendly.
Our accommodation was clean and plenty of room with a lovely pool.
Our favourite bar was the sportsman bar, a lovely couple own the bar and show all live sports and have a family quiz 3 nights a week which is good fun.
There are lovely restaurants in the centre and plenty to choose from.
The beach is lovely and clean and there is a lovely promenade which is safe for walking or cycling.
We had a perfect holiday and will be booking to go back there again, I highly recommend Matagorda.
We did not feel the need to go to pto del Carmen at all as everything was in the centre, including Spar and another supermarket and also we had a supermarket in the complex where we stayed. The staff were very friendly.
-
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Just had a week staying at these... "
Submitted By: Mr I Scott
Just had a week staying at these apartments and believe me 1 week is enough. On our arrival we asked for extra pillow's, yes we did get them on the 6th night. Apart from that the apartments were very clean and tidy. Our Rep Toni was great very helpful and had time for everyone. Keep up the good work Toni.
The cafe at the apartments was very basic, but we don't go on holiday to lie about the cafe or pool so that's not for me to say anything about. The reception staff were rubbish they couldn't care less about you, all they seemed to worry about was that they looked good.
We wouldn't go back to these apartments but they are worth a visit if you're not fussy.
The cafe at the apartments was very basic, but we don't go on holiday to lie about the cafe or pool so that's not for me to say anything about. The reception staff were rubbish they couldn't care less about you, all they seemed to worry about was that they looked good.
We wouldn't go back to these apartments but they are worth a visit if you're not fussy.
-
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" In 2004 myself and my husband got... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Keaskin.
In 2004 myself and my husband got engaged in the San Marcial and we returned in March this year on honeymoon.
I just love this place. It’s so clean and the staff are so friendly. I would recommend it to anyone of any age. The restaurant is just fantastic.
We ate in it every night both times we visited. Sissi and Miguel are the owners and actually remembered us from our first visit which we thought was lovely.
I just love this place. It’s so clean and the staff are so friendly. I would recommend it to anyone of any age. The restaurant is just fantastic.
We ate in it every night both times we visited. Sissi and Miguel are the owners and actually remembered us from our first visit which we thought was lovely.
-
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We arrived on Sunday Afternoon and... "
Submitted By: Miss L Thompson
We arrived on Sunday Afternoon and reception was closed, we were told by the rep to get the keys from the Restaurant which we did without any hassle.
Our apartments were really good. We had a two bed which had loads of space for four people to move around without getting in each other’s way.
There are a lot of steps to the pool but they had ramps for wheelchair users.
The pool area was spotless, but the pool was freezing cold. Not heated.
The restaurant was really fantastic it had a great variety of foods on the menu. From Breakfast right through to dinner.
The restaurants and pubs in Matagorda were a five minute walk and again had a wide range of restaurants and bars.
Coming from Ireland I normally steer clear of Irish Bars but we went into one and had such a great time we went back every night the owners Dave and Maria put on a good meal and also good entertainment. The bar was called The Auld Triangle. Would recommend it for food. I cleared my plate the nights I ate in there.
Anyway overall the holiday was really enjoyable.
Our apartments were really good. We had a two bed which had loads of space for four people to move around without getting in each other’s way.
There are a lot of steps to the pool but they had ramps for wheelchair users.
The pool area was spotless, but the pool was freezing cold. Not heated.
The restaurant was really fantastic it had a great variety of foods on the menu. From Breakfast right through to dinner.
The restaurants and pubs in Matagorda were a five minute walk and again had a wide range of restaurants and bars.
Coming from Ireland I normally steer clear of Irish Bars but we went into one and had such a great time we went back every night the owners Dave and Maria put on a good meal and also good entertainment. The bar was called The Auld Triangle. Would recommend it for food. I cleared my plate the nights I ate in there.
Anyway overall the holiday was really enjoyable.
-
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Had great holiday in Lanzarote. The... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Keys
Had great holiday in Lanzarote. The San Marcial is very clean, comfortable and friendly. We ate at the complex restaurant almost every night as it was really good value and good choice. Family of four ate for about £18 every night. Would recommend getting it as a take away and buying drink from supermarket to have in apartment as same price as a couple of drinks from the bar.
Swimming pool fine, no problem with strange colour or swim wear changing colour!
Airport not an issue it is fascinating seeing how close the planes get to the hotel opposite. Wouldn't like to be staying in the corner room there!
Matagorda is VERY quiet and set a long way from other ameneties. After exploring the island we would go back but better in Playa Blanca for kids. Matagorda beach very rocky so couldn't let kids swim but they did enjoy rockpooling and caught huge shrimps, fish and a giant, pink sea slug thing!
Car hire essential unless you just want to stay by the pool. The cost of car hire for 4 days locally was the same as one excursion for 4 people with tour operator. Would recommend Timanfaya, Jameos Del Agu, Mirador El Rio and Cactus Garden. Even our 3 year old enjoyed it all! BEWARE road map of island is rubbish, you will get lost!
Swimming pool fine, no problem with strange colour or swim wear changing colour!
Airport not an issue it is fascinating seeing how close the planes get to the hotel opposite. Wouldn't like to be staying in the corner room there!
Matagorda is VERY quiet and set a long way from other ameneties. After exploring the island we would go back but better in Playa Blanca for kids. Matagorda beach very rocky so couldn't let kids swim but they did enjoy rockpooling and caught huge shrimps, fish and a giant, pink sea slug thing!
Car hire essential unless you just want to stay by the pool. The cost of car hire for 4 days locally was the same as one excursion for 4 people with tour operator. Would recommend Timanfaya, Jameos Del Agu, Mirador El Rio and Cactus Garden. Even our 3 year old enjoyed it all! BEWARE road map of island is rubbish, you will get lost!
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We have just returned from a 2-week... "
Submitted By: Mr T Cahill
We have just returned from a 2-week package holiday in the San Marcial Apartments booked online with JWT / First Choice. JWT gave the apartments a 2-star rating, which is about right for the amenities and service currently on offer. They have the potential to be 4-star, but are let down by skimping on the finer points.
The San Marcial apartments are located in the heart of Matagorda, the easternmost suburb of Puerto del Carmen, around a 10-15 minute coach ride from Arrecife airport and a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the centre of Puerto del Carmen (too far to walk). The complex consists of 15 whitewashed blocks of 4 apartments, two up, two down, laid out in an open, south-facing open rectangular arrangement, looking out to sea if it were not for the Beatriz Playa hotel blocking the view (the two are separated by a 1-acre open space of palm trees). The complex is arranged in terraces, with the apartment blocks in the topmost terrace, overlooking the bar/restaurant on the middle, and the pool on the lower. There is an overpriced on-site supermarket in a sub-level adjoining the pool run by one of the surliest shopkeepers you’ll ever come across!
Our first impressions were not good; despite an on-schedule arrival at lunchtime following a 5am check-in in Dublin, most of the apartments were still being cleaned, leaving most guests to wait around until between 3pm and 7pm before they could move into their apartments. Day 1 was a write-off; any benefit of the early flight was completely lost. And it was not an isolated incident; we watched the same thing happen with guests arriving the following week. There appeared to be insufficient housekeeping staff (about 4 in all) to cater for all 56 apartments in the complex in a timely manner.
When we eventually got to occupy our one-bedroom apartment, we were further unimpressed to immediately find long-standing water damage across the bedroom and bathroom ceilings. The paint was continuously flaking off the ceilings and upper walls throughout our stay and the musty smell in the bedroom was intense if the window was left closed for any length of time.
Housekeeping was cursory. The bathroom remained liberally splashed with sun cream from the previous occupant(s) and the shower tiles ran brown when we washed them down with a drop of bleach and water. The icebox in the fridge was frozen solid and required complete defrosting before we could fit anything into it. During our 2-week stay, towels were changed only twice and bed linen only once, not particularly hygienic in a sweaty peak season when temperatures sometimes reached 40°C or more.
That aside, the apartment was spacious and typically equipped with a 2-ring electric hob, an electric kettle and a microwave oven/grill, and a manually operated TV with just CNN, Sky News (in B&W only) and the local canarian TV channel. Basic utensils were a tad stingy and did not match the number of occupants; no teapot, toaster, brush or mop were provided - unless you were willing to hire them at reception. Contrary to other reviews, we found the metal sprung frame beds uncomfortable; either the sprung wooden slats or the plastic mattress cover groaned or squeaked with every turn.
The pool area consists of a freeform pool and kiddies pool. Sunbeds are limited and parasols even more so, and most were usually snapped up before dawn by returning late-night revellers. Despite signs warning that towels would be removed by ‘night security’, this was never enforced. In fact, the so-called ‘security’ turned a complete blind eye to the rowdier revellers, leaving it to guests themselves to confront any late-night racket-makers.
JWT’s description of Matagorda was of ‘a rapidly developing area with an ample selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from’. It is actually a neglected backwater of Puerto del Carmen, a purpose-built then forgotten tourist overflow consisting of nothing but apartment complexes and vacant lots surrounding a single, two-storey ‘Centro Commercial’. There are no other amenities apart from the dozen or so bars/restaurants, two mini-markets and four souvenir shops concentrated inside the open-air mall. The nearest alternatives are 800 metres away along the charming seafront promenade, in the modest commercial strip bordering the Jameos Playa complex. To be fair, all of the restaurants in the mall serve good food at low prices (typically €7-12 for a main course, about half the price of restaurants in downtown Puerto del Carmen). Our favourites were the Auld Triangle, Paradise Beach (try the rack of baby ribs or the meat platter cooked over the barbeque) and the Sirocco (their Steak Provençale is fantastic).
Should you need to top up with ready cash during your stay, there is no ATM in Matagorda itself; the nearest is the Banca March at the roundabout on the main road opposite the Jameos Playa (about a 15 minute brisk walk along the promenade).
Would we return to Matagorda and San Marcial? No. We usually go for quiet, family resorts, but Matagorda is positively lethargic with virtually no distractions except to watch planes land in nearby Arrecife airport. San Marcial has great potential, but needs a little investment and more aggressive management.
The San Marcial apartments are located in the heart of Matagorda, the easternmost suburb of Puerto del Carmen, around a 10-15 minute coach ride from Arrecife airport and a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the centre of Puerto del Carmen (too far to walk). The complex consists of 15 whitewashed blocks of 4 apartments, two up, two down, laid out in an open, south-facing open rectangular arrangement, looking out to sea if it were not for the Beatriz Playa hotel blocking the view (the two are separated by a 1-acre open space of palm trees). The complex is arranged in terraces, with the apartment blocks in the topmost terrace, overlooking the bar/restaurant on the middle, and the pool on the lower. There is an overpriced on-site supermarket in a sub-level adjoining the pool run by one of the surliest shopkeepers you’ll ever come across!
Our first impressions were not good; despite an on-schedule arrival at lunchtime following a 5am check-in in Dublin, most of the apartments were still being cleaned, leaving most guests to wait around until between 3pm and 7pm before they could move into their apartments. Day 1 was a write-off; any benefit of the early flight was completely lost. And it was not an isolated incident; we watched the same thing happen with guests arriving the following week. There appeared to be insufficient housekeeping staff (about 4 in all) to cater for all 56 apartments in the complex in a timely manner.
When we eventually got to occupy our one-bedroom apartment, we were further unimpressed to immediately find long-standing water damage across the bedroom and bathroom ceilings. The paint was continuously flaking off the ceilings and upper walls throughout our stay and the musty smell in the bedroom was intense if the window was left closed for any length of time.
Housekeeping was cursory. The bathroom remained liberally splashed with sun cream from the previous occupant(s) and the shower tiles ran brown when we washed them down with a drop of bleach and water. The icebox in the fridge was frozen solid and required complete defrosting before we could fit anything into it. During our 2-week stay, towels were changed only twice and bed linen only once, not particularly hygienic in a sweaty peak season when temperatures sometimes reached 40°C or more.
That aside, the apartment was spacious and typically equipped with a 2-ring electric hob, an electric kettle and a microwave oven/grill, and a manually operated TV with just CNN, Sky News (in B&W only) and the local canarian TV channel. Basic utensils were a tad stingy and did not match the number of occupants; no teapot, toaster, brush or mop were provided - unless you were willing to hire them at reception. Contrary to other reviews, we found the metal sprung frame beds uncomfortable; either the sprung wooden slats or the plastic mattress cover groaned or squeaked with every turn.
The pool area consists of a freeform pool and kiddies pool. Sunbeds are limited and parasols even more so, and most were usually snapped up before dawn by returning late-night revellers. Despite signs warning that towels would be removed by ‘night security’, this was never enforced. In fact, the so-called ‘security’ turned a complete blind eye to the rowdier revellers, leaving it to guests themselves to confront any late-night racket-makers.
JWT’s description of Matagorda was of ‘a rapidly developing area with an ample selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from’. It is actually a neglected backwater of Puerto del Carmen, a purpose-built then forgotten tourist overflow consisting of nothing but apartment complexes and vacant lots surrounding a single, two-storey ‘Centro Commercial’. There are no other amenities apart from the dozen or so bars/restaurants, two mini-markets and four souvenir shops concentrated inside the open-air mall. The nearest alternatives are 800 metres away along the charming seafront promenade, in the modest commercial strip bordering the Jameos Playa complex. To be fair, all of the restaurants in the mall serve good food at low prices (typically €7-12 for a main course, about half the price of restaurants in downtown Puerto del Carmen). Our favourites were the Auld Triangle, Paradise Beach (try the rack of baby ribs or the meat platter cooked over the barbeque) and the Sirocco (their Steak Provençale is fantastic).
Should you need to top up with ready cash during your stay, there is no ATM in Matagorda itself; the nearest is the Banca March at the roundabout on the main road opposite the Jameos Playa (about a 15 minute brisk walk along the promenade).
Would we return to Matagorda and San Marcial? No. We usually go for quiet, family resorts, but Matagorda is positively lethargic with virtually no distractions except to watch planes land in nearby Arrecife airport. San Marcial has great potential, but needs a little investment and more aggressive management.
-
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:JWT
" Stayed here with husband and 2... "
Submitted By: Ms C O'flynn
Stayed here with husband and 2 kid’s ages 2 and 4. Apartment’s clean and nice enough but big problem for us was there was no bath.
Kid’s pool was a strange colour and husband’s clothes shorts and top went in colour from navy to wine!
Kids play area was fine and the restaurant was excellent and great value for money. Reception staff not very helpful and cleaners only ok. CNN only English channel on the TV and no option to get more at a cost.
Hotel Beatrice had kids disco at 8.30 every night so that helped to keep them happy but other than that there was nothing really for kids in Matagorda.
Have stayed in Puerto Del Carmen and Teguise before and would go back there before Matagorda as the place lacks amenities for kids. Planes not really an issue you don't even notice them after the first day.
Bring a second buggy for kids up to at least 5 as in the heat they don’t want to walk like at home and it is a long walk to Puerto Del Carmen. Had great weather and an ok holiday but won't be returning to these apartments.
Rancho Texas worth a visit for adults and kids your could go there for the day with parrot seal and eagle shows well worth the 46 euro for 2 adults and 2 kids, only 5 euro to get there by taxi.
Kid’s pool was a strange colour and husband’s clothes shorts and top went in colour from navy to wine!
Kids play area was fine and the restaurant was excellent and great value for money. Reception staff not very helpful and cleaners only ok. CNN only English channel on the TV and no option to get more at a cost.
Hotel Beatrice had kids disco at 8.30 every night so that helped to keep them happy but other than that there was nothing really for kids in Matagorda.
Have stayed in Puerto Del Carmen and Teguise before and would go back there before Matagorda as the place lacks amenities for kids. Planes not really an issue you don't even notice them after the first day.
Bring a second buggy for kids up to at least 5 as in the heat they don’t want to walk like at home and it is a long walk to Puerto Del Carmen. Had great weather and an ok holiday but won't be returning to these apartments.
Rancho Texas worth a visit for adults and kids your could go there for the day with parrot seal and eagle shows well worth the 46 euro for 2 adults and 2 kids, only 5 euro to get there by taxi.
-
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:JWT
" Hi, we stopped at san marcial for the... "
Submitted By: Mrs K A Biggins
Hi, we stopped at san marcial for the first time in feb this year. The rooms were quite large compared with some we have stayed in they were very clean and comfortable.
We stayed in room 154 from the balcony we had a view of the sea and the mountains which was great in my point of estimation. The maid and staff in the restaurant, reception were lovely they made our stay very welcome.
We did the grand tour of the island whilst we were there, that was very enjoyable and educational at the same time. To see the volcanoes, green lake and the caves all in one day great and not at all tiring. I must not forget the staff in the supermarket in san marcial who were very helpful and not over priced.
We will be stopping there again, we go to Lanzarote every feb so can’t wait to go back see you all at sanmacial next year!
We stayed in room 154 from the balcony we had a view of the sea and the mountains which was great in my point of estimation. The maid and staff in the restaurant, reception were lovely they made our stay very welcome.
We did the grand tour of the island whilst we were there, that was very enjoyable and educational at the same time. To see the volcanoes, green lake and the caves all in one day great and not at all tiring. I must not forget the staff in the supermarket in san marcial who were very helpful and not over priced.
We will be stopping there again, we go to Lanzarote every feb so can’t wait to go back see you all at sanmacial next year!
-
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
loading...
We arrived about 12.30 during the day and we had been traveling the night before so we were all very tired .. but instead of getting into the apartment and having a rest we had to wait 1 hour to get into the apartment as thay were not ready for us!
The local pub/resturant is brilliant! There is a big selection of food to choose from and it's cheap! The staff are also very friendly! The local supermarket by the pool isn't very good! The milk was sour alot of the time... the local spar is the best!
The pool area is lovely! Although most of the sun loungers are broke so you need to be careful whilst lying on them! The sheets were changed during the week and we were given clean towels 3 times but the floor is dirty!
Overall we had a brilliant holiday and would defeniately go back!
Good for: Beach