More Traveller Reviews of Bungalows El Palmeral
One or two rude staff
from DublinSunshine
The bungalows were ok. The place is quiet but the facilities for preparing food are very poor. We asked the receptionist for a kitchen knife for chopping vegetables to prepare our meal. A woman stormed into the bungalow about one hour later, opened a kitchen drawer, took out the blunt eating knives, and counted them out for us in a loud sarcastic voice. We explained that we needed a sharp knife for preparing food. She stormed away and sent a younger attendant with the knife we requested.
booked for next year already
from darrylbtn
excellent location for both quiet surroundings but only 2 mins cab ride to main resort of playa del ingles. fantastic staff very friendly from reception staff marrie-anne the bar staff even jackson the entertainer to the cleaners. rooms are basic but yet comfortable and clean . the only downside is that the bar closes at 10pm every night but not a major issue . would highly reccomend this property for familys and couples alike . already booked for next year !!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheap, comfortable, peaceful and clean !
from Pippa/David
My partner and I stayed at these bungalows for a week in January. When we booked with the travel agent we requested a bungalow by the pool and were delighted to find we had just that when we arrived. Check in was easy and the staff friendly. There is a decent sized pool with kiddies end (although not heated in winter so be prepared for a shock when you jump in !) which is surrounded by palm trees and has a bar/restaurant next to it. The bungalows are all white and set in lush gardens with lots of colourful flowers. The bungalow itself is spacious for 2 people with open plan lounge (2 couches, coffee table) also kitchen table with 2 chairs, large fridge, sink, 2 hob rings and 4 cupboards. Kitchen had everything you need: full crockery set, glasses, cutlery, pots and pans, cooking utensils, bottle opener, tea towel. We took our small electrical kettle but there is an old fashioned hob one. The bedroom had two comfortable single beds and plenty of storage space. Bathroom adequate with good shower but could be temperamental with the hot water at certain times of day ! I think the bungalows are ideal for 2 or with small kids on the couches in lounge but definitely not for more than 2 adults. The rooms were cleaned every day and towels changed regularly. The whole complex was very clean and quiet, no traffic nearby. At the front of each bungalow is a deck with 2 sunbeds, table and chairs, drying rack and there are also sunbeds around the pool. The Faro 2 centre is literally 2 mins walk round the corner with a supermarket (there is one at the hotel but cheaper at Faro 2), bakery, bars and restaurants. The Steakhouse on the lower ground as you approach Faro 2 from the complex is great for steak and paella. It is worth walking about 25 mins down the dry river to The Lighthouse area, some lovely restaurants although more pricey than Faro 2. Also a must is going to walk over the sand dunes, sadly you pass the poor camels, tied up with metal muzzles waiting to be subjected to 2 people sitting on them while they are dragged over the dunes...very cruel ! Taxi's are very cheap and only a few euros into Playa de Ingles and about 30 euros from the airport to MasPalomas. If you want to look around the Island, take a bus to Puerto de Mogan (about 45 mins) which is beautiful, they call it little Venice, also has a market on Friday mornings and lovely restaurants round the marina for lunch after shopping ! Overall we highly recommend this place to stay as a cheap, peaceful, clean accommodation while you soak up some winter sun !
Nice & Clean
from hubbard_l
My first impression of the bungalow was that it was the smallest I'd seen but it was very clean. There were a few ants wandering around in the living room but they weren't a problem. The pool bar was good and not too expensive. The staff in the bar & reception were very friendly and helpful. The pool looked very clean although I didn't use it. The bungalows are situated very close to Faro 2, where there are lots of bars, restaurants and shops. These are open until late. If you can't find it, go out of the complex gate and turn right, then right again. Can't miss it. I would recommend Steak House Grill because they do a variety of tasty food and the waiters are very friendly. The beach is a little further away. You need to walk along the river (which is often dried up) for about half an hour to get there. The sand dunes are worth a visit. You can walk along the beach to Playa del Ingles although be aware that it is a nudist beach. We visited the Yumbo Centre during the day and the shops are a bit all over the place but I've heard it really livens up a night time. We went on 2 trips while we were there. The Hard Rock Cafe was OK but there wasn't much choice of food as it was a set menu (burgers or pasta) but it was an opportunity to socialise. The other trip was the Surf & Turf (jeep safari & dolphin watching). This was a good trip for us although 1 car ran out of diesel half way up the mountain and one crashed into a wall. This just added to the fun though! The cameraman, Lorenzo (?), was funny but the DVD of the day cost 35 euros. I bought one and its a nice memento to have. Overall, it was a great holiday and I'd definitely go again. We had many laughs and lots of nice food & sangria. It was a bit cloudy some days but it stopped us from getting sunburn!
Quiet spot - nice and clean
from Jane74
Just back from 2 weeks at these apartments. What to say?? Well, they are a little on the small side compared to the majority of apartments we've stayed in previously in the Canaries. Spotlessly clean was a major plus point. Friendly reception staff and majority of bar staff except one who was permanently grumpy and didn't play any music. Maid service was regular and unobtrusive and they were also very friendly. Pool-side was spotless and well maintained as were the surrounding gardens. No signs of any fly infestations as others had noticed and we had no problems with insects of any kind. Back to the apartment. We had a one bed-room. Twin beds...not an issue however they weren't the most comfortable of beds. The main down-side of the villas is that they have very little natural light. The bathroom has only a small sky-light and the window in the bedroom has both shutters and a grill-type thing so not hugely bright and welcoming. They are also very basic in terms of kitchen facilities (though not an issue for us as we ate out every night). For those who like to eat in on occasion - pack a tin-opener! Big point although not an issue for us...If you don't like cats - be aware there are lots on this complex. All clean and healthy (though they are stray) but they will try to get into your apartment if you leave the door open - we left the window open one night and one got in and had a wander around! The complex is lovely and quiet (for those seeking peace!) and is near a shopping centre (Faro 2). There is no 'strip' in Maspalomas or Del Ingles - but these centres that house shops, bars and restaurants. The Mexican (Lucky Luke) is good in Faro 2 but a much better one is El Rancho in the Kaspah centre. Best restaurant we found was in the new part, Meloneras, an Italian called 'La Fontana De Trevi'. Fabulous pizzas!! As for Yumbo - good entertainment and lots of bars! One last thing - hire a car! We did and went into the moutains to Roque Nublo - beautiful views though a bit of a hike. Would we go back? No, would we recommend? Yeeeeeeees at a push for a cheap week away but we much prefer Tenerife...
Great for a quiet holiday, away from the noise .....
from Julie58
We have just returned from another holiday spent at El Palmeral, where we have beeen coming for a number of years. As stated in another review, this is a destination for those wanting a very quiet holiday as it is miles away from the noise and tackiness of Playa del Ingles. Have to admit, we only venture into Playa to use one Mexican restaurant (El Rancho in the Kasbah, the best around) and to visit the best drag show on the islands at Cafe La Belle. Otherwise, we hate the place!! We think the best restaurant in Faro 2 is Michelangelo's, a great Italian which serves wonderful fresh fish , pasta and steak dishes. Great food for those who hate eating the usual burgers, chips and sausages!! Ok, the bungalows are pretty basic with only two electric rings and no electric kettle but the maids keep it spotless and the complex itself is pretty and well kept but the simplicity of it appeals to us which is why we keep returning. It's a great base to visit the island (hire a car and get out and see the real Gran Can) and we have never thought of staying anywhere else, even with more luxurious accommodation.
Very nice but..................
from robertcook
This is the ideal holiday for the family that wants a very, very quiet holiday. The rooms are tidy, a nice size but very basic. Not even an electric kettle, you have to heat the kettle up on the hob. It is a nice size complex, not too big, not too small, a good size pool. The local supermarket, bars and place to eat out is less than 500 yards away in a purpose built complex called Faro2. However, there seems to be a bit of price fixing going on as they all are about the same price for drinks and food. Now you can catch a taxi for next to nothing and go towards Faro (the lighthouse) where again there's loads of places to eat but, if you want a real good night out go the other way to Playa de Inglis where there's much more to choose from and cheaper prices. Overall we enjoyed the holiday, our only regret was not finding out about Playa earlier otherwise, we would have been there for the whole fortnight. Here's the only down-point with El Palmeral and the reason why I said earlier that it is ideal for those wanting a quiet holiday. The bar closes at 11pm and if you don't go straight to bed you get hassle from the night porter who creeps around the place at night and, in his own words (as my wife and I got quite chatty with him one night) his name is El Dracula! Overall though, a good holiday, tidy place to stay (even if you've got to go to bed early) and the first time I have been abroad for many a year and had no hassle for mozzies!
Very freindly atmosphere
from britgirl16_uk
The Bungalows are set on a complex and are quiet private which we loved. The swimming pool was cleaned everyday and so were the rooms. We didn't have any problems with flies or insects at all! Staff are very helpful and very friendly always there to help you. The Poolside Bar is great with a good selection of food and drink, (obviusly you cannot miss 'Happy Hour'!!) buy 1 drink get 1 free! Very quiet area, there is a Supermarket on-site but your better off walking up to Faro 2 (5 mins walk) where there are lots of restuarants, bars, designer shops and Souvernier shops! Our favourite bar was the 'Banana Tropical club' staff are brilliant and are great entertainment. Overall a fantastic holiday, if you are offered any excursions by your rep I would recommend the 'Jeep Safari' spectacular day out for the whole family and couples!
very friendly atmosphere
from A TripAdvisor Member
we have stayed at palmeral 14 times, it is a fantastic place, and the staff make your stay even better
fly infested
from A TripAdvisor Member
I think we must have been given the worst room on the complex if everyone else was happy with the accommodation i had 3 showers in 2 weeks as there were hundreds of little flies and ants surrounding the shower taps, we had the room fumigated 3 times but as soon as the smell went they were back! they came through the back of the taps through the wall the bathroom was also very grotty and i found it very difficult to even go in there, we tried to make the most of the 2 weeks we had but found this very difficult when i felt i couldn't wash or anything. Numerous cockroaches were found too, which i wasnt too bothered about as having worked in gran canaria before i know this is to be expected. On the up side the maintenance man/ garden waterer Juan Carlos was great and a really nice man. I would return to gran canaria as i love the island but not to the el palmeral, unless the apartments were completely refurbished
More hotel photos
2 readers found this review helpful
What can I say about El Palmeral, well not alot of good to be fair. Stayed 6 Days, arriving early in the morning due to 6 hours of flight delays! so decided to have a relaxing day and spend some time by the pool however getting to the pool hoping for a sunbed after 7:30 in... more