Reviews of Villa Mandi Golf Resort, Los Cristianos

We (myself, my partner and 4 year old daughter) have just returned from a fantastic week away at Villa Mandi. Had read alot of the comments before we went and had mixed feelings about going, although we shouldn't have worried at all. Super Duper Dawn was great with the kids and we had no complaints there. Flip Flop Philippa was also a great rep but to be honest, we think she should make singing her career! (that's a compliment by the way).

The pool area was clean and the tiles were no slippier than anywhere else we've been. We didn't see any accidents at all in the week we spent there.

We ate in the hotel snack bar and restaurant a few times during our stay and found the food to be expensive but adequate. There are lot's of Chinese buffets around where you can eat as much as you want for around 6-7 euros which isn't bad. We did this on 2 nights. The hotel shop is expensive but has everything you need if you don't want to venture out to get your shopping. If you are able to, you should find a local supermarket where the goods are alot cheaper.

We highly recommend Loro Parque as a day trip. It cost us 120euros for the 3 of us which is around £90 but well worth it. The dolphin and orca shows were brilliant.

Our daughter went to Kids Club most days and thoroughly enjoyed herself. So much so that she prefers that to going to nursery back home and wants to go back to Tenerfie NOW!

The apartments were fantastic. We were in room 223 which was next door to reception and had a pool view and overlooked the golf course and mountain. Lovely!

The only other small complaint is that the Disco Bar closed at 12am. This was fine, but if we wanted to finish our drinks or chat to friends for a bit longer we had to go up to the pool area. You would think this would be ok, but on our last night someone complained about the 'noise' (people talking) and eventually the police came. They were very arrogant and threatening! A bit over the top in my opinion. We were on holiday after all! Anyway, my suggestion is that they close the bar in the Disco bar but keep the room open for an extra hour or so to avoid any more incidents like ours.

All in all we had a fantastic holiday and would highly recommend the Villa Mandi. Hopefully we can return again soon.

We (mum dad and 2 year old) stayed in villa mandi in late september 2008 and were very happy with the holiday. We booked it as a last minute booking as we have stayed in other appartments off the golf course and had no idea that it was a thomson family club resort. this basically means that there is something going on at ther resort for kids and adults for about 18 hours a day. Had I have known this before we booked I would have chosen a different location and it was quite a shock at first.



However, the enthusiasm of the entertainment staff (Dawn and Philippa) was infectious and the childrens facilities (and play staff) wew exceptional.



The hotel itself was stunning; well maintained, clean and tidy and the service was good too. we only ate at the hotel one lunch time and it was adequate... but nothing better. The reason this does not score a 10 out of 10 is because the rooms were verry noisy. Not from traffic but from the disco (which went on to midnight every night) and from the neighbours. The walls were so thin that on the last night the man in the next appartment passed windand my wife tutted in disgust thinking I had done it!



All in all, a very enjoyable holiday.

Jus arrived back from Villa Mandi. First of all the apartments were amazing, we had a rooftop balcony as well as a balcony with a table and chairs. The beds were very comfy and there was plenty of room to put your clothes The cleaners came round every day and changed the towels, made the beds and swept and mopped up.



The pool was very clean and there were planty of sunbeds on each pool. Yes the tiles were slippy but so are most of them in apartments and hotels around the poolside. The reps were very friendly especially Flip Flop Phillipa and Super Duper Dawn. We only ate in the complex twice both times for breakfast and for the price you could eat loads. We didnt eat at night as we always like to go out and about when we are on holiday. I would recommend the Star of Asia, they are very friendly the food is lovely and very reasonable.



Can I just give a bit of advice to anyone who is stopped by someone handing out scratch cards, give them a wide berth, if you win they ask you to go in a taxi, you are then taken to a place where they are opening a new hotel, they want you to spend 90 minutes there and wont tell you what you have won if you have a winning ticket unless you agree to stay 90 mins and look around the hotel.



The walk to the town centre is about 20 minutes but it is certainly worth it as there are loads pf bars and some amazing shops.



We would definitely go back to Villa Mandi again

After a fantastic holiday at the Villa Mandi in 2007, the kids begged us to go back again this year (Chloe 9 and Connor 7). It is something we have never done before as we like to try different places, but gave in to the kids in the end.



When we arrived we had the same appartment as last year (214, emailed hotel direct prior to arrival), which has excellent views of the golf course and overlooks the pool. To our amazement there were another 5 families there again this year that we had met last year.



Hotel is a good 20 min walk for Los Cristianos and Las Americas, but you can get a taxi, but will cost you between 4 - 8 euros. Restaurants in both are fantastic, would highly recommend Dreamers and Goodfellows on Los Cristianos harbour and many many great restaurants in the Safari Centre. Food in the restaurant in the hotel is OK (better than last year), but improvements could still be made.



Hotel is fantastic, rooms are very spacious and cleaned daily. Cleaners are fantastic and do a very good job. Reception staff (Antonio and David) are amazing and manager is also very friendly and happy to chat to everyone. Restaurant and bar staff are very good, especially Paulina who was there last year and is great with the kids.



Pool area was not as clean as last year, and agreeing with previous comments appeared only to be cleaned properly after complaints were made. The tiles around the pool are very slippy but that is the same where ever you go.



Overall, the hotel and all the staff deserve 10/10.



So after all that, the holiday sounds great. What I have failed to mention so far are the Thomson reps. To be fair Flip Flop Phillipa was great and tried her best to get everyone involved in the day and night time activities. To no avail Im afraid as she was let down by her fellow entertainer, supa dupa Dawn. Dawn apparently broke her toe the week before we arrived which she told us about every day over the mic. She chose which guests she would chat to and stuck with them until they left (which was fine with us), she was rude and abrupt during the daytime games and not very pleasant to the kids during water polo. I only saw the team leader 3 times, twice on reps V guests day and the other at our departure meeting. We were honest with her and she promised things would be looked into.



The day and night time entertainment was very poor, the reps looked like they did not want to be there and games during the day were very repetative. Such a shame as last years reps and entertainment was 100%.



Luckily, we met lots and lots of fantastic families and created our own entertainment both day and night. spent many an evening drinking our own beers in the bar after it has closed and had a really good laugh.



I would highly recommend this resort as a fantastic family holiday, but would highly reccommend that Thomson look at their reps and select only the best for this resort as it would be a shame it people stopped going because of them.

We stayed at the Villa Mandi, 2 adults and 1 child, 11 year old boy. We found the apartment to be spotless and spacious and was cleaned daily with towels everyday and clean sheets every 3rd day. The tompson reps were excellent and always had time for a chat and the children. The food and service were poor which we found to be a problem as the accomodation was a 20 minute walk from other restuarants so we ate in snack bar during the day but never enjoyed the food. The hotel ran a courtesy bus to the beach which was lovely and we found ourselves using this service to go to resort to eat breakfast and walk back. A visit to Loro park is a must. Overall we had a lovely holiday but would not return to this hotel just because of the distance to resort centre but would definetley recommend to others, especially to families with small children.

Just returned after a 2 week holiday staying at the Villa Mandi.

There was myself , my partner and my son who will be 3 in November.



The bad reviews are harsh in my opinion. The 9am rule for the swimming pool is the same for everone so going down before that and trying to get the best seats is childish.



The tiles were slippy, But every tile that is wet is slippy, Certainly not isolated to the Villa Mandi.



Yes the Villa Mandi is a good walk to the two main resorts but its next to a golf course so you would expect it to be out of the way a bit. 6 Euro's for a taxi to and from the resorts.

The little supermarket which is part of the complex was a little expensive but was fine for getting the daily newspaper and some day to day items.

The food at the restaurant was average, we dined there about 6 times at night, twice we got a take away delivered to the room and the rest of the nights we ate out.

The rooms were fantastic, Fully air conditioned , very spacious and cleaned to a very high stanfard daily, Our room was number 214 , with the balcony looking over the pool also overlooking the golf course green. best room for views IMO.

The reps , Dawn and Philipa were fantastic and kept us entertained during the long sunkissed days at the poolside. Then in the evening they had a daily entertainment show that was for the first hour or so aimed at the kids, Great viewing, The adult entertaiment was average.



quick summary -

Great holiday enjoyed greatly especially by the boy. in and out of the swimming pool all day (and night if he got the chance) and would consider going back next year.

And it was hot hot hot.

The Villa Mandi is a fantastic hotel in a perfect setting. It is like being in your very own village and the rooms are lovely. Very spacious and very clean. The hotel staff are extremely professional and nothing is too much bother. The sunbed situation is annoying but unavoidable during the busy season although it got better as the management bought more sunbeds. The problem is that people make friends and get used to sitting in a certain area and want to stay there for the holidays.I have been to lots of hotels around the world and there is never a perfect solution to the age old sunbed problem during busy times. The food is adequate, nothing special but ok for the odd meal & at lunchtimes. Los Cristianos , Las Americas especially the Safari centre, are the places to go for a great meal with a huge choice of different food types. We recommend Lunares & The Little Italy. This was our second holiday at this hotel (Aug 2006 was our first trip) and we had another great holiday , however, the entertainment was no where near as good this year as in 2006. A male rep is needed and the shows were totally unprofessional this time apart from the touring rep show and a couple of outside entertainers. In 2006 you had to get a seat in the disco bar early but, this year , most nights , half the bar was empty. Thomson need to rectify this problem as the curent super duper! rep really does not have the right attitiude to be an entertainment rep as she definitely cannot cope with the job. Many times she bordered on being very rude, she defintely had her favourites and people she disliked although I really don't think any names need to be mentioned. This is unacceptable and on one occasion a situation occurred which could have turned nasty but for the intervention of the guests as the rep had no control and could not sort it without fuelling it! However due to this we, as guests, made our own entertanment and became a very close group of friends and I am sure we will all stay in touch. I would recommend anyone to visit the Villa mandi as it is a fantastic place and you will have a great time and make lots of friends. From Anna & Antonio on reception to the hosekeeping staff and David, Pauline & the others in the bar/restaurant you will love it and will be like 50% of us there and you will return.

Having read some of the below comments I feel I need to clear a few points up, especially in relation to some of the incidents referring to 'super dupa Dawns' behaviour (a rep). I actually witnessed some of the events mentioned, specifically the one claiming that Dawn humiliated 'Terry'. What the review fails to mention is that 'Terry' was a very poor looser & when he wasn't winning a game became very stroppy & sulky, storming off & refusing to play. Supa Dupa Dawn was actually very patient with him & dealt with his childish behaviour very well trying to get him back involved in the games without causing a scene. Such comments can be very damaging & so I felt it important to say what I saw from being around the pool.

To comment on the hotel, as everyone has said, the rooms were lovely and spacious but the food did let the hotel down. Also the pool area was definately not large enough for the number of guests and so there were arguments in the mornings with people trying to get a sunbed. This is not what you need on a holiday when you have paid lots of money! In addition, the hotel charged you for everything including English TV channels & 40 euros for an extra 6 hours in the room for a late check out. All in all we had a good holiday but we would not return.

Disappointing



Having just returned from this hotel it’s a story of good and bad,we are a family of five kids being 9, 11 & 13. First the good, the hotel staff were friendly and helpful, the apartment (ours 303) was excellent a 2 bedroom 2 storey which was cleaned daily with fresh towels (if you wanted) and air-conditioned in both rooms. We ate in the restaurant 3 times and found it OK, the buffet breakfast being the best at 7 euros and only 3.50 euros for kids. Also the hotel offer pool towels free for a deposit of 10 euros each that can be exchanged everyday if you like.



Now for the bad, the tiles around the pool were lethal (one of the Reps slipped and broke her toe), we saw lots of kids slip and fall, my youngest has a huge bruise on her shin to prove it. The pool was the dirtiest I’ve seen; according to the hotel it’s a persistent problem with the filter; after a stream of people complaining the hotel did try to rectify the situation but it didn’t improve, they powerwashed the edge of the pool in the morning covering the pool in bits making it worse. The lack of sunbeds were a joke, although to give the hotel some credit, the day we left they put out another 30 sunbeds, it’s just a shame it took the customers to complain for anything to be done.



The hotel loves rules and the 9 am sunbed rule was the strictest of them all, the management and staff liked to shout at its customers if they tried to move towards a sunbed or dip a toe in the pool before 9.



The other rule they liked was shutting the bar at 12 midnight prompt, but the bar staff often went round asking people to hand the seat pads off their chairs whilst they were still sitting on them; the earliest we were asked for our seat pads was 11.15.



The location was the biggest disappointment, we knew it was 20 minutes walk out, but it’s in the middle of nowhere surrounded by wasteland waiting for development, it feels very lonely walking back in the dark. If you get a taxi they don’t like taking 5 people (although we managed it for 14 days and they turn up in minutes) and it varies from 4.50 euros to 9 euros each way (adding £140 to the holiday). The on site supermarket is well stocked but twice the price of the supermarket 10 minutes away across the wasteland. The hotel puts on a courtesy bus to the beach in the morning and returns around 5pm which is good for those who want the beach, it’s just a shame they didn’t do something similar in the evening.



The entertainment was rubbish having been to 5 other superfamily hotels the entertainment here was 1/10 in comparison, consisting mainly of poorly prepared rep shows (possibly OK for the younger kids) and only 3 professional acts in 14 days; 2 of which were definitely amateur. The reps didn’t seem very happy in their jobs and super duper Dawn just made up the rules as she went along annoying kids and adults alike. Tompson needs to select and train their reps better for this type of accommodation.



If you are going to eat in Los Cristianos then be prepared to be constantly pestered by people selling sunglasses, this is a shame as the restaurants seem to allow them to do it and it really gets on your nerves. This doesn’t happen as much in Player Las Americas and we had several great meals in the Tex Mex Hacienda (above the fountains at the Safari Centre) and the Star of Asia (Indian buffet) just up from the Safari Centre, both do children’s and adult’s meals.



Overall we would go back to Las Americas but would not recommend the Villa Mandi, it’s OK but definitely not 4 star and doesn’t deserve a Gold Medal award this year.

I will start with possitive 1st, hotel room cleaned every day fresh towels room very nice, Hotel staff very nice , taxis 7 euros into las americas ask for harrys bar lots of very nice resaraunts, Very nice night out for couples or familys If you like indian i recomend star of asia buffet very good price before 8pm. The atmosphere around this place makes you feel like you are on holiday All in all a very good holiday, Now for the negatives Im a mum and wife who came to the villa mandi last august whith my husband and 2 kids 5 and 9 what was to be one of the best holidays ever,why? because thomson superfamilys have such a good reputation reps are the best, hand picked entertainers, well supervised kids club. All of this was true these guys were the reason we had an amazing holiday ,not just the hotel having nice staff and a clean room. There are plenty of hotels like that all over. We work and save all year for another brill holiday. We returned again to th villa mandi with high expectations and so did other familys who we had met the year before what a shock the hand picked staff were no longer to be. We had the awfull experiance to encounter entertainer super duper dawn this girl clearly is in the wrong job, thinks very highly of herself and little on humiliting others. definatly dislikes kids warns them she will count to three or else and shushes them on her mike. i was not alone on this oppinion either ,the most shocking of all i witnessed with my own eyes she asked a young girl for a bite of her burger took it from her hand what more do i need to say this gets better pool side quiz 1.what qualifacations do you need to be a stripper? 2.what do men think of 70 times a day? and finally 3. What age do kids stop believing in santa ? Surrounded by children a definate no no! I hope if any thing these comments havnt put you off we did have a good holiday I just wanted to prepare anyone returning It aint like last year !

We have just come back on 19th Aug 2008 after spending 2 weeks.

We went with our son,13 and my brother and his wife and their 2 kids, 6 and 10. They went last year and asked us to come back with them as they enjoyed it that much, especially the kids entertainment both day and night.

Unfortunately things were different this time.

The pool was constantly dirty, lots of guests complained but little got done.

The tiles around the pool area and steps were lethal, i saw numerous children and adults fall over.

Too many steps around the complex which weren't child friendly.

The rooms although spacious and clean needed revamping as they were beginning to look very tired.

Due to average food in the restaurant we ventured out every night into Las Americas or Los Christianos which was about a 14 euro round fare per night.

The taxi service from the hotel was excellent.

Now to the main problem, the Thomson Reps, the main difference from last year was that this years reps were useless, particularly Supa Dupa Dawn, they lacked any get up and go and all seemed not happy to be there. We met numerous family's the same as my brothers who had booked up straight away to come back due to the entertainment and reps and they were all bitterly disappointed, we only had 3 professional acts in 14 days and one of them was rubbish all the other days we had to make do with Thomson reps performing, this was the main difference form last year. Dawn seemed to be like a little Hitler, making up her own rules during games and one day humiliated a friend Terry, that much that he swam off in disgrace.

The sun bed situation became the main focus of conversation each day, A group of us went down at 8am each morning but weren't allowed near the beds until 9am even if they had finished putting them out, if anybody edged towards the beds they got shouted at , it became such fun that we laughed about it all day.

In the end the guests who went down early organized the sun beds quite amicably. To give them there dues after a mutiny one morning they brought in extra beds.

Even with all these problems we still managed to enjoy ourselves but won't be rushing back.

The one plus side was the hotel staff were always happy and helpful.

Just arrived back after a 2 week holiday with my partner & 2 daughters aged 16 & 12. Had a brilliant time, would have given this 10/10 but for the evening entertainment & location. The walk into Playa De Las Vistas was about a 15 minute walk to the start of a few restaurants & mini markets. The food in the restaurant was better than expected we ate there on a few occasions and did not have a bad meal. Every member of staff from reception to the cleaners were friendly, especially the bar & restaurant staff(Paulina was great)!

Apartment was cleaned every day with clean towels provided, also very impressed with the cleanliness of the pool area which was also thoroughly cleaned every day. The mini market on site had a good choice of goods but was almost double the price of the supermarket in Playa De Las Vistas, approx 5euro taxi fare. Would consider going back, but the complex is more suited for families with younger children. Loro Parque is well worth a visit; enjoyable day wth some very good shows. Booked through reception, as this was cheaper than Thomsons.

Overall, a very nice complex. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Myself partner and 2 children stayed for 2 weeks had fab time weather was great and hotel and facilities was fab, the food in the restraunt was pricey but nice evenin entertainment was good when they had something on but could have had alot more going on in evenings. kids was kept entertained for most of the holiday eg kids club and mini disco. pools are clean and looked after but BEWARE slippery tiled surface when wet. Reps was great with the kids and adults alike our room was 314 it was super as we overlooked pool and golf course and also had a roof terace, cleaners was in everyday doing what needed doing and staff was very helpful i would recomend this holiday to couples and families alike. PS FAB HOLIDAY HOT HOT HOT.

What a fabulous time we had! Spent 2 weeks here with our 2 girls, 30 months and 18 months old. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Great complex, exceptionally clean! Room was good size although I agree with previous comments that the kitchen was a little small. The whole place was thoroughly cleaned every day. Good entertainment and very friendly staff.



Only negatives was location, which we were aware of. The complex is about 20 minutes walk main resorts, either LC or LA which we did quite enjoy walking most of the time and food at restaurent on the complex. Although we never ate there, we were advised not to.



Recommend - Amaretto Italian Restaurent (to the left of Compestella Beach, over the main road, near Supermacado - best Italian we have had home or abroad!



Been to Tenerife numerous times, there are better areas, but I'm not sure there would be a better complex for a family with young children!



We plan to return.

Booked on the back of a great Thomson Family Hotel in Salou last year we had mixed feelings about this place. The complex is great and the staff are brilliant (Thomson & Hotel). The bad things first;

Entertainment - Thomson must have slashed their budgets this year as the shows each night did not compare to last year. The reps said it was due to the availability of acts in Tenerife vs mainland Spain which is fair enough, but I'd say only 4 of 14 nights were something I consider of a good standard. Too much emphasis on the Thomson staff entertaining us.

Restaurant - average food and on one evening I ordered Chicken Kiev and it was served raw (and I mean raw), not once but twice. I then opted for the omlette! Luckily we were SC so didn't bother with it too much. Again I have to say the staff were brilliant (except the chef!!)

Location - not much around it, but we knew that already so no complaints

Security - no real presence of staff in the evenings on the complex, which didn't seem a problem until our neighbours got burgled (+ another apartment). Happened when they were in the apartment so advice is make sure your doors are actually locked. We woke first morning to realise ours had been closed but unlocked all night. Seems everyone we spoke to said same, so maybe someone there has a reason for leaving the doors unlocked for new arrivals (both rooms targetted for break ins were new arrivals).

Pool - If you have kids who are not 100% confdent swimmers it's a little deep for them all round. There is a tiny one for the babies though



Lot's of negatives here but just friendly notes really - overall it's great and only scores less than 10 due to the food experience and the poor entertainment. My kids have never used the Kids club before but did in Week 2 and the staff were great. Kids loved it. They also do evening parties for 3 euros each which are good value - make sure they do the chocolate party and watch what you wear when you pick them up - that's all I will say..........

Finally if you take taxis to and from the hotel prepare for massive variations in the prices you pay. To Las americas we paid anything from 4 - 9 euros depending on the driver!!