Reviews of Barcelo La Galea Apartments, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

Great holiday

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

karenk

Comments:

Having read some of the reviews on the site i was quite nervous about the holiday HOWEVER we (myself, husband and 2 year old daughter) had a really goos holiday, the apartments are as close to the sea as you could wish for,the beach was clean and safe for our little girl to paddle and build sandcastles, all the nearby restaurants and pubs were very good food for reasonable prices. Local supermarkets had a good choice of stuff for our breakfasts and the people both in and around the apartments were lovely and helpful whenever we approached them.
Go with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.

I am 19. This was my first...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr M Williams

Comments:

I am 19. This was my first holiday abroad without my parents. and i loved every single minute of it. the hotel was fantastic, i expected bugs having a nightly party around the kitchen and bathroom area but i didnt see one my entire stay ! a very clean hotel and the staff were very friendly, they even took my door handle off when i locked the keys inside my apartment (young lads mistake). we were situated above the restaurant, so there was some scraping of chairs during meal times, but nothing that would drive you to madness. the balcony was great, clean and caught plenty of sun and the kitchen utilities worked perfectly. a great hotel in all...

was unreal! except for the ants....

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss Sj T

Comments:

was unreal! except for the ants. repeated food but alcohol free! couples holiday deffinitley, but needs a little more nightlife!

just returned from two weeks...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs J Cottom

Comments:

just returned from two weeks staying at the barcelo la galea in costa teguise - the weather was a bit of a surprise - we expected it to be windy but did not expect clouds almost every day which only cleared at lunch time.



The hotel was quite nice - rooms on the whole were clean although the bathroom required updating.



The food was excellent and we upgraded to all inclusive - this was 24 euros for adults and 12 for children - we found this to be excellent value as a meal out in the resort on the first night cost over 50 euros - there were none of the expected queues at bars or food outlets in the hotel (as in our previous experience of all inclusive)- a wide selection of spirits were just on the bar and you could help yourself from 10.30am to 11pm.



The swimming pools were absolutely freezing even in july - the poolside was not cleaned properly each day - just swept a bit - we found this a bit off putting - especially when you have young children.



The hotel has an excellent location - right on the main beach but we found the beach del jabillo just down the road( 10 minutes) to be much cleaner - great for kids - take a snorkel ther are masses of fish to be seen and you dont have to go out far. Our daughter thought that it was better than a wave pool as the waves do come in quite strongly at certain times of the day but many kids thought that this was great fun.



We went on the island tour which was okay - included camel ride and tour of volcano - we booked to go to rancho texas - we booked this with the rep but the coach didnt turn up - when we saw the rep she just said dont worry you can go another day the ticket is valid - she then went off sick and we did not see her again to take this up with her - i am presently liaising with first choice regarding a refund.



On the whole it was an enjoyable holiday but i would not return to lanzarote again due to the disappointing wheather - we have been to other islands in the canaries and never experienced such a lack of sunshine.

just returned home from barcelo...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

travel republic

Submitted By:

Mrs J Hayes

Comments:

just returned home from barcelo what a great holiday had by all good food great pools although cold . entertainment good for younger children . rooms were clean maid 4 times a week . we found staff quite freindly but never had to ask for anything.all inclusive meant help urself to food and drinks which was good so u didnt have to que for 1 or 2 drinks at atime hopeing to return at xmas .

Have just returned from a two...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs L J Ashton

Comments:

Have just returned from a two week stay at the barcelo la galea hotel and would like to say what a fantastic experience.i went with my husband and son who is 8 and this was the first time we had been to lanzarote.we met up with our irish friends who we met two years earlier in salou (costa dorada).well first impressions were very good..apartments spotless...even though it was a studio apartment (like a bedsit)..it was very spacious and comfortable and most importantly ..clean. the only downside were the cockroaches..lucky for us only one was in our room but after a while you forgot about them..also tiny tiny ants all over the place especially the bathroom floor and kitchen area but repellent spray that we bought along for the mosquitoes (which we didn't suffer any bites as such) worked a treat and got rid of the ants.the hotel itself was lovelywith palm trees all around the hotel as well as the surroundings which made it very picturesque and at night it was lit up with pretty colour lights.the staff were very friendly..they are very hard working people who strive to make you as comfortable as poss.the hotel entertainer "lucky" was truly amazing a really nice genuine man..he kept the entertainment going during the day..darts...ping pong...rifle shooting etc...and then at night he hosted the evening entertainment.. which was absolutely fantastic..great shows every night .we went half board but upgraded to all inclusive when we arrived..the food was good but after a few days we just fancied something diff so went out of the hotel a couple of times.that was the only flaw with being all inclusive..we felt tied to the hotel because we had paid extra but don't get me wrong the food was great but tended to be the same most days with little variation but again like i said very good.the restaurant was very clean the waiters worked very hard to ensure tables were ready for everyone.. you couldn't meet more friendlier staff.the rooms were cleaned every other day..the maids always smiling and saying "ola".costa teguise is a beautiful town..beaches amazing (which was on our doorstep practically).good selection of bars and restaurants all around. (just try and steer clear of the "lucky lucky men" that try and flog you things)..overall it really was an amazing experience which we will indeed be returning to.

well arrived early evening and...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs Julie Layton

Comments:

well arrived early evening and we weren,t sure how the all inclusive worked just given an armband and a leaflet supposedly explaining how it worked.room was very nice spacious with a small kitchen area(that we did,nt need to use) .fridge toaster ,kettle and oven,got the hang of the all inclusive next day at breakfast just by watching what every body else did.there was a brillant choice of food which was varied every day,it was,nt the hottest of food but if you watched for the chef to bring out new dishes it was hotter.the hotel is in a great location very close to the beach ,bars and resturants.the entertainment staffed tried there very best to get people involved in the daily program of water polo,darts,table tennis,pistol shooting,shuffle board but most people did,nt want to join in. there was also an evening entertainment programme which had bingo or a quiz before the main evening show which usually consisted of dancers ,acrobats,jugglers,singers quite varied did,nt see the same act twice in the two weeks that we were there.valentine and lucki (entertainment team) tried ther hardest to get everybody involved no matter what language you spoke.one thing i would say do is do agrand tour of the island it is along day but very worth while.seeing the volcanic rock ,a crater tour,wine tasting ,lunch in canarian village,and the jameos del aqua which are caves undergrond made up of volcanic rock.athoroughly enjoyable day .we had avery enjoyable holiday if you are not expecting luxury just a standard holiday complex you will have as good a holiday as we did.

i have just come back from here...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss J Rutter

Comments:

i have just come back from here and have to say it was very good value for money when we arrrived the weather was a bit over cast but the day after being there it was really hot and that is how it stayed till we left we found the apartment very clean but bath room as a bit old did have a bit of a ant problem but apart from that was all good the pools were very clean a bit cold at first we took our 2 yr old boy and he loved it there the day time entertainment was a bit mish mash think hey was having a bit of a problem with there staff they had a mini disco at night for kids which was ok all in spainsh music so bit hard ifv your english the shows where ok could be better but think they are working on it the beach was on your door step which was good would def go back there again with kids

This hotel has to be the worst I...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs S Scott

Comments:

This hotel has to be the worst I have ever stayed in!!! On arriving to our room we smelled this awful damp smell and had to open the doors to air the room. There was also a plug socket and a light fitting hanging off the wall. The bathroom taps were falling off and were held on badly with mastic and the bath was very grimey and needed replacing badly. The other downside was the fact that the bed was actually a campbed!!!! We complained to our rep twice, but nothing was done. The food in the restaurant was very bland and sometimes cold, plus there wasn't as much choice as you normally get in other hotels. The staff in the restaurant had no manners and were very rude, restaurant run very badly. We are very laid back people and we have been on lots of holidays abroad and have never had any reason to camplain - until now!! The only reason I have given this hotel an overall rating of 3 out of 10 is due to its location as it is set on a lovely sandy beach with easy reach of shops and bars. I would say this hotel bearly deserves a rating of a 2 star, let alone 3. During our stay at Barcelo a lot of people shared our views - so please be warned.

This hotel has to be the worst I...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs S Scott

Comments:

This hotel has to be the worst I have ever stayed in!!! On arriving to our room we smelled this awful damp smell and had to open the doors to air the room. There was also a plug socket and a light fitting hanging off the wall. The bathroom taps were falling off and were held on badly with mastic and the bath was very grimey and needed replacing badly. The other downside was the fact that the bed was actually a campbed!!!! We complained to our rep twice, but nothing was done. The food in the restaurant was very bland and sometimes cold, plus there wasn't as much choice as you normally get in other hotels. The staff in the restaurant had no manners and were very rude, restaurant run very badly. We are very laid back people and we have been on lots of holidays abroad and have never had any reason to camplain - until now!! The only reason I have given this hotel an overall rating of 3 out of 10 is due to its location as it is set on a lovely sandy beach with easy reach of shops and bars. I would say this hotel bearly deserves a rating of a 2 star, let alone 3. During our stay at Barcelo a lot of people shared our views - so please be warned.

Just come back from this hotel...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Miss R Hatton

Comments:

Just come back from this hotel and had a really bad experience. Said in brocure ideal for families and possessed a kids club. We found the animation team lazy to the extreme. First we found the kids club never open so queried at reception we were told to ask an animation team member by the pool. Located him in the bar, he said his boss had the key to the kids club and was 'sick'. This boss continued to be 'sick' for the two weeks we were there, although each evening he recovered enough to go drinking in the bar, so the kids club never opened. The mini disco advertised on the hotel board never ran and children were discouraged by animation team member not to attend the later entertainment. This took the form of the team member shouting 'silence' into his microphone at giggling children.

The only adult daytime entertainment we saw was for the older lady which took the form of stroke/feel up the animation team member whilst he sat on a sun bed or drinking and eating at the bar.

The management didn't seem to care too much but did offer us a free lunch to compensate us for all the complaining we did over the two weeks to try and get the kids club open. By that time we were a bit bored of the food and didn't bother.

On the up side near the beach and the hotel full of the blue rinse brigade so if you are one of the older generation this place might be for you.



DO NOT GO WITH YOUR KIDS (unless they're about 60)

Just returned from a great...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr P Mittins

Comments:

Just returned from a great holiday in Lanzarote.

We stayed at the Barcelo de Galea and we have to say we thought it was very good value for money.

Yes the exterior could do with a lick of paint in places and there are a few ant problems at times but the rooms were kept clean and are nice and spacious.

We didn't like the location of our room on arrival so asked if we could have a room facing the pool and this was no problem at all.

At the end of the day if your expecting 4 star then you may be disappointed but we thought the 3 start rating was very fair and we would use it again.

Superb location in Costa Teguise and only a short distance to the beach.

Great holiday and fully recommend it.

Not a 3 star as rated, a 2 star...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Flyglobespan

Submitted By:

karynthea

Comments:

Not a 3 star as rated, a 2 star is a fair reflection. when we arrived our apartment in block 1 had a balcony with a small plant area covered in cat dirt, as did all the others in this block. complained to reception, no joy, spoke to manager, and magically, got a room in block 3 overlooking pool, it was bigger, and ideal for a family of 4. However constant faults within apartment were annoying. the first one, the electrics kept tripping, the fault was that the maids had washed the worktops down with too much water, and this had run into the wiring behind the fridge (wiring was bare this would be condemed in the UK) Too many other faults to list, only good point to be fair was that maintenance arrived quickly each time (only because faults on complex were happening all the time and maintenance were constantly working away) As a result complex is kept clean.Did not try food as self catering so no feedback.

If you do go avoid blocks 1 and 2, and try for block 3.

Location was excellent, front leads to shops and bars, rear leads to beach and bars.

All restuarants in area are good, no bad food here, if you like fresh fish this is the place for you.(highly recommend HAMMIES for snacks).

If looking for a trip, you must go to Timunfya,this includes a camel ride and great value.

Beach is excellent,Weather is very good, constant breeze, take a jumper for night time though.

Only bad point was the usual english bar with the usual english male holidaymaker who thinks wearing an english football top (obviously cant afford to buy A CHEAP ONE FOR HOLIDAY) and thinks being drunk, loud and obnoxious is funny and manly, not so, just makes them look silly, we only went in to catch up on soaps(sad i know) but you have to keep the wife happy at times. So avoid the BULLDOG if you want some peace.

Summary Hotel 4 out of 10(but plenty of other good accommodation about) Weather 9 out of 10, Resort 9 out of 10 (maked down because of bulldog), Food 10 out of 10.

My girlfriend and I stayed at...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr N Hassard

Comments:

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Barcelo La Galea at the end of Aug beginning of Sept for 2 weeks, here are our findings on Lanzarote and the Hotel.



LOCATION: The Hotel is superbly situated literally 2mins from the beach, the rear entrance backs onto the Pub/Shop strip that leads down to the main restaurant and beach area of Costa Teguise. The beach area is nice and clean with plenty of sun loungers (these are 4euros each per day). We found there to be a nice relaxed atmosphere in Costa Tequise which would suit families or couples seeking a quiet holiday. Costa Teguise seemed pretty safe and we were not afraid to roam about at night. I would not recommend Costa Teguise if you are a party animal as it is more orientated towards families and couples. The Hotel is approx 20mins from the Airport and 10mins from the main town on the island of Arrecife.



Word of warning the ex-pats on the island warned us not to walk about Arrefice late at night unless we could speak spanish as he said the locals do not take kindly to tourists and we could get mugged our beaten up. The centre of Arrefice itself is a maze of narrow side streets and I definitely would not recommend visiting it after dark, although having said their is some great shops in Arrecife and we done most of our shopping in their. This was because the ex-pats advised us that most of the clothes shops etc in Teguise had their prices inflated because of the numerous tourists in the town. We definitely noticed the cheaper prices across the range in Arrecife for a shopping trip during the day it was great.



GREAT PLACES TO EAT:



If you are in Lanzarote do not fail to book into the top floor restaurant at the ARRECIFE GRAN HOTEL. This is a 5 star hotel on the promenade in Arrecife. We were recommended it by ex-pats and we were not disappointed. We booked a taxi from our hotel in Teguise and it left us off at the front door of this magnificent hotel (taxi fare approx 20 euro return). Once inside we got the glass fronted lift up to the 18th top floor where the restaurant is situated. The top floor is glass panelled right round and you have magnificent views over Arrecife, Fuetuventura and the island of Lanzarote it really is worth a visit and the staff treat you like VIP's. The food was outstanding, we had a four course meal and drinks for 80euros, which is a snip for the lovely surroundings view and service we received. The staff couldn't of been more helpful, courteous and happily took snaps on our camera of us. In Teguise itself I would recommend Larnies Pizza restaurant down near the main beach, it was first class. We ate their nearly every night.



THE HOTEL: Considering the hotel was rated as a three star I was happy enough with the standard of accommodation. Our rooms were cleaned everyday and the buffet breakfast we received was good. I was surprised how spacious the apartments in the hotel were, they had plenty of room in them.



Now I come to main points of grievance and this was a major fault this hotel has. When we first arrived we were handed the keys to our room (247 I think). The noise in the evening was not a problem as we were on holidays and were expecting a bit of revelry from our fellow tourists, the noise from the surrounding bars and hotels quietened down shortly after 11. At approximately around 5am we were awoken by what sounded like a tv being switched on and the volume turned up, this continued right up until we got up at around 9am. Also we were situated at the side of the hotel and every morning the delivery and bin lorrys would do their rounds and keep us awake as well. The sound of the tv continued for the next 2 mornings being turned on at approx the same time each morning (around 5am) by this time I had just about had enough so I went outside to try to locate what room the noise was coming from.



I thought it was coming from the room above so I rang the reception and told them our predicament. I was advised by the man on the reception that I would have to change room the following day, when I protested that I was not the offender and would have to move my stuff he continued with his stance. So seeing I was getting nowhere I left it till later on that morning. When I went down to the reception later I was informed by the woman on reception that they did not want me changing rooms and that if the noise continued the next morning I would have to ring reception and they would deal with the offending party. I duly obliged and the following morning the same noise happened again. I rang the reception and was told by the man that I would have to move rooms, at hearing this I nearly blew a fuse having had virtually no sleep for 5 nights and the hotel staff were seriously messing me about. I actually had to go down to reception there and then at 5 in the morning in my boxers to ask for the general manager. The man on reception seeing how mad I was sent a security guard up to our room to try and find out the source of the noise, he tried to say he thought it was coming from above us, but wanted to be sure so he told me he would leave it till the morning before he talked to the other guests about the problem. After he went away I sat and listened to the noise and thought about the layout of the hotel.



When we went down to breakfast that morning I was still thinking about this and could hear a radio being played in the kitchens beside the dining area. THEN SUDDENLY IT HIT ME! the crafty staff in the hotel had put us over the kitchens that was the noise we were hearing every morning, plates crashing, a radio turned on and delivery lorries taking stuff into the place every morning. THE HOTEL KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALL ALONG, I'M AM 100 PER CENT SURE OF THIS, other guests are bound to off complained at this ridiculous design flaw in the hotel. When I informed the staff at reception the next morning they immediately allocated me to another room in a quiet part of the complex with no questions asked (I HAD RUMBLED THEIR LITTLE RUSE!) and didn't even OFFER AN APOLOGY which I was raging about.



IF YOU ARE STAYING AT THIS HOTEL MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT ALLOCATE YOU A ROOM ABOVE THE KITCHENS!!! or you will suffer from sleep deprivation!



ALSO MOST OF THE STAFF ARE TOTALLY UN-HELPFUL AND SOUR FACED.



Whenever we got another room we enjoyed the rest of the time at the hotel, I would still recommend the hotel as long as you don't get a room above the kitchens!



The food was good and also the accomodation and the hotel location is excellent value for money. BUT I EMPHASIZE DO NOT TAKE ANY NONSENSE OFF THE STAFF, I FOUND THIS OUT TO MY DISADVANTAGE, IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. I am still seriously thinking of writing to the main Barcelo HQ with a complaint about a certain employee in the La galea regarding our treatment.



TRIPS OUT: Verdes cave complex, well worth a visit, world renowned cave complex, deep sea fishing just off the coast at Puerto Calero, great day out with all the food and drink you can eat included in the price, girlfriend accompanied me as well and enjoyed the day as beginners are welcome or can just watch. Trip was topped of with a big German guy beside me hooking a 150lb stingray and taking 2 hours to get it to the boat! excellent crack! We hired a car out (3 days would be quite long enough hire time) and toured the whole island, highlight of which was a random excursion trekking off the main road over into an extinct volcano that had blew its top, this was far more of an experience than the staged tourist bus trips at the national volcanic park on the island which weren't good value for money, but you cannot miss due to the natural phenomena of the heat fishers. (you will know what I mean if you visit the place). I would advise maximum stay on Lanzarote of 10 days any longer than that, it can get boring unless you are a serious sun lounger!

This is our third stay at the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs L Blyth

Comments:

This is our third stay at the apartments and we loved it. My daughter who is 9 loves the pool and although it is a bit cold it is bearable as the weather was very very hot. The staff were great and very helpful. As we were staying self catering we spent all our time at The Sandcastle which is located just outside the apartments on the beach front. They have a kids corner where my daughter met a lot of new friends and Wayne, Tracie and Chris the owners are fab!!! Great food and all sports, kids programmes, english programmes were shown during the day on a large screen.



Entertainment in the apartments varied from a reptile show which my daughter loved and had her picture taken with a large python to magic shows and music groups. Nightly kids disco was also provided. The only complaint I really had was the attitude of some of the other guests who were mainly german, spanish etc who seemed to think that as they were all inclusive meant they owned the sunbeds!!! even though it clearly states that you cannot reserve them...



All in all though an excellent holiday, are looking to book at the moment for the same time next year. I would definitely recommend the whole holiday to anyone and Costa Teguise is a lovely resort.