Iberostar Isla Canela Hotel, Ayamonte, Spain
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £94
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Located directly on the beachfront, with a seafront promenade, on the Isla Canela (Costa de la Luz). A bridge connects the island with the Andalusian village of Ayamonte on the Portuguese frontier, 6 km away but part of Spain. A newly-built complex, to be opened in 2003, offering a reception with currency exchange, bicycle. Swimming pools for adults and children, sun loungers and parasols free of charge, indoor pool. Boutique, beauty farm, souvenir shop and medical service. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Rating: 7 / 10
Iberostar Suites Hotel Islantilla
Huelva, Costa De La Luz, Spain
Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi
Iberostar Isla Canela Hotel Reviews
" I loved the pictures of this hotel in... "
Submitted By: Miss S Fisher
I loved the pictures of this hotel in the brochure so I persuaded my boyfriend to holiday here with me. It was fab! Honestly - reading the reviews others have left and having been myself now I can honestly say that this hotel IS a 4 Star rated hotel.
The pools are big and the hotel was very clean and tidy. Maids came into our room everyday to make sure we had enough clean towels etc. Staff very poliet and welcoming.
Activities during the day were excellent - beach volley ball, shooting, water polo, darts, bingo to name a few. Kids activities were excellent and seemed fun.
Only down side was that the majority of guests were german (however they did not take all the sunbeds so there was no rush to grab one).
Nightlife is low key and a good 10-15 min walk away but bars and restaurants are nice - outback is an australian bar/restaurant and nolans bar is irish - the couple who run that are lovely. Theres also Cindys bar - nice english bar and a lovely italian.
Well worth a visit.
P.s - hotel must be good so dont listen to any of the negative comments people have left from their visit years ago - I went THIS YEAR and it was spot on! A famous spanish football team stayed when we were there - Athletica Balbao (Have I spelt that right???) so must be good for them to have booked it too.
The pools are big and the hotel was very clean and tidy. Maids came into our room everyday to make sure we had enough clean towels etc. Staff very poliet and welcoming.
Activities during the day were excellent - beach volley ball, shooting, water polo, darts, bingo to name a few. Kids activities were excellent and seemed fun.
Only down side was that the majority of guests were german (however they did not take all the sunbeds so there was no rush to grab one).
Nightlife is low key and a good 10-15 min walk away but bars and restaurants are nice - outback is an australian bar/restaurant and nolans bar is irish - the couple who run that are lovely. Theres also Cindys bar - nice english bar and a lovely italian.
Well worth a visit.
P.s - hotel must be good so dont listen to any of the negative comments people have left from their visit years ago - I went THIS YEAR and it was spot on! A famous spanish football team stayed when we were there - Athletica Balbao (Have I spelt that right???) so must be good for them to have booked it too.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Lovely hotel, beautiful foyer area.... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Booty
Lovely hotel, beautiful foyer area. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We went b&b and the range of food for breakfast was incredible.
The area is great for walking and cycling because it's so flat. We hired bikes from along near the Marina and used them daily to go backwards and forwards. There are a few Restaurants near the Marina to the east of the Hotel and even more selection if you go along the coast to the West.
This was our first visit to the Huelva region and the area on the whole is less commercialised than other parts of Spain. We loved it to bits and are going back again this year.
We only had one complaint really and that was because the indoor pool was shut for maintenance for almost a week - the outdoor one was crowded because it was the Spanish school holidays and we couldn't get near it!
The area is great for walking and cycling because it's so flat. We hired bikes from along near the Marina and used them daily to go backwards and forwards. There are a few Restaurants near the Marina to the east of the Hotel and even more selection if you go along the coast to the West.
This was our first visit to the Huelva region and the area on the whole is less commercialised than other parts of Spain. We loved it to bits and are going back again this year.
We only had one complaint really and that was because the indoor pool was shut for maintenance for almost a week - the outdoor one was crowded because it was the Spanish school holidays and we couldn't get near it!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Self
" This certainly was not a 4* Hotel.... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Bowman
This certainly was not a 4* Hotel. Our room was smelly (drainage) so was the next one they offered us but the 3rd room was okay. The furniture in the lobby was worn out, there was no massages happening, the bar shut at 12am not 1am as stated in the brochure.
On arrival we were offered scraps because our flight was delayed and we arrived after just 12am. I managed to grab a drink at the bar just as it was shutting thanks to a very friendly waitress. Because we were delayed we didn't get up for breakfast and the only food offered to us between breakfast and lunch was stale bread with ham or cheese and cakes in a fridge that was left open most of the time so the birds could peck at it.
The Spanish were everywhere as they were offered cheap weekends away before July 1st, then from July 1st the staff started (occasionally) offering complimentary food around the pool (Okay for self catering or half board but no big deal for All Inclusive holiday makers). The A La Carte restaurant doesn't open until 1st August so we didn't get a look in there.
The Germans have invaded the sun loungers once again, they were quite friendly but if you want a lounger then get up at 7am and put your towels out (this was not the case in the reviews I read before departing for my holiday) most of the loungers were broken and the covers were pretty dirty.
I will not be returning to this hotel.
On arrival we were offered scraps because our flight was delayed and we arrived after just 12am. I managed to grab a drink at the bar just as it was shutting thanks to a very friendly waitress. Because we were delayed we didn't get up for breakfast and the only food offered to us between breakfast and lunch was stale bread with ham or cheese and cakes in a fridge that was left open most of the time so the birds could peck at it.
The Spanish were everywhere as they were offered cheap weekends away before July 1st, then from July 1st the staff started (occasionally) offering complimentary food around the pool (Okay for self catering or half board but no big deal for All Inclusive holiday makers). The A La Carte restaurant doesn't open until 1st August so we didn't get a look in there.
The Germans have invaded the sun loungers once again, they were quite friendly but if you want a lounger then get up at 7am and put your towels out (this was not the case in the reviews I read before departing for my holiday) most of the loungers were broken and the covers were pretty dirty.
I will not be returning to this hotel.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Travel Advisor
" The hotel is very clean and the rooms... "
Submitted By: Mrs N Upcott
The hotel is very clean and the rooms spacious. The food was good with plenty of choice. We went all inclusive which I think was the best option here as there were not many bars and restaurants close by. The pool area is lovely and there was no rush for sunbeds early in the morning. The sea is close by and there is a new promenade built at the rear of hotel which you can walk along in both directions.
I would not recommend this resort for families with older children as I think they would find it a little boring, but for couples and young families it was ideal. The evening entertainment was reasonable. There were dancers some nights and Spanish singers on the other nights. Staff were very polite and helpful. All in all it was a very good hotel which I couldn't really fault in any way.
I would not recommend this resort for families with older children as I think they would find it a little boring, but for couples and young families it was ideal. The evening entertainment was reasonable. There were dancers some nights and Spanish singers on the other nights. Staff were very polite and helpful. All in all it was a very good hotel which I couldn't really fault in any way.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" This hotel is GREAT. We have visited... "
Submitted By: Ms S Savage
This hotel is GREAT. We have visited twice. Once in Sept 2005 and again June 2007. In fairness, the hotel rooms are starting to look a little tatty but nothing a good lick of paint will sort out. HOWEVER everything else is brilliant.
The food is wonderful, lots of choices, fresh fruit, salads, wonderful fresh fish, great desserts for the sweet tooth or even cheese and biscuits. Buffet style which is nice as you can sample. (Be prepared to put some weight on!). There is something for everyone. Book a room with sea view if you can as it is great to sit on the balcony in the evening and look out. A lot of Spanish holiday here and stay in the pool till quite late so the dining room is never packed.
The staff are very friendly, speak good English and nothing is too much trouble. This area is totally unspoilt and if you want a quiet, relaxing break this is the place. The pool is very clean and large enough to accommodate everybody.
The food is wonderful, lots of choices, fresh fruit, salads, wonderful fresh fish, great desserts for the sweet tooth or even cheese and biscuits. Buffet style which is nice as you can sample. (Be prepared to put some weight on!). There is something for everyone. Book a room with sea view if you can as it is great to sit on the balcony in the evening and look out. A lot of Spanish holiday here and stay in the pool till quite late so the dining room is never packed.
The staff are very friendly, speak good English and nothing is too much trouble. This area is totally unspoilt and if you want a quiet, relaxing break this is the place. The pool is very clean and large enough to accommodate everybody.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Wintersunshine Holidays
" We found the hotel was very well run... "
Submitted By: Mrs G Gee
We found the hotel was very well run with the manager very much in evidence. All staff were helpful, pleasant and polite. Everywhere was spotlessly clean and well maintained and the hotel had a very "Spanish" air about it. The swimming pools were great. One small one for children, a medium one and one very large one. We asked for a sunny balcony and got a beautiful view of the pools and the sea.
Food in the hotel was outstanding. The evening meal in particular included lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, local fish and a variety of meat dishes together with pasta, chips, salads, potato dishes etc. Huge selection of sweets and cheeses.
Rooms contained a fridge, useful for providing our own lunches. Food shops within easy walking distance.
The beach was a stone's throw away and was huge, clean and uncrowned. Delightful for walking along! Great for youngsters.
Interesting fishing village nearby at Punta del Moral and the town of Ayamonte a short bus ride away. A market is held there each Saturday. You can cross over to Portugal on the ferry from Ayamonte and it only takes a few minutes.
A relaxing and quiet holiday, very enjoyable. Suited us just fine!
Food in the hotel was outstanding. The evening meal in particular included lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, local fish and a variety of meat dishes together with pasta, chips, salads, potato dishes etc. Huge selection of sweets and cheeses.
Rooms contained a fridge, useful for providing our own lunches. Food shops within easy walking distance.
The beach was a stone's throw away and was huge, clean and uncrowned. Delightful for walking along! Great for youngsters.
Interesting fishing village nearby at Punta del Moral and the town of Ayamonte a short bus ride away. A market is held there each Saturday. You can cross over to Portugal on the ferry from Ayamonte and it only takes a few minutes.
A relaxing and quiet holiday, very enjoyable. Suited us just fine!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Absolutely fantastic if you're... "
Submitted By: Miss HA Crawford
Absolutely fantastic if you're looking for a typically Spanish holiday and a quiet week away! Gorgeous hotel, the animation team are fantastic - there is always something they are trying to get you to do!
There are about 6 restaurants in the local area (within 10 minutes walk) all of which are great, especially Bella Napoli (great Italian with Australian/new Zealand owners).
There are lots of hotels and shops being built along the coast but you can't hear anything from the hotel, just a few cranes in view that’s all!
We didn't eat at the restaurant in the hotel as we were self catering, but it looked lovely - breakfast, lunch and dinner available. Our rooms were great - we had 2 x 2 bed roomed apartments, each with 2 bathrooms and 2 balconies - they were huge. Great sea and pool view!
There's a huge room where all the shows take place - which some shows were great, some where a bit lame, but at the end of the day it's still entertainment!
I would highly recommend anyone go to this hotel. Its nice now, and in a few years it may be too 'English' like Benidorm - so make sure you get there soon to see its true beauty!
There are about 6 restaurants in the local area (within 10 minutes walk) all of which are great, especially Bella Napoli (great Italian with Australian/new Zealand owners).
There are lots of hotels and shops being built along the coast but you can't hear anything from the hotel, just a few cranes in view that’s all!
We didn't eat at the restaurant in the hotel as we were self catering, but it looked lovely - breakfast, lunch and dinner available. Our rooms were great - we had 2 x 2 bed roomed apartments, each with 2 bathrooms and 2 balconies - they were huge. Great sea and pool view!
There's a huge room where all the shows take place - which some shows were great, some where a bit lame, but at the end of the day it's still entertainment!
I would highly recommend anyone go to this hotel. Its nice now, and in a few years it may be too 'English' like Benidorm - so make sure you get there soon to see its true beauty!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Booked Self Catering in a 2 bed... "
Submitted By: Mr M D Toone
Booked Self Catering in a 2 bed Apartment, great rooms we had two bathrooms 2 separate bedrooms, great kids had own room but connected.
Did not eat at hotel, and local restaurants are a bit limited if you have kids to cater for. But good Italian in Marina Area.
Entertainment at Iberostar excellent! Kids 13 + 16 Girls. Pistol & Rifle shooting, archery, water Polo, plus fun bingo and many, many other daytime activities. Entertainment staff great!
Building work on other side of hotel, but if your apartment overlooks the work, not such a good view, but during your day from the pool area it was not a problem!
Area very Spanish great no pictures of English Food but Very Spanish lots of tapas but limited if your kids not into that!
Did not try hotel food but I’m sure it was good. Hotel staff very helpful, lovely place Expensive but the best self catering accommodation we have stayed at to date.
Happy holidays.
Did not eat at hotel, and local restaurants are a bit limited if you have kids to cater for. But good Italian in Marina Area.
Entertainment at Iberostar excellent! Kids 13 + 16 Girls. Pistol & Rifle shooting, archery, water Polo, plus fun bingo and many, many other daytime activities. Entertainment staff great!
Building work on other side of hotel, but if your apartment overlooks the work, not such a good view, but during your day from the pool area it was not a problem!
Area very Spanish great no pictures of English Food but Very Spanish lots of tapas but limited if your kids not into that!
Did not try hotel food but I’m sure it was good. Hotel staff very helpful, lovely place Expensive but the best self catering accommodation we have stayed at to date.
Happy holidays.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Very clean hotel. Good standard of... "
Submitted By: Miss C Jackson
Very clean hotel. Good standard of accommodation. Meals excellent, lots of choice and cooked fresh. Also had a kids section. Kids club very well organised and the evening entertainment was very good. Kids games and disco then the main entertainment.
The beach was never crowded and is long, wide and clean. As it is on the Atlantic the sea can be a bit cool. There are a few bars and restaurants near by but not a great deal to do out side the hotels in this resort.
It is a very Spanish resort so alot of the guests ate later. It was never a problem getting a table if you went in earlier with children. Highchairs are available in the dining room.
The beach was never crowded and is long, wide and clean. As it is on the Atlantic the sea can be a bit cool. There are a few bars and restaurants near by but not a great deal to do out side the hotels in this resort.
It is a very Spanish resort so alot of the guests ate later. It was never a problem getting a table if you went in earlier with children. Highchairs are available in the dining room.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Cosmos
" This hotel is sold as a 4* but in our... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Rayson
This hotel is sold as a 4* but in our opinion only just rates 3*. All though only 2 years old, the rooms and the communal areas are already in need of upgrading/maintenance.
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There is no designated smoking area so the reception come lounge area, that has a limited number of seats, is commandeered for before and after dinner/breakfast smoking. Unfortunately this area has no smoke abstraction, making this a very unpleasant area for before and after dinner drinks/relaxation. If you choose to stay half board, you will find that you will be very limited as to your choice of drinks both alcohol and non-alcohol as the hotel only caters for all inclusive, this means that there are no branded names on offer only local brands and all the cocktails are pre-made thus allowing for no choice at all. ( all inclusive are made aware of this before booking but not half board guest
The outside pool bar is a very dark badly lit area to sit for a drink and a chat, but other than the large entertainment hall there is no other social bar area.
It was the general opinion that the cleaning standards were not up to the mark and there seemed to be a shortage of bath mats and bathroom requirements.
The restaurant area was good, the food and the service was very good, the staff were very attentive, friendly and courteous, this was also true through out the hotel.
The surrounding area was not as we had expected it to be after reading other reviews. The area is catering for an English cliental and is not typically Spanish although it does have a lovely new Marina within 5/10 mins walk but here you will find that the few bars are all run by English and not Spanish, with the exception of Antonio’s fish restaurant. However if you take the short walk into the village of Punta del Moral this is without doubt where you will find a small number Spanish bars and restaurants. "well worth the walk " also Ayumonte is only a short bus ride away, here you will find a lovely, typical small Spanish town with shops etc. In all the area is very quiet and relaxed.
I have written this review due to the fact that after reading other reviews our expectations proved to be disappointing. <br>
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There is no designated smoking area so the reception come lounge area, that has a limited number of seats, is commandeered for before and after dinner/breakfast smoking. Unfortunately this area has no smoke abstraction, making this a very unpleasant area for before and after dinner drinks/relaxation. If you choose to stay half board, you will find that you will be very limited as to your choice of drinks both alcohol and non-alcohol as the hotel only caters for all inclusive, this means that there are no branded names on offer only local brands and all the cocktails are pre-made thus allowing for no choice at all. ( all inclusive are made aware of this before booking but not half board guest
The outside pool bar is a very dark badly lit area to sit for a drink and a chat, but other than the large entertainment hall there is no other social bar area.
It was the general opinion that the cleaning standards were not up to the mark and there seemed to be a shortage of bath mats and bathroom requirements.
The restaurant area was good, the food and the service was very good, the staff were very attentive, friendly and courteous, this was also true through out the hotel.
The surrounding area was not as we had expected it to be after reading other reviews. The area is catering for an English cliental and is not typically Spanish although it does have a lovely new Marina within 5/10 mins walk but here you will find that the few bars are all run by English and not Spanish, with the exception of Antonio’s fish restaurant. However if you take the short walk into the village of Punta del Moral this is without doubt where you will find a small number Spanish bars and restaurants. "well worth the walk " also Ayumonte is only a short bus ride away, here you will find a lovely, typical small Spanish town with shops etc. In all the area is very quiet and relaxed.
I have written this review due to the fact that after reading other reviews our expectations proved to be disappointing. <br>
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I decided that this year I was going... "
Submitted By: Miss s evans
I decided that this year I was going to get off the tourist trail and try to discover the REAL SPAIN. I found it in Isla Canela, Costa de la Luz.
I took the new challenge of booking both the flights and accomodation separately on line and it worked out so much cheaper and much more flexible than a package deal!!
Isla Canela is so different from the usual tourist traps I had found myself in. It was a delight to be able to walk into a restaurant where the menu did not include large coloured photographs of traditional British food. Instead I delighted in trying to make sense of an extensive all Spanish menus. It was wonderful.
The apartment was excellent. I found it on www.property-rental.co.uk. However I since discovered a better site www.islacanelaholidays.com which I have used to book my next years holiday.
The only down side was there was some building work going on but the fact I am returning for a second year should show that this did not spoil my holiday.
I took the new challenge of booking both the flights and accomodation separately on line and it worked out so much cheaper and much more flexible than a package deal!!
Isla Canela is so different from the usual tourist traps I had found myself in. It was a delight to be able to walk into a restaurant where the menu did not include large coloured photographs of traditional British food. Instead I delighted in trying to make sense of an extensive all Spanish menus. It was wonderful.
The apartment was excellent. I found it on www.property-rental.co.uk. However I since discovered a better site www.islacanelaholidays.com which I have used to book my next years holiday.
The only down side was there was some building work going on but the fact I am returning for a second year should show that this did not spoil my holiday.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2004
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:OtherThe real spain
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We arrived late due to a delay at East Midlands (no change there then) and had missed the lunch service, however we were offered sandwiches, cakes and drinks to keep us going. Whilst on the subject of food, we have been to 4* All Inclusive hotels all over Europe and North Africa and we really did think this hotel offered a great standard of service. Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets were brilliant; there is a great selection and the food was always cooked to perfection. The head chef came out into the restaurant every night to ask if we'd enjoyed our meal, so I think that says a lot. Food was also available in between meal times at the pool bar; both in the help-yourself fridge and a sit-down menu.
The drinks service was partucularly good; there are self service points dotted around the bars, pool and restaurant with wines, beers, fizzy pops, or if you prefer you can have waiter service. We found the All Inc service included everything you'd want, from cocktails to shorts. Some named drinks were included at a supplement, but most were free.
With regards to the hotel itself, it was spotlessly clean and very efficiently run. The majority of guests were Spanish, some Germans and a few French. There were about 5/6 British couples there this week, if that.
The area is VERY quiet; we loved it as we needed total relaxation, but there were some very bored looking teenagers around the pool so it is not for them!
All in all, a lovely holiday at a lovely hotel!