This hotel operates on the "you get what you pay for" principle, but it's not what you expect. We booked through Thomas Cook and were led to believe we'd have a very smart, comfortable and spacious "side seaview" room. I wasn't expecting fabulous, but at the same time, I wasn't prepared for grotty, dark and cramped - that's what our first room was like. It was on the ground floor (3rd floor), right at the back of the hotel. The tiled floor was heavily scratched and the decor was tired. There was no seaview. It looked nothing like any of the rooms promoted on the hotel's website, or by Thomas Cook in their "My Style" brochure.
I immediately asked for another room and was told by reception that the hotel was full. The supervisor also showed me the booking form they'd received from Thomas Cook and told me that the code printed on it was an indicator of the sort of room to which we were entitled: the very cheapest. I pointed out that the holiday wasn't cheap and that I could have chosen another hotel. She offered to upgrade me for an additional payment. I refused to pay more and she relented and offered me another room, on an even lower floor with a view (and sound) of a building site. I declined it, stood my ground and was finally given a room on the 4th floor with a side view of the sea. It was basic (3 star at best), but clean and bright with fresher decor. A number of other couples who were checking in that day also rejected their original rooms and were moved. Some paid extra for the "privilege".
The hotel is in a good location, right on the beach and 7km promenade, and the pools and grounds are lovely. Note to adults who want to plough up and down doing lengths: use the adult pool and leave the kids' pool to the kids.
We were on half board and enjoyed the food, which was varied and well presented. There was fresh fish every evening and some great salads and desserts.
The Wifi is patchy - don't rely on it. The gym is poor - a large space with very little equipment, certainly nothing like the image portrayed on the website. The entertainment isn't bad, but the eagle show is disgraceful: a small wooden box and a dark bar full of shouting kids is no place for a magnificent bird of prey. The hotel should be ashamed of itself for booking this sort of spectacle.
I would return to this area, but would try a different hotel next time. Unless, of course, I'd booked a bargain basement deal and was expecting a bargain basement room.
Room Tip: Try to get a higher room near the front.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
8 February 2012
Dear guest,
We feel sorry that we could not rich your expectation during your stay with us.
About your room booking unfortunately sometimes our will does not go according with the availability of the Hotel and of course we do have to follow the procediment with the TTOO.
Our mission is for you to enjoy your holiday in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
We are sorry that we could not be successful in your case.
We would like to thank you for your opinions and comments. As this is the only way to improve the quality and service of your stay and change any mistakes that have been made
The Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC