Playacálida

Firstly the positives - pools are magnificent, beautiful views, very tranquil location, staff are all friendly and not a problem their English isn’t good, we are in a very unspoilt by tourism part of Spain. Extremely clean in all areas of this huge hotel, it’s immaculate. The pool animation team are great fun. Negatives - firstly only 2 elevators for over 700 rooms, lack of aircon in public areas of the hotel. The worst thing is the food - it’s never warm let alone hot, almost raw omelettes when cooked fresh. Raw parts of chicken when griddled, tasteless, food that none of us can eat & we have like trying different nationalities of food. We have had to have a taxi to the nearest town to eat out most nights and we are all inclusive The restaurant is like a cattle market, no atmosphere in the hotel. Be aware the nearest shop is over 2 miles away, do not underestimate how isolated this hotel is.

I have had the best time here especially with the kids club Simon, Santos, Jacob, Marta Lara, Marta Fortis, Niko and Raquel they all did such and amazing job. Me and my siblings did the kids club everyday so much to do, had the best time with my birthday, I can’t wait to come back next year. From Freya (Ginger)

We found hotel staff not very friendly although one guy in bar and the lady at pool was. We had items stollen from poolside to include my grandaughters crocs. My room key constantly didn’t work and long walk to reception to get programmed. Had to buy water and all drinks at hotel as no local shop or kettle in room. Hotel is in a remote spot with steep hill to beach. Infinity pool was lovely and room was nice.

The rooms: Functional, clean, great views. There’s a fridge to use, huge shower and separate bath. (There is no smoking in the rooms or on the balconies) There is no coffee or tea facility which for a 4star hotel is disappointing, especially as there is no other way to get one until the breakfast serving begins.. so if you’re an early riser you’re out of luck. The pools: As good as they look in the pictures, The slides are in a separate pool. There is a pool side bar, a hot tub and plenty of sunbeds. Mini golf: Passes the time… clubs and balls available from reception. WiFi: Free and decent signal Parking: there is an underground car park but isn’t free… Free parking is available on the street but there’s competition for spaces… however we did manage to find a spot each day we stayed Restaurants: only the simbad was open when we stayed (October half term) this is a buffet restaurant and if you are bed and breakfast is €25 euro per adult (not including drinks or water) which to be honest I think is a little excessive if you’re a normal person who eats within reason. The food itself was what you’d expect, it was nothing spectacular but decent enough. Having said that, our intention was to eat out and try different places which we did most days. Breakfast: Served in the simbad and is typical of most hotels I have stayed in Spain. There is a fresh omelette station which was nice enough (however for any vegetarian I would say the concept of cross contamination doesn’t seem to be a thing so meat goes in all the pans) Bar food: The bar does a proper cafe con lecce and the bar food was reasonable The staff: Honestly, did not have a problem with any of the staff, they were all polite, helpful and all spoke English, I don’t know who other reviewers met but all my interactions were 10 out of 10. Overall I would say the hotel and staff are nice enough, it’s a little out of the way so I would recommend a hire car unless you’re a fan of walking as the nearest shop is around 20 mins walk (and it’s very undulated)