Bex, just got back (20/03/05) from a weeks holiday in Caleta Amarilla here's my review hope it helps.
Unusually for us we booked this holiday on the spur of the moment and at short notice before checking the holiday review forums, When we did we were somewhat concerned about our choice and approached the holiday with some trepidation.
In our experience I have to say, any fears soon evaporated after our arrival and any troubles the site may have had would seem to have been rectified by the management and staff.
We were on side A apartment 8, there was no view but it was quiet and near, but not too near, the noisier pool and bar area. Side B is where the entertainments bar and restaurant are situated and therefore busier and noisier.
We found the site to be smart and tidy with maintenance of the buildings and grounds ongoing whilst we were there.
Our apartment was well appointed and very clean with no insect problems. There were signs of damp but this problem was obviously being addressed and there was no damp smell.
Security of the apartments was an issue that cropped up in some reviews and was one of the main things that concerned us. I have to say that again these problems seem to have been resolved. There is a decent enough fence around the perimeter, lock on the front patio doors, bolt on the bathroom window and latch on the rear drying area door. This latch was a little loose for my liking but a quick word with reception and it was soon fixed.
There is a safe deposit box in each apartment, which for peace of mind I would advise the use of, at a cost ?12 plus a returnable ?5 deposit for a week.
Another area of concern was the food. Now bearing in mind this is a 3 star resort I thought the food was very good. It was varied, well cooked and well presented and most tastes were catered for. My only areas of criticism were limited desserts, dreadful coffee and very average wine. But hey we?re only talking mass product three star all inclusive hear and as such it does a pretty good job, there?s even a corner with two seater tables just for couples.
Above all I think it?s the staff that makes Amarilla Appts. Whether in the restaurants, bars, reception, cleaning or maintenance, all staff without fault are friendly and helpful.
Caleta Amarilla is very much a family friendly resort. This is fantastic for parents with young children but there didn?t seem to be much for older children, from what I could see there was nothing in the sports department to entertain them.
We gave the entertainment bar a try and for a couple it was hell on earth something we only did the once. Adult entertainment doesn?t start until 10.00 and was very patchy, parrot show anyone. We were lucky the one night we did give it a try a reasonable act called Dynamic were on and made the evening bearable. To compensate there is an adult only music bar that opens at 09.00 but it is a cavernous and soulless place that lacks atmosphere, but absolutely great to get away from the kids. The only other option is to go off site, if you don?t mind paying for a few drinkies, there are a few bars nearby with Sky sports and Karoke if you like that sort of thing. Or you can take a leisurely 15 minute stroll down into the main part of Caleta De Fuste.
Caleta Amarilla complex is only 15 mins from the airport and is in the flightpath so be warned there is plane noise. The first flight comes in at 07.30, handy if you?ve forgotten your alarm clock, followed pretty quickly by about five more flights. It then settles down and comes in dribs and drabs for the rest of the day up until late evening.
But in all honesty it isn?t really a problem as they go over so quickly and the peace soon returns.
So to sum up, anyone going to the Caleta Amarilla Appts. don?t set your expectations to high it is after all only a 3 star resort and as such it does its job very well. I wouldn?t hesitate in recommending it to young families, but it might not suit some young and middle age couples who are trying to avoid children.
