I didn't ask about the creche as our little one is very hard to leave with anyone unfortunately (his sisters never were). However, I didn't see anyone there and last year I did. We did arrive a week earlier this year and some things started when we were there, and more and more seemed to be happening. So it might be that we were there too early in the season for the creche.

How did you find the food??
is there plenty of sunbeds, theres nothing worse than the rush for a sunbed routine in the morning.
Finally are there any shops within walking distance of the hotel, just for tourist nick nacks etc
thanks

We haven't had any problems with the food. I really like the breakfast. However, I have heard of people who don't like it. Our girls, 8 and 6, probably ate too much. The little one has been a bit harder to please but there is always bread if nothing else suits. I think there was one night out of two weeks when the girls said that they found it hard to find something they liked. What I do is that I only take one or two different dishes a night, usually the fish. Then there is always something new. If one go for the whole buffee thing every night it can be a bit too much, I guess.
The sunbeds can be a bit of a problem depending on when you plan to go. When we came it wasn't a problem but over the half term when more people arrived it could be a problem. There are grass areas around the pools that can be used. There are quite a few shops nearby in all directions, but mainly touristy ones apart from the supermarkets. There isn't that much of a price difference but for somethings it can be worth looking around. Arenal is not big though. That is one reason we like it though.

thanks, sounds ideal,just got to decide whether to book up through eclipse or whether to hang on to see if i can get it diy and any cheaper.steve

Can anybody tell my if pool towels are provided? I know they used to be but it is not mentioned in my holiday details. Going out there next week, don't want to pack them if I don't have to. Thanks

Hi

Got back 6 June. No pool towels are provided.

Thanks - must go and sort some out - not needed them for the last few Hols - if not provided we have been able to hire them for peanuts!

Have done a hotel review but just thought I would jot a few things on here.
Hotel is Ok but not fantastic. Food is basic but adequate and plentiful.

Maid left patio doors wide open everyday - despite a complaint. One day TV was on & choc.bar wrapper on the side as well.

Another guest complained their maid left door to corridor open!

People were complaining children were suffering with cut feet in at least 1 of the pools - looking at the hotel reviews this has been going on for some time.

Having said all that Arenal Den Castell is fabulous and despite its faults I would go back to the hotel mainly because its location makes everything else ok.

Hi

Our children have never had problems with cut feet. I don't know if we have been lucky or you unlucky. My husband cut his toe last year, however he was playing water polo at the time. Our maids tended to leave the door as we left them or close them when we didn't want them closed. So many things will vary depending on the person I guess. I am going back in two weeks time with my middle daughter and after that I can say whether it is different in high season with the hotel being more full and the staff having more to do. In general, though I just love the place with all the space, the views and not having to cook. As you said the food is adequate and that is enough for me. I am not a food person. I do hope you had a good holiday as that really is the main point. We love the place but not everyone will. It is not the best hotel I have been to, that would probably be a hotel in the Maldives but I don't think it is worth the cost.

Yes - I did say I would go back despite its faults. I love the resort and could never tire of that view over the bay.

I think maybe the staff know people will still come back no matter what and that is why perhaps things aren't rectified!

Finally - yes I did enjoy my holiday and would love to go back!

We've been here 5 times but the last time we went was 5 years go.

Is it still a good place to go to?

we first went here in 1998 and for the following 3 years it went downhill.

So now we stay elsewhere in the same resort. We do go there for the occasional drink, but there is just too many children running around for us to want to stay there again.

Not that I dont like them, but we are talking in the hundreds!!!!

I think it all comes down to what you are after and when you go. We have been twice over half term in May/June and loved it. However with three small children we like the fact that there are lots of other children there for them to play with. Have been once in the summer holidays and there were more teenagers then but we still live it. I find that there is enough space so if I want to get away I can. I also really like that the beach is so easy to reach. I have been once in late Sepetember with a friend and wouldn't take the children that time of the year because it is too quiet but for us it was great. Also I want half board not self catering which narrows it down a bit. There are other places that do half board but we like it there and so do the children.

Hi, looking for quick advice please! I've read various reviews on the Aguamarina, but non recent, & need advice. I'm looking to go there in August with my girlfriend & 2 children, aged 4 years & 4 months old. What I need to know ASAP is if the hotel has been refurbished totally, as it appears from old reveiws that block A is better than block B (I've also read of a block C which is supposed to be even worse?). Which block will I be put in on a standard booking & do I need to upgrade bearing in mind the children, or is it all now refurbished?

Many thanks in advance for any advice you can offer

Hi there

We are going again in July for the third time with our three children, now 3, 6 and 8, we love it there. We have always stayed in Block B, after booking a standard room (or rather two as there are 5 of us). Last year air conditioning had been put in to all rooms. Last October when I was in Menorca, didn't stay at the Aguamarina then, they had started to do the balconies. They are supposed to be the same as Block A. The only thing with upgrading, I guess, is if you are desperate for a fridge. We have never been and I have heard that you can hire one also. However if you go in August it might be hard to hire one as the hotel is usualy full. The air con is the only thing that would make a difference really. Some people will say that the restaurant is better in Block A, we think the opposite. When we have been in May we ate in Block A the first few days and we find it more crowded, harder to understand etc. The food was the same and the sea view is more easily accessable from the Bar. Block C is like an emergency Block from what I understand. I have not seen the rooms but heard that some people hava had to stay there the first few nights as the hotel has been too full. However, I have never actuallt meet anyone who has stayed there.

We love it there, as there is lots of space and the beach is very very close. The rooms we mainly use for sleeping. This year we will meet up with friends at the hotel all with small children. Any more questions feel free to ask.

Hi

Many thanks for that, it's much appreciated, just one further thing - Is the sea quite rough (ie for our 4 year old son to paddle in) as I've heard it can be quite rough?

Cheers

Steve

I doubt it in August. We have had the odd very windy day in May (as spring can be a bit windy there) and then the sea has been a bit choppy. However the bay is very sheltered and when we were there in July last year it was very calm. It is a perfect beach for children I would say.

Block furthest away from beach (! I think) was gettign fullr efit when we stayed 18 months ago, so I;d say if safe to assume all works now complete.

Top hotel and top outdoor entertainment at nights too.

Hi

Does anyone else have any updates for me please? seven weeks and counting!!

cheers in advance