Having read this website prior to departure, we weren't really looking forward to the hotel, but when we got there we were really impressed.

The 1 bedroom apartment was on the 6th floor of block 2 (Pacifico Block). It was clean & well equipped for a self catering holiday. The kitchen has the essentials (but you could by no means cook a three course meal!) but who wants to cook when on holiday?? There was a 2 ring hob, a fridge, crockery, pans and come cutlery. There was a table, 4 chairs, a sofa which doubled as a twin bed, tv (fee to be paid for hire), and then a door leading to the balcony.

The bathroom was clean and no less than what you would expect when abroad. We were supplied with 2 hand towels, 2 bath towels, 2 bars of soap and toilet rolls were replaced regularly if needed. A non slip bath mat was also supplied for safety, and the shower curtain was clean (almost new in fact).

The bedroom had twin beds and doors opening directly onto the balcony. There were built in wardrobes which contained some coat hangers and the safety deposit box. You do have to pay a 10 euro rental fee per week + 25 euro deposit to use this (but make sure you keep the receipt as they will not refund the deposit without it!!!!)

The hotel itself was really clean and the pool area was cleaned every evening. The reception is 24 hrs and all the staff speak good english. We cannot comment on food or entertainment as we went into town each night (5 minute walk but on a slight hill).

The hotel is a must for families as it has everything in one spot. There are a few pools at this hotel including one for toddlers. They do however show their age in places and the steps to get out need some attention so beware. The sunbeds costs 1 euro per day to hire, but this is cheaper than the 4.50 euros they charge at the beach.

There are also tennis courts, indoor pool, games room, bar, supermarket, newsagent, car hire, snack bar and gym at the hotel.... what more can you ask from a 3 star hotel?!?!?!

The road people speak of is NOT a motorway. it's a dual carriageway that does not get very busy and even if you face it, you can't really hear it. The speed limit on there is only 40 mph so you're not in any danger when crossing it either. The bridge leading to block 3 is sturdy and nothing to worry about, but I would not recommend staying in block 3 (mediterraneo block) if you have a pram with you due to the steps. Blocks 1 and 2 are on the resort side of the road so you do not have this problem.

We enjoyed our stay very much and would recommend you keep an open mind with regards to this hotel... it was no where near as bad as other reviews had led us to believe.

for pictures feel free to email

<font color=blue>EDIT: Gareth & Anthea.. Thank you for your review. If you would like to upload your pics to our Photo Galleries, please use the link at the top of the page.
Many thanks
HT Review Team</font>

Just back from the hotel yesterday- again after reading the previous reports I was concerned but everything was fine with us.
We had no problems with cleanliness- we were in block B (can't remember the name) on the 11th floor. There were four lifts which meant you never had to wait long and these were in working order for the duration of our stay.
The apartment was very spacious for two people and the kitchen and utensils were spotless. The bathroom was a bit tatty in places but still kept very clean by the daily maid visit. The towels were only changed once during our stay of a week(not a concern for me). Very close to resort but at bottom of slight hill as previously stated. Staff were very helpful and friendly- our room required a slight repair (bathroom light) and this was dealt with immediately. The entertainment was not great but fairly typical of that provided in med. resorts visited, in my experience.
The only downside I felt was the lack of air-conditioning in the apartmemts but I knew this before I went and fans are available for hire (as well as toasters and tvs)

This hotel was the grubbiest I've ever stayed in. It was thoroughly depressing in so far as, after walking through Reception, you are faced with several concrete blocks which look like a run down housing estate. As you approach the blocks, which each have a couple of lifts, there is rubbish around the place and the lifts smell of urine, come some unpleasant smelling detergent (no doubt to combat the urine smell). We had a one bedroomed apartment. It was very dark and dismal with a sofa, looking lost, on one wall, a tiny balcony, and two sets of patio doors which did not lock. On closing the curtains, the whole lot (curtain track and all) came off in my hands. The kitchen area was dirty, rusty and unsavoury looking with slanted 'put me together' doors in dark green. The bathroom was dirty, in dark blue, and smelled of urine. The towels were musty and the shower curtain and tiles, mouldy.

The bar area resembled a 'train platform' waiting area with welded down tables and bench seats, in rows. It was grubby looking and had no atmosphere whatsoever.

We didn't get any sleep the first two nights (trouble with football groups there for Euro 2004). There was heaps of shouting and arguing and the police even paid the hotel a visit because of it.

We went to see the Airtours Reps. They were no help and requested 380 Euros to move us to another resort (same standard hotel supposedly). The Reps were no help in offering to get us a room move (although did have Maintenance up to our room to fix the curtains and patio doors). We eventually went to Reception. The guy on Reception, with no interest in our reasons, passed us a key to an apartment at the hotel opposite (apparently part of the same hotel complex). We could only get a studio however, but it was a remarkable improvement. The bathroom was still a little grubby however (but it was a relief to be rid of the smell of urine).

I recommend, if staying at this hotel complex, you immediately request the opposite block to the one we were accommodated in (the one without tower block outbuildings)

the problem i found most was the noise from outside with gruops of teenagers hanging around till all hours.the apartment itself was basic enough but clean but for a self catering holiday you would expect at least a cooker or grill.we stayed in block 2 it was ok lifts worked .we didnt eat in hotel because the food in all the other restaurants we ate bar one was faboulous.the location of the hotel is good with just a few minutes walk to the beach and bars.the staff we found friendly except one man on reception very ignorant.the entertainment in the hotel is really for the kids which is great if you have small children with you.the pool is nice and beds are only one euro for the day but you have to get down early.we did enjoy the holiday but club praia da rocha was not for us as we would of rathered somewhere quiter.man of aran irish bar is a good spot for a drink and abit of music.

I went to this resort with my cousin who is 22. Im 17. We were in block 2, tower b on the 4th floor. The room was very clean and had basic facilities, everthing was in working order. The cleanliness if this hotel was not half as bad as i had previously read! Our balcony faced onto the hotel opposite which is the only complaint i have about the room, but even at that it wasnt a big problem.

For 3* apartments i thought it was well worth the money. We got a last minute deal for

Again like many I was extremely weary of this hotel before I went, but we were doing a cheap and cheerful football break and for

The room was filthy,dust under beds insects squashed on walls, bathroom walls greasy. Curtains stained, work tops filthy, hob rusty and dirty, dirty brown blankets. Lifts filthy, fire doors wedged open. Staff miserable, reception staff abrupt. Swimming pools filthy, sun beds to match, which were one euro. Food horrendous, chips with everything! You have to go over abridge to the other side of the road for meals. 52 steps. The bars are grubby and miserable. If you like being on a main road very similar to the M6 the location is fine. Oh by the way the entertainment is rubbish as well. The taxi drivers call the hotel Alcatraz or the holiday from hell hotel, which you find out about later. It is still the hotel from HELL!

we have recentley come back from a holiday of a lifetime, for the money we paid, it was great value. location was fantastic for us, entertainement in hotel considerin our age (18-40) was poor but would definately suit younger children.

<font color=blue>Edited to remove negative comments about other members opinions</font>

Sarah

Having booked our holiday last minute from the internet, and having read the reviews posted on this website and similar, needless to say we were not particularly looking forward to our break. However, when we arrived we were extremely pleased to find we had been allocated a clean, comfortable room overlooking the pool. We didn't try the hotel food because eating out is always much more fun (whether on a budget or otherwise). Likewise with the hotel entertainment, we preferred to explore the area as opposed to being 'entertained' in the hotel. The location was fantastic for us - a five minute (if that) walk to bars and restaurants and two minutes further to the beach. We didn't need the hotel staff at all so I cannot comment on their efficinecy.

we returned from from this hotel yesterday 30/4/04.hotel still shabby,take money to eat out as food is diabolical,location,don't bother if you have walking difficulties .staff friendly,receptionists(which are plenty)are abrupt.the entertainment we saw very poor,( once was enough).will never return to that hotel again.