Having arrived in the early hours we had to wait to be let into the complex (the night porter was doing his rounds and didn't hear the bell). He didn't speak any english but was pleasant and we had no trouble in following his directions to our bungalow.
We found the bungalow to be basic but clean. We requested a quiet one away from the pool, which we got. We were situated on the perimeter of the complex which was ideal as we had no one walking past us to get to the pool etc. We also got the sun most of the day. The maid service was good, always very friendly. The reception staff were very helpful and nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them.

We have just returned from a very pleasant stay at these bungalows. The gardens are well maintained and very pretty.

The pool was very cold and there is a small pool area, but we had a bungalow with a sunny verandha and were able to sunbathe here and nip in & out of the bungalow for drinks & snacks etc which we preferred.

The bungalows are very basic, but cleaned regularly and you can hire a microwave, toaster etc from reception if necessary.

The pool bar closed at 10pm and the only entertainment was bingo, but this suited us fine because it meant the complex was very quiet at night and there are supermarkets, bars & restaurants 3 mins away in Faro 2 or a taxi ride away.

As we are not beach lovers we found the location perfect and taxis are so cheap you go go anywhere anyway.

We will definitely be going back there next year.

We have just returned from spending a Christmas holiday at El Palmeral.We felt a little disappointed on arrival with the accomodation as it is a little dated and basic.

However, it is clean and well kept. We were seeking a quiet holiday and were pleased with the complex. There was a poolside bar open all day and until 23.00 which is adequate as if you want more entertainment, the Faro 2 complex is literally 2 minutes walk from the accomodation.

Staff were friendly and welcoming and it was a very safe and peaceful place to be. We are in our early 50's and loved the place. Would certainly go back!!

We've just returned From El Palmeral Bungalows having been there ove Christmas and New Year.

We found the apartments basic but nice. Everything was very clean with someone coming in most days to make beds, clean and change towels. The apartments have a sun terrace with a table and chairs plus 2 sun loungers. As many people used the terrace for sunbathing the pool area was fairly quiet with plenty sun loungers. The pool itself was absolutely freezing which was disappointing. For that reason alone we wouldn't go back as my daughter likes to spend most of her time in the pool.

The pool bar was fine with 2 happy hours a day. Prices weren't too bad. 3Euros for a large beer. but 2 for price of 1 at happy hour. There's a small supermarket which supplies the basics. There's a larger on in Faro 2 which is just at the back of the apartments.

The staff were all very helpful and friendly although one of the barmen is a little grumpy.

There's not much in the way of entertainment. There's a pool table, table tennis etc but not much going on in the evening. There's a computer with internet in the reception area which was difficult to get on as the kids all hijacked it but was more likely to be free in the hotter part of the day.

We didn't use the kitchen facilities for cooking other than the odd hotdog. It's not really equiped for much more. There's plenty of good eating places around about. The best we had was Michealangelos (Italian), Luck Lukes (Mexican) in Faro 2, Hard Rock Cafe and El Rancho (Tex Mex) which is beside the Kasbah Centre.

We didn't go on many trips but Sioux City was good and my daughter enjoyed the Water Park thich is only 3Euros in a taxi to get there but we did feel that it was expensive to get into.

On the whole the apartments were basic but fine for a relaxing holiday. I wouldn't rate it more than 2 star.

We stayed in El Palmeral over Xmas/ New Year- we came back a little crabby about the apartments little silly things became the last straw 'that broke the camels back 'so to speak ?

Our apartment constantly had a 'drain smell' but we went there not feeling well (poorly from uk with colds etc)so we honestly didnt feel like complaining to any one as we like Gran Canaria and all there. We just got used to the smell until you went out then came back !! Then it hit you again. phwoooar yuck.

The settees in room were fixed (concrete/ wood) so not much give in mattress so as one of our kids wanted to sleep near me and other near dad -it meant dad had hard nights sleep in living room (I tried swopping to give him break , but no ?) but real beds were nice in bedroom 2 singles(comfy)> (No bedside cabinets by the way everthing had to be put in wardrobe or eg medication on shelf behind bed)

The seats of settee in living room were facing in towards room obviously ? but it meant tv was on corner behind you so necks ached if looked at tv much.(but who needs tv in Gran Canaria )

The bathroom only had small square of natural daylight (from roof light) bathroom light on ceiling was an energy saving light bulb which was on a lot - as it was dim to start with but got brighter, but as light was yellowey it was hard to see if you had sun burn in evening to pay attention to.

Maids cleaned all right, but the smell never left apartment unfortunately.

Outside everyone else seemed to have beds to lie on, but we didnt, (typical of us) but again too trivial for us to go and complain about, so we sat sometimes at our table- gosh said litle things mounted up! Our 'neighbours' were out laying in sun for what seemed morning to dusk facing our way- so we felt we had no privacy (again not a problem for others, but felt a bit too much for us). Just meant we were watched going in/ out of our door and we didnt have anything to lie on any way so we stayed at beach etc

We would go back again if it was cheap but we dont think it is worth the price as with other apartments we have stayed in as the apartments were very basic.

We walk a lot so they were fine for us, but if you dont or cant walk much then you need to spend on taxis.

We stayed in El Palmeral in July 2004 and can't praise it enough. Okay, it's a little basic but at 2 stars, what do you expect? It's perfect for a nice relaxing week away, good atmosphere around the pool, 2 happy hours per day, sunbeds are always avilable and the staff couldn't be more helpful.

Apart from the pool and pool tables, there isn't much else for kids to do, but there is a childrens play area at the Faro 2 centre (2 mins walk) and Holiday World (5 mins walk) is a brilliant night's entertainment for children and adults.

We're going again in May - can't wait!!