We booked a holiday at this hotel in January despite having read the rude and sarcastic manager’s response on TripAdvisor to any criticism, which I believe only serves to reduce the reputation of what turned out to be a really nice hotel with great staff, nice accommodation and food.
The location is a little out of town, but just a 10 – 15 minute walk away, and there is a small shopping centre just up the road with a supermarket.
The hotel is more family oriented than for older guests but the only issue we really had was when a young noisy family was given the room next door – we asked to move which was politely refused – and when that family left, another young noisy family was allocated to the room despite our protest.
The rooms themselves were like apartments with living room, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom – a little dated and very short of cupboard space for clothes, but large and very nice. The bed was very hard but we got used to it after some time. We booked a golf course view and ours, like most others, faced north and we had virtually no sun on the balcony.
The food and drink was reasonable and we liked the large reduction offered to AI guests on international drink brands. Despite the reassurance on TripAdvisor, and directly from the manager, that this was a hotel that was very sympathetic to those with gluten allergy, we were a little disappointed with the reality except for the allergy labelling of some of the buffet food.
The staff were really great, very friendly and helpful, within the hotel management rules. We were very grateful especially to Sandra who sourced a GF roll for breakfast automatically each morning when she was on duty, remembered our favourite drinks at the reception bar etc.
We booked the Kentia restaurant where around 4 tables were catered for nightly – the First Choice rep assured us that a GF variant would be provided. Management however provided a take it or leave it standard menu or a vegetarian menu – neither was gluten free. Obviously, we had to cancel.
The main evening entertainment was not good and we didn’t bother with it after the first few nights – the reception area had musicians which were better.
The safe cost €36 for 2 weeks, Towels €10 deposit and €1 per towel per change, laundrette charge €5 plus €5 for soap powder, Spa facilities are chargeable. Bottled water was chargeable, except in the restaurant, but some water dispensing points were provided.
Other than the room noise and SPA noise, we would certainly stay at this hotel again.
