Ideal Pearl

Myself and my friend returned from our holiday today (28th Sept) and we were part of the Thomas Cook issue, but I will return to that later. Good points of the hotel: Bobby and Carlos - the entertainment dynamic duo. They were just fab. You can have as much interaction as you wish, so there is no pressure to join in if you want to snooze on the sun bed. Funny, entertaining and just out and out great chaps. The bar and waiting staff - fab, friendly and funny. We could not fault them. The hotel is clean at all times. Bed is comfortable Food though not the greatest, however you will always find something to eat at lunch and dinner time. Location is good. Five minute walk to the beach, though it’s not a particularly scenic route. Bars, eateries and shops literally on the doorstep. Pool - we definitely aren’t ones for racing for the sun beds, but we never had any trouble getting one, even though there were those guests that seemed to have slept by the side of their chosen bed waiting to claim it at 8 in the morning. It is quite late in the season, so I can’t comment on how difficult it would be during peak periods. Bad points: Reception staff were unfriendly and unhelpful (though this may have been due to the collapse of TC). Though there was one young lad, but sadly I can’t remember his name who was very helpful. Breakfast was poor, but again if you can’t find something to eat I would be surprised. Location - not right on the beach, but see above in good points. Wardrobes - forget hanging anything up ladies, the wardrobe is pathetic; we resorted to using the chair for dresses and most of clothes actually. Lack of drawers to put anything away, though there is a shelf or two in the wardrobe. Bedding - the sheets don’t fit the bed. May seem small, but wait until you have fought over it a few nights. Thomas Cook collapse - TC reps were fab and we really felt for them. The hotel requested to see our ATOL certificates. They would not honour any booked late checkouts and would not even let us pay again for the privilege. We assured them that ATOL would be honouring the late checkout payments but they ignored us. They did let us use the spa facilities to shower though, which is better than nothing. Would we stay there again? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend it to others. We stayed in a far superior hotel in Side two years ago for roughly the same price. Hope the above helps future potential guests.

Hotel was spotless. Food was confusing at times, breakfast was poor. However the staff were very friendly and helpful. Entertainment was bingo every night, one line then full house then finished, followed by about 20 minutes of random acts. Then over for the evening. Pool was nice, although the management didn't stop rowdy behaviour and a group totally took over the Jacuzzi pool every day making it feel out of bounds to everyone else. ( being a shallow pool with seats it was ideal for a lot of the older tourists who had mobility problems). The room was small but ok for a base, however no draw space so lived out of suitcase. The balcony had 2 chairs but no room for a table. I wouldn't return as it wasn't ideal for me, however it wasn't a bad experience just could of been a lot better with a little more thought.