Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa

We had such a lovely stay and will definitely come back. Blue17's food was great, and the hotel room was huge and spotless, with a sea view that cost a little extra. Marti, the manager at Blue17, made us feel welcome; Elainia was a very attentive waitress, and Ekaril mixed fantastic, strong drinks. We had steak and chips, followed by delicious mango cheesecake. The hotel is right on the seafront, in a perfect spot, with easy connections around the island. There isn't Uber or Bolt, so getting around means hiring a car, taking the bus, or using the taxi rank just outside.

Jaime gave us a warm, professional welcome at check-in, and Nahel was great at the omelette station. Our sea-view suite was spotless, spacious, beautifully decorated, and had a 10/10 view. The gym was clean, roomy, and well equipped, so I got a good workout in, and the pool and spa area looked lovely. We also had a great dinner at Blue17. Marti and Elenia were welcoming, attentive, and accommodating even while it was busy. Elania recommended the delicious mango cake. My steak was cooked well, though it could have used a little more seasoning. The drinks were delicious too, and bartender Ekaril knows how to make a great cocktail. Thanks for having us.

There were only a few sunny spots around the warm indoor pool, which was nice, and the beach is close by if you're after some sun. Our room was clean and had a nice view, and breakfast offered a wide range of options for different nationalities. Service in both the rooftop and pool-area restaurants was a bit slow, and I expected more from the drinks.

The hotel needs refurbishment. The laminate floor in our room was uneven and lifting, and the bedding felt cheap and unpleasant. The buffet looked appetising, but the cooked dishes lacked flavour. Reception wasn't helpful, and the senior manager wasn't available. Although the hotel is beside a beach, swimming there is prohibited because of pollution. Locals said the sewage system was damaged, and neither the hotel nor the travel agent told us when we booked. It claims to be a luxury beach hotel, but felt more like a budget hotel in a small town. The covered indoor pool was strange too, with blue plastic and fake grass around it, giving it a semi-permanent feel.