Magic Aqua Rock Gardens

The rooms were nice, but it was disappointing to find there were no balconies at all. We hadn't noticed this while booking, and I like having a balcony for morning coffee or when I can't sleep. The restaurant food got repetitive quickly and wasn't very hot. The microwaves helped warm it up, but food should be kept hot in the first place, so that's a star off. We arrived late, around 0015hrs, and the six of us were checked in fairly quickly. There was no introduction to the hotel, just a sheet with meal and swimming times. Don't use the ATM pictured in the hotel. It charges for withdrawals and converts at 1x euro for £1. The staff at the Grotto Bar were friendly enough, but made too many drink mistakes, which costs another star. Oscar deserves a mention, though. He was friendly and courteous and always brought the right drinks.

This was our third year at the Magic Rock, and sadly we won't make it a fourth. We have always stayed during fiesta week. Last year, finding the rooftop bar wasn't opening was a major disappointment, and this year our group of eight again couldn't use it. Halfway through the week we found out by chance from another holidaymaker who'd seen it on trip advisor that we could use Star bar on the beach front. The hotel isn't sharing this information. Service at the bar was frustrating. One member of staff was serving and queues formed, but when Spanish holidaymakers arrived, at least five staff suddenly appeared. On our last morning, 16th Nov, we couldn't get into breakfast because the queues of Spanish holidaymakers were far too long. It had happened the day before too. There was a music party and popcorn being handed out in reception. As British holidaymakers, the last two days were difficult, and we felt we couldn't enjoy the facilities. With the rooftop bar unavailable and the problems getting in, we won't be back for year four.

We loved our week here with our daughter and had such a good time that we're already planning to return next year. The whole hotel was spotless, and our room was clean and comfortable. There was no balcony, which was a small downside, but the staff were all really friendly and helpful. The drinks were brilliant, with proper strength beer and branded spirits like Jim Beam, Smirnoff, and even real Baileys. Food was decent quality for all-inclusive, though it got a bit repetitive after a few days. There's plenty to do around the hotel, and the evening entertainment was great every night.

The best part for us was the food. For mass catering it was quite good, with lots of choice in the main restaurant and a daytime snack bar for burgers, chips, and salads. We were all-inclusive, as I think most guests are. One restaurant was closed during our November visit. Sometimes the food could have been hotter, but there were microwaves if you wanted to warm it up. Staff throughout were friendly and polite, there were plenty of them, plates were cleared quickly, and bar queues weren't too long. Catering staff regularly refreshed salads and cakes, so food wasn't sitting out for too long. Getting there was awkward. Transfer coaches can't drop you at or collect you from the hotel because the access road is tight. The drop-off is about 300 yards away, and the fairly steep climb is tricky if you're not fully mobile. If I'd known at booking, I might have paid for a private taxi. There are lifts all over once inside, but working out which one goes where was confusing. Even after five days I kept getting out, then having to use stairs or try another lift. It became quite funny. Our bedroom was fine, though the bathroom looked tired, with missing tile grout and a couple of chips in the toilet. Housekeeping starts early, so keep the do-not-disturb sign out if you don't want to be woken at 8am. The bar was well stocked with a couple of lagers and plenty of spirits and wine. There was no adult entertainment while we were there. Some mini-club activities seemed to be happening, but our children are past that age, so the pool was the main option for us. It has lots of sunbeds, arranged in three straight rows that felt cramped, and several waterslides that seemed to run intermittently. The slides are old, and not many people seemed keen to use them. The biggest downside was the surrounding high-rise buildings. We had to chase the sun between beds, along with everyone else, to catch some rays. That might be less of an issue in summer. We enjoyed our time in Benidorm, but the hill, lack of hotel entertainment, and chasing the sun mean we wouldn't return to this particular hotel.