Occidental Mar Menor

The buffet could get chaotic, with little kids running around, and felt more like a canteen than a restaurant. Still, the food was always hot and plentiful, with a different theme each night. We also liked having branded spirits on the all-inclusive plan. Ice cream started out as just a small pot from the pool bar, then a bigger selection became available to buy near the end of our stay, which we enjoyed. We were there as a family in August, and the staff were a real highlight. They were welcoming, attentive, and always seemed ready to help. The hotel itself is modern, clean, and stylish, with very cold air conditioning even in the shared areas. The pools were great too. It stands by itself among empty plots and quiet roads, in an area that seems planned for several hotels. That gave it a calm, uncrowded feel, a welcome change from La Manga's busy atmosphere. Now and then, noise carried along the corridors after the entertainment or bar closed. We had a stylish, friendly base for our family holiday, and the team made a big difference.

We booked half board, and the food was better than I expected for a four-star hotel at this price. The room could have been cleaner, but reception responded quickly and were very helpful when I called. Our superior room was spacious, quiet enough for a morning lie-in, and had a better sea view than rooms at the last two hotels I booked that advertised full sea views. I believe all the superior rooms are on the top floor. We took a chance on this little gem despite its below-par Google score of 4.2. It far exceeded our expectations, and I thought it was great value for money.

The hotel felt old and poorly maintained, and the food didn't offer much variety. We were put in a building that isn't connected to the hotel, so getting to the pool meant going between buildings. They gave us pool towels on the first day and wouldn't change them daily. I wouldn't recommend it.

The buffet half-board meals were included in the reasonable price. The chef's food cooked in front of us was fantastic, as were the fresh fruit and salads. The chips were the weakest part. Wine and lager on tap were included too, and I preferred the white wine to the red. We loved the large bedroom and bathroom, plus the roomy balcony with a sea view. There were three pools, including an Olympic-sized one. The staff were helpful, friendly, and spoke good English. We'd definitely recommend it.