Vista Blanes Apartments

The rooms are dated, but the setting is beautiful, with a lovely beach and wonderful staff. Everyone was kind, from reception and the bar to the cleaners and groundskeepers. We had a simple family holiday, and it was perfect with our 14-month-old.

I wouldn't give this place even one star if I could choose. Our room was filthy, with cracked tiles taped down and mould in the bathroom. The beds had such thick dust that it seemed like it would keep rising for days. We were shown different rooms before booking, but on arrival got dirty ones and spent the first three days sitting in the dark before complaining and being moved. The hotel feels more or less in the middle of nowhere, with a 20-minute walk before you reach the centre and see anything. My partner was also involved in an actual bodily harm incident with people staying above us, and my eight-year-old son got caught up in it too. The hotel did nothing to make sure my children were safe that night. The worker didn't know how to handle the situation, which was disgusting. The couple were supposed to be kicked out the next morning, though honestly I think it was just time for them to go home. The pool area was absolutely stunning and the only thing the kids had to do there. I wouldn't call the hotel family friendly. It felt quiet and laid-back for older guests, who stared if you made even a little noise. The staff usually looked miserable. Joan/Juan at the bar was the exception: lovely, friendly, always smiling and dancing around, and great with children.

We were accused in front of other guests of leaving the bar without paying, even though we'd paid in advance when ordering our last drink. That drink never arrived until we asked, and after we'd finished our aperitif with my partner, we went back to the room. I returned later for coffee and was made to feel embarrassed over a bill that had already been settled. The room itself was dirty and dated, with worn furniture, and the sheets were changed just once during the whole week. The towels weren't changed at all, which isn't acceptable hospitality. We were also next to the luggage storage area, so people coming and going late into the night made it nearly impossible to sleep. Poor service, substandard rooms, and no customer care. I strongly wouldn't recommend it.

I've stayed in these apartments many times and love them. The bar and pool staff, along with the maids, make you feel welcome, and reception are lovely too, except for the older woman with glasses. She's stern, never smiles, and doesn't feel very welcoming. The restaurant menu has a poor choice, so I haven't eaten there as often as I normally would.