Hotel AR Almerimar

The junior staff were very good, though I worry they may leave if the senior management culture is poor. The management seemed detached from the daily running of the hotel, and after I gave them a chance to discuss my disappointing stay, they never contacted me. I’d also left constructive feedback about the shower spraying water all over the bathroom because of an incorrect fitting, among other problems. They say they’ll fix things in response to negative reviews, but in my experience they did nothing. We stayed in May and didn’t know the hotel had been let out to several school groups. The children’s constant screams and shouts meant we couldn’t use the pool or seating areas. The hotel is a little dated, as we knew when booking, and some updating is underway. But cleanliness was also an issue: despite cleaners following a schedule, food and dirt had clearly been stuck for months in the sliding doors between dining areas. One lift to the pool area was broken, and the other broke during our stay. Signs warning guests would have helped, but I saw no sign of senior management taking responsibility. The kitchen staff didn’t seem to know the difference between a pineapple and its core, which made me question their food safety knowledge. For me, management came across as spreadsheet and KPI types interested in money rather than guests’ stays. I’d think twice before booking, and would suggest finding another hotel.

We had lots of fun with the animation team, especially the aqua gym in the morning and evening, and the pools had something for all ages. Our room was exactly as described, meticulously cleaned and serviced, with a stunning sea view. We stayed for six days in August, and it was a wonderful experience overall. The hotel mainly welcomes Spanish visitors, so staff and entertainment are mostly in Spanish. I think that’s part of the charm of visiting another country and getting immersed in the local culture. Some parts of the building feel dated, and the shared spaces could use restoration. We chose full board because it was good value. The food was okay and enjoyable, though the themed dinners didn’t add much variety, and the cooking could have been better. It isn’t right on the area’s best beach, but it’s conveniently placed for exploring by car. Capo de Gata beaches and natural park, Tabernas Desert and Granada are all within easy driving distance. I’d recommend the hotel for families.

The hotel was clean, the meals varied, and the staff were nice. We came back from a tour planning to spend a week resting here, but the stay wasn’t easy for me. A children’s camp was at the hotel for several days. The kids were loud and took over the pool, jumping constantly instead of swimming. Things got worse on Friday evening when many guests arrived for the weekend. Smoking and littering, against the hotel rules, were common. Parties on Friday and Saturday went on until 2 a.m., and the entrance doors don’t block sound properly. In my culture, running, shouting, whistling and kicking doors in the corridors isn’t acceptable. The manager should make clear what kind of guests this offer is meant for.

We first came in 2003 and may have stayed for two weeks about 16 times since. The food is still great, there’s lots of fun for kids, and it’s a safe place for everyone. It’s exceptional value, with sun guaranteed. We usually go in mid-July, so we get to see the Fiesta of Virgen del Carmen, with all its colour and activities. I’d like a new shop and a bit more variety in the food, though.