Durazno Sur 205

The apartment was very clean, right by the beach, and had incredible views. Its location is fantastic: supermarkets and restaurants are close, and the plaza and beach are less than a two-minute walk away.

I usually stay at these apartments when I visit El Médano. They're roomy and very clean, with good Wi-Fi, and the beach is a short walk away. Banks, restaurants, bars and supermarkets are all nearby. The management is always helpful and accommodating, and it feels very family-run.

A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE I knew about the el Durazno apartments and contacted their information number looking for a long-term rental. The apartments seem nice in general and the location is wonderful, but dealing with the owner of two units in the building, María Elena, made this a really unpleasant experience. I left my contact number at reception with the woman who helped me, who is the owner's niece. Doña María Elena called and offered me a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor with a sea view for €650 a month, including water and electricity. Given the location, that seemed more than reasonable, even though I hadn't seen it. I explained that I had to leave my current flat in a hurry, and told her several times I was very interested and had nowhere else to go. About a week later she called to apologize, saying she was older and had already committed the apartment to someone else. She offered me a different second-floor flat, without a sea view but with two bedrooms, and said she'd keep the same price because the mix-up was her fault. I saw it a week later. She'd said I'd love it and that it had been renovated, but it left a lot to be desired. The fridge made the biggest impression as soon as I opened the front door. Still, I needed to move quickly because I had to leave my flat, and this one was still in El Médano near my job, so I decided to accept. The day after viewing it, I told her I wanted it. She'd said I needed to show proof of income. I had already told her I worked as an entertainer at a hotel in El Médano and had a permanent contract. I even went to the viewing in uniform with a colleague from work, who wore the same uniform, clearly marked “Animation team” and “Gestiocio,” the company name. She had told me I couldn't move in until after Easter because the flat was already booked through the middle of the month. I suggested paying half for that month, and she agreed it made sense. A couple of days later she asked on WhatsApp for a photocopy of my contract. I asked if I could send a photo instead because I didn't have a photocopier. She just gave me the name of a copy shop. The next day, before I'd had a chance to get a copy or give it to her, she called two days before I had to hand over my current flat's keys. She said she wasn't convinced and would not rent me the apartment. When I asked why, she only repeated that she wasn't convinced and that I hadn't provided the contract copy, even though she'd requested it just one day earlier and hadn't seen me to receive it. This wasn't serious, professional or ethical. It's simply not how you treat someone.

I come here often and feel comfortable. The apartments are old but well maintained, and the setting in Plaza del Médano is ideal, just a few steps from the beach. It's also great not having to use the car.