Arenal Beach Costabella Apartment Canovas

The sunbeds are inexpensive at €6, and with happy hour the good cocktails make it a cool place to sit with a drink until the last sunshine. It's great to see local products on the menu, including the new espetos, which were very tasty. They should advertise more on the beach. We come every year for the delicious grilled octopus and Almadraba tuna tartare, and we're glad the place is still open. This year, though, there was a lack of attention to detail. Staff were inconsistent about reservations, sunbeds, and orders. We understand they may be summer hires with little experience, and they were all very friendly, but the disorganization could put us off returning. We'll be back.

The food is decent, and the prices aren't anything special. Service was the bigger problem: we waited 40 minutes just to order in a nearly empty restaurant. They're understaffed and disorganized. Also, take care on windy days, since the umbrellas are left open and unsecured, which could be dangerous.

The sardine portions are spectacular! From Tuesday to Friday, they're just 5 euros, including a small beer. There's a good range of other dishes, too.

It's a very peaceful, well-kept area with a large pool and a separate one for babies. Getting to the sea is extremely convenient.