Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa

We expected more from a four star hotel for the price. We had to keep going to reception about room problems: glasses weren’t replaced, some replacements were dirty, and the water wasn’t replenished. The room was noisy, the beds made a lot of noise, and we could even hear the neighbour’s bed squeaking. At dinner, waiters didn’t ask everyone whether they wanted a drink. We were also told we couldn’t sit by the windows because those seats were supposedly for all inclusive guests, but reception confirmed that wasn’t true. We got food poisoning from the restaurant and were incapacitated for 24 hours. Reception didn’t seem to care and said it was probably a virus. Then at checkout they added 1 euro for charity without telling us. I find that very dishonest. They took it off when we asked, but check your bill carefully if you stay here.

The hotel was spotlessly clean, and staff were friendly and helpful. The infinity pool is great, with a water dispenser nearby, so bring a refillable bottle. Pool towels are free, a nice touch you’d expect from a good hotel. Breakfast was fantastic, with lots of cooked options; we especially liked the freshly made omelette. The rooms are spacious and face the beach, though they’re starting to look a bit dated. The maid comes daily if you hang the sign on the door and leaves 500ml bottles of still and sparkling water. There’s no iron or ironing room, which was my biggest annoyance. We had to pay for pressing, for example 7€ per dress and 5€ per shirt, so it can add up. Bring your own iron or be ready to pay. Pressed clothes came back within 24 hours, though it could take 48. There’s no hotel shop, but a small Spar is close by; otherwise, there are a few vending machines around the hotel. Evening entertainment was okay, and Puerto Rico is about 7€ by taxi. An airport taxi costs around 70€. I’d recommend the place, just remember the iron!

We arrived to find we’d been upgraded to a very impressive suite. Adrian from reception was especially helpful and went above and beyond. The pools were beautiful, and the pool bar food and team were great. Eva at the pool bar and piano bar was lovely, remembered our room number and drinks, and the staff were so friendly throughout. Restaurant staff were friendly too, and the food was fantastic. Special mention to Gonzalas on the grill. Daytime entertainment with Patryck and Isabel deserves a big shoutout. Highly recommend this beautiful hotel.

The rooms were spacious, the beds clean and comfortable, and the restaurant and bar staff were very friendly and helpful. But after paying £2500 for all inclusive, we were surprised that Magnum ice creams, Oreo sandwiches and some whisky brands cost extra. No one mentioned these charges at check-in. When I asked reception, they said a €90 bottle of whisky obviously couldn’t be included because it was expensive. I understand premium products can cost more, but for this sort of all inclusive holiday, I didn’t expect to pay extra afterward for drinks or ice creams. The entertainment also felt limited and repetitive. It was much the same each day, aqua zumba, bingo and darts, while the evening shows were poor and didn’t give us much to do.