HL Club Playa Blanca Hotel

We stayed in late January with my wife and our 10-month-old, all inclusive. For the price, we were happy and would come again, though a few things might put other people off. We had a spacious two-bedroom bungalow that worked well for relaxing and storing our luggage. It looked dated in places but was fine overall. When we arrived in the evening, there was no hot water because of a boiler issue outside. The next day we found the air con didn't work because the remote had no batteries. Reception sorted both quickly, but these are basic things that could have been checked before arrival. The pool area was decent, with sun all day, but some of the sunbeds were dirty and mouldy. The food was generally very good, with variety, themed nights, great meat, hot and cold choices, high chairs for our little one, and a clean, modern dining area. Some dishes were worryingly cool, though. The grilled veal at the live cooking station was delicious, but the mash and gravy weren't served on a warm plate. Another night the pork stew was lukewarm at best. Drinks were generally great: Amstel, basic cocktails, most local spirits and self-service Pepsi and Fanta machines. Dinner and the individual bars were good, but by the pool beer came in small paper cups and queues could be long. Everyone we dealt with was lovely and helpful. There were cats everywhere. We love animals and our little one enjoyed spotting them. They seemed well looked after, though I felt it was getting close to too many. The location was great: 10-15 minutes on foot to the beach and it felt safe, with the local bus station 5-10 minutes away. We didn't book excursions, but plenty were available. We hired a car and found lots of parking. The grounds felt very safe and family oriented.

The bungalow was nice, the gym superb, and the location wonderful. Food was excellent, plentiful and varied, but after arriving at 4pm hungry from a long travel day, we couldn't get anything to eat until the restaurant opened at 6. There's no tea or coffee in the rooms. WiFi, the in-room safe and pool towels all cost extra, with a €15 deposit for towels. Even though we were all inclusive, drinks after 11pm cost extra. The place was heaving with screaming adults and kids. It felt like Butlins with Ugg boots, fake tan, leopard print and vapes everywhere. Cigarette ends sat in plant pots, and half-eaten sandwiches floated in the pool. Some people wandered around in pyjamas without a bra, smoking and yelling TYLARRRRRRR across the pool. Tyler was beating a local cat with a pool noodle. If you want a nice hotel with good food and a great location but the feel of a “The Sun” holiday voucher, this is the place.

We had a great time, my husband, our friends and I, and I’d definitely return. It’s very good value, with lovely staff who are friendly and always around to help. Rooms are clean, and cleaners come daily with fresh towels except on Sunday. The supplied pillows were uncomfortable, so I’d bring your own. There’s plenty of space and sunbeds around the clean, well-kept pools. The pool bar has lots of tables and shelter. Toilets are by the pool bar, restaurant and hotel lobby, which I always check for. The restaurant had a wide choice, with weekly theme nights such as Indian and Chinese, and I found the food fresh and well prepared. The beach is about a 10-minute walk, with lots of bars, restaurants and shops. There’s a quiet bar as well as a larger one where the entertainment takes place. WiFi is extra, and it isn't very good. It was down for a whole day, dropped in and out when available, and didn't reach some bar and pool areas. The signal was too weak for me to use my banking app. A small frustration in an otherwise great holiday, but WiFi should be included and standard these days.

The only positives I found were the grounds, which looked good, and seeing the pool cleaned every day. Otherwise, this was the worst hotel I've stayed in. It isn't four-star in my view, no more than two. The bungalows are basic and very dated. There are big gaps at the top and bottom of the front doors, so leaves blew in when it was windy. During my week, the floor wasn't swept once. The food was terrible, always very cold, and either overcooked or undercooked. Starters and desserts were the same for all seven nights; the main food was essentially the same dishes in different sauces. Breakfast pancakes were rubbery and the eggs undercooked. The dining room felt like a school canteen, as did the so-called bar area. There wasn't a soft seat anywhere in the hotel. Pool bar food sat uncovered all day with flies around it. The drinks were so watered down they had no taste. I can't see how this place gets a four-star rating.