Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes

The breakfast service left us with such a bad feeling that, despite the good facilities, we came away thinking we would never return. Staff in catering, including the shift manager, were unfriendly. Breakfast felt as if we were being watched by school supervisors, and one man stood so close to some guests that he made them uncomfortable. The woman at the afternoon bar seemed to dislike her job and customers, and let it show in a passive-aggressive way. We were leaving for the airport just as breakfast started. We understood they couldn't be flexible enough to let us in ten minutes early, but when I tried to take a coffee, mini muffin and apple for our two-year-old, the shift manager told me off extremely rudely. After we got home, I tried several times to contact management to clear things up. Each time I was told someone would get back to me, but nobody did, so I'm putting this here in the hope it reaches them. We stayed for a week in February 2024. The setting and facilities were excellent: amazing views, a convenient location, a relaxed atmosphere, a nice poolside and good restaurant food. Reception staff were decent and helpful. Showering without soaking the floor was very difficult, and the lift was out of order for a couple of days, though things like that can happen anywhere. In response to the establishment's reply, I'm surprised they seemed surprised. That suggests staff didn't pass on the email exchanges from March and April 2024. Google won't let me share identifying details here. If management really wanted to understand guest feedback, they could have contacted me instead of relying on the pseudo-argument that other guests always said otherwise.

The room was kept spotless, with fresh sheets and towels, neatly made beds, and even our clothes arranged carefully. The cleaning team did a great job, though on our Friday-to-Friday stay the room was cleaned only twice, which felt too little. Staff were a mixed bag: some were friendly and helpful, others seemed less interested in customer service. We'd expected a quiet, adults-oriented stay at Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes, but there were lots of children, especially by the pool, where it was often noisy. The hotel calls itself “adults preferred,” yet it didn't have the relaxed feel we wanted. On the Thursday before Good Friday, a pool party started late in the morning, with loud techno-style music and heavy bass going on all day. It felt more like a club than a place to relax. The hotel was much busier too, and breakfast the next morning was crowded and hard to move around in the small dining area. Breakfast was much the same each day, ham, cheese and scrambled eggs, with little variety and average quality. The rooms were basic and short on space, with modest views and no tea or coffee facilities. The pool towel deposit was €10 per towel, which seemed fair, but being unable to change towels unless staying more than seven nights was inconvenient. This might suit people after a livelier, informal atmosphere, but it wasn't the peaceful adults-focused break we expected.

The hotel was simple, modern and fresh, with incredible views and a mostly calm atmosphere. I felt safe and relaxed there. The pool area was gorgeous, with loungers and hammocks facing the sea, and there was a lovely garden behind the hotel with different places to sit. The staff were friendly, and we enjoyed breakfast each morning, lunch and happy hour cocktails on a few days. The food and service were nice. A couple of little things worked well for me: the hotel let us check out late and had a luggage room. The keyless system was a real bonus since I often misplace things, and reception handled lost property really well. The two hotel cats were an adorable, stylish touch. I gave it four stars because the ensuite door was a glass screen with about an inch of space all around, so there was no privacy. The beds also couldn't be clipped together with a double duvet option. We laughed about it a few times, but the fear of falling into the gap was real. The Friday afternoon pool DJ was extremely loud and intrusive. I was especially surprised given the hotel's autism-friendly accreditation. We moved to the garden for some of it. I told staff it was too loud and was promised it would stop at 4pm, but it went on past 5pm. If I'd had ear defenders, I would have worn them. One staff member said the DJ was great, which was confusing after I'd raised the issue. It was also nearly impossible to shower without getting water all over the floor. We used towels to soak it up, then had to explain why we needed more because of the sustainability policy.

The location was just right, close to the beach and restaurants but still quiet and restful. We had a really enjoyable stay. Our room was clean and comfortable, with everything we needed, and breakfast was fresh and tasty each morning. The staff were always friendly and willing to help. We'd happily stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting the area.