Hotel Neptuno

We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Neptuno. The staff were lovely, and the buffet meals had plenty of options for different tastes. Our room was spacious, with a very comfortable bed, and the pool area was lovely too. It's a little outside the centre of Roquetas, which made things nice and quiet.

The pool area was very good, with lots of clean sunbeds, and the entrance looked lovely and was very clean. But this doesn't feel like a four star hotel from an English speaking visitor's point of view. The rooms are dated and, to me, closer to three stars. Food was average, not very hot and not well seasoned. There was nothing for English speaking children at the mini club or mini disco. Our outgoing seven year old daughter tried going twice, but while Spanish speaking children were entertained, she was left in a corner with colouring books. She felt completely excluded.

We booked at a bargain price and I was a bit hesitant, but ended up with no complaints. The staff were all great, and everything was very clean. Alejandro in the comedor deserves a special thanks. He is so lovely and charming, muchas gracias! For a busy buffet the food was good and served at the right temperature. We had pension completa and thought it was a good deal. Breakfast included coffee and juices, while drinks at lunch and dinner cost extra, though the prices were surprisingly reasonable. We visited from Thursday to Sunday at the end of March during Semana Santa. The weather was okay, and the small covered, climatized pool beside the main pool made all the difference. It's 1.2-1.3 metres deep, so could be too deep for younger kids, but our five year old loved it. The beach is close, and a back door opens easily onto town, with a playground right outside. The Spar and beach access are nearby too. For younger children who can't swim, the main and small pools may not be much fun. There's a tiny wading pool, but it's uncovered and would be cold in the off season. Even so, we recommend the hotel 💯

This place is aimed at Spanish tourists, so come if you want an immersive experience. We're the only English speaking guests I've seen, and the entertainment is in Spanish. Most staff speak Spanish too, which is fair enough in Spain. The kids club runs 11 to 2 and 5.30 to 7.30, but my five and seven year olds didn't enjoy it. They know very little Spanish and most of the other kids didn't play with them. We chose it through Love Holidays for a week in the August school holiday because we could get a spacious two bedroom apartment for £1000. We're self catering, though the hotel also offers B&B, half board and full board. I'm not sure about all inclusive. The apartment has two electric hobs, a toaster and microwave, enough for basic cooking. Bring oil, washing up liquid, a sponge, tea towel and pegs. There's a big clothes airer on the balcony. The bathroom has a sink, shower, toilet and bidet, and the hotel provides shower gel, soap and room towels. Bring your own beach or pool towels. Rooms are basic but clean, with shutters, though the curtains hung badly. The air conditioning could be better. The pool is great, and people genuinely don't reserve loungers. They use the pool, take their things away, head off for lunch and a siesta, then return until about 7. There's plenty of parking nearby, though people double park like crazy at weekends. The kids loved the bouncy castle set up as a pool slide. There are daytime activities, but we haven't joined any or been invited. We usually spend mornings at the pool and afternoons at the beach, about two streets away. Shops, bars, restaurants and the beach are all close. It's about two hours from Malaga and 30 minutes from Almeria. There's a mini disco at 9.30 each night, then entertainment from 10.30 until midnight. It's very loud, so an afternoon nap Spanish style makes sense. Kids are still up late after sleeping in the afternoon, and don't wake until around 10am. A glass of wine or local beer costs about €3. We haven't eaten at the hotel, but the buffet looks nice. The weather's great. If you want Brits abroad, go to Torremolinos instead.