Grupotel Orquidea

Restaurant and bar staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and the bars served great drinks. The ground swimming pools were nice and clean. The hotel is family friendly, with surprisingly good buffet food, and the rooms were cleaned ok. But they wouldn’t replace the coffee pods or change the sheets when we asked, which was a nuisance with an infant. The grounds are quite small, so it’s easy to get around, but it can feel crowded. There weren’t enough sunbeds with umbrellas, and people queued each morning to reserve them. The hotel has been renovated, though in places it still shows its age. The paid spa sports swimming pool was a huge disappointment because of poor cleanliness standards.

We were a family of 6 with 4 children, and there was plenty of food everyone liked. The restaurant’s themed nights were a nice touch, and the desserts were especially amazing. The turkey served on 23rd Dec was delicious, cooked right in front of you. The restaurant staff were friendly and helpful, and nothing was too much trouble. The TUI entertainment team were fantastic and put so much energy into activities with holidaymakers. Hanna, Joaquin and every member brought great vibes and kept us entertained day and night. The pool activities, water boarding for kids, football and volleyball were all great, and the team Christmas show was fun for adults and kids. If you’re all inclusive and going on an excursion, tell the hotel staff and they’ll prepare a picnic to take along. We went to Aqualand, for example. We had a brilliant week at Tres Vidas at Christmas. Front of house staff were so helpful. We were first given room 222, which was quite high up the steep hill of apartments, and the balcony wasn’t suitable for our small child. Reception immediately offered another room, let us look with a key, and asked us to call after deciding. Room 231 worked well and was maintained every day by the lovely Marie-Carmen, who was friendly, patient and thorough, and careful with our belongings. We’d definitely recommend Tres Vidas and Orchidea.

Dinner staff were lovely and really friendly. We were on half board, stayed in Tres Vidas, and our room had a fully equipped kitchen area. It’s close to the sea, though the beach is pebbly if you were hoping for sand, but just as lovely. Buses to maspalomas and Puerto Rico are easy enough to reach, though the hill up to Tres Vidas appartments is steep.

The hotel has beautiful views and the pool area was fantastic, with plenty of clean sunbeds whenever we arrived. Pool towels are available from the hut beside the pool. There’s also a grassy sunbathing area looking out to sea. The snack bar was well equipped, with slushies for kids and a whippy ice cream machine. We visited the sister hotel next door, playa feliz, where all inclusive guests can use the pool, which is a lovely size and quiet. We arrived 14th may for 7 nights, staying in a junior suite on level 3, which suited me and 3 teenagers perfectly. Staff welcomed us warmly and explained things well. The transfer from the airport took around 20mins. We got in at 10.20pm and a cold buffet with plenty of options had been set out for late arrivals. The hotel interior and our room were clean, and housekeeping kept us supplied with clean towels and toilet rolls. There was plenty of choice at the all inclusive restaurant, different every day, and no complaints from us. I don’t have young children, but seeing the entertainment made me wish I’d brought mine when they were younger. There were lots of daytime activities shown on the app, with the TUI team keeping things going around the pool. Evening entertainment included quizzes, singing and acts, all great, with a good atmosphere and plenty of seating. It got quiet around 11.30/12pm. TUI Blue staff were fantastic, polite and ready to help at every step of the holiday. Agnes the TUI rep was lovely and helpful. Outside the hotel there are local supermarkets and gift shops; inside there are two more and a small arcade. The professional photographers near the arcades even get in the pool to take pictures and seemed popular with families. A woman in a hut beside the pool does hair braiding, also popular with kids. A taxi to play del ingles market cost €11/14, and there’s a bus stop nearby, opposite the spar shop. Fantastic stay, and we’d love to return soon. 🌴🇪🇸❤️