Coral Star Hotel

The staff were lovely, and the pool area was clean and basic but nice. The shower was lovely too, which helped, but the rooms were uncomfortable and badly in need of an update. The hall carpets were disgusting, stained red, and we saw cleaners mopping them. Five nights was too long for us. This place would suit a couple of nights better. I wouldn’t stay here again.

The food worked out well for us, even with me being a picky vegetarian, which is unusual for me at an all inclusive. I found something I enjoyed at most lunches and dinners, and everyone else generally liked the food too. Breakfast was much the same each day, but there was enough choice, including fruit, cereal, yoghurt and churros alongside the cooked options. Dinner had Mexican, Asian and other themed nights. The snack bar served crisps, ice cream, chips and a daily special such as onion rings, burgers, hot dogs or chicken. We had a good time here. For a 2-3 star hotel, there wasn’t much I could fault. It was always clean or being cleaned, and staff helped by calling taxis and advising us on routes. There was entertainment most days, and the kids liked the face painting and mini disco. We found sunbeds every day, and there were several pools and kids’ pools, including a covered one that was handy for my baby. If you’re very picky, pay extra for a 4/5 star hotel and a more premium choice of food and entertainment. Our family apartment was clean, modern and fairly spacious for five. It had a hob, fridge freezer, microwave, kettle and toaster. The bed wasn’t the comfiest, but I still slept fine. We could see the pool and the sea from the balcony. The pool could get noisy during evening entertainment, though we were usually out or downstairs then. The room was cleaned daily, with fresh towels, made beds and toilet roll restocked. There was lots to do nearby, including pedlos by playa Bella bar and restaurant, where they also put on evening shows, just a short walk away. There were plenty of shops and bars. Vince’s bbq bar was great for the kids, with soft play, trampolines and big inflatables for £5 euros, for as long as they wanted. A few doors up there was another bar with a bouncy castle, slides and small rides. The reception area was modern, clean and a pleasant surprise when we arrived. The staff were nice and often waved and smiled at my youngest daughter. We’d only just returned from a 10 day holiday, and I’d been put off by the negative reviews, so I stopped reading them before we went.

The nearby area was mostly closed and derelict, and the evening entertainment could have offered more variety for adults instead of focusing so much on children. The hotel itself was lovely and clean. Our room was cleaned and towels changed each day, and all the staff gave lovely service.

For a budget stay where you just need a bed, it might be alright. The evening meal was edible, the room was clean, and the housekeeping staff always greeted us with a smile. But the price was the only reason I gave it two stars. If it had cost more, I’d have given one. I’d have gladly paid a few hundred pounds more for somewhere nicer, and I’ve learned not to skimp on accommodation. The kids club wasn’t running on any of the three days we tried, even though I’d booked this place because my daughter loves playing with other children. WiFi was almost unusable, and although the room description said there’d be a kettle, there wasn’t one. I ended up buying vending machine coffee in the lobby every morning. The pools were small and crowded. Staff were hit and miss, with some seeming like they didn’t want to be there. The hall carpet was filthy and really tacky. We live and learn.