Club Hotel Marina Beach & Marina Garden

The grounds are enormous and the nature is breathtaking. I also liked the rooms, and the cleaning staff did a great job every day. Food was the one part I didn't really enjoy.

It felt very crowded when we were there, with several different groups staying at the hotel. Lunch and dinner were especially busy, and nobody had warned us, so we ended up having breakfast in the balcony area. The sea wasn't very good for swimming at that time, though perhaps summer is better. We stayed one night and left disappointed. We were first told water was free, then learned that meant only at the restaurant and only during dinner. There was no drinking water or kettle in the room, and nothing like a supermarket nearby, so even on half board you have to buy everything from the hotel. I can't say whether the season would improve things, but I wouldn't suggest it if you're after a more local experience, and we wouldn't return.

I asked booking.com for a refund, and the hotel kept my money. I have emails and calls showing booking.com was willing to issue one, but the hotel repeatedly hung up on me. Daylight theft. Avoid at all costs.

The property has plenty of space, and with better upkeep it could be much nicer. As it stands, though, it didn't feel like a four-star place to me, maybe three at best, and not worth the price or rating. We tried one night before considering a longer stay, but won't be back. The room was basic, as in the photos, and cleanliness was a real problem: stains on the curtains, including what looked shockingly like blood, a neglected bathroom, and a hairdryer covered in dust. There was a cheap plastic table on the balcony, and the walls need renovating.