Arkin Palm Beach Hotel

The food was generally good, though I would have liked more traditional dishes from the country throughout the week instead of just one night. I still like the hotel’s size and location, but there’s room for improvement. I’ve stayed here a few times with my daughter and liked it before. This visit was disappointing. We were given a room with no balcony, which is surprising for a beachfront hotel. We had nowhere to dry our swimsuits, and the room was tiny, dark, and had barely a window. The TV was pointless, and it felt like a storage cupboard turned into a guest room. Maybe that room suits people who only come for the casino, but that wasn’t us. I also wish the hotel didn’t have a casino. It might feel more unique without one, though I understand it probably brings in revenue. Service was hit or miss. We asked to change rooms on the first day and never heard back. That left me with a worse impression of the hotel. A little friendliness can make a big difference, even a simple smile. Maybe they didn’t think a mother and daughter were important guests, but that’s a mistake.

The location is good, and the staff were helpful throughout, from check-in to the restaurant. The Zagato restaurant is worth checking out for its live music and dancers. Prices are reasonable, and the staff there are great.

If you’re coming for a weekend beach day without staying at the hotel, think twice. They let in more people than they can accommodate and promise to find you a sunbed. At the beach, though, plenty of beds sit empty all day with towels on them. Staff say they belong to hotel guests, but I think that’s a lie. Lifeguards put towels and cheap things like toys on the beds to make them look occupied, then leave them there all day and push you to buy a sunbed in another pool area. They should have a policy to collect towels after a few hours.

The beach and location are lovely, but the hotel is very expensive and the service is poor. Beach beds cost £20.00 for the day. I wouldn’t eat there, and I wouldn’t get a beach bed unless you’re willing to pay those extortionate prices.