Hotel Joya Paradise & Spa

The staff made us feel like part of the family, with real friendliness and attention to what guests needed. Meals were a highlight every day, from breakfast through dinner. You can see the ongoing work to renew the hotel, with extensive construction turning it into a gleaming oasis, and the marble details add a luxurious feel. Families may appreciate the animators keeping the little ones busy so parents can get some time to relax. The beach is a short 10-minute walk away, though we found it hard to leave the inviting pool area. I’d strongly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a relaxing, memorable stay.

A cozy, really clean hotel with lovely staff and plenty to do, from karaoke night and water polo to freak show. The DJ deserves a shout-out too, letting people pick songs and catering to all nationalities. It’s close to lots of commodities. A couple of downsides: the room card kept resetting, so I had to reactivate it at reception. The food was really awful apart from the fish and pizza. Watch out for the pastries, they were undercooked and could give you food poisoning if you have a fragile stomach.

This was the worst holiday we’ve had. We asked for three superior rooms with pool views, but our reservation had been lost and we were put in rooms underground, looking onto the kitchen. They smelled damp and moldy, and even the towels felt wet. One room had faulty air conditioning with water leaking out behind the bed. There was a kettle in just one room, and no tea or coffee. After we complained, they moved one room about five hours later, around 11 pm. We’d just settled onto the bed when we saw ants walking around. My child started crying. I called reception, but nobody did anything. The other two rooms were changed the next day, but they had no electricity, so there was no air conditioning. The dining experience was just as bad. Food quality was poor, there weren’t enough staff, and the queues for everything were long. Plates and forks weren’t very clean, and the restaurant had no air conditioning, so we ate quickly and left. They didn’t know how to make cocktails, and the wine was low cost. The garden was full of cigarette butts and rubbish. Around the pool at night it was very wet, there was no pool service, and you had to go get everything yourself. Even drinks and cocktails came in plastic glasses. We decided to leave, then found out the room price had suddenly gone up. We asked to speak to the manager who had confirmed our rooms, but he stayed in his office. As a travel agent, I also asked for an invoice by email. It was supposed to be sent, but 15 days later it still hadn’t arrived. The lobby was the only acceptable part. I really wouldn’t recommend this place.

This hotel has room to improve with a few changes. The food and service could be better, and room service and a proper concierge would help. The air conditioning needs work too. Service varies a lot. Some staff are great, but others aren’t helpful at all. One barman refused even to try to serve me. I took his picture, and that seemed to get him working.