Stayed here twice in 2004, it was brilliant, stayed here Jan 2008 and my word what a difference, the food on the whole was terrible, the breakfasts were ok but the evening meals, oooh !!!
we and quite a few other people chose to eat out after sampling what was on offer. We had trouble with the door locking (electronic key's) had 4 new ones but they wouldn't work half the time, and to top it all everything in the room smelt of tobaco, although it is a non smoking hotel. A good hotel gone to pot, will have to try somewhere else for our stay in March.

we have stayed here 3 times in the last 2 years and have just booked again for April. The location is fantastic, hotel clean and welcoming, and if room too small, they are only too happy to change for you. Food on a par with benidorm 3* hotels generally, we enjoyed breakfast but usually went out in the evening. For great entertainment go and see the mad mauori at the talk of the coast over the road near Morgans Tavern or visit the spooky pub in the old town.

This was a very last minute (booked 24 hours before we went) mini-break between Christmas and New Year. The idea was to have a little relaxation to help us recover from too much turkey and tinsel, before we had to start all over again for the hogmanay festivities.

The hotel was in a great location, close to all the shops, nightlife and restaraunts, and was spotlessly clean. The maids came in on a daily basis to tidy up/ change towels etc..

However ............ upon arrival we went into reception to find an ample supply of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and even a stairlift going up the few steps to the diningroom. The comfortable sofa's and chairs which furnished this area were filled with people of 'older years' and I soon clicked on to the fact that we had actually arrived in 'pensioners paradise'. This would have been fine had it just been my partner and I (it was actually quite nice to be the youngest adult in the room - made me feel like there was still hope for me), but we had our 14 year old son with us and he was definately not impressed!. Stroppy teenager - enough said.

The receptionist asked if we would like double or twin rooms and we stupidly asked for doubles - big mistake. Both these rooms were so tiny (I have bigger cupboards at home) that the beds were pushed up against a wall (my partner had to climb over the top of me to get in and out - not good). We later found out that the twins (which are often requested by the older clientele) are much larger - to accomodate their wheelchairs/ zimmers etc. So be warned - ask for a twin room. The beds were also rock hard and I woke up each morning so stiff that it took me nearly half an hour to get mobile again (that's when I began to suspect that all the other guests had arrived perfectly fit - it was the beds which had aged them so much.)

There was no tea or coffee making facilities available and also no room service. This is a real pain in the morning when you have to get dressed and go all the way downstairs to collect a cuppa to take back to your room. I would definately recommend taking a travel kettle. The hotel offers mini-fridges - but you have to request these from reception and also pay for the pleasure. Likewise, hairdryers and even the remote control for the t.v have to be requested and you have to pay a deposit.

We went for breakfast on the first morning - the food was okay and plentiful but we never went back. It was so cheap to eat out that we really couldn't be bothered with the hassle of trying to find a vacant (clean) table in the diningroom - which was really busy.

The hotel is completely no smoking, but all rooms have a balcony with patio furniture and ashtray - so no problems there.

I certainly would not return to this hotel because it just didn't offer the services or facilities that we are used to.

On arrival the Receptionist was very friendly and helpful,we were asked if we wanted double or twin room,said we didn't mind either,(tip,ask for a twin,they are much bigger) he gave us a double,we went back down and said it was too small,and he changed us straight away.
The pool area is out of this world,lots of pools,lots of sunbeds,just too cold to use in December,but will be fantastic in summer.
Rooms are very clean,towels changed and room tidied every day.
Downside....the food is awful,Ive stayed in many hotels and this is the worse for food.It was cold most of the time,not much choice,either pork or chicken every night,never saw beef once in 10 days,chips every night,no mash,no boiled potatoes.
As we were leaving ,a group of us waiting for the coach,we all complained about the food and one lady said she had been there lots of times it's just been taken over,and the foods definately gone down hill since.