Steigenberger Alcazar

We’ve stayed at Rixos previously and paid roughly the same price for this holiday, so naturally that’s the standard I’m comparing it against. Unfortunately, this hotel wasn’t even close and overall I genuinely don’t think it represents good value for money.

The room was probably the biggest disappointment. The bed was uncomfortable, the air conditioning was ridiculously loud – genuinely like trying to sleep next to a train – and then it actually broke during the stay. The room never seemed to be properly dusted despite us asking about it, we regularly weren’t given beach towels, and only providing two bottles of water in the room each day seems ridiculous in a country where guests are advised not to drink the tap water.

On top of that, the toilet leaked and the shower door didn’t even close properly. There was also just very little effort with the room in general. At resorts of this level you normally see little touches such as towel art or something that makes the room feel looked after. There was basically none of that. I will say that I received a birthday cake, which was a really nice touch and was appreciated.

The restaurants were completely different and probably the strongest part of the hotel. I honestly have no complaints about the food. We ate very well, the quality was good and the restaurant experience was generally what I would expect from a hotel charging this sort of money.

Unfortunately, the pool bar service was terrible. A lot of the staff simply didn’t seem friendly or interested unless somebody was regularly tipping them. When management were around, suddenly there seemed to be much more effort being made with drinks and service, but during normal periods you could stand at the bar for 2–5 minutes without anybody even acknowledging you.

What really annoyed us was around the fourth day when a member of staff actually came over to our sunbeds and started asking us to leave a review and encouraging us to write good things. It made both of us feel incredibly awkward because at that point it simply wasn’t how we felt about the hotel. Guests shouldn’t feel pressured into leaving positive reviews. It did genuinely make us question how much of the hotel’s high review score is influenced by staff actively approaching guests like this.

Wouldn't recommend, try Rixos

Lovely hotel food could be improved staff can’t do enough to help the site is spotless and the à la carte restaurants make a lovely evening out rather than a tag team at mealtimes. After checking out the only place to shower was in a building at the beach in 40 degree heat a spare room would have been better although I appreciate they have arrivals and it is a busy time. The hotel is also a little stranded - nowhere for a stroll in the evening.