Atlantica Aegean Blue

Here now and just feel a bit flat about this hotel, overall has some really good points, pool area is very nice, the room is small but very practical with decent storage. Grounds well maintained and very clean and the scenery lead by the pool is lovely. However, a lot about this hotel is so hit and miss, taking into account I get it is peak summer holiday season so not factoring in queues for things as that is to be expected.

The main buffet restaurant is in desperate need of a refurb, our first morning sat having breakfast was quite honestly depressing, old tatty mismatched furniture that is really uncomfy, crammed in so you get barged into constantly with soulless decor, breakfast is normally the one my kids really enjoy but they haven’t been bothered. Same for the evening, it’s not a relaxed dining experience you want to get in and out as quick as possible, we have been opting to sit outside on awful patio furniture and it’s missing those 5 star touches, drinks selection poor, husband always opts for a beer and gets a warm glass half pint, Diet Pepsi for me as no sparkling wine and this sad looking half pint of warm drink turns up. Food on the whole is good, but again I think it’s lacking the 5 star touches, I have never been to an all inclusive in Europe where there isn’t cook to order such as chicken and steak but not here. We booked through TUI and on reflection, there are no photos of the main buffet and it is for very good reason.

Same for the main bar, limited sofas that aren’t even all that comfy and watching people run to get them when someone moves again does not scream 5 star, for the rest, same patio style furniture that is just super uncomfy, all the nice pictures of areas to relax are the themed restaurants (which we are yet to have a reservation) so don’t imagine yourself relaxing there, again no pictures of the main bar on most websites for this hotel as it is a pretty depressing space.

Waiting for a drink in the evening can be quite slow, not much table service, some but not enough to warrant the price tag on this hotel, and then often when you notice the queue at the bar is short, you go order and then have to go collect your drinks from where they start serving the next person round the other side of the bar.

We arrived late after a delay, of course not the hotels fault, but one very nice receptionist checking in but waited about 45 minutes, not even a welcome water in the lobby, and no porterage so dragging cases round at 2am in the dark.

Use of the gym, my teenage son has been told no use of the gym even with adult supervision, now don’t get me wrong, the Facebook posts I showed the hotel were 3 years old, but equally nothing on their website, on TUI or anywhere else to tell me otherwise, and I have since asked 4 members of staff who said you just need permission so clearly this is not consistent.

This hotel, to us was also advertising as beachfront, which it is but doesn’t actually have a beach, you have to pay for loungers, that was very misleading.

I have spoken to the hotel, and TUI so let’s see what comes from it, nothing so far, this hotel has some 5 star elements, the ice cream bar is great, pools are great but buffet dining and evening experiences are really lacking. Overall we are having a good time, but say at this stage given the price tag I would not pay the same to return, and just want to be honest about the bits that all the travel agents seem to hide.

I’ll get some photos later…..

I went to this hotel with my daughter who has additional needs she is 35 .Wow this hotel has everything you need for a great holiday .Its very clean , lots of sunbeds and lovely gardens if you want a bit of quite time .Plenty of activities during the day and evening entertainment.What really made our holiday was the fantastic staff , I am gluten intolerant and the restaurant were very helpful , especially Cindy and Jessie who went out of their way to help me , nothing was too much trouble for them , two wonderful ladies with a lovely smile everyday .They ensured that my food was cooked and served separately, they even helped me with my daughters food , thank you . The Animation team were great ,again in particular Ash , NTando and Rina three lovely young people who ensure everyone was included in the activities , my daughter and I had a great time with these three .We had the best holiday ever .Thank you