Holiday World Polynesia, Affiliated by Meliá

Great family holiday – 7/10, with a few things that could be improved We stayed at World Holiday Polynesia as a family of four – two adults and two children aged 13 and 8. Overall, we had a good holiday and would give the resort around 7/10. The hotel is huge and there’s plenty going on. It’s situated on a small hill, but this wasn’t really an issue as there’s a regular shuttle bus running between the hotels and Beach Club. The third hotel is also only about a two-minute walk away. Our kids absolutely loved seeing the turtles and birds around the resort, which was a really nice touch and gave the place a great atmosphere. The room was probably our biggest disappointment. We had two single beds and a sofa with a single pull-out bed for the four of us. With children aged 13 and 8, it wasn’t the most comfortable or practical family arrangement. That said, we managed and it certainly didn’t ruin the holiday. The food was very varied, with plenty of choice. For the rest of us, breakfast, lunch, dinner and the poolside food court were a bit of a raffle – some meals were great, while other times we struggled to find something we really fancied. However, one member of the restaurant team deserves a special mention. He noticed that our non-verbal autistic son was struggling with the food at dinner. He came over and, without wanting to disturb us while we were eating, explained that if we told the restaurant staff one meal in advance, we could pre-order something our son would eat. This was an absolute game changer for us. It meant our son could have his comfort foods and actually enjoy mealtimes rather than going without. As a family, we really appreciated him taking the time to notice, understand and offer a solution. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference. The pools were good and we mainly used the pool at our hotel, which our son absolutely loved. The smaller Riwho hotel had a smaller pool, while the Hotel Village had a huge pool, but unfortunately this was just too busy for our son. The Beach Club looked fantastic and had loads going on, but again, it was a little too busy for us. We didn’t actually spend much time on the beach because our kids don't like sand! 😂 So we can’t really comment on the beach itself. The staff were generally very friendly. Reception were helpful, the restaurant staff were welcoming, and as mentioned, the waiter who helped our son was fantastic. The cleaners were a bit hit and miss – some were lovely and helpful, while others were less so. The bar staff were brilliant, always friendly and keeping the spirits up. They definitely helped create a good holiday atmosphere. Entertainment during the day was good, with lots going on and plenty of activities if you wanted to get involved. Our kids didn’t really take part in much, but the entertainment team were always in good spirits and clearly worked hard. The evening entertainment was okay – enjoyable enough, but probably not the highlight for us. Overall, we had a good family holiday. It wasn’t perfect, and there are definitely areas that could be improved, particularly the family room arrangements, but there was plenty to do and we found ways to make the resort work for us. For our family, the biggest positive was the understanding shown towards our son. Finding someone who noticed he was struggling and went out of their way to help made a massive difference. Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7/10

First off I want to make it clear this is a personal review, we never expected more than we did when we booked and it is based off our experience.

The setting of the hotel is beautiful, yet slightly dated. I would say once you find your feet it is easy to navigate around the hotel to find all you need, shop, bars, restaurant etc

Pool - We can only comment on the main pool at Polynesia as that the only pool our kids really wanted to spend time in. It is graded and easy to walk in and out of (our LO's were 5 & 8) and had lots of fun there and made some friends. Around the side of the pool is rough. Its clearly been created to stop slips but causes more trips than anything and both our LO's cut their feet on it. The pool is also losing a lot of the mosaic tiles on the floor so needs an upgrade.

Sunbeds - Never been to a hotel in my life where its not adjustable. Thankfully we had read reviews and purchased some blow up back supports, these are a must!! Otherwise the sunbeds are completely uncomfortable. We were there end of august and I would say if you want a good spot, get out and put your towels down early as they were taken very quickly.

Snack bar and Bar by pool - The snack bar had hot food from 11am until 4pm, sometimes there would be breakfast items, sometimes not. Basic food, burgers, tinned style hotdogs, chips/wedges, fish sticks, salad, cakes, cold meats. The bar has beer on tap, wine on tap, slushies, coffee machines etc The "cocktails" are a pre-mix and a massive let down. Same in all the other bars for cocktails.

Buffet restaurant - Food was plentiful, you would not go hungry, but sometimes you felt like you ate for the sake of it and not out of enjoyment. There was always 3/4 meats (wings, lamb chops, sausages, hotdogs etc and then 2/3 variation's of casserole. Rise, pasta, soups, cous cous, veg, different styles of potato's all on offer every evening. Wouldn't say the food was ever piping hot. More warm. Salad bar, smaller mixed food bar with different themes every evening, bread station.

Breakfast very similar with multiple eggs, freshly made omelettes, sausage (English style twice a week), bacon, beans etc along with cereals, bread, fruit, yogurts etc

Fizzy drinks, juice (watered down), wines and beer. Water always available.

Self serve sweety station for the kids.

Ants - I have to comment about Ants as there was not a day we would see them. In the room, on the balcony, around the pool, around both inside and outside tables in the restaurant, you couldn't get away from them.

Entertainment - Entertainment was varied and always something going on either around the pool, in the pool or in areas for the kids to enjoy. Lots of adult games going on also. Evening entertainment was also varied and fun to watch.

Room - Sea view junior suite. Two queen beds, sofa bed and pull out camp bed. Suitable for the 4 of us as a family , Bathroom with bath and separate shower (which flooded twice), toilet, bidet and his & hers sinks. 4 ring hob, fridge with small freezer compartment (didn't really work), kettle and toaster. Table and 2 chairs (4 people in the room) on the balcony. Dining table with 4 chairs and a bar with 2 bar stools.

Cleanliness - This is the hard part, staff were always out and about cleaning yet it didn't feel too clean if that makes sense. It was like they were there to be seen rather than do anything too much. Room was made-up everyday and was swept. There were cobwebs on the balcony that stayed the entire trip - so in my eyes they tickle the floor when cleaning. Also noted a few things that were on the floor were not moved to aid cleaning.

Location - Its out the way unless all you want to do is stay in the hotel, can't walk anywhere, taxi for all journeys and I know its AI so we shouldn't need to go out but that what we like, we like to explore, we like Spanish food (and on that note, not even aioli was serviced in the restaurant!!) and we like Spanish culture.

Overall, would we go again. Its a resounding NO.

Personally, I have had an amazing childhood in Benal (my grandparents lived here for 30 years and I would spend all summer here) and we love the area as a family. We got married here, that's how much we love it in the area. The hotel is just not for us.

When I look at other 4* hotels in the area i would pick The Triton over the Polynesia along with Sunset Beach, Benalma, the Spirit or Estival.