Alua Village Fuerteventura

The hotel was clean and the staff were generally helpful, but overall the property felt tired and would benefit from a significant upgrade. If you book a sea-view room, be aware that you may have to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs, with no apparent assistance available. This is worth considering when choosing your room. The restaurant felt quite dated and had a rather Pontins-style atmosphere, while the evening entertainment took place in a room more reminiscent of a village hall than a hotel entertainment venue. The entertainment also appeared to be primarily aimed at French-speaking guests, so there was limited appeal for English-speaking visitors. Most of the staff were pleasant and helpful, although one member of the bar staff was particularly inefficient and seemed ill-suited to a customer-facing role.

As is common in many resorts, securing a sunbed still required an early alarm, which was disappointing. The drinks-token system is an interesting initiative, although I wasn’t entirely clear how it provided an environmental benefit.Overall, the hotel was perfectly clean and functional, and the staff generally tried to be helpful, but the property feels in need of investment and modernisation. The overall experience would be considerably improved by updating the facilities, improving the entertainment environment and ensuring a consistently good level of service

When I book a holiday I look for the two following things, 4⭐️+ on both trip advisor and hotel star rating. So this is an honest review from someone with those expectations.

Rooms - 3/5 : We stayed in room 2205 (this is important later). The rooms have been updated in terms of modernised with Ikea flatpack which is all you need really, basic but good enough. Large and spacious with big balconies. The en suites could do with the same treatment though. A large vanity/sick area with hairdryer and large mirror for getting ready. But this is counteracted with cracked tiles, random splotches of paint cover ups and an outdated look. However, both areas were cleaned well. The main issue throughout our 10 night stay was the walk to and from the room to the main pool/food/lobby area. Whilst for us it wasn’t a major issue, it was still a 4 minute up hill walk each time you left the room, it doesn’t sound a lot but you certainly feel it in the heat when your doing it multiple times per day. Rooms closest to the main hotel area start in the 6000s and work their way down to 1000s furthest away. Room also had free WiFi although it was very hit and miss. There were people hiring towels and this looked a bit of a faf, if you can, bring your own towel for around the pool. Your towels in the rooms are swapped regularly. To rent the safe in the room is €2.50 per night. Not that it will matter to the majority, but very limited English channels on the TV, unless you like the news and they stop working half way through and move to a different channel number you have to try and search to find.

Hotel/Pool - 4.5/5: Considering we came in peak holiday season, never a struggle getting a sunbed anytime before 10am. This may be due to the pool not opening until then. But not having to get up at the crack of dawn for sunbed olympics is always a bonus. Only downside is you can’t move the brolly due to the wind, these are fixed, so moving bed around regularly and close together to others. Three pools, always loads of room to swim, never felt ontop of eachother, nice and spacious. Staff in the lobby are really helpful and friendly. There is a shop on site which is useful and well priced for things like large bottles of water (€1.50) but seemed overpriced for things like sun cream (€20+) but supply and demand is a factor. We didn’t use the sauna or inside pools but looked good! Gym facilities are good (my Mrs used those and I’m taking her word for it haha). Bring towel clips for the sun beds as you will need them for the wind. They do sell them in the hotel shop for a good price if needed. The entertainment wasn’t very catered for English, which I know many reviews also state, didn’t bother us too much apartment from when events were obnoxiously loud to the point of someone tell them to adjust the base in the speakers. Not really anywhere to relax and have an evening drink as the bar is the entertainment.

Food/drinks - 3.5/5 : Typical all inclusive, what it lacks in quality, it makes up for in quantity. There will also be something for the you. British staples or chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, chips are on every lunch and dinner. Lots of fresh fish (watch out for bones) and other sea food, cheeseboards. Puddings are what you’d expect; ice cream, mousses, cake etc. We stayed for 10 nights so go one night al carte, honestly not worth it. Was really average food that just looked pres Breakfast was also good, hash brown, bacon, meats, toast, fresh fruit and nuts, cereal, yoghurt. Drinks are a positive as well, cocktails are alcoholic and not too watered down, beer is San Miguel on tap, wine is bottles and chilled to help yourself.

Location - Dependent on your preference: For us, it was just what we wanted, in the middle of nowhere, relaxed. Surprised the airport transfer only took just over an hour, I expect longer. Similar to the room situation, the beach is only a short walk, but my life is it a treck back up hill. Same goes for the local supermarket. For those that like padel, I found a local court 15min walk away, didn’t use it but looked a good set up. If I could recommend one thing, a trip to the Oasis Wildlife. I’m not an animal lover, infact I didn’t really want to go it was my other half, but really glad we did. The bus picks you up and drops you off at the hotel for €4 per person but that’s a return. Approx 30 min journey. If you’re looking for an activity filled holiday , this may not be the best hotel for you and I’d suggest the other side of the island.

Overall, it scrapes by with a 4, only just. There are aspects I like and some I didn’t.

Would I return ? Probably not but if I did, maybe for a few night break, not for 10 night main holiday.