Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria

We were robbed in that hotel, reported to the manager but didn’t get expected support. Jacuzzi on the balcony and oven didn’t work, the furniture in the room was stained and tattered, the air conditioner smelled, rusty cutlery, burned ironing board. The hotel needs renovation! This is absolutely not up to the standard of a five-star hotel.

Positive: friendly staff in the restaurant, good food, great gym.

We have visited this hotel many times over the past 13 years and there are many reasons for returning, however the main one is the staff. From the moment we arrive, we see the same familiar faces and that demonstrates that this hotel holds onto its staff and values them. That in turn shows in their customer service which is always the best. Nothing is a problem for them and everyone is so friendly.

The hotel itself is in a wonderful location but be warned, if you are looking for a lively hotel with nightly entertainment for families, this is not your place. Everything is at a tranquil and quiet pace. Subtle background live music is played during approx 2 hrs in the evening if you take the half board option for dinner but that is it. No loud music during the day at the pools, no daily entertainment although there are tennis and padel courts as well as a children's club and swing area.

The breakfasts are still as good as ever with many options that will suit most travellers. There is an omelette and egg station as well as fresh waffles and pancakes to order as well as a full self service offering hot options. Fresh pastries, meats, cheeses etc are all available too and they now have a younger children's area for younger guests.

We no longer take the half board option as we prefer the variety of the restaurants around the area but it generally rotates on a 7 day option with the usual theme buffet nights.

The Spar supermarket on the ground floor is a wonderful bonus and is well stocked and if you have a room with a kitchen, means you have everything to enjoy lunch (or dinner) on your balcony which we do frequently. The suites are fully stocked with everything you need and if you can't find something (a can opener the last time) they will bring it very quickly!

Since we now have 2 teenagers (who tower over me), we need the 2 bedrooms and these suites as well as having a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, have 2 bathrooms (again with teenagers this is an absolute godsend!) Rooms are cleaned daily or you can choose an eco option for less but either way, they are cleaned well. Pool towels are provided during your stay and they have a drying rack on the balcony for costumes etc.

The bar at night by the pool does great cocktails although it doesn't get very busy (such a shame in my opinion) and as we tend to walk out along to the Anfi area from the bottom gates, we don't generally go to the bar on the entrance floor (11th). This is quite common in this resort that the reception is on the top floor, rooms from 10th to 2nd, and the hotel restaurant on the 2nd floor beside the pool area. There is an a la carte restaurant (222) on the 11th floor also which is expensive but definitely worth a visit if you like fine dining.

The two pools are large and a decent temperature (the salt water one is not heated) and we have never had a problem finding a sunbed although the best sun spots by the pools are taken quicker. The pools tend to be a bit deep (for someone of 5ft its not the best) but they do have walk in areas and there is a stand alone paddle pool for young children and a slightly deeper childrens pool which joins to the main pool.

We love visiting the beach to the left of the hotel as its not controlled with sunbeds etc and tends to be the one locals flock to at the weekends - it can get busy but it's a lovely vibe. Walk to the right for 10 mins and you are at the more manicured imported beach at Anfi which has plenty of sunbeds and parasols (for a price) as well as access to the ferry which goes between Arguineguin, Anfi, Puerto Rico and Mogan regularly.

We had noticed the hotel was beginning to get a little tired in places when we visited last year but on our return this year, there were several floors which were being renovated, which is great news. I understand this will take some time but at no time did the work impact on our stay and caused very little disruption. I personally can't wait to see the new look once finished.

If you want a chilled holiday at a hotel which prides itself on fabulous service, you cant go wrong with the Radisson Blu.