Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
- July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Allan - Lincolnshire (48,47(
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Went to the Hotel Madiera Centro with Thomson Holidays
, although we only saw
the rep at the airport and on pickup. There is no 'welcome' meeting at
this hotel by Thomson Holidays
- instead a welcome pack directs you to a Thomson Holidays
office 3 blocks away. As a consequence we didnt book any trips with
them.
The resort is great, far better than we expected as we had thought it may be a bit young and noisy but no, it is ideal for families and couples. Great beach with plenty of shops and restaurants. We would have liked more bars/cafes on the front as getting a seat in the evening was difficult.
On to the Hotel.... The Madiera Centro is 4 star and had the best food we have had for years, whilst on holiday. Although we seemed to be holidaying at the same time as the Spanish (90% of the guests, I estimate) the food wasnt just Spanish. The soup was piping hot, a variety of ready cooked meats, nice sweets (without going overboard). Chips (most nights) and ice cream for the children and those that just like it! Service was good, Oli' was very helpful and she had good English. Drinks at dinner are extra, but a bottle of wine can be stored till the following day. We ate at 8.30pm and avoided what seemed to be a 9pm rush. We didn't see the entertainment (starts at 11pm!) instead walked around the busy old town, had a drink or two and then retired at around 11pm.
Breakfast was good with freshly squeezed orange juice very popular, cereal, toast, fry up, continental, it was all there.
Rooms cleaned everyday and a baggage room for after the 12noon check out (no courteousy room/shower though). Pool a little small, but there is an indoor one too, and a jucazi. The pool bar/cafe was under used and tucked around the corner. Some sunbed 'reservations' were spotted, but with the beach 2 mins away, who cares. The beach alternates public and 'managed' (in that you can hire a bed 4EUR and parasol 4EUR - perhaps a bit steep if you do it every day). Everybody seems to walk along the waters edge here and the Levante beach provides a pleasant 40 minute walk end to end with the surf lapping around your ankles.
We'd go again!
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
June 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : (32/38/45/73) Birmingham UK.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
A superb hotel with an excellent location close to both the old town and levante beach. Rooms well appointed and a minor problem with the air conditioning was fixed straight away. There is a lovely piano bar on the roof with great views and regular entertainment on the ground floor. There is a gym, lovely pool and jacuzzi and a beach towel service is available. The hotel is away from the more down market area of english bars.
We were on a half board option and had the best hotel food I have ever experienced. There was a majority spanish clientele and the food options were therefore slanted toward fish but I heard few complaints about the grilled white fish and salmon steaks, cooked to perfection. There were also plenty meat and pasta options, the salad bar was also great. If you are there for Friday night they really push the boat out with the buffet including amazing deserts. Breakfasts were equally good with detail right down to fresh lemon if you like lemon tea. The extra cost of half board was more than made up for by not needing to find somewhere to eat each night and not needing to eat during the day.
If you want to hire a car ask at reception and the company will pick you up! A great hotel in just about the nicest part of benidorm, which itself has improved in recent years. I have stayed in many hotels where the experience has not matched the rating, this one certainly does.
My advice: Don't stay anywhere else.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
fly.com/Relaxabroad.com -
Jan 2007
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Shirley & Peter - manchester (55, 59)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Spent one week at this hotel on half Board. We booked hotel and flights separatley and managed to get a good price. Hotel is a good 4* hotel with large rooms and good food. Location is near to old town and everything is nearby. We would definatley go back but maybe in the summer.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Bookable Holidays- Jan 2007
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Stimo's gang- Newark
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from a one week stayat this Hotel. It was a shame that the weather was so poor but we did find it hard to fault the hotel.
The rooms were very nice, clean and comfy. We were on floor 7 which we found useful with a baby and a buggy. This was good as we were a quick ride up to the piano bar and then down to the food area. We enjoyed the piano bar as we could pop up at night; have a drink,enjoy the music or on the odd night watch football. I liked watching the Barcelona games. They also had a couple of English newspapers each day to read.
We were on a half board deal for a week and we did find the food enjoyable. They staff were helpful and would always rush to find the High Chair and make a fuss of the baby. I particularly enjoyed the smoked salmon and the good range of local wines; I would rate the Alicante Red!! Each night there was fresh meat on the griddle and the salads were always fresh and tasty.
My parents-in-law have been to Benidorm regularly and they enjoyed staying at this Hotel. The baby liked it too!!
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- JANUARY 2007
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : GORDON & SHIRLEY KING
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
My wife and I have just arrived home after a one week stay at the Hotel Maderia Centro, And all the good things that have been written about this hotel in holidays uncovered previously I can honestly agree with.
The one and only thing that I was disappointed with was the concert room, this being that the doors open at 5-30pm and as the restaurant for dinner doesn't open till 7-30pm and even if you're one of the first one's in, it's almost well past 8-30pm by you get out, and by 6-00pm all the table and chairs in the concert room had been took, not by the residents of the hotel, but by outsiders, and what I gathered they were there for the rest of the night, meaning that none of the residents get a look in, that's the only minus point I would give the hotel.
I have read that the food wasn't up to standard but all I can say is it must have improved a lot since the people who wrote that were there, I could go through all that was on offer at the breakfast & dinner buffet menus but that would take too much time, all I can say is that if you come out after dining not satisfied you must live in a different world to what the average person lives. And as we were there only for one week we were only there for one Friday nights dinner so I don't know if every Friday dinner is the same, but when we walked into the restaurant we thought the Queen must be attending as the spread can only be described as a banquet, three fresh steaming hot salmon were on offer plus as many king prawns as you could eat, and the ten massive cakes and gateaux looked so good that guests were lining up to take photos of them.
My wife and I have stayed at quite a few of the Las Vegas hotel & casinos, Sahara, Maxim, Excalibur etc, and any one of you that have stayed in Las Vegas will know what the food is like, and although it is not as good as them,( what is ) it came a good second.
The rooms are clean and quite large with maid service every day, mini bar and T V although it as 20 stations only three, Sky News, C N N News, and Euro Sport are in English, making the T V almost useless, but that's how we've found most of them in European hotels so this is no refection on this hotel.
We were on the 14th floor were you get marvellous views of the beach & Benidorm, but I'd say from the 5th floor up they'd be just as good,
We didn't find much to do at the nights as all the bars and clubs that have been mentioned in uncovered were more or less empty all night but we did find what we thought was the best entertainment at night was the Hotel Poseiden, which is just left out of the hotel and up the street about 300 yards on the left, there was a disco and a cabaret act on every night, mostly Spanish but then when there's nothing else, what the hell. the drinks were just under £2 a pint of lager and just under £3 for any one of the cocktails. We found the shopping very good my wife buying four pairs of shoes among numerous other things. The weather was very good well into the 20s every day all but one, which was cool and overcast. There is a very good large open air market on a Wednesday and a Sunday at the top of the Europa street next to the Pueblo hotel, we had read about pickpockets that were supposed to be around, but we went on both days and saw or heard nothing, but I wouldn't have expected any with the large police presence that there was around.
Lastly, I wouldn't recommend going to this resort to any one under the age of 40 at this time of year.
Would we go back to Benidorm?. Yes ! and we would definitely try to get this hotel.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Direct May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Fred, North Wales. 71, 69
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just spent two weeks at the Madeira Centro. 9/5/06 t0 23rd It is at the Old Town end. It is our first time at this hotel and we found it really a very good class hotel.
I don't know about other times but these two weeks there were a mixture of Spanish, German, and British guests. Perhaps because of language difficulties and or old rivalries there did not intially seem to be that relaxed friendly atmosphere I had experienced before in Benidorm hotels. But over the two weeks we did get to know the guests from other countries and in the end it was like meeting old friends when we went into the Dining Room.
The food manages to provide something for everyone. There was always plenty of meat choices and chips every day if you wanted. And lots of fresh fruit. At breakfast there was always a queue at the machine that crushed fresh oranges to a make ornge juice. This usually cost two and a half euros in the local cafe.
There were plenty of choices for Spanish and German guests too.
There are twenty floors of rooms many of them with fantastic views. the Madeira is taller and more modern than many buildings around.
There is plenty of entertainment around but not on the scale of the New Town. The Hotel has music every night in a seperate smoking area area. The entertainer usually sings in Spanish but most of the music is well known so it doesn't seem to matter that much. If it's Sticky Vickey and endless comedians then perhaps the New Town is best.
The smoking laws that Spain recently introduced seem to have been much watered down. Smoking is forbidden in large places but a series of concessions have taken place. All the pubs, bars, large and small allow smoking. A Belgium cafe near the hotel had people sitting and eating their food between puffs. So it seems that it is as it was for smokers though you cannot smoke in Hotel foyers, well not the Madiera anyway.
We went with Direct Holidays, We were the only two on the coach for this hotel. Though not expecting the service that Reps used to give. I was alarmed not to see any details of our early morning coach pick up times for the return trip to Alicante Airport. There was an old notice on the board about Saturday pick up time. The Rep, When we did see her in the first week said not to worry Tuesday pick up times would be posted two days before we left and there would be a note put under our room door with more details. This never happened. Finally on the day before we left we spoke to someone on the phone from My Travel who confirmed our pick up time was 5.25 am.
Many of the guests had made their own arrangements to get there so we will try this next time. To be fair the Reps are no where near as thick on the ground as they were and I was impressed on arriving that the Rep escorted guests into each hotel to ensure the rooms were there as planned. That lady even managed to alert the hotel security (in another hotel) that there were some well known pickpockets mingling with the new arrivals pretending to be assisting them.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Denise Innes - Perth (57, 48, 10, 8)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Great hotel as far as location and accommodation are concerned. Large spacious rooms with two double beds. Very useful drying line on balcony so no need to take string/pegs with you! Hairdryer in bathroom. Only 12 hangers in wardrobes - not enough when there's 4 of you for 2 weeks! Might be an idea to take some of your own. Not your typical holiday hotel as no entertainment staff or kids clubs (which suited us fine - no kids running wild!). Nothing much for kids except pools and table tennis table round the back.
Very quiet the first week, but full of Spanish holidaymakers the second week. Only then did the hotel have a special kids menu and kids games at night. They also opened the outside bar the day before we came home. Food quite good - meat courses not to everyone's taste (e.g. bulls tails!) but can honestly say none of us went hungry. Mealtimes were 8-10 for breakfast, 1-3 for lunch and 8-10 for dinner, which we felt was a bit too late. Indoor pool a hit with our kids. Great view from the outdoor lift if you go up to the top floor (21). No smoking in hotel except in your room or in the music lounge (although sign on the door says no kids allowed, there were kids in at night). Bar staff very polite and friendly (especially Miguel). Didn't use reception except to change money a couple of times and they could have been a bit more cheerful! Re excursions - would highly recommend the Medieval Night. It's a bit pricey (price includes all drinks - orange juice/sangria/lager) and food - eaten with your fingers by the way!) but it's a great show. Taxi there will cost you around 7 euros and 10 euros coming back. If you like a bet, The Winning Post on Calle Gerona is your place. Cheap drink and good food as well.
All in all, the Madeira Centro is a very good hotel but I would try and avoid Spanish holiday times -some of them are a bit short on manners!.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: go2spain march 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : elaine bottomley colne 69 68 67 65 62 59
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
had an excellent holiday hotel fabulous food good not as much choice as princessa but what there was ,was excellent, bus stop and taxi rank right outside door two minute walk too beach,three quarter beds in bedroom and fabulous views from balcony
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: November 2005
Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Tracy,Mark 35
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We both have been to Benidorm lots of times, but this was the best hotel we have ever stayed in. Will be staying here again!
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Independent November 2005
Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Dave Gordon
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Reading the previous review by Pell from south Yorkshire,I honestly thought this must be my Wife who had written it.I echo entirely his opinion except to add that if you want to live on salads you will be OK.
Dont expect to find any decent Hot meals as you will be disappointed. This really is a four star Hotel unfortunately they forgot to tell the chef.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: october 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Pell - West Yorkshire (39,42)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Reading the previous excellent reviews on this hotel we decided to book it for 12 days. We have been to Benidorm on many occasions and saw the hotel being built and thought it looked impressive. It has a 4 star rating and agree with other reviews on the cleanliness, accommodation and location which is very good,
however the food is not 4 star rated. The breakfast is good, offering warm croissants and rolls, fresh juice etc but we stayed full board and the lunch and evening dinner were certainly not 4 star eg chiken legs/thigh (no breast) the lasagne like baby food (couldn't find the mince) cordon bleu is a joke (jack fultons are safe) they do have fish every day (in all variations!) but it is over cooked and prossesed size pieces. They do cook fresh steak one night a week so enjoy that as it's the best it gets. People have said that the food was first class when it opened in 2002 with carverys and different theme nights but it has gone down hill each year since. See for your selves (or book at the 3 star Ambasador and save money and far better food to eat).
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: august 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : patricia of lincoln
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
this hotel in august would not suit english as the spanish more or less take this hotel over as it is there two week break from 13th aug onwards. this hotel is furnished supperbly staff are friendly food is very good the view which we had on the 19th floor was fab.all bedrooms are tastefully decorated and bedding changed everyday including towels phone calls to home are reasonable this hotel on an overall comment was exellent value disappointing there wre no english people
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Bernard and Mary Barry,65,66.
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked dtrect and stayed in this hotel in March 2005.The majority of the staff were very good,the only exception being the front of house ie.reception.We liked the hotel and its location so we decided to give another go.
Every thing about the hotel on our recent visit was very good and yes, different staff on reception who were very nice.We will definately visit again,however we will not be travelling with Direct Holidays.They did not inform us of the road works directly outside,with constant noise 24hrs a day which had been ongoing for 5 months.Our room was directly above the work on the 10th floor.This is only the second occasion in 42 yrs of oversea holidays that I have taken issue with a Tour Operator.
Looking foward to next holiday next week to Barcelona,but only for one week.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: self booked alpharooms.com Feb 05
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Geraint Lewis Mountain Ash 40,39,13,8
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Excellent hotel, not your typical tourist hotel that we have previously enjoyed in Benidorm. We were on 17 th floor excellent view. Kids loved the outdoor lift. indoor pool small but never busy. Very much older guests, very few kids despite half-term week in UK.Rooms were big with 2 double beds not folding camp beds!! Food good and plenty. Reasonable prices for drinks in the Bar. Excellent location out of hotel turn left your in new town, turn right your in old town old.
Some roadworks outside hotel but they were not a problem
Weather was good. Even managed 1 or 2 days on sunbeds and no fighting over them either. Nights were chilly (Outside)
Plenty of evening entertainment going in Benidorm....Elvis is still alive, rocking and rolling!! Tower Lounge-just around corner from hotel had some decent acts, and reasonable prices. Kids made welcome
Overall for the £70 per night for 4 of us, half board it was a very good deal.
We would stay here again without any hesitation.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: october 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : karen Mithell l edinburgh 51
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
this hotel has to be the best in benidorm just on the edge of the old town at the quite end. hotel is spotless staff are helpfull and the food is excellent you can have as much as you want . also they let us stay in our room on our leaving day as our flight was'nt untill late at night what a differance . I booked this hotel myself over the phone, excellant value for money .Also check out the keyhole British bar excellent for lunch or just a drink really friendly ( go up the side of 47 the ladies fashion shop on the beach front )
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : D Cameron
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel madiera centro is a superb hotel and is easily one of the best in Benidorm.It is smack bang in the center,and the main bus stop is outside the front door.The food is very good and the staff are nice and helpfull.The pool is a little small,but never crowded,i think this is because there are quite a lot of Spanish at this hotel and they dont bother with the pool through the day.It must be the only hotel in Spain that you dont have to get up early to grab a sun lounger,nobody seemed to bother.The whole place is also spotless,so what you waiting on.
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Hotel Madiera Centro - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Mark, Sharron, Lauren & Stephanie (30ish and 10 &10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This hotel is by far the best l have ever stayed in Benidorm. It looks great and it is great. The in-side pool was a must in early season. We had a few days rain, but the kids were happy with the pool. The food was great for the first week, but it was very poor the second week. I think it was because the hotel was full of Spanish, on holiday for the Easter holidays. The staff in the dining area were fantastic.
Direct holidays rep, was never there. Turned up the first few days, when she realised no one was interested in the excursions, she did appear at her alloted times and even changed them without telling anyone. The rep didn't leave time for the departure pickup. I had to call and find out myself. The bus didn't turn up to take us to the airport. After more than an hour l had to get a taxi costing £35. The rep at the airport was not interested and neither was Direct Holidays.
The resort has everything you need for young and old alike. Pubs are good, entertainment plenty, but most not suitable for small kids.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone and will be going back again. I see Direct Holidays are not listing this hotel in the 2005 brochure, but if you can book it with another company, then go for it.
Direct holidays, really went down in my estimations. They used to be a great tour company, but have really went down hill. I hope they can get there act together soon. They have and are going to lose lots of customers if they continue treating loyal customers with contempt
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: xl holidays july 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : RICHARD KEENAN LLANELLI SOUTH WALES
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
nothin magic about this hotel,when we got there we had to wait 5 hours for our room to be vacated and cleaned when we finaly got it it was very basic and it smelt of poo.the hotel staff were realy unhelpfull unless you were spanish,the food was ok bu got very boring by the end of the week.when my 3 year old son became ill the staff did,nt want to know and as xl didnt have a rep at the hotel we were left to make our own way to a hospital,
i can say hand on heart that i will never go there again or recomend that anybody else does
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: april 07
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : jess mckelvie - 44,38,14,11
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
hotel was awful surly staff ingorant spanish holidaymakers push myself and kids out of the lifts rude bar staff
ist room was small and smelly (poo) not big enough for us all rep was useless and we had to upgrade to get bigger room cost us an extra 216 euros a % of which went to the rep apparently the upgraded room was dirty and the wooded slats in the bed were broken asked to get them fixed and they did with selotape !!! the frigde leaked and matteress was dirty bathroom had scum around sink and bath. then the pipe in our room burst over our bed and we had to move again! the food was okay but it was the same stuff day in and out my kids were not happy paid all inclusive but eat out a lot.
bar staff were rude one in particular upset my daughter when he was very rude to her served spanish guests first even if you were waiting there first
it was unbelieveable how rude and surly they were, waiting for the lifts which were very slow these spanish holiday makers pushed us out of the way and took the lift when it came. one night spanish teenagers ran up and down our floor shouting but the reception staff were not interested we just stayed out as much as possible. the rep was useless and we will never go back to that hotel or with airtours again half the stuff that was advertised in the brochure was not working ie sauna the gym had only 4 pieces of equipment and the entertainment was dismal the same guy singing same stuff every night we paid £2000 to stay here was not worth it glad to be back home
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My travel-aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : sue allen liverpool 38.41.4
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
just arrived back from magic cristal park (faulty towers for the spanish)the whole holiday was a night mare hotel staff very ignorant rooms disgusting,air con faulty,food was fish fish fish!!!.nothing for the kids to do.play area closed .family room didn't open until 9pm.shows for the kids came on about 11.30pm.when we where there it was the spanish holidays(the most ignorant people i have ever met).pushed shoved everywhere you went,paid for all inclusive and had to eat out every day.tried to get the so called courtesy bus couldn't get on for spanish pushing and shoving so we had to get a taxi every day to use other hotels.
every family we met on holiday agreed with us i will be very suprised if this hotel doesn't appear on holidays from hell. i have never on holiday before seen young children singing and dancing at the fact that they were going home.the hotel itself is situated on on of the busied streets in the old town after battling with the spanish the street all you found was cafe bars selling ice cream or cakes.where all this great nightlife is in benidorm i've no idea.would never go back if you paid me .!!! totally ruined holiday very upset after booking 12 months in advance
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Vicky, Yvonne, Tony - Bradford, Darren, April, Chelsea, Ian, Andrew, Mark - Scarborough (37,57,62,36,29,10,58,47,18)
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
First & definitely the last time any of us will be going to mainland Spain.
My family & I (9 of us in total) have just spent 2 weeks of pure torture in this hotel. The hotel was extremely dirty & the staff were very rude. The hotel is geared towards Spanish people and any other nationality (especially British people) are treated like 2nd class citizens. Here are just some of the things which happened during our stay...this hotel boasts 5 bars (4 of which closed at midnight), if you wanted to have a quiet drink after this time you weren't able to as the staff asked you to leave. The only bar open after midnight was down in the basement where karaoke and disco music was played until 8:00am.
The entertainment you had to see it to believe it...a guy with a bontempi organ singing songs in Spanish. There was also bingo a couple of evenings a week (again in Spanish) and the top prize was a weeks free stay in the hotel - unbelieveable!!! Rooms were dirty - maid service was atrocious. One young couple asked for their children's mattess to be changed as the one they had, had stains on it. A maid went up to their room, sprayed the mattess with something and then put clean sheets on top of it.
The children's swimming pool was closed down as a little girl (5 years old) was taken to hospital after spending time in the pool and coming out in a nasty rash.
Staff in the restaurant were extremely rude and bad mannered, you had to go down very early to eat as if you went down after 8:30am, 1:30pm or 8:00pm it resembled a cattle market. The food which was served was nice but did become a bit boring after a while as it was practically the same kind of dishes every evening. Our holiday brochure stated the hotel had a sauna (this was closed down 12 months ago), a gymnasium (this was rarely open & when it was there was only 4 pieces of equipment in it), also as this was an all inclusive hotel we were given a list of 10 other hotels/bars which we could use our Amigos clubcard in...after traipsing around looking for these places we found 2 of them closed down, one of them had been closed down for 4 years!!!
The hotel lifts were a joke, they were either not working or were taken over by teenagers who just wanted to ride up and down in them. This was not funny, especially if you had a room on one of the lower floors and the swimming pool & sun terrace was on the 7th floor. The air conditioning system was pre-historic. I asked for mine to be looked at as it was making a funny noise & 2 maintenance men came up, one pulled the plastic cover off to stop it from rattling and the other took the filter out (which was caked in muck & dust), ran it under the bathroom tap and popped it back in again!!!
Now you may ask why we didn't speak to our rep about this...we did!! She wasn't interested, in fact her customer service skills were non-existent. She was rude and arrogant and just did not want to know. In fact if we saw her twice during the whole time we were there we were lucky. There were a lot of very unhappy & disgruntled people in that hotel whilst we were there. If it hadn't been for the fact that this was a family holiday (first time we had all been away together), a couple of us would have paid to move hotels - but unfortunately not all the party could afford to do this.
All in all this was the worst holiday any of us have ever had, and to cap it all on the day of our departure we were sat on the coach to the airport for 1 hour & 35 mins (a journey which should have taken 40 mins tops), and then when we finally reached the airport the plane was delayed for 3 hours. It took just over 10 hours from leaving the hotel to us hitting our homes. I have never been so happy to come home and go back to work. We certainly won't be using this travel agent again, and we won't be going back to mainland Spain. This holiday has been a total disaster!
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Hotel Magic Crystal - Benidorm
Operator and Date: FlyGlobeSpan - July 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Gillian & Pam - Prestwick (32 & 39)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Brilliant! We enjoyed every bit of this hotel. Very friendly and helpful staff. The Restaurant was excellent,loads of different food to choose from, and the kids food area was very good too! As for the person who said its only fish - I don't eat fish at all, and some people say i'm a fussy eater - I still came back full every time i went down to eat!
Our room was small but when you're on holiday you're only really in it to sleep, so it wasn't a problem.
I can't wait to go back!
You're quite a bit away from the nite-life although it is still walkable but if you can't or don't want to it's only about ?5. Close to shops and both beaches though.
We found it very quiet at night no noise from people going past or traffic, but we were at the back of the hotel.
It's also very good that you can go around the other Magic hotels in Benidorm with the free bus provided, we certainly made as much use of this as we could.
The roof top pool was good too as it was underneath a canopy so it was good for sheltering you from the sun. Or if you want just to lie in the sun the hotel staff come round with trolleys of drinks and pieces of fruit for you too.
I am definitely going back as soon as i can!
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Hotel Magic Crystal - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Sun Seakers - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Karen and Mark Salford 38,43
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Benidorm as a holiday destination is either a place you will love or HATE with a passion. for me it's the latter I'm afraid.
But the Hotel was amasing. (after my initial horror) you pull up to this hotel and it seems to be in the back of beyond on some busy side street, It is on a busy side street but please don't be put off it's a 2 minute walk to the shops and 5 to the very very busy beach and if you walk along the front it will take you 15 mins to the New Town.
Once inside the staff and hotel are fantastic. We had 10 child free days of sun (most of the time) the food was superb hot and varied at every meal time including snacks. The only draw back is the pool is on the roof 7th floor and the snack bar is 1 floor below the reception. and you are not allowed to take food out of the restaurant.
The All Inclusive deal was the best we have every had there was NO end time for your freebies once the bar on the ground floor closed at midnight you could go down stairs to the big ballroom where all the entertainment is held and drink if you had a mind to till 8am.. As we only saw 1 show which was quite good I won't comment.
Try if you can to be allocated a room on either the 6/7 floor they are much quieter and have larger balconies. We found this out as our first room on arrival was on the first floor and these were small but spotless but above the main door so we asked to be moved higher up this was no problem at all but we were simply asked to wait till the morning we checked in at 10pm . You can use all 10 hotels in the group at your leisure on the AI basis.
Would I go back yes if they moved the hotel to somewhere else. Would I recomend this hotel yes it was great, not overly child friendly though as the pool is under cover and very cold and the day time entertainment was limited! But the staff loved the children that were there. For those of you looking to play out every night on the Square then a taxi will only cost you about 5 euros each way. The market is on Wednesday and Sunday was great for bargains but you gotta haggle. Just as with most places watch your purses and wallets. Also the scratch card touts these are for some sort of holiday club and you will spend ages at a sales pitch if you go to collect your prize. a polite no thanks is enough.
Go and enjoy and make your holiday your own.
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Febuary 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Adrian Collins - lincoln (23,23,22,22)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
A very good holiday, was a bit dubious about the holiday after reading various reviews.
We stayed in room 121 very clean and was visited by the maid every day made beds clean towels etc. The drinks were good but by the end of the week i was sick of the taste of lager! Food was good but as soon as you came out the room all i could smell was fat from the kitchens and that put me off my food by the end of the week.
It was a 5 minute walk to the beach, but was a bit cold to go on it in febuary.
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: dec 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Godwin - 56,38,12,8
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrive at the hotel 24 December reception staff were good but a little rushed.Our room was on the 6th floor,so we were a little dissapointed, but this proved to our advantage with the swimming pool being onthe 7th floor and all the activities being up on the 7th.Christmas dinner was excellent.
Food overall was good catered well for children and adults.This hotel is a definate for the winter but not one for the summer because of the indoor pool.Beach was a short distance away not too much of a walk, shops plently of them.
Good all round holiday destination.
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: low cost beds - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : amy thompson and laura thompson-sheffield 20-17
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
we have just come back from magic crystal park we werent that impressed the hotel looked nice inside and out..our rooms quite small we had no bathroom light..food looked nice but tasted not so nice we were close to the road so had lots of noise..the room did have aircon which was good the pool was really cold cause it was covered there were lots of children running around very busy hotel more for familys rather than couples or friends
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours Jan 18th - Feb 1st 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Keith Leatherbarrow - Liverpool (57, 77)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
I had originally booked for the Hotel Fenicia in June 2004, in December 2004 I was informed that this hotel was closed for re-furbishment and we had been transfered to the Crystal Park.I was not too pleased about this as I had stayed there previously and had not been impressed.
I had read some poor reviews on this site, including surly reception staff, a very strong smell of either diesel or heating oil on entering the hotel....these comments turned out to be spot on!
We had payed a supplement to have a "park view" but on booking in at reception the room assigned to us was an ordinary one,this was soon rectified however.On entering the room I was struck how dark and cramped it was, there was one low wattage bulb in the middle of the ceiling,making it almost impossible to read at night, I have stayed in better rooms in no star accomodation! The traffic noise was incredible as Benidorms one way system now runs right past the back of the hotel... where all the park view rooms are situated!! Ear plugs are a must!!!
The food was the only redeeming feature.....always varied and hot and the dining room staff in the main pleasant and helpful. The drinks were very poor and usually there were long queues to get served,owing to understaffing.The entertainment was a joke (but not very funny!)
To top everything off I found out that the hotel I had originally booked (Fenicia) was not in fact closed, but was full of Spanish OAPs.
This review is not sour grapes as I have been staying at Amigos Hotels twice a year for the last ten years.The standard has been steadily going down, and the concept of "Stay In One, Play In Ten" is fast becoming a myth, as the majority of the properties are either closed down or being "re-furbished". We paid £635 each for our two weeks, but I`m afraid that`s the last money the Amigos Group will get off me!
The weather is very dodgy in January, it was cold in the daytime as well as at night.The shops in Benidorm now appear to be run by Taiwanese... this is a good thing as they keep prices low, how long the Spanish will be able to compete should be very interesting!
One last point, is there some sort of entertainment Mafia in Benidorm as we see the same faces year in, year out, Viva Sticky Vicki!!!!!
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Globespan........ january 2005
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Pam-scotland 41-- Michelle scotland 24
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well we went for a shopping spree and to stay in a nice hotel close to all ammenities.......
The hotel food was cold every single day even tho there was a good choice but never warm.
The reception staff were rude and very unhelpful. It says in the brochure that all rooms have irons and hairdryers...RUBBISH they had neither and had to be rented out at an hour a time as the hotel only owned one of each for the whole hotel........what a nightmare.In the end we bought our own at an extra cost we could have done without.
The location of the hotel is excellent for all the shops and pubs but is on a hill(tho not as steep as some have said).
The cleaning staff did not wash up our cups and we had to ask for clean towels and some guests who had been there a week had not had their beds changed.yukkkkkkkk also if you want a lie in then put your "do not disturb sign up"as cleaners come knocking at 8am.
WE had no balcony and our room was on the forth floor and was very very noisy as was on the main road.The roof terace and pool were very very average.in fact I hated the indoor pool.
Would i go back? to Benidorm yes but NEVER to the magic cristal.
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Grace Mulcahy - Manchester (36)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
it is fab the beach is 5 mins down the road you can gte taxi and buses easy the shops and bars are 2 mins down the road
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Hotel Magic Crystal Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: anatolian sky - november 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Dawn Graves - Manchester (35,39)):
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Food very good served buffet style but too much to pick from it caters for children to. Breakfast you could pick from a cooked english/continental, cereal or sooked meats etc, your lunch and tea time meals were also hot and cold choices very very good. We wnt at the start of the nov fiesta and the ol=nly complaint we have is the noice, if we were placed at the back of the hotel I think we would have been ok but we got room 107 which is on the first floor at the front of the hotel above reception and we felt like we were sat on the pavement.
On the first day of the fiesta (saturday) they lined the street outside with chairs and the noise was constant from 10.30pm through until about 6am very loud fireworks that sounded like bombs and someone with a drum started banging it at about 4.45am.
The hotel was very clean, staff very nice, position to beach wasn't too bad but was on a bit of a hill but it's not too bad we paid £155 each for 3 nights (including flights from manchester on bmi baby) I think we got more than our moneys worth I would recommend this hotel but if you want to use your bed to sleep ask for a room at the back when booking!
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Hotel Magic Cristel Park - Benidorm
Operator and Date: First Chioce September 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Margaret Williams ( 52, 52 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were moved to this hotel because the Villa de Benidorm was overbooked. It was totally unsuitable for me as I have walking difficulties, the hotel is on avey busy road up asteep hill. The beach is a long walk away and any english bars are up more hills.We resoted to using taxis down into the new town where we wanted to stay in the first place.
The entertaainment in the hotel was the worst ive ever seen.
The rooms were basic but clean.
The only good thing about this hotel was the food which was excellent and plenty to choose from.
all in all we would return to Benidorm but never this hotel.
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Magic Monika (Monica) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Beechsun Holidays Feb 2007
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : J Garrett Norwich 65 64 61 61
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The 4 of us arrived at the Magic Monica on the 19th feb. On arrival we were informed that our 2 double rooms were unavailable because of low water pressure in the higher floors. We were asked to spend one night at the Crystal Park hotel, and if we agreed we would be upgraded to Gold card, and also instead of 2 rooms we would have the biggest apartment in the Hotel.
We agreed, and next day returned to the Magic Monica (taxis paid for by the hotel).
The apartment was as promised HUGE with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms a lounge with 2 settees table and chairs, a kitchen, and a 30ft balcony with sea views. It was very clean and in good decorative order.
The hotel staff were polite and helpful. there was a good choice of meals,well presented,and tasty.
In all we had a very enjoyable week at the Magic Monica. We were very dubious about the hotel before we left, because of some of the negative comments we had read on this website, but we can only say that our experience of the hotel was a positive one.
We would also like to recommend a visit to the BENIDORM PALACE. A FABULOUS SHOW !!!!
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: uk travel Feb 2007
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : kevin, kate lindsay-stranraer ,scotland(43, 41)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
just returned from a week in La Cala and enjoyed every minute.Staff were very polite and friendly in the Monica,rooms cleaned every day and meals were very good though there was not a lot of choice, what there was though was plentiful.La Cala very quiet this time of year, mostly elder spanish people who seemed to enjoy the entertainment(not our scene).If you in Monica you must try the chinese restaurant at top of road, lovely meals at reasonable prices.Weather was not great and pool closed all week but looked really nice.
All in all the price we paid for a winter break was well worth it
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours april 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : ian bond bristol (36,15.12.10,10)
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel very very poor all staff apart from one or two miserable and constantly unhelpful.Room was dirty and unkempt, with broken furniture and below standard cleanliness. Food awful the selection was limited and boring, and sometimes cold. Eating experience was terrible as resturant was gloomy and dirty like the rest of the hotel.
Luckily we were on an a/i package which allowed us to use the other hotels thank god.... but which still meant a journey of 4 or 5 miles to have an exceptable meal, which is not what you expect to do when you pay alot for a decent holiday.
Would not recommend this tourist trap to anyone. Rep even commented on how poor the hotel was and strongly recommended that we put in a full complaint when we returned home, to which we have.
do not book into this hotel.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Mrs Bentley
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from a week in Magic Monika Hotel. After reading the reports, we were looking forward to our holiday but we were very disapointed.
The food was the biggest disapointment. It was always cold, sloppy, mushy salads, very basic and repetative.Badly cooked and served. We ended up catching the bus and going round to try the other hotels to get a better meal, which we did. We found the other hotel food was far superior to our hotel but having to do this every day was a bit of a bind. Compared to the other Amigos Hotels, the Monika is badly in need of updating.It was quite shabby.
On a good note, the pool was great, some of the staff ok. We also noticed it was full of old local Spanish people who were extremley rude and arrogant to other residents.We didn't let the bad points spoil our holiday, we got on and made the best of it but don't think we will be going to the Monika Again.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: allison ,scotland - 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : 40,38,15,9,7
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
do not go here.food awful,most staff grumpy,husband developed salmonella from hotel food 3 days before leaving.only acceptable thing about hotel was pool.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : zoe 14
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
magic monikas looked as if it was going to be good but did we have a shock?! the amount of things that have gone wrong this week is unbelieveable the sofa bed broke 4 times and we had to sleep on the floor nearly all week things have gone missing from our room which is out of order why should people take things out of rooms, pool was good and the food was not exactly tasty it was the same evry day over and over again rooms werent very clean no activites for us to do really wouldnt want to come back
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : E West - Glasgow (52,51,31,1
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Don't recommend this hotel to anybody. Food boring and repetitious except for 2 days a week. Alcoholic drinks well below normal strength (24%), like drinking water with a dash of alcohol added, if you wanted a proper drink you had to pay for it. Rooms were dirty and the apt floor really bad plus the bed kept collapsing. In need of refurbishing and bringing up to date.
This hotel is not a 3 star and never will be, 2 star at a push. I would never ever go back to this hotel and would not recommend anybody to book there. This holiday was quite expensive for 2 weeks and got very little in return. (Little food and even less free drinks)
Only good thing about this hotel was the pool. Some staff were nice but some not.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Daniel Paine
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from a two week stay at the monika, my partner and her three kids ,14 ,12, 8, We stayed in one of the two bed apartments and was the size if a small bungalow with a un-suite in master bedroom, massive balcony,
front desk staff we'r allways cheerfull and helpfull, most of the bar staff miserible there was two / three made up for it, pool was superb, only 1 pool bar seat left though (out of five) over all atmosphere was exelent,
I had read on this site about Pedro the childrens entertainer, but he was on holiday our first week so ELLIE was the star turn and what a star she was exellant with the kids AND adults, Pedro was back the second week and what a double act they made at the kids disco, some of the acts where abit dodgy but you cant expect anything else when there is entertainment almost every night, Though Magic goerge was a scream Kids thought he was magic adults just sniggered still a laugh though.
The food was good plenty of choice, did get some repeated but we were there for 2weeks, sometimes could have been hotter,the food in the crystle park was a notch up but was a gloomy place with a strange atmosphere
WOULD deffinatly go back to the Monika Lovely place
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Gillian - County Durham (39, 36, 9, 7.)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had a great time overall at this hotel, the apartment style rooms were great, the pool fantastic, always a good selection of food and a snack bar serving salads, chips, burgers, hotdogs, pizza, sometimes fishfingers or other options if you couldn't be bothered to get changed for lunch in the restaurant or wanted to eat when the restaurant was shut.
Most of the allinclusive spirits were about 24%, apart from the whisky 40%, also lager, cider and wine including sparkling wine + cocktail of the day. We went on the 11th and for the first five days the night time entertainment was indoors and pretty poor, after that the entertainment moved outdoors and improved greatly, magic shows ect. The bar in the centre of the pool didn't open until the day before we came home (25th) apparently the season was properly starting up then.
The resort itself was quite small but with the free amigos bus during the day easy and free to get into benidorm, we did take a taxi one day and it only cost about 5 euros. The free medieval night is a must, really good night out although the food wasn't that great, but being all inclusive you can eat at the snack bar when you get back if you're still hungry.
We would return to this hotel in the future but thought the 11th june too early.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: 23rd december 2004 1 week stay
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : lynne 42 phillip 45 children 8 and 14
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Our family have just returned after spending 1 week at the majic monika holiday hotel in cala finestrat.
It was our first xmas abroad with 2 young children.
Cala finestrat is very quiet at xmas with mainly older spanish people and oldrer tourists.
The resort is mainly aimed at the over 5os at this time of year.
The hotel 1st impression is very good and the reception staff were very polite and helpful especially to our two young children who they helped to use the internet and sorted out change for them and generally played/teased them.the thing that spoils it is the smell of stale smell of smoke as soon as you went in.
Althoughthe weather is cold in the evenings(i mean overcoats) it was very plesant in the day and we even managed to sumbathe twice . The hotel did not open the pool area which was a shame because we would have liked to have sat there.....instead we had to use the hotels own bus to visit other hotels in the amigos chain or go the beach.
All of the amigo hotels are rundown and in need of updating, however saying that our room was larger than average with a very large balcony. There were very little in the way of cooking facilities we did not have any cups and when we asked for some we were sent champagne glasses and a frying pan!!!!
All in all the holiday was very nice although i would not bother using the pools(indoor) ones in the amigo chain as they are all very small, old and very run down. We had a lovely holiday but i believe it is worth paying that bit extra and travelling to tenerife/gran canaria for slightly warmer.xmas.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Jo Nicholas - Cambridgeshire (33, 28, 19mths)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Magic Monika is part of the Magic Amigos group and from talking to others is the best one. The pool is absolutely superb nice shallow areas for small children (and lovely to lay in as it was so hot. There was daytime entertainment by hotels own entertainers a little repetetive though. The evening entertainment was outside and again from the holtel entertainers and outside acts a couple of times a week. The entertainer (pedro) loved dancing and the children loved to copy him again sometimes a bit repetitive it would have been better if they had brought another cd (lol).
Although if you did not want sit through the evening entertainment then there was two or three more areas to sit and have a drink to relax (our favourite place was the lobby bar very polite bar man there). We found most of the bar staff miserable except a couple. The food was good and plenty to choose from and always nice and hot and replenished quickly. The rooms were spacious and lovely size balconies, cleaned everyday and also clean towels.
The resort itself is very quiet but some lovely little bars and shops also a market behind the hotel on thursdays and markets on the beach front three or four times a week during the evening.
We did not find the first choice reps ever so helpful so went on our own trips.
Overall we had a fantastic holiday and have already booked next years! Although this time not to Magic Monika but we will go back again in the future.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Wadebay - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Julie Ann - Merseyside
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned to sunny UK, the family had a great time at Magic Monika. Our daughter aged 9 loved the entertainment guy Pedro.
The accomdation was clean and spacious and the pool was huge, although there were towels on the sunbeds from 9.00am when it opened so it was sometimes hard to get one.
I booked this independantley on the internet and we did not go all inclusive which I was glad about as there is a good choice of nice restaurants down by the beach.
I would return to Magic Monika again.
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: June 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Jessica - Runcorn near Liverpool
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went on our holiday for 2 weeks, One week was during the half term break so there was lots of teenagers there (which was good because i am 14). At first when we entered the hotel i noticed it was clean and well kept, we stayed in block 3 number 69, it was very nice but we were on the 18th floor!
I really enjoyed my holiday and made lots of friends, there are pool tables, racing games, masive pool but its a bit cold at first.
I went with my mum, dad and 2 sisters and my antie and her family. I really enjoyed my holiday, it was very funny when my mum went 2 the wrong room with her washing, we found it really funny when i ended up making friends with the girl whos room she went to!
There is a snack bar which is open a lot and is quiet good for food. theres also a restaurant and you can check out the other magic hotels.
All together its great.
Love Jess xXx
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice 2004 june
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : becky - watford ( 40,37,16,14,13)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
well we got back from our holiday to benidorm and we had a greta time !
there are 2 great beaches near the hotel one is a 5/10 minute walk away from hotel and a bigger one a bit further away but you can still walk there . the sea and beach are both clean
the hotel was really nice . the rooms were cleaned every day and we had a room for 5 people two adults and three teenagers and there was plenty of room !!! - the pool was MASSIVE ( although a bit cold!!) - plenty of sunbeds!
the snackbar was great as you could go and get drinks and food from bout 11-6 everyday!
however, the entertaiment was not good at all most nights there was a singer and you could not hear ypurself speak!!
we had a great time and the weather was SO HOT!! xxxxxxxx
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Magic Monika - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice may
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : peter jones - cardiff 58,58,36,35,12,14
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just come back from a week's stay in the hotel monika. The room was nice with a kitchenette but the sofa bed kept collapsing. The food was very basic and not very hot and the milk for breakfast cereal's was luke warm. This is the 1st holiday I have been on and have not put any weight on. The pool was lovely but cold. luckily the lifts did not break down when we were there!!!!
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Magic Rock - Benidorm
Operator and Date: First choice Feb 2007
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Graham & Anne (50)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
When we arrived here we were pleased with the hotel the rooms were nice we were on the 8th floor staff were nice although we didnt see many as you served your self to drinks which was ok at first, but the only draw back was you didnt see staff (only on reception ) also at 1 point in the week children had helped themselves to beer and the bar had to be closed to self service , we didnt see much of the entertainment at the hotel as we werent keen on the smell in that room but the Benidorm is a nice place lots to do,for all ages your holiday is what you make it but we would go self catering if we go again
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Jane Bissell - Birmingham (33,31,15,5)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Went to this hotel with my partner and 2 children for 10 days. This is easily the worst hotel we have ever stayed in.
Food is poor and the restraunt is very dirty and had a smell about it. The floor in the restraunt is thick with grease and very slippy by the meat section. The swimming pools are tiny and also very messy around the sides. I never once stayed in the hotel at night as the entertainment was rubbish. I think they think most people will be drunk by 9pm so it doesn't matter what crap we put on. I never once seen any of the staff tidy the bar areas which most of the time was covered in water where the ceiling was leaking. The hotel is also very dark which makes it feel a bit like a prison. The childrens entertainment is mainly for Spanish children.
All in all this hotel is a dirty messy place to spend a holiday.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Firxt Choice June 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Tracy, Sarah, Lynne and Denise
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
June 07, Our holiday started off with a seven hour delay, wasnt told why. Hotel is at the top of a very steep hill, that is too small for coaches to turn round, so we had to get off the coach unload our cases and then get on a minibus. Arrived at Hotel was given our keys for the rooms, which are the credit card type, had to pay for the remote for the tv control and the control for the air conditioning, this is not mentioned in the brochure. Got to the rooms keys did not work. Went back down to reception. When we eventually got in our room the safety deposit key did not work! They sent up a handy man who half screwed another box to the inside of the wardrobe, that anyone could pull off with one hand.
This was fixed the next day though!!!!!!
Accommodation overall was ok, very basic, Hot water kept filling in the toilet all night which kept us awake and was also very hot when you sat down on the toilet...... Air conditioning kept making funny loud noises and was spitting out ice at times....Reception staff very slow but polite.. All week we had trouble with the door keys, somedays worked, soemdays didnt, spent a lot of time in reception sorting this out.
Swimming pools very small and very cold. They dont have sunbeds around the pool area as there is no room. Hotel surrounded by other hotels so sun doesnt come onto patio area until lunchtime, this ok if you want to spend all morning in bed. We spent most of th eday moving our sunbeds around the hotel to be in the sun.
Restaurant food - All Inclusive...The worst food we have ever had, everything is fried, you can smell the dirty fat all day whilst sunbathing, horrible... Not much choice to eat, we went for 1 week and ate in hotel twice, two of us ended up with food poisoning from buffet food also. Lunch menu is left overs from buffet of night before, bread rolls were always stale, milk was warm, orange juice burnt your insides.....
Resort is excellent, fun, lots to do but will not recommend this accommodation to anyone or even stay there again. All the guests moaned about the food, must be the only ever inclusive holiday we ever been on where we lost weight lol.....
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: xl may 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : steve +diana ( 47 + 48 )
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After a 4 hour delay at the airport for a technical delay, we arrived at 04.30 at the rear of the hotel with a short walk up the hill to the hotel as the road to the front of the hotel is too narrow for large buses to turn.
Please note there are 2 receptions in this hotel and at night only the front reception is open so you have to ring a bell on the side of the door to be let in. If you do enter at the rear at night you will have to go to the bottom reception which can be hard to find as the lifts in this part of the hotel dont go down to that floor so go to lowest floor and either go down the stairs on your left or turn right out of lifts to the end of the corrider then take lifts down to bottom reception, it can be a bit confusing at the start.
When finally found the reception we were told that the HOTEL WAS FULL and they,d get us a taxi to another hotel and come back at 08.00 when a room would be ready.
We thought it was not worth going and coming back so we stopped in the reception until the room was ready.
The hotel then offered to upgrade us to a gold card as compensation but unless you drink premium shorts or bottles this is no use as thats all you,d realy gain.
So we came to an ageement with the management for us to keep the room on till we left and as we were,nt being picked up until 9 o,clock, it was what we wanted plus we asked for a free saftey deposit box which they gave us.
THATS THE BAD PART OVER,the food at hotel was a suprise, plenty of choice and really nice,even fresh salmon and king prawns one night.
There were plenty of sun loungers to go round espically if you go to the top sun terrace and you get the sun nearly all day up there.so there,s no need to be up at the crack of dawn to get a bed.
The hill up to the hotel could be a problem if you,ve got any problem walking or getting on a bit. We found it not that bad and its only 150 yards anyway and the beach is at the bottom of the hill.
Entertainment is not great, it,s the usual spanish stuff. eddie ok though.
Just some quick tip then.
DONT PAY EXTRA FOR A SEA VEIW (as we did. as all rooms face the sea, but not much of a view anyway as there,s a large hotel in front)
All in all we had a great time other than the start.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook March 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Carol Boocock - Bradford
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at the back door of Magic Rock Gardens, there was no staff on reception and we had to leave our cases and walk down several floors to main reception, then back to collect cases. No explanation of how to get there.
Room was nice and clean and plenty big enough for one. Shame about the balcony. Weather was atrocious for the first 3 days so had to stay in hotel, like everyone else. Not enough seating in reception or bar areas.
Had to go outside to snack bar in pouring rain. Snack bar not very clean and food poor. Eventually they opened the dining room at lunchtime for snacks which improved things including the menu.
The walls are paper thin, you can hear next door conversation.
A party of spanish students arrived midweek and the noise was appalling, they were rude, set off the fire alarm more than once. Rode up and down continuously in the lifts. When I rang reception one morning at 1am to complain about furniture being dragged about on the floor above I was told they knew about it. Several other holidaymakers complained for three days running but nothing was ever done about it.
Food was very good. Queing at the bar in the entertainment room was dreadful. The 24 hour bar queues were bad too. Never any snacks at night although there was supposed to be.
Won't be going again I'm afraid
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Travel City Direct March 07
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Vera,julie,anne,paula,karen,mary (38-50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had a 3 day break in the magic rock with five friends we had a great time. Room's were clean with loads of space only gripe there was no balcony. Food was good you could find something to eat at every meal time,deserts were a must. The hotel is up a steep hill so if you have trouble walking it's not for you,beach was a five minute walk. We would definately book again.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Alpha rooms - March 2007
Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Stephanie Male - Aberdare,South Wales (20,29,33,36,37,40,40,40,40,42,43,44,44,49,49.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went here to celebrate my friends 40th birthday,15 of us,all girls, Friday to Tuesday, 24 hr All inclusive.No complaints from any of us, some reviews i had read warned about the hill up to the hotel was very steep, but, it wasn't as bad as we were expecting it to be.The location was spot on, the choice of food was superb and even better was the free flowing alcohol including the self-service bar.The rooms were great even if we did get lost trying to find them,(2 sets of lift).We also used the facilities in two of the other Magic hotels mainly the Villa de Benidorm and the Crystal Park Hotel.
We would all definitley return to this hotel or to the other two mentioned.
the weather was great, and the other plus was we never spent no money while we were there. the only downside was the 24hr snacks, there wasn't much to mention,however, there was constantly champagne and biscuits available in reception. And yes i would also return here with the children.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: first choice - 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : stevie moffat - blantyre
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed for a fortnight at the magic rock,would not recommend this hotel to any british person.
The staff at reception are very rude and ignorant and speak about you in Spanish and we encountered this on many occasions in the 2 weeks.
After we checked in we where given room 001 if you get this asked to get moved,the room wasn't clean,the shower head wouldn't stay up infact was hanging off the wall,when the toilet flushed it all came out the bottom and onto the floor and last of all we were on ground level and the window didn't lock!! After recent events in portugal and having a five year old in the room I didn't feel one bit safe in that room.
After complaining we where told to come back in the morning and we would be moved which we were move to 4th floor. As were the other party that was along with us as they had toilet problems and air conditioning wasn't working in their room.
Now after all the above was sorted out we thought time to start enjoying our holiday.right!
Wrong .next day we where out and about in benidorm and headed back to hotel to get changed and one of our party was stopped going into the front entrance of hotel without a top on by a security man which is fair enough but he didn't stop any Spanish customers doing the same,when questioned about this he started talking about how"british people don't show respect and let our children drink alcohol when their 16" after that encounter he seemed to follow us every where we went in the hotel and it came to a head when we went out onto the terrace with our drinks in glasses and he stormed up with a duty manager and demanded we sign a warning letter because we had glass on the terrace both were very rude towards us and ignored the fact that they were Spanish and other british guest on the terrace with glass,after we refused to sign the warning letter we where threatened that they would phone the police,we asked reception that we wanted to speak to first choice and were refused,again the security had spoke to the person on duty in Spanish and he told us no way,
The boss of the reps for first choice came in 1st thing in the morn to see us and sort out any problem and told us we where right not sign the warning letter as its usually only the holiday company that can issue them(keep that in mind if they try and give you one),the security man was moved to another hotel(not sacked as we where told),as it goes in the next few days we where approached by other fellow guests who had felt threatened and harassed by the security but I'll let them tell their own stories.
So that was the 1st week of our holiday really wasted by the various things above.
Also my girlfriend noticed some of her underwear had went missing,I suggested she may have forgot to bring it but the other partys teenage daughter had a few bras and items of swimwear missing to,didn't bother reporting as it would be a case of our word against theirs,we also heard other guests complain of missing items again I'll let them do their own review.
2nd week passed without much happening but by then we where fed up and didn't really spend much time the hotel at all as we felt uncomfortable and were glad to get home.
A few points on the hotel
Didn't really find the hill a problem
Reception - found the people here to be very ignorent would leave you standing for lengths of time before even looking at you,my 16 yr old asked for change for the pool table and was told no then I asked and they gave me change,also got the feeling they where talking about us in Spanish when at the desk,the tv in reception was always on a Spanish tv channels when asked if they could put it on sky news and was told they didn't know how to change the channel,beware of the no understand/speak English they may come out with as most of them are very fluent in english and tend to do this if you are complaining,my son has epilepsy and had a small fit on the 2nd last night and was a little bit sick on his bed,my other son reported this to reception to get his bed changed he was told they were busy and couldn't do anything at the moment - they never done anything at all!!
Hotel gym!! - 4 machines 2 working 1 broken and the other a health hazard also only open 4 hours a day if you want a gym go to the monika on the free bus.
Dinning/food - food was good,decent selection we ate in hotel most nights before heading out to find decent entertainment
Poolside Snack bar - really the left overs from the previous night and that days breakfast + a few other items like pizzas
24 hour snack bar - basic drinks ,vodka/gin/lager/soft drinks,food - fruit/small cheese and meat sandwiches(same filling for 2 weeks) only complaint here is that when something run out is wasn't replaced till morning
Bar/bar staff - drinks are what you would expect for an all inclusive hotel but you could upgrade to a gold card and that got you branded drinks etc or you could pay a supplement(eg 1 euro 20 for a cocktail),staff where friendly enough.
Entertainment - never really seen much as we spent most nights out of the hotel.
Kids - the staff seemed to only entertain Spanish children only once in a fortnight did my 5 yr old get approached to take part in any activitys
Swimming pools - not the best pools I've seen,main pool is small and in the shade for most of the day and didn't seem very clean,up several flights of stairs is the Jacuzzi,the water in that was very dirty and didn't seem to get cleaned,then up even more stairs if the 2 childrens pools one had a slide and one was for smaller children to fair these 2 where pretty decent and my 5yr old enjoyed the slide also next to this is a big play area again my 5yr old enjoyed playing on this.
Rooms - if you're a couple with 1 child you'll be ok but if you have 2 like we did you will have very limited space to move about so there are fairly basic but they do have a small fridge,air con good but have to put deposit of 15 euro for remote as with the tv too,I think you can upgrade to a suite for 40 euros or something per night,maid service was good, bedding/towels changed every day
Other magic hotels - only went to monika,well worth going for the day for the pool area its beautiful and loads of space and the gym is worth a visit.
Oh aye on your welcome pack there is a section about if you write the hotel a good review they will reward you with prizes,free holidays etc and printed a few of the reviews as examples so I would take some of the good reviews with a pinch salt.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: First Choice September 2006
Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Ray Smith - Grays,Essex 50,50,54,46
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Firstly our 1 and only Complaint (WARNING) and it has nothing to do with the hotel itself, but it's location,
This HOTEL is located at the very top of a very very steep hill known localy as CARDIAC HILL.
There is no mention of this hill in any of the tour brochures or online anywhere.
SO please be warned if you have breathing,walking or heart problems.
I have heart and breathing problems myself and found it very hard going.
Now for the GREAT part, the Hotel itself,
on arrival at the Magic Rock Gardens, we were given Champagne and biscuits to welcome us to the hotel, then we were shown to reception and booked in, afterwhich they showed us the way to our rooms
The rooms were quite large enough for 2 persons, with very firm single beds, there is a fridge in every room and air-con in every room as well.
The bathroom is very spacious with w/c, bedet, (special type toilet thingy) and shower over bath with hand basin
Well that is the room, unfortuneatly no balcony or verandah
The views are both stunning and breath taking
From Both the rooms and from the scenic lifts
we were all on the 11th floor
The lady who looked after our rooms and us was named Maria who speaks little to no english but is quite capable of making herself understood
The Food was very very good with plenty of it on a self serve basis so you could help yourselves to as much or as little as you liked, with sangria at lunch and night times
We went all inclusive with all the drinks made locally being unlimited there is your branded lables as well for which you have to pay a suppliment of between 1-2.50 euros
which is still cheaper than here in england
The entertainment is varied the compare dj is EDDIE we think that he is great with a good singing voice that is good with any song and he doesn't spoil the songs either
The lady who arranges tours for us holidaymakers is named maria and speakes very good english
The lady who helps entertain the children and also calls the bingo is named marta
The Medieval night is free and well worth going to if you like that sort of thing is booked through maria
The Beach is a short walk away from the hotel and is very nice and clean as is the sea
The sun loungers and sun parasols were 4 euros each for the whole day although you can come and go as much as you like so long as you kept you tickets
the sand tends to get very hot on the feet
The local attractions are very good for both adults and children alike,
We all went to a place called MUNDOMAR which is an type of animal park with birds seal shows and dolphin shows as well, right next door to it is aqualandia we never went there so i cannot tell you much about it apart from that it looks great for both adults and children with the largest water flumes is spain and can be clearly seen from MUNDOMAR
There is also TERRANATURA animal park and the very lavish looking BENIDORM PALACE,
But we never got to go there either, for those of you if you are like us and like to look round markets then head for ALTEA on the number 10 bus which costs 1 euro p/p
Well that was our holiday for this year, we all hope you enjoy reading this as much as i have enjoyed writing it for you
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook- July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Chris Edwards- Durham (18,18,18,18)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
On arrival we were immediately impressed by the quality of the staff and standard of the hotel. It was also clear that the hotel was well maintained and most importantly clean!
The rooms although small, had everything you could ask for; a fridge, TV, small kitchen, decent furniture and a well equipted bathroom. However, we did encounter one or two problems such as a broke light, no bath plug and four adults sharing one room can feel clostrophobic and cramped. But apart from that the room was fine with more than enough storage space for clothes and other items.
Hotel facilities were excellent including an indoor and outdoor pool with bar, as well as the use of other off-site 'Magic Rock' facilities including a gym.
However, I would not recommend these apartments for young people like ourselves as other holiday-makers were mainly families and couples, who did not appriciate or tolerate any noise or banter.
Overall, I would recommend the hotel and Benidorm as they both offer a fantastic holiday with something to offer all ages.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: winter sunshine holidays - may 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : max mc neilly - christchurch (46,45,45,24,24,24,19,17)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
this was our 4th time in this hotel. i booked 4 rooms as there were 8 of us staying there. we have stayed at this hotel 4 times and never had any probs but this time we had 3 of our rooms broken into. we made the mistake of not using the safes and in my room i had £600 stolen. my son and his girlfriend had £500 and a mobile phone stolen. my sons friends room they had £500 and 200 euros stolen. all the items were hidden in pockets of trousers folden in cases. we were on the 8th floor and there were no balconeys so the thieves had to come in through the door. there was no sign of any forced entry so it was obvious that the keys had been cloned (they are swip cards)and was an inside job.
when i reported to the guy on the reception he said it must be one of ourselves taking the cash. it was only after i threatened to thump him he that he agreed to call the police-up to then he wouldnt call them. although this was a setback we enjoyed ourselves.
the resort is fantastic and entertainment is great at nights. we will go back to the hotel again but next time we shall be renting out the safe. every night of our stay there were rooms broke into on different floors. we went out to the clubs around 8pm and didnt come back to hotel till around 4 the next morning then the bar in hotel was closed but there was a side bit with optics and beer pump and you helped yourself. food in hotel was not bad. pool is very small. but we just partied/clubed all night and slept most of the day then this hotel was ok for us. the hill you walk up to get to the hotel is a killer. a few coaches wont go up the hill and it is a very hard struggle to get your cases up it. lucky for us we had private transfers and were dropped of at the back door.
anyway i think they need to look into thier security/staff and get to the bottom of all those break-ins. please remember if you are planning on staying here RENT one of the safes!!!
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: sunstart may 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : carole pawley 54 john pawley 60 nicola dyson 26 amber dyson 4
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
i was very apprehensive about staying at the magic rock gardens after reading the reviews.
we arrived at the hotel to a champagne reception.most impressive reception area.our rooms were large with a sofa and coffee table.the hotel is very clean and the staff polite and helpful,especialy good was eddie the resident entertainer and singer,the shows were also very good and varied with everything from parrot shows to dancers.
there are three pools ranging from a safe childrens pool to a large swimming pool.there is also a great childrens play area with lots of activities.
now the food,excellent,there is something for every taste a wonderful salad selection fresh fruit and a variety of hot dishes.i am not easy to please as i am a chef.the snack bar by the pool is amazing,it is large with a fantastic selection of salads ,fresh fruit,rolls cakes,chips and hot foods including chicken nuggets which will please the kids.
for a fantastic value for money holiday which, will exceed your expectations,you will do no better thn this hotel.i forgot to say the lovely beach is only a 5 min walk away.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: BMI Baby-Late April 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Trevor Marsden, Cleveland (40,37,5)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from a weeks stay in Benidorm at the Magic Rock Gardens Hotel!
The hotel was ok but in some areas it was a bit of a let down. As you aproach the reception your senses are overwhelmed with the smell of blocked drains, which we had to endure for the whole week whilst there.Fact.
The rooms are very small and give my wife and I the feeling of a claustophobic environment. The walls are so thin you can hold a decent conversation with the neighbouring holiday makers without having to raise your voice- I kid you not!
We uprated to one of the "superior rooms" for an extra 120 euros, which doubled our room and gave us two balconies. This room was a big improvement.
On a plus side (yes, there are some)the cleaning staff were very freindly and supplied us with fresh towels etc on a daily basis. The deal we had was all inclusive, but the food was, for my family and I, very unappetising. We spent the majority of our meals elsewhere through necessity and to provide ourselves a healthier choice of food.
A small section of ceiling collapsed in our room, were the curtain rail was attached leaving 6" nails on the bedroom floor! We reported this to reception but nobody had the decency to come and inspect the damage let alone repair it....this was left to us to clean up.
The reception staff were, on the whole, quite freindly and polite.
Generally the Hotel is frequented by families and elderly citisens of a spanish/UK mix, which supprisingly works quite well.
We hired a car from Europa for a reasonable sum all-in and if, like us, you like to be out and about then there are some interesting places to see outside the main town. A worthwhile visit should be to the caves of candelabra, 5 klm north of Busot, near Alicante. The cave is actually a giant cavern some 50 meters high and covered in flowstone, stalagtight and mites. The entry price is only 4 euros and very good value. Compared to white scar caverns in the yorkshire dales this is huge and more impressive.
Terra Mitica, a large funpark is also well worth a visit, with lots of rides etc based on 4 quadrants of the ancient world Greece, Rome, Egypt etc..you get the picture. Mundomar, an aquarium theme park is also well worth a vist with dolphin and sea lion shows, great for Adults and kids alike. Another place to visit is the small town of Guadalest in the sierra mountains 30 Klm north of Benidorm. The place is nestled in the mountains with small oldy worldy cobbled streets and a few local museums; The torture museum will make your hair stand on end!! There is also the ancient castle to wander around as well as quaint local cafe`s with fine food and drink. Another town worth visiting is the coastal resort of Calpe, 25 Klm north of Benidorm.
Should you wish to stay clear of the usual strip, with the usual uk based bars then a trip to Bendiorm old town is a better alternative, catering for all nationalities and with a good selection of food and wine from small local wine bars and cafe`s.
Another trip to go on is a boat trip to Benidorm Island. The quay side is only 200 meters from the Hotel, where you board a local boat and head the 3 miles to the island. When you arrive you are ferried onto a glass bottomed 'semi submersible'(for the want of a better expression), here you see the local marine life which is quite impressive and a big hit with the kids. A must for the family.
We did enjoy our weeks stay in Benidorm but by driving around and seeing what is really on offer we managed to turn an initial dissapointment into something of a success. If you dont mind the shell suit brigade, worship the sun and dont mind a drink in a british theme pub (plenty at home to go to)then visit the local strip.
If you're willing to scrimp on your holiday then pick the Magic Rock Gardens and I'm sure you'll feel you've got a bargain but if your after something more exculsive then spend the extra. I suppose we got what we paid for so in that respect I cannot complain but I hope I have given a candid view of I and my families experience as a whole. My family and I have tried it we'll put that experience to good use when we book our next holiday.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Feb 2006
Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Yvonne - Carlisle (27, 25, 42 & 44)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at our hotel at 5.30am to find the reception area full of very loud drunks because one of the roofs at the Magic Rock Suites next door had caved in and everyone had been put in our reception until they were shipped out to other hotels within the group. Not a good first impression!! We waited nearly an hour to check-in not before they tried shipping us to another hotel unitl we explained we actually were booked in here!! We finally got to our room which looked clean and tidy and retired to bed after a long night! When we awoke the next day there was a very strong stench of cigarette smoke in our room which was strange as we dont smoke, we told our rep who passed it off that the rooms weren't smoking or non-smoking so we basically had to put up with it. The rooms were basic and cleaned everyday with a tv, sofa, kettle and nice big bathroom.
The restaurant put menus out each day to let you know what food was on offer, dont go by this there wasnt one day which was the same as the menu! All the food was generally good although sometimes it was a guessing game to what it was as nothing was clearly labelled. A good mixture of fresh salads, fish, meat, potatos, veg, chips, soups, breads, cakes and lovely fresh fruit! hence why i put on 1/2 stone!! I would recommend trying all the hotels in the group especially the Cristal Park for a meal as it was lovely.
Although our hotel was supposed to be nonsmoking the smokers didnt stick to their allocated areas and just took over areas with nothing really said to them. The hotel had just started its 24 hour drinking policy which just seemed to be a bad idea as the same people sat from morning till they literally fell over drunk in the ealry hours of the next morning then repeating themselves again the next day. It didnt bother us as the hotel wasnt full but i could see this being a very big problem in the height of summer with large groups of people.
The entertainment team tried very hard to keep everyone amused on very low resources although we did have some good nights. Benidorm is still the same as ever you can get a meal for a few euros and still see the same acts, i would recommend Jason Kane at Stardust.
All in all we had a good holiday we had 2 days of rain, a few days of sunbathing and the rest warm enough to walk around in shorts, the hotel was well positioned with good food and at the end of the day the holiday is what you make of it and we had a great laugh!
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - February 2006
Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Carl & Samantha - Nottingham. (39, 40)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday a few weeks before departure off the internet, It was for all inclusive and we paid very little, because of this I wasn't expecting much. Well how wrong can you be?? We were greeted with a champagne reception as we checked in.
The hotel is spotless and the staff are very friendly and willing to help with your queries. I found this out when I wanted to order a suprise bouquet of flowers for my wife's 40th birthday. The guy at reception ordered the flowers for me and wouldn't take any money from me until they have been delivered to our room the following day.
Meals were good with a nice variety, even the snack bar supplied a healthy choice of hot food.
One of the best things about this chain of hotels is that they supply a free bus that takes you to all thier other hotels in the resort. (I think there are about 10 of them). We went to a few to try out the food, Hotel Crystal Park food was excellent, as was their rooftop hot tub.
The evening entertainment in Rock Gardens was OK, I sometimes felt sorry for the kids entertainer from Holland, He seemed to be fighting a losing battle getting the kids interested, but he did give it 100%. There is also a quiz every night and a bottle of bubbly for the winner. The main host is a bloke called Eddie, he's quite a good singer and has a good sense of humour (along with a late eighties hair cut).
If I was to be fussy, I would say that the rooms are plenty big enough for 2 but for 4 would make you feel like a sardine, and there is also no balcony.
Oh, and the hill to the hotel, we didn't find it too bad, but I wouldn't recommend it for the elderly.
I forgot to say that one of the bars is open 24 hours and is self service, you help yourself to the optics, ice machine, or pull yourself a beer. I often frequented this bar...
All in all, a very nice hotel and holiday...
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Magic Rock - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice, January 2006
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Beverly and Robin, Leeds 56. 59.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading the reviews, I was beginning to wish we had not chosen this hotel, but we were pleasantly surprised.
We arrived in the evening, and just as we were unpacking there was a power cut, which lasted from about 9 pm to 2 am. - try unpacking in pitch black darkness - We asked to move rooms the next morning as next door made so much noise we could not sleep. We were given another quieter room with no trouble at all. We found the food was really good, no queues in either dining room or bars, but to be honest the hotel was not full. This hotel is now a 24 hour all inclusive, which did not present a problem, but in the middle of summer with all the younger people in residence I could see it would be a bit roudy when they made their ways to bed.
The only downside of the holiday was, despite new Spanish legislation re smoking in hotels and bars - this hotel was a smokers paradise, obviously no smoking in the restaurant but people were smoking everywhere else, and if you did not smoke like us there was not a seat in the bars or lounges where people were not smoking. Also the Villa Venicia was closed and you were not allowed to eat in the Villa de Benidorm, which in the past you have been able to.
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Magic Rock Gardens (tropicanna gardens ) - Benidorm
Operator and Date: first choice - 2006
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : karl vigrass - stoke-on-trent (42,41,14,13, and 4)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Initially on arrival the reception area looked very pleasant and we were given champagne. We had to wait half an hour to check in and when we were shown to our rooms we were very disappointed, we had booked a double and a twin but both rooms were twins, one having a fold up camp bed for our 4 year old. It was like high rise flats and had no balcony and a window you could not see out of as the fold up bed was against it. There had been a balcony but it had been bricked in to make more room to fit in the camp bed and a tiny fridge.
The first thing that hit you was the smell of sewerage. We tried to get a room with a balcony but there was none.
We went to explore the pools which were all filthy and the childrens pool had moss, leaves and old drainpipes in it, the childrens play area had bits of metal sticking out and was totally unsafe. We complained to the rep who granted got the pools cleaned and closed the park due to health and safety but put no sign or barrier up so children continued to play on it.
The entertainment was appaling, nothing for children even though it was half term, the rep said they could join in the daytime entertainment- spanish lessons, dominoes, line dancing! there was archery and shooting but you had to be 16 to do that, there was the internet and pool etc but reception always said they had no change.
The evening entertainment consisted of a 20 minute kids disco with three idiots in silly costumes who didnt know the words or the dances the kids knew them better than them. we had a guitarist every night who only knew 5 songs and when the elderly spaniards came in they all did a bit of ballroom dancing. You also had to queue for about 20 minutes for drinks.
The weather was warm but not warm enough for the outside pool so we went to one of the hotel chains to use the indoor pool, this was filthy you could not see the bottom and it absolutely stunk, my daughter scratched her leg on a bare wire on the side of the pool and my son stood on a rusty screw, you had to shower or bath as soon as you came out.
The food in general was nice but the snack bar was a bit dirty, the outside tables were wiped once in the week we were there and the tables inside were only cleared once a day.
The only friendly staff member was the cleaner, the reception staff and everyone else working in the hotel were miserable and rude.
There were a lot of spaniards in the hotel and the hotel seemed to cater to them mainly. The reps argument for little entertainment for the kids was that there werent many of them but it was half term and the hotel was full of them.
Very disappointed and would not recommend this hotel to anyone particularly if you have children. <