THE HOTEL REVIEW: HOTEL OCCIDENTAL MARGARITAS, GRAN CANARIA
Review: Val Jones
THE HOTEL
An expansive hotel just 20 minute walk to Playa del Ingles beach (the hotel provides complimentary shuttle service). The hotel is contemporary with bright interiors and most rooms, with glass balconies, overlooked the extensive pool area and bar – a great sun spot all day. There is an a la Carte Restaurant, Aloha 37, which also served as a pool and snack bar in the day. There is an additional buffet restaurant, pool bar and nightclub.
There are also several bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel along with several vibrant shopping centres.
THE FACILITIES
2 ADULT POOLS| 1 CHILDRENS POOL | CHILDRENS PLAY AREA | CLUBS |SPA | GYM | 2 RESTAUARANTS | BARS | UNDERGROUND DISCO|SPA | TENNIS COURTS | ACTIVITIES | BUSINESS CENTRE | TROPICAL GARDEN
We opted to spend most of our time during the day at the smaller of the two adult swimming pools as it was quieter than the main pool which served a lot of families and hosted entertainment during the day – which is super for families, but as were on our own as a couple we enjoyed having an option for a peaceful spot.
We loved the gorgeous Balinese beds in the adult-only area which also boasted three Jacuzzis, of which we made full use while enjoying the complimentary Cava and bottled water included within our All-Inclusive Premium Package (or you could pay a daily all-inclusive rate).
If you didn’t want to sunbathe all day there is plenty to keep everyone occupied with activities including tennis, water polo, aqua aerobics, petanque, table tennis, miniature golf, gym. You could also take a little pamper time in the spa.
There are also lots on offer for the kids. As well as the swimming pool there was a very colourful large playground and a children and teen club with many organized activities. A children’s disco is hosted in the early evening.
Each evening entertainment is provided either outside or inside the hotel with visiting acts and bands on some of the nights (all finish at 11pm). If you fancy an after-hours tipple, join the party in the hotels nightclub – usefully situated on the lower ground floor.
ACCOMMODATION
We were allocated a superior double room on top floor of the hotel (there are 8 floors) which offered wonderful views of the resort and surrounding area. On our glass fronted balcony we had two comfy chairs and two foot stools so we could relax with our feet up and watch the world go by. The first thing we did on entering the room was to enjoy the complementary Cava (which comes with an all-inclusive package)
The room itself had a modern feel with several different styles of lighting. There was a comfortable bed with a good choice of pillows, 32 inch LCD flat screen TV (with some English speaking channels), a safe, coffee machine, complimentary water was provided daily. In the large wardrobe we found fluffy gowns and slippers.
The spacious bathroom also had a modern feel with a frosted glass door and large walk-in monsoon shower. The hairdryer was wall mounted and efficient – a huge bonus as we all know how rubbish hotel hairdryers can be! The windows had great blackout curtains and air con to aid a restful night’s sleep.
THE DINING AND DRINKING
Aloha 37 serves as the hotels breakfast restaurant in the morning, pool bar in the day and a la Carte restaurant on an evening. There is also a buffet restaurant and an additional pool bar serving snacks and drinks.
Breakfast
We ate breakfast at the Aloha 37 restaurant on a number of occasions, we enjoyed the freshly prepared omelettes which we ordered via the waiting staff we could also choose from the hot and cold buffet selection including bacon, scrambled egg or a healthier choice of fruit and yoghurt plus full Continental options.
The alternative breakfast venue is the main self-service restaurant which offered a wider range foods including full English and Continental style breakfast. The chef station offered some choices of freshly cooked foods including eggs and omelettes.
Lunch
We had 3 optional venues to eat at lunch time with both pool bars offering snack food, pizza and finger foods, all very nice but could have varied the choices a little as it was the same each day. The self service restaurant offered a wider range of choices, the chef station had a variety of meat and fish options to choose from, plus lots of alternatives dishes such as curry, vegetarian meals, salads and soups and too many desserts to name.
Dinner
Aloha 37 offers a three-course meal set menu – which was same throughout our eleven night stay, it would have been great to see a little more variety but the restaurant itself was fantastic with a choice to sit indoor or outdoor. We’d definitely recommend the mushroom ravioli, grilled salmon and the great steak and chips.
We also ate in the buffet restaurant on a couple of occasions and did enjoy the variety of dishes, the food was to a high standard and the waiter service for drinks was great. Good efficient seating service and a high-tech menu board giving lots of details of the food on offer right down to the ingredients and calories. Room service was also available if required.
Bars
Both pools had bars adjacent to them so you can enjoy a drink and choice of sitting in or out of the sun.
The main pool bar was very lively at dinner time as everyone seemed to gather for a drink and to watch early entertainment prior to getting changed for the evening which created a great atmosphere.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
- Beautiful room with glass balcony and views.
- Peaceful relaxing gardens with the Bienesse Beds, Jacuzzi, Complementary Cava.
- Delicious food, good selection of drinks and wines plus polite and helpful service by all staff.
- Many more facilities than we could use and good to see all ages and tastes were catered for
HOTEL OCCIDENTAL MARGARITAS, GRAN CANARIA
Avenida Gran Canaria 38 | 35100 | San Bartolomé de Tirajana, | Gran Canaria
THE RATES
Half-board and all-inclusive packages are available.
Rates at Occidental Margaritas start from £81 (94€) per night based on two sharing on a half-board basis. For more information, please visit www.barcelo.com | +34 928 76 11 12