So I arrived at Birmingham Airport at 5am on the day of departure, and was very happy to see a JY rep there (my first time ever I have seen one at a regional departure).  She was a very cheerful, helpful lady, and I was soon through security and into the departure lounge.

A faultless flight with Jet 2 to Faro.  I continue to be impressed with them as an airline, and they out rate BA in my opinion.  No problems at Faro, and we were soon on our way to the hotel, to be met by Paula our TM, and sent down for lunch.  The restaurant has extended, and improved.  No more getting wine and water from a tap.  A bottle of each type of wine, and water on the table, and soft drinks and beer if you preferred from a fridge.  The food was fine in my opinion and  although a little cool at times there was plenty of choice.  

My room was on the third floor directly over the bar.  It was large, with a good terrace, but I did struggle with problems with noise on some nights and didn't sleep that well.  An improvement was that there was now tea/coffee making facilities in the room.  

I will reflect my general satisfaction with the hotel, and it's cheerful service when my questionnaire comes.  However I still cannot understand why when I paid a hefty supplement for a FRONT sea view room, that I was placed where I was.  Yes, I got a decent sea and pool view but it was not in my opinion a FRONT sea view.  

I only went on a couple of the trips, as the weather was ideal for general lazing.  I enjoyed the Columbus Trail trip, and also the optional birdwatching.  

A big vote of thanks to Paula our TM.  A lovely, cheerful, organised lady.  It was a pleasure to meet her, and to spend time in her company.   :)

I hope everyone has arrived home safely.  It was a pleasure to meet you all, especial thanks to Helen, Frankie, Christine, Alan and Malc.   🙂

I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday and all went well!

All the best,

Bob

Just arrived back yesterday.  You will all be grateful, lol, to know that I am not going to do a long review, as sadly JY are not using this hotel next year, which is a shame.  I'm glad to know though that they are stopping in the area.

So I arrived at Birmingham Airport at 5am on the day of departure, and was very happy to see a JY rep there (my first time ever I have seen one at a regional departure).  She was a very cheerful, helpful lady, and I was soon through security and into the departure lounge.

A faultless flight with Jet 2 to Faro.  I continue to be impressed with them as an airline, and they out rate BA in my opinion.  No problems at Faro, and we were soon on our way to the hotel, to be met by Paula our TM, and sent down for lunch.  The restaurant has extended, and improved.  No more getting wine and water from a tap.  A bottle of each type of wine, and water on the table, and soft drinks and beer if you preferred from a fridge.  The food was fine in my opinion and  although a little cool at times there was plenty of choice.  

My room was on the third floor directly over the bar.  It was large, with a good terrace, but I did struggle with problems with noise on some nights and didn't sleep that well.  An improvement was that there was now tea/coffee making facilities in the room.  

I will reflect my general satisfaction with the hotel, and it's cheerful service when my questionnaire comes.  However I still cannot understand why when I paid a hefty supplement for a FRONT sea view room, that I was placed where I was.  Yes, I got a decent sea and pool view but it was not in my opinion a FRONT sea view.  

I only went on a couple of the trips, as the weather was ideal for general lazing.  I enjoyed the Columbus Trail trip, and also the optional birdwatching.  

A big vote of thanks to Paula our TM.  A lovely, cheerful, organised lady.  It was a pleasure to meet her, and to spend time in her company.   :)

I hope everyone has arrived home safely.  It was a pleasure to meet you all, especial thanks to Helen, Frankie, Christine, Alan and Malc.   :)

Thanks for the review so glad you managed to get away and you had a good time..any idea why JY are not using this hotel anymore? I have only heard good things about this place and tour from others.

Cindy

Hi Elaine,

I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday and all went well!

All the best,

Bob

Many thanks Bob.  The LARGE drinks measures certainly went down well.   :)

It's a shame that JY are not using the hotel next year.  The area is pleasant and that beach is SO nice.  I think, from talking to other travellers that everyone liked the excursions, and the hotel.  

Paula was a wonderful TM.  She mixed in with us a bit at night and was so attentive.

Elaine

Thanks for the review so glad you managed to get away and you had a good time..any idea why JY are not using this hotel anymore? I have only heard good things about this place and tour from others.

Cindy

Thanks Cindy.  

I think it is probably down to the refurbishment of the hotel which is planned for this winter.  I would love to see it back in the JY brochure at some point.

Having seen your photos from your room, I am surprised you paid extra for a sea view. I hope it wasn't much as I would ask for a refund. 

I have been asked to pay £175 for a valley view at Oberoi in Shimla, India. I have read Trip Advisor where someone paid and was greeted by low cloud for the duration. I think I prefer to look at the Himalayas  🙂

Jan

Hello Elaine,

Having seen your photos from your room, I am surprised you paid extra for a sea view. I hope it wasn't much as I would ask for a refund. 

I have been asked to pay £175 for a valley view at Oberoi in Shimla, India. I have read Trip Advisor where someone paid and was greeted by low cloud for the duration. I think I prefer to look at the Himalayas  🙂

Jan

Thanks Jan.  I booked very late, and knowing the hotel, didn't want a standard room, as invariably they do not have a balcony.  So I paid a largish  amount for what I was told several times was a front sea view room.  I have pointed the issue out on my questionnaire.  The room was great in so many ways, but I couldn't call it a front facing.  Glad you have seen the photos.

Lovely relaxing holiday, great bunch of friendly fellow travellers, and a wonderful T.M.  I know that others suffered with noise on a few nights, so I wasn't the only one.  The rest of the time it was fine.

It sounds as though your Costa was better than my Malta. I'm currently working on my photos, will post soon.

Best wishes

Dave

Hi Elaine

It sounds as though your Costa was better than my Malta. I'm currently working on my photos, will post soon.

Best wishes

Dave

Sorry to hear that Dave.   :-/

Was that with JY?  You need to do a review!

Speaking to some Saga clients, Saga apparently have pulled if from their brochure for the same reason and many of their clients to whom I spoke had stayed in this hotel many times and were very disappointed with the news.

Ange S