My family and I have just returned from 2 weeks at the Marina Apartments. This is our third visit to the island and second to this resort.
Having read previous reviews we were expecting the apartment to be a bit dated. Unfortunately, this was an understatement. The communal areas and outside look good on arrival but the apartment was in need of some TLC. Our apartment No: 17 was a 3 bed and had a fantastic position. To the far right of the property overlooking the pools to the left, the sea to the front (just beyond a minor dead end road) and the river into the marina to the right.
The Apartment itself was old and there were 3 filthy seats for an apartment which we were told slept 8 adults. The layout was great ...
but way too little storage and only a tiny shelf in the bathroom. The sliding doors to the wardrobe fell off first day and the patio doors had to be lifted to slide open. This had obviously been the case for a long time judging by the shape of the frames.
The kitchen was adequate and we were delighted with the combination microwave. However, the cost of hiring toaster and kettle is extremely high. I can\'t remember the exact breakdown but we paid 140 Euro for a kettle, toaster, fan and safe key. Might be a good idea to stop at the hypermarket on the way and buy them a lot cheaper! The fridge was battered but clean but the cupboards really reeked and I never felt things were clean despite washing them myself. Eventually we left all the food on the hatch and avoided the cupboards altogether.
Being on the ground floor we could not keep the windows open at night and with no air conditioning you will need a fan in high season, probably one for each bedroom as it got very stuffy and airless.
There were hardly any plug sockets too. We purchased an extension lead so we could use the microwave or toaster without having to turn the tv off or cam charger etc.
The bathroom was huge but no storage and a very slow running shower with a not very effective shower head.
Balcony was a good size but only had 2 chairs.
The restaurant did not serve breakfast anymore which was disappointing as we intended to use this facility. During the afternoon and evening there is a cafe at the end of the property but my husband was ill after eating there so we didn\'t use that again.
All facilities at the Calan Bosch Hotel across the road are available for use of all clients. I hated this hotel and would never have booked had I known of its affiliation. It is big, boisterous, crowded, noisy and houses all the entertainment so if you like that this could be for you. We witnessed a near punch up between two sets of warring parents anxious their children got the front row seats for a show and never went back.
The pools, 3 of them, are too small for the number of apartments. There is a tiny one for toddlers and 2 others which I named the bombing pools. Don\'t expect to swim because if you are not being bombed by the kids (and their parents sometimes) you will be at the other side in about 5 strokes. The areas around the pools are tiled and its like an ice rink when wet.
The tiny gardens were not cleaned regularly. Rubbish was allowed to gather, crisp packets, coffee cups, old lilos etc.
I would also point out that if you have very young children the apartments are very exposed. On 3 sides a road and the other the river leading to the marina or out to sea. No wall is higher than toddler climbing level. We have a 2 yr old and speak from experience.
The apartments could be so much more for what seems to be relatively small effort. Its unfortunate our tour operator didn\'t exactly help in their representation of them which should be acknowledged but for a property in such an enviable position its a wasted opportunity.
Read MoreTour Operator: Eclipse