Bare minimum in everything. This hotel is far too big. Rude staff-AND clientele! Spent most of our 7 day holiday at Marina Rubicon - a good 30 minute walk away. This was the only way to eat and drink good quality food and drink, as one hopes for on holiday. All-Inclusive is a total waste of money at this hotel. Be warned.

No pleasant extras whatsoever. 99% of staff make it obvious they hate their job. Food well below average. Drinks terrible. A very limited selection, limited times and many local very cheap tasting alcohols. Awful mixers convert spirits into ‘pop’, as loaded with sugar syrup. Undrinkable. We had to buy our own from the supermarket a 30 min walk away. Literally vinegar being provided as wine in the dining room. And…. guests drinking it!!! No idea how.

Manners from both staff and guests- virtually non-existent. Entertainment not vital-but only suitable for children. Be warned to avoid wasting time and money at this ‘resort’.

We visited as a family, 2 adults and a 12 year old from August 1st- 15th, on the recommendation of a work colleague.

Location- The last hotel before the Papagayo beaches, approximately a 20 minute walk to the marina, then another 15 minutes to the main beach, shops etc. A pleasant walk after evening meal, although badly lit in several places. A market is held at Rubicon Marina Wednesdays and Saturdays, some nice items but a lot of 'tourist tat'.

Reception- First impressions was how clean and tidy it was. Checked in quickly by a pleasant staff member who explained how to find our room and gave us a map. Had e mailed prior to visit and requested a quiet room on a high floor with a sea view and that is what we were allocated in Block A. If you want pool towels ask at reception for a voucher, then take this to the spa to get your towels. There are several lifts and ramps throughout the hotel and grounds and it is suitable for those with walking disabilities.

Rooms-We booked a standard room, thought the Royal Elite package was expensive for the extras provided. Our room was a decent size, with a huge bed, (very uncomfortable), a double sofabed, tv, radio, telephone, hairdryer, a good sized bathroom and a balcony with table and chairs overlooking the beach. Room was cleaned daily and bedding was changed twice a week. Nowhere to hang wet swimwear, so remember to take some clothes line and pegs.

Restaurants- choice of the snack bar, main International restaurant, Chinese, Italian, French and Mexican. If you book the specialist restaurants book when checking in, because they get booked quickly Wasn't impressed with the Italian, didn't try the Chinese or French. Myself and my son enjoyed the Mexican, but my husband didn't, but he is a very fussy eater, so I think its just personal choice. The Mexican is used as the snack bar during the day. Tried the snack bar during the day, mainly fast food, salads and desserts. Our overall favourite was the International restaurant, where there were choices to suit every taste. You definitely couldn't go hungry, as we are now struggling to fasten our clothes!!. We found the restaurant very clean, despite a previous review saying it was dirty. Only problem I saw on more than one occasion was very young unsupervised children (under 5), left to make their own choices at the buffet, then changing their mind and putting dirty plates on top of clean ones.

Pool- 5 pools including 2 suitable for small children. Never had any problems finding sunbeds, despite some days not going to the pool until lunchtime. I did notice that the beds close to umbrellas were reserved before we went to breakfast at 8am, so if you want any shade be prepared to get out of bed early. Noticed a couple of missing tiles in one pool, but nothing major. Lifeguards were visible at all pools.

Entertainment- The animation team worked hard throughout the day organising various activities, but there was no pressure to join in. Didn't go to any of the evening shows (not our thing), but heard people say some were good, some not so good. The theatre appeared to be just rows of seats, no table to put drinks on, and these filled up early. Used the jacuzzi in the Spa on one occasion, very relaxing. The gym always seemed to be busy.

We had a great time and would like to thank all the staff for making our holiday so enjoyable. Can recommend and hope to be back next year