Parque San Antonio

We're just home from a relaxing week at the Radisson Resort & Residences. We loved the peacefulness of the hotel. Never a problem to get a sunbed so you could relax and enjoy breakfast at your own pace! We really enjoyed the food on offer - we went half board. Lots to choose from but as others have pointed out, it isn't labelled. We didn't have allergies and aren't fussy eaters so it didn't matter to us. Staff were superb and always friendly. The pool, restaurant, bar and rooms were spotless. There was the smell of drains as we walked into our hotel block, which was a shame but not a big issue & it was the only area we could smell it. The gardens were fabulous. We spent lots of time in the hotel bar in the evenings due to temporary mobility issues. We couldn't understand why it was so quiet - reasonable drink prices and a lovely ambience. We enjoyed the saxophonist. We wondered where everyone went in the evenings! Weather wise - we had 2 full sunshine days out of 7, 3 mixed cloud and 2 rainy (in August!). So if you're after wall to wall, guaranteed sunshine perhaps don't choose the North. We really enjoyed our cloudy days though, as it was still warm enough to spend time by the pool & still came home with a lovely colour. No inflatables or balls allowed. Accessibility at the hotel was excellent. A lovely slope into the pool with handrails and lifts to take you to the restaurant and rooms. There are some mini supermarkets nearby and a fridge in the room. You can fill up reusable water bottles at the pool bar. We used the shuttle bus into town and returned via taxi for 6 euros. 4 euros from the old town. You can return via the shuttle at set times listed in the hotel. If you're after a completely relaxing holiday to get away from it all, then this place is for you. If you want activity and lively poolside days and evenings, then perhaps not. We loved it and would recommend to family and friends.

We had relatively high expectations after staying previously at raddison blu in Lanzarote which was fantastic. And other raddison resorts.

We booked our visit through Jet 2. Jet 2 was good at the airport/ bit we had about a 90 minutes wait for transfer.

The hotel itself is a nice location, quite closed in but tranquil with mountain views. This is the shady/cloudy part of the island and we experienced some rain and cloudy days ( not the hotels fault) and not contributing to my average rating.

When we checked in we soon realised the lovely rooms shown are not the majority/ just a select number of rooms. We paid extra for a suite. They did relocate us onto a lovely room... But they were insistent the original was a suite/equal level although one felt like a three star dated room/ and our final room was a 5 star modern room. The original room was dated/ smelt musky/ lacked a sofa area as soon as we walked in we walked out. the fact they compared both rooms as equal puts of off revisiting as it feels misleading, and we would never know what you will receive at booking. PLEASE FIX THIS.

The service of this resort is average. Few speak English... I understand that is not their issue. But I ordered a lunch at the bar/pointed at the menu and received the wrong item. When I said it was wrong they appereard annoyed... Not apologetic. Again it had a choice of sides/they just gave fries/never asked.

The biggest downside has been the food. As this is rated 5 star/ Lanzarote is a 4 star of the same chain.... So I think fair to compare. There is no comparison. This resort was far behind Lanzarote. We have only been here for 5 of the 8 days and it's already very repetitive. The worst was the French night this evening. It was barely french. And the dishes very poor quality. The duck fish was super tough/inedible. The carved meat served is all very dry well over cooked. Breakfasts are repetitive and the chefs struggle to cook meat correctly and often offer up raw eggs. The best offering are the desserts/ but again repitious. Same desserts each evenjng/ all taste the same.

A couple of highlights; nice smoked salmon/nice freshly squeezed juice in the morning. Coffee is bad.

We had workman randomly turn up at our room to work on our shower. We did not report any issues/it was unannounced... And my wife had to leave the shower in just her dressing gown. The two men did not speak.any English so was a little intimidating, especially if she was alone. When we reported this to reception we just got a note to say sorry for any inconvenience and a chocolate.... I would have preferred someone popping to see us as it is as really poor. So highlighting it in this review.

The best aspect of this resort has been the room ( as we are luckily on one of the newer rooms 1004) and the pool. The pool is always available with loungers and the lifeguard is delightful/ very helpful. The cleaners are lovely and doma good job.

I have stayed at multiple Raddison hotels but this has been the most disappointing, especially as this is newly refurbished

The entertainment/ spa offering as all very lack lustre - we heard the same entertainment repeated in our short visit. This does not bother us so not marking against my score

Tips to live up to 5 star... Tier your rooms. If the suite we enjoyed is rare.... mark it as a premium suite ... Do not mislead potential clients. They are lovely rooms/ some of your other suites are really disappointing.. these should be marketed differently. To us these were just economy double rooms with a balcony.

Offer a poolside service - taking drink orders. We enjoyed this at raddison Mauritius (4 star) we would have ordered far more drinks if this was offered.

Get better chefs/ improve food quality. It simply is sub-par. On themed night like french - maybe offer a french red as a house wine? Same for Italian/ Spanish e.t.c

Overall we've had an OK holiday, but we will not return or recommend this resort to family or friends.

My scores;

Room (5/5) - if you are lucky to get a modern room

Pool (4/5) can be a little cool/shady but nice

Service (2/5) mainly due to the general standard level and our alarming bathroom intrusion.

Food (2/5) very ordinary worst nights are French and Mexican. Limited wine menu.

Overall 3/5