I've stayed at Los Almendros apartments quite a few times over the years since c. 2002/3. The reason for returning being the traditional design and layout of the complex, well maintained grounds/bungalows not to mention the very friendly staff and well serviced accomodation. Nothing much has changed over the years and I found the staff very helpful both before and during my recent trip. I was due to stay in the complex in July 2022 and because of last minute flight problems I couldn't get to holiday there as planned. The staff very kindly kept my deposit for me to offset against the cost of this trip (August '23). I was delighted and thank you so much to the team. As I planned for this trip the team couldn't be more helpful in making sure that everything went according to plan - a special thanks to Tony for being so helpful, courteous and professional.
I had a really lovely stay this year (as usual) in the complex and wasn't disappointed in my welcome, the facilities etc. as mentioned above. However, there are perhaps a few things that the team may want to consider so that the resort continues to 'delight' guests, outlined below in the: Great Bits and Less Great Bits. I wouldn't hesitate to stay in the complex again and will continue to recommend to friends (only an average score as there is no in between average and above).
The Great Bits:
- The friendliness / helpfulness of the team who are all approachable and helpful (Tony is a Star but they all are)
- The bungalows are great, really well maintained, roomy and super clean
- Great air conditioning and reliable wi-fi
- The complex overall looks no different than it did c. 20 years ago on my 1st visit and is as cute as a button
- The pool and jacuzzi are really clean - the jacuzzi is great to cool off in (if you're not a keen swimmer) or to meet and socialise with people and was nice and warm
- The on site bar and friendly bar staff - having a bar to grab a drink and socialise around is great
- Close location to the Yumbo centre, bars and restaurants
The Less Great Bits:
- The bar doesn't open until midday and the website promotes breakfast available (albeit from midday) but midday is heading to lunchtime (again, I recognise that the site is self catering but the option of a breakfast at the bar or in the lounge would be nice)
- The bar - ('restaurant') food menu may need a revision to support the website narrative that ' you can start the day with your favourite breakfast' 'we have a large menu with recommendations for lunch and dinner' - there was a relatively large menu that included not very appealing dishes - I don't see anything that 'nodded to a dinner option'
- The gym isn't very well kitted out, it's ok for cycling and running but little else, during my visit core upper body machine seemed have assembled and had power tools on it as the maintenance guy was making improvement to the sheltering walls - I don't see the point of the sauna. Maybe consider how that space is reconfigured - maybe just a bigger gym with better equipment or........... the current configuration and available equipment doesn't support the website marketing
- Overall on this trip the resort just seemed to be soulless with inconsistent approach to playing music - sometimes just in the bar and sometimes across the speakers around the pool. I've read other reviews in which people have moaned about the noise level etc. and of course you can't please all of the people all of the time BUT surely you want the place to be a fun memorable experience for those that stay there, as it has been on many of my previous stays in which the staff played a big part in bring the resort to life.
Thanks,
Mark
