Jaymz Chamberlain
First and foremost, people need to remember this is a 3 star hotel, not a 5 star, lots of reviews of people with expectations far above what they have booked. Nowhere do they advertise they have air con, so why people moan that they don't is the visitors problem, not the hotel the same as people moaning about Cockroaches and bugs, they were there long before the hotel ever was, in the Canaries expect a few little crawlies about the place, it's normal. This is a basic hotel for very little money. So lets begin an honest review:
Negatives:
Most of the rooms are tired and need a lick of paint, communal areas also look a little tired.
And that ties ups the negatives.
Positives:
Great location, cleaners came when requested, fresh sheets and towels, always something to eat at meal times, was blown away by the hand sized Salmon fillets the one night along with the fresh donner kebab. The drinks at the bar are good, the staff get through the queues quickly [if there is one]. The glass retaining system means there's never tables full of half drunk drinks left everywhere encouraging wasps and other bitey bugs.
The pool was clean and one was heated and not overly chlorinated, plenty of sunbeds and no sunbed wars. The hotel wasn't overly busy, so meal times even if you went at opening time there was no queues, at all meal times we never shared the dining hall with more than 7 other families, the pool never emptied as soon as dining hall was opened, it was all very chill.
It falls silent at 11.30pm after the bar closes and the staff finish putting the furniture away ready for the cleaners in the morning to clean it all.
Conclusion: Some people are just to expectant of this little hotel, they've bought a beer hotel and expect champagne. I would go back without hesitation, it was cheap and cheerful and did the job it was asked to do.
Jack Farley
I've just returned from a weeks stay with my partner and 3 children (8, 6 & 2) and would highly recommend Smy Tahona.
For the price I don't think it can be faulted, if you want 5 stars then pay extra, Smy does what it says and more for a good price.
We were all inclusive and found there to be a good choice of food everyday, yes the salad bar was the same, how many different salads can serve up over 7 days though?!
Lunch and dinner always had different hot foods and there was always a selection of fresh fruit, any food that ran out was replenished quickly.
My children loved the breakfast pastries and desserts at lunch and dinner! As did I... We found the food to be of good quality and tasty.
Staff were always very friendly and helpful including the chefs.
Yes the rooms need modernising a bit but who spends that much time in their room on holiday anyway? If I was being picky I think better pillows would have been a bonus.
It's in a great location only 10 minutes from the airport and a 10/15 minute walk to the beach and bars and restuarants.
People will always find something to complain about if they look hard enough as seen from some of the other reviews, my family and I had a great time and would definitely return.
Thank you for a great stay.
Aisha
Spent my holiday in Fuerteventura for 10 days and really liked this hotel!!
Upon entering, the receptionist was very polite, gave a run through on everything and provided all the key information we would need.
The rooms were clean, but just a little outdated but that wasn’t a problem for me, just personal taste. All the utilities worked well!
The food was very good, every dinner they would do a different theme of food which was fun. Cooked fresh, a wide variety, and all tasted good! The drinks at the bar were also very nice, and the staff were very outgoing.
The beach was a 10 minute walk away, supermarket and nice shops close by, very good location!!
Only downside was the wifi situation, didn’t seem to reach inside the room so we’d have to sit outside to get service, but honestly wasn’t a huge problem as we had the pool and activities to do with the lovely lady that came in every afternoon to do swimming pool activities , and music in the evening , and the world cup to watch as they streamed it!!
Very nice sense of community, everyone sitting together at the bar having fun!
Definitely recommend this place and hope to come again soon!!
Hannah Thompson
I want to take the time to write a full comprehensive review of the hotel. To address some of the points in previous reviews.
Air conditioning: we knew it didn't have it, as we read up on the hotel. The fans were sufficient for me and my son. We kept the wooden shutters closed, windows closed and curtains closed to keep the sun out. We coped absolutely fine and didn't melt!
Cleanliness: The room was very clean, it was cleaned every day. The whole hotel was immaculate, the only mess we saw was others who had left straws and crisp packets round the pool. We didn't see one cockroach, and no ants inside the room.
Rooms: Yes, they are a little dated and worn but they are refurbishing. They are a 3* hotel and don't claim to be 5*! The beds were comfy, sheets clean, working plugs and very spacious with a lovely terrace area. They also provide beach/pool towels.
Food and Drink: Unless you haven't stayed at a 3* AI before, the food was as expected. Lots of choice for fussy folk and more adventurous. A vast selection for breakfast, and the added bonus of fresh juices, not just machine ones. Neither myself or my son had bad stomachs after eating a range of the food, chicken, duck, fish and pork. The drinks were great. Slushy for children on demand and plenty of soft drinks and alcoholic ones too. I don't mind a small plastic cup, especially when they give you a clean one each time.
Staff: So hardworking, friendly and accommodating. The older lifeguard was brilliant and very diligent. We had a issue on one occasion, which Miguel the Manager dealt with swiftly and also showed a genuine level of care and empathy. Also followed up via email. Christina the entertainment lady is like a one woman powerhouse, she was also very friendly and took time to say hello each morning.
People: We have met some lovely people here and that has really made the holiday. A really friendly and inclusive place to be. Sharing pool toys, inflatables and playing together. The evenings karaoke and bingo were such a good craic too, everyone cheering each other on.
Location: Brilliant, 10 mins from the airport. A short walk to the shops, beach, costal paths etc. We enjoyed a walk out each evening and played minigolf down by the.beach.
Overall, we has the most amazing holiday here (despite my initial reservations from some of the reviews). This hotel is what it says, a 3* AI hotel in the midst of a refurbishment with no air conditioning. It doesn't claim to be the Ritz, and certainly doesn't charge like it either.
My son was upset when we left this morning, because he'd had THE BEST holiday. That's what it's all about, the memories hey!
Thank you for a lovely time, we would like to return next year.
H&E
barbara wilson
I was quite disappointed at times with the hotel. Before we arrived i emailed over having a scooter as I struggle with my mobility. They emailed back to say i could leave it in reception.I hired a scooter and was told i couldnt have it for the week only a day. They were rude i even told them about the email he didn't care.
When we arrived we were told check out is 12 but we could still have drinks and lunch. When we checked out he cut are bands off and told we couldnt have lunch. 2 days before this my son checked out he was given a card to get lunch. The good thing about the hotel is the entertainer she was brilliant on the go while on shift.
The lifeguard one was on the ball if people left towels to save beds he removed them. Inflatables are only allowed in children's pool the gentleman who cared about his job enforced this. He even got in the pool every morning with a spray and scrubbing brush and cleaned the sides the other life guard let people do what they want and didnt clean the pool. The rooms we basic needs air-conditioning as the fans didnt help in the heat. The hotel needs a revamp. Staff work in the bar, restaurant and reception they do all the jobs while on shift. You can tell the staff that care about there jobs.
