ALEGRIA Colonial Mar Aquafun

Honest review from a typical Brit family of 4! We were sceptical about what our stay was going to be like because the negative reviews were coming on thick and fast, especially from the British. We had a 7 day stay and we really loved our visit! The food was lovely! We tried different things every night ( you have to be open minded as Spanish and British palettes are different) we embraced the Spanish vibes. I would say get there early if you book at a busy time. The Spanish guests were absolutely lovely, not one person was rude at all! So I would definitely say whatever attitude you give out you will receive. The language barrier wasn't a problem for our family as we tried our very best to communicate with respect and understanding. The rooms are spacious and clean! The cleaners around the hotel work so hard to keep everything clean! The pool is ace! The slides are great and the life Guards like to have fun with the kids and we're always doing their job well! No fighting for sunbeds as we went down early and watched the sunrise on the sunbeds. If you leave your towels longer than 30 minutes, the staff will remove them. The entertainment is near enough all in Spanish. Which didn't bother us as our boys aren't really that interested in dancing, they would rather run around with their new mates and make memories that way. And the shows that we saw were actually pretty good! Richard from the animation team tried really hard to get English families involved in the day time activities too. The eldest loved the gym, which kept him busy when he needed to burn some energy. The beach is lovely! Would definitely recommend having a beach day, which is literally a stone throw away from the hotel. We paid for extremely comfortable sunbeds for the day. We loved snorkeling and playing with the inflatables. The beach is a shingle beach, so we took beach shoes for the kids! It wasn't a problem for us as there was no moaning of sand everywhere! The sea is clear and loads of fish to see. There's not much to do around the hotel, but we would definitely recommend the pirate ship, which is about a 20 minute walk to get to the harbour (which is gorgeous) We booked the 12pm one so we could jump off the boat. The kids loved it as there were props and the youngest got to steer the ship! There's a little arcade in the hotel which the kids enjoyed along with ping pong and pool tables. The drinks and snacks were good too. So I would definitely say Embrace the Spanish culture and don't look for the negatives because we absolutely loved it!

We went as an extended family, grandparents, parents and children aged 13, 9 and 1 all British (only mentioning this because of other reviews). Having read some of the more recent reviews my sister and I were a little concerned 🤣 but we didn't need to be. Rooms - The hostel is lovely air con working in both sea view rooms, my parents had an apartment the air con wasnt working and they gave her access to another room that night and allowed them to move in the morning as it was quite late by the time she reported it to reception (they couldn't fix it). The room cleaned daily and beds made. Air con was great, level 1 is most powerful and 3 the least, we had to turn it down at night. Enough room for all clothes, balcony, Fridge and kettle. Pool- we always managed to get 8 sun beds every day put towels down as went into Breakfast (8.30amish) and came straight to pool from there, if you couldn't get them first thing always people leaving at 1ish for lunch and always quieter when lunch or ciesta time. Life guards great kept everyone safe slides perfect to keep kids entertained. Always saw the pool being cleaned and there really was no issue with sunbeds if your up at a reasonable time. Kids club - this hotel is primarily filled with Spanish families, however on a day later in the week the happy team came up and spoke great English so my 9yr old decided to give it a go, all the children were Spanish but two of them involved my daughter and were talking through hand movements she loved it so I can't fault it. Restaurant- The key is to go nearer when it opens we went to breakfast between 8 and 8.45- breakfast good choice usual to what you find at any all inclusive. We generally had lunch when it was snack time 11.30 - 1pm and you can take out to pool - hot dogs, burgers, chips, chicken nuggest, toasties and fruit. Lunch was 1.30 till 3.30 again if you want to go it's better earlier as quieter but very similar to what is available in the evening full salad, fish, meat, bread, chips, pasta usually paella. When you see any ques it is just too get in and get a table they go quickly so I wouldn't be put off. Snack again at 5 till 6.30 which is pancakes, toasties, pastries, fruit all agakn able to take out. Dinner 7.30 till 10.30pm - similar to lunch we always aimed to get there by 8ish as it was quieter. Over all we always found something to eat. Food was hot being replaced all the time and although it got busy it was just you had to wait to get to everything you wanted to! We ate out once as a treat but other than that everyone was well feed for the week. Hostel staff - Receptionist staff, entertainment staff all spoke English no problems. Bar staff spoke enough to get by, everyone was polite absolutely no problem at all. The entertainment was in Spanish but we only watched it one or two nights and the ones we watched it didn't matter at all! Area - this is a quiet area, but there is a beach out of hotel anad you can rent sun beds but the beaches are all shingle but we brought wet suit shoes for the kids so all fine. There is a large shopping centre Gran Plaza which is about a 20 min max walk from hotel and a lidl, primark, lots of branded shops and places to eat out we are in the steak house and it was great all 8 of us very pleased with our meal. There isn't a huge amount else without travelling but the Jet2 rep can offer advice on beaches and nearby tourism spots if you wanted that, we were happy to just chill by the pool. Overall - having read some of the reviews my sister and I were a bit apprehensive however we went with an open mind and we had a fabulous week and cannot fault it, be happy to be submersed within the Spanish culture and you will have a great time.

Just got back from spending 9 days here and if you are British and have young kids that like evening disco and go to kids club I would avoid as it is only ever Spanish spoken and if it wasn’t for Dennis from the animation crew we would never of known what was going on and he went out of his way to get the British involved but when he had 3 days off there was never any British people involved in any daytime activities so a massive thankyou to Dennis he was a top guy and so good at his job As for the hotel the pools are great and rooms are very nice but the air con is very poor. We read few reviews about poor cleaning but from what I see the cleaners are working 24hourd s day and is very clean. There is nothing really near by other than souvenirs shop over road. And I paid for 9 days all inclusive but could not use it on last day unless I gave up 40 euro deposit which inrather angry about and will be taking up with jet2. All in all had a nice time there but won’t return to hotel unless they sort out the entertainment language as my kids were very disappointed

We have just returned from a week here, I can’t say a bad word about the place; The pools are perfect for kids and plenty big enough for adults to swim too, It’s clean, tidy and very well maintained with cleaners out early every single morning cleaning the communal areas, housekeeping are amazing and always left us clean towels daily and toilet rolls ect, the entertainment team work so hard and are so energetic and friendly! My husband had a slight medical mishap and cut his arm open on some glass on the beach, the reception team went above and beyond to make sure he was okay and drove him to the hospital where he ended up with stitches, I cannot thank them enough for their help with that situation!! The beach is literally out of a back gate and has a wristband lock so easy to get in and out and felt very safe here. It’s very Spanish based but we all smiled and laughed about how we had no idea what we where saying to each other, not one person came across rude to us, I believe it’s just a language barrier that may make it seem that way. We nearly cancelled this holiday due to some of the awful reviews on here, but I’m so so glad we didn’t, we honestly don’t have a bad word to say about our stay here and are already booking another stay for next year!

What difference a year makes last year had a great stay this year with extended family a big disappointment, hotel couldn’t cope because it was full. Long queues to get in the restaurant pushing and shoving food on the floor raw cold food and tough meat dishes .The restaurant staff worked hard under pressure especially with air on not working. People don’t like queuing in restaurant or bars queue jumping a system needs to be sorted out.Slides and sun beds management take towels of beds when you are not there supposedly after half an hour then disappear leaving lifeguards to take the confrontation of the guests,slides sometimes manned by the life guards when they are not on phones or talking in groups small slides kids climbing up the wrong way when unattended. Pay 50 euros if you want to keep your room otherwise no shower available 10 euros to keep all inclusive on after check out 12oclock. Won’t go back again .🫩🫩🫩🫩

From when we first arrived at reception and all through the 5 day stay the staff were very courteous and helpful. The apartment was spotless, bedding adequate, the only slight negative was not enough kitchen equipment. Would stay again in a heartbeat. Close to shops and weekly market .

Very much looking forward to this holiday, and ignored bad reviews decided we would make out own minds up, but wish I took them more seriously. I have never felt so unwelcome in a hotel in my life! Start with the food, it's terrible I didn't eat for almost the entire week, my kids manages to eat cold pasta and sauce, and some of the bread. Would not touch the meat, as first day it was raw so wasn't risking it again. The ques are insane, to many people there for what they are offering, staff very rude in there as well. The pool is not deep enough and absolutely no room to swim, slides all on at 11, which saved the holiday a bit for me as the slides were fun. What was not fun is having to separate the family so we could eat, go to toilet etc as towels would be taken off my lifeguards, manager or the Spanish guests. Nappys and screws in the pool aswell. Room was fine,mini fridge didn't work and air con wasn't worth putting on Entertainment was shocking only stayed down one night as it was just dyer Drinks fine, friendly barman, only friendly person who works there Overall would not come back, very disappointed you save all year for a holiday and your not even welcome there, they should keep this as just a Spanish resort, as they dont want brits there

Day 1 When we arrived no air con, fridge broke, kettle broke. Cot not here until the next evening after complaining to rep. I would never visit here Food is not good. No kids station so the children have hands all over utensils. I did see a child throwing up outside lifts and the smell stayed with me for days. Far too many people for the area food is set up in. Lots of people pushing to get in front of you. Desserts are very repetitive and not nice. Dry cake or tasteless mouse. Worst food I’ve had. I travel a lot. not a lot of choice as I don’t eat fish. So it’s pork or chicken leg everyday. Day 2. Air con still not working had to complain to Jet 2, eventually air con on. Man had to physically turn it up from the tiles above. Very warm in dining area. Had to wait for maintenance man to fix my safe I paid extra for. So had to wait until next day to use it. Pay extra for everything. No towels to hire. Don’t know how this could be classed as 4 star. It really isn’t. It’s absolutely rammed today. Pools are packed. No security on doors. This hotel mainly caters for Spanish people. Have felt very uncomfortable here. Air conditioning was on at lunch day 3 for the first time. Reps were in today. Let’s see if it’s on tomorrow. Large queues for food. Running out and waiting for it to be replaced. Really this place can’t cope with the amount of people here. On a plus. It’s literally a 10 min walk to a plaza with modern shops air conditioning and food to eat. Lidl is next to it also. Day 3 I’ve just realised my patio door doesn’t lock and there’s a slight gap between patio’s that slim person could squeeze through. Maintenance had to come and fit a gate lock as I’m in room alone. I have not felt welcome at this hotel. Certainly not for brits. Most brits that are here are saying same as us. Manager was out this morning removing towels from beds. Not allowed until 10 am. Huge pile of towels next to lifeguards. All inclusive starts at 11am and ends at 11pm. Worst hotel I’ve ever been to. Certainly would never return here!!!! So today is day 4 we have to stay with the beds after breakfast in order to avoid the manager removing our towels before pool opens at 10. There simply not enough beds for the size of hotel. Below pictures of mountain of towels collected. The queuing for lunch out of the doors was unbelievably long. If your more than 30 mins at lunch your towels are moved and beds taken. pic below. Spoke to manager at our complete disgust. He said he’d go and speak to lifeguards and ask them not to take towels off so we could have time to get lunch. There was absolutely nothing worth having. Soups were fish soups again. Can’t eat fish. Desserts are awful. Stewed apples and tasteless mouse. Later a Spanish family tried to take our beds and started slagging us off calling us stupid. I can honestly say this has been the worst holiday I’ve ever had. Many brits have said they came last year and it was so good but not this year. They won’t be coming again. Queues for meal times have long wait to get in. Not enough seats for everyone. Wardrobe so high I can’t reach it! Been offered £75 towards next holiday as compensation. I won’t be going with JET2 again. Can’t trust what’s advertised. IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY I WOULD! Last day. Spanish female lifeguard has upset my granddaughter with her attitude and rude manner. She upset her few days ago also. She told our 18month old baby NO SPLASH very abruptly. We had a go back at her and she denied saying it. We heard her! Very very rude girl!!!! It’s very sad as this could be made into a lovely hotel. If there wasn’t so much fish everyday. Staff were more pleasant, and air con worked. It’s unbearably hot all around the hotel. Fish soup most days I’m allergic to prawns. Tomatoe soup yesterday first soup that’s been lovely all week. This afternoon my air conditioner in room has gone warm again. Worse than a fan atm. Just leaving now so if you’re in 268 they turned it cooler day 2. But still not great. None existent anywhere else in hotel. Coldest air con was in lift when it was on!!

Have just spent a great week here (Grandma, Mum and 12 year old boy). Don’t be put off by bad reviews. The hotel was great. It’s a small complex and everything close by. There’s no direct access for coach transfer so you get dropped off at a nearby bus stop. 5 min walk max. Hotel and pool areas are spotless. Clean towels every day but we did have to ask for coffee to be topped up in room. We had a double room which had 2 double beds, plenty of storage and a great bathroom with walk in shower. Hairdryer not bad. Toiletries included. Small balcony facing the building next door as we were on the rear side but you could see the sea from it too. Great blackout curtain to keep room cool and for a good night’s sleep. It was very quiet during the night on our side anyway. We were all inclusive and never went hungry. The dining room gets quite warm so we took a small fan with us. Breakfast 8 to 10.30 (got busy after 9) plenty of choice. Eggs bacon sausages, omelettes, pancakes, cereals, breads, meat and cheeses, fresh fruit. Snacks between 11 to 1 and 5 to 6.30 and included burgers and hot dogs with chips and meat, cheese, donuts. Lunch between 1.30 and 3.30. Plenty of choice including paella, salads. Pizza, grilled meat and fish, breads, desserts, ice cream in tubs in freezer. Dinner from 7.30 to 10pm. Quieter until 8pm. Lots of choice again My grandson loved the pizza, chips, salami, hot dogs. He has autism and coped very well when it was quieter. Plenty of drink choices at meal times. All staff very polite at the hotel. There was a language barrier a couple of times with cleaner and handyman. Wristbands 10 Euro deposit each. They also are your room key so you can leave electricity key in the room. Lifts to each floor with glass side to see outside and great air con. Pools were great. There’s a small one at the side that they try telling you is adult only but it’s not. It’s just quieter. Slides are really good. My grandson loved them. Sunbeds can’t be reserved but most were before 8.30 apart from on our last day when towels were removed before 10am if nobody sat there. Check in took a while but checkout very quick. There’s a small shop in the hotel and the lady in there was lovely. Safe was 20 Euros rent for the week. I thought it was a deposit but no money refunded. Entertainment team were great but really cater for Spanish families. Evening entertainment starts 9.30pm for an hour then other entertainment from 10.30pm. Although my grandson didn’t participate he loved to watch especially when the guys did backflips. You can ask for bottled water at any time. Lots of drinks included but only 3 mocktails and 3 cocktails. Others are half price. There’s a small bar near the pools open 11 - 7. Beach is through a gate We went to the nearby shopping centre which was good but small. We don’t recommend the nearby ice cream parlour Clasico and Moderno as they don’t seem to like English (laughed in my face) Short transfer to airport. Gift shop across road from hotel car park sold lots of souvenirs. We would happily stay at the hotel again.

Reception staff were lovely and welcoming and were helpful throughout, all speaking English. There is a 10euro refundable deposit for your wrist bands, which are also your rooms keys. The rooms are lovely and clean with plenty of storage and comfy beds. Shampoo and showergel were provided in the bathroom, which was a nice touch. There is a small fridge, and with Jet2 we were provided with tea and coffee making facilities. The pools were lovely and well maintained. There was some debris around the pools from the trees etc, but generally the pools and pool areas were kept clean with daily jobs being carried out on different parts, and cleaners around through the day sweeping and emptying bins. The slides were a hit with kids and adults, and lifeguards were obseving safe use. We never had a problem with getting sunbeds but I am an early riser so would have an hour in the sun before hubby and son got up. By around 9/9.30 most beds had been taken. The pool bar had seating with cover, if you wanted some shade. There were some queues but nothing too bad. This area is also where the entertainment is at night, this can be seen/heard even when sitting outside. The bar staff were lovely even if they spoke very little English. There is a small selection of cocktails available for free with all inclusive package. The bar also provides little pots of crisps and nuts throughout the day and night, and you can also get ice-cream sandwiches and ice lollies. The 'happy team' were lovely, encouraging both adults and children to join in with games and activities throughout the day. Most of them spoke enough English to engage with us and have a laugh and a joke. The restaurant had ample choice, even for a fussy eater like myself and my baige eating son, neither of us struggled to find something we'd like. One thing I will say is that there are times when it gets very busy, we found eating tea/dinner at 8 was perfect, but check when the quieter times are when you are there. There isn't a lot around the hotel, just one tourist shop and a few local restaurants/cafes. A quick 10 euro taxi ride to Urba took us to more touristy restaurants and shops. My advice would be to download the taxi App to book a return taxi. There is a shopping centre a short walk away, with some fast food places and Primark (in case you've forgotten anything), and a large supermarket if you want to buy snacks or milk for the room. The weekends were very busy, as lots of locals were visiting, so sunbeds were taken quickly and there weren't always enough for everyone. The restaurants were also extra busy, again go early to avoid the busy times. I would recommend this hotel to others, as we had a lovely stay there. I can't comment on how busy it might be during UK School Holidays. We were there when the Spanish Summer Holidays had started, it was moderately busy during the week but this ramped up at weekends.