I stayed at the Radisson Blu Palace Resort from Monday 9th March to 14th March.
First things first — I booked this at an unbelievably good price. Honestly, probably the best-value package I’ve ever had. So straight off the bat, for what I paid, this review needs to be read with that in mind. I had a superior room with a terrace (their cheapest option) including breakfast — and for the money, it felt like a steal.
Now, reality check — March is very much off-season. The weather wasn’t great: mostly overcast, very windy, and the beach/swimming were basically a no-go. If you’re coming for sun and sea, don’t come in March and then complain.
The room itself? Genuinely excellent value. Very large, spotlessly clean, comfortable bed, decent bathroom, and two bottles of water daily — no complaints there at all. If I were reviewing just the room, it’s an easy thumbs up.
The hotel itself is… interesting. It’s huge, and when it’s quiet, you really feel it. At times it felt like I’d wandered into a slightly faded version of what must be a very impressive hotel in peak summer. You can tell it’s built to handle big numbers — but in March, it feels like the place is only half awake.
And that’s really the issue. The hotel felt like it was slowly stretching after a long winter nap. Very few guests, limited areas open, and not much atmosphere. What stood out more was the lack of visible staff — at times it genuinely felt like you had to go on a bit of a treasure hunt to find someone.
Walking around, especially down towards the beach, large parts felt closed or simply not operating. It’s not that anything was “bad” — it just wasn’t really… happening.
One thing to be aware of — there’s not a lot going on in the immediate area around the hotel. Don’t expect to wander out for a nice stroll with shops, bars, or anything to explore… there’s pretty much nothing. If you want to get into town, you’ll need a taxi.
That said, it’s not really a problem. Taxis are everywhere, easy to use, and surprisingly cheap — so getting around is straightforward once you accept you’re not walking anywhere.
Also worth noting — I felt like one of the very few English speakers in the hotel. Most guests I saw and heard were French. Not an issue at all, just something to be aware of.
To be fair to the hotel, the staff were great on this — as soon as I started speaking English, they switched without hesitation and communication inside the hotel was never a problem.
Outside the hotel, though, it’s a different story. Not speaking French can make things a bit more of a challenge — you can get by, but don’t expect everything to be easy.
Breakfast was included, and I had it every morning. It’s your standard big hotel buffet — nothing special, nothing terrible, just… there. You won’t be writing home about it.
That said, a few highlights — the fruit and dates were excellent, and the coffee, bread, rolls, and French pastries were genuinely very good. So while it felt quite geared towards the French guests, I definitely wasn’t going hungry.
Evenings were a different story. Most nights I headed out into town and ate at some genuinely excellent restaurants — great food, very reasonable prices, and a much better overall experience.
On my last night, I tried the hotel’s dinner buffet… and this is where things dropped off a bit.
It wasn’t terrible — but it definitely wasn’t good either. I genuinely struggled to find anything I really enjoyed. There was plenty there, but very little I’d go back for. Nothing offensive, just a lot of very forgettable food.
Lunch I can’t comment on, as I never tried it.
That said, credit where it’s due — one night I ordered a late room service cheeseburger, and it was outstanding. Properly good. Easily a 10/10. Great burger, arrived quickly, and exactly what you want late in the evening. Ironically, probably the best meal I had at the hotel.
The real payoff at this hotel — and what genuinely saves it — is the spa.
You get access to a free indoor pool, which is actually very good. It’s a decent size, nicely heated, and perfect given the weather when I was there. There are also a couple of jacuzzi-style areas… although calling them jacuzzis is generous. Not very hot, not very bubbly — a bit underwhelming if I’m honest.
There’s also a sauna, which has definitely seen better days, but it does the job if you’re just looking to get a proper sweat on.
But the real ace up the sleeve is the paid spa package — and this is where the hotel really comes into its own.
For €29, you get a few hours’ access, and it is absolutely worth it. The highlight is the saltwater pool that runs from inside to outside, beautifully heated. On my last day, the sun finally came out, and lying in the outdoor section of that pool with the sun on me was easily one of the best moments of the trip.
There’s also a really good steam hammam, which I used a few times and thoroughly enjoyed, plus a lovely sun deck upstairs to relax on.
Small touch, but a nice one — they also offer excellent herbal teas while you’re there, which just adds to the whole experience.
Honestly, 10/10 for the paid spa. If the weather isn’t great (which it often isn’t in March), this alone makes staying at the hotel worthwhile.
Bottom line:
Incredible value for money
Great rooms
Quiet, limited facilities, and low energy out of season
Would I go back? Yes — but only at the right price, and probably in peak season to see the place as it’s meant to be.
