Maspalomas, Sonemar Apartments Review

Overall Rating

If you go all-inclusive you need not spend another Euro all holiday

Weather guaranteed

Basic but adequate accommodation

The sand dunes at the beach are wonderful (aside from the nudists!!)

Not a lot in the surrounding area

Not suitable for anyone wanting a clubbing holiday

Not suitable if you want 5* service and accommodation

well I have just returned from a week at the the Sonemar Apartments with my girlfriend and we had a wonderful time!!

They are in Maspalomas which is a few miles from Playa del Ingles and on the south coast of the island about 25km from the airport.

after booking the trip I came on various review sites and read all the negative reviews and became really worried about what was to await us. The reality of it is though that it may not be a 5 star top notch hotel but then if you expect this then you have to pay more!! We chose this as it was the cheapest on offer for all inclusive basis and we thought is was exceptional value for money.
What were the negative points???
- it is fairly isolated so although ideal for us as just wanted a pool holiday doing nothing, if you want a clubbing holiday it is not for you.

- the weekend does see the locals come to their holiday homes, who are not the friendliest of people

- the sun is very very strong and can cause sunburn very quickly (wish someone had enforced that to me!!)
- on the all inclusive option you can easily over eat and drink!
- the reception staff were very dull and usually unhelpful - (but when are they not in foreign climes??)

- if you do not want to go all inclusive there did not seem to be many eating places around



What were the positive points??

- there are plenty of sunloungers and 2 big deep pools and 1 childrens one - the water is cold and one has damaged flooring but this causes no real problems

- with all inclusive you can liteally spend no money all holiday and not worry about having too many drinks, food etc

- the bungalows were basic but spacious for 2 people with the option of satellite tv. the bedding is not top notch but was clean and towels are provided

- the beach is only a short taxi away (or bus pass is included if all-inc) and is really beautiful with sand dunes stretching back for ages and nice clean sand. The far end of the beach is a nudist area though which provides some scary sights!!

- the whole general ambience was clean and tidy with maids to tidy room every other day

- the activities laid on for children were very good and kept them entertained all day and in the evenings

- the food was fine - nothing amazing but fine - there was plenty of choice and always something you could have whatever your tastes. they did repeat dishes a bit much though but once again it wasnt a big issue for us

- the drinks are all day included from 11-11 at the bars - they are not shy with the measures and there are a variety of choices - they even serve beer in pints in the restaurant!

- there is a tennis court and football pitch for working off some of the calories!

- the bar and waiting staff were friendly and entertaining!


Overall it was a very good relaxing holiday - there is not a lot to do in Maspalmonas or on Gran Canaria as a whole in any event but if you want a quiet, cheap, hassle free week in the sun then this is the place for you! Don't go expecting 5 star facilities, just take things as they are and you will be fine!

we did go off season so i am not sure if things would be different in peak season but that must be the same anywhere?

Members' Comments onleroyisourking's Review

• a bennett on 4th Feb 2005

  After reading the reviews on the sonemar, I have become a little worried. peoples opinions vary so much I am confused!! I have booked up for easter 2005 having wished i'd done a lot more research first. Nevertheless we are going and I will tell you all about it on our return. wish me luck - it sounds like i'm going to need it!!