Maspalomas, Sonemar Apartments

I have just spent a week with my girlfriend at the Apartments Sonemar.

I had heard from previous reviews that there was a long walk to the reception from the road as the coach cannot get down the driveway?

There is a driveway of about 30 metres. That is no long walk in my eyes and whoever says that it was a long walk must be over weight or just plain lazy.

Upon entering reception it had a nice atmosphere and was quiet, bearing in mind we did arrive at reception at 2330 hours. The receptionist who was male did not greet us how we would have liked. His English was not the best and he had to show us what pieces of paper he wanted us to give him from the paperwork that we had. He then continued on and placed a map in front of us which was a lay out of the complex pointing out where our room was followed by putting a blue strap round our wrist which believe me I found irritated me greatly as the week went on and if any representatives for the apartments read this, please review this blue band system. This is for the all inclusive as some of the guests were self catering.

When we both walked out of reception the pool was straight in front of us and believe me looked very inviting whatever other people have said about the pool on this review site. It looked very clean and the paving round the pool looked very well maintained, no broken bits of tile from what I could see.

The entrance to our room/apartment whatever you want to call it was via a patio door. Upon going inside there was a large sitting room area with nice seating and a TV. In the corner there was a small eating area with some stools and a kitchen. Maybe I hadn't read all the reviews but I didn't expect this. I was pleasantly surprised, the facility to make your own food and be all inclusive, sounds good to me. The bedding and toels were changed every other day which is good for me as that was quite sufficient in my eyes.

Another good thing there were stairs in the corner which led up to a nice big bedroom, bathroom and a balcony. They were like small maisonettes with a little garden for each one as you walked in through the patio doors.

The TV I would say was good, it was 1 Euro per hour as there was a meter on the side of the telly, it did have better channels than any other complex that I have stayed at before and if you asked reception they had a list of films that you could ask to watch when you fancied a movie where they had a separate channel saved for this.

The dining area was always nice and clean and inviting which is where the bar area is and where the evening entertainment takes place.

The times for eating were at good times and nicely spread apart. The food however was poor, good selection but if you are vegetarian then it's either salad or watered pasta. Most of the food even the pasta was cooked in some kind of yellow oil which meant all the food was greasy, if you take advantage of all three meals through the day be careful you will put on weight, and for those walking down the long driveway be careful after putting on the weight the walk will get harder as the week goes on.

There was the odd day when variety was good. I think breakfast was the worse as the boiled eggs were not boiled as when I broke them open the uncooked runny egg fell out, YUK.

The alcohol was limited so don't think with all inclusive you will get what you want. There was one type of beer and the spirits were the cheap whisky, vodka, gin, Bacardi and coffee liquor, not much variety. Also I didn't see anyone getting completely blotto during the day and making a nuisance of themselves.

Worse thing, we never saw a holiday rep and the male receptionist's were very rude and ignorant and left me standing many times when they knew I was waiting, the ladies however were very helpful, many thanks to them.

The resort where the apartments are is fine if you fancy a quite time of it. About a 20 minute walk to the beach which was nice for a bit of exercise for those people who didn't like the terribly long but short walk up the driveway to reception.

The local people were either very nice or just plain rude. Not many of them I found could speak much English.

There was a local market twice per week which was super loads of goodies and souvenirs and lots of bargaining going on which adds to the fun.

One thing I will say don't go horse riding, it's the most dangerous experience I have ever had and I have been riding for 20 years. There is no protection hat wise and the guy who took us could not speak English so he said nothing the whole time and when we asked for a beach ride, it was alone a cliff edge on a building site with dust blowing everywhere and lots of big machines all sounding there horns. We also rode on the roads and motorist out there don't slow down and they still sound there horns. I hope the owners of the horse riding establishment read this and go out of business.

There is a nice zoo there well worth the visit but from previous holidays where an excursion lasts all day the ones in Gran Canaria last about 4 hours and that's with travelling time They are also all well over priced so I would think greatly if its worth doing before paying for it and if its an excursion holiday you want don't go to this area.

Clubbing wise for the younger people these apartments are ideal to get drunk before you go and then its only a three Euro taxi fair to the main busy night club area which is great for a good night out.

If you want a cheap holiday for either relaxing by the pool with nice accommodation and no excursions, or a cheap drinking holiday so you can relax all day by the pool then this is the place. This area is no good for families. If I had to go back I would go to Puerto Rico but I don't think I shall ever want to visit this island again, I shall stick with Majorca, I know what I am getting there.

Hope this helps anyone with making there mind up whether they want to visit this holiday resort or not. For all you guys though most of the women went topless.

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?