Our vacation was spoilt by the stomach bug. First I got it and a week later my husband got the bug too. We were quite ill both of us. I like Tenerife very much but will never go back to Los Gigantes. I know at least two other couples who stgayed at the P.M. had the bug too.

I guess a lot of this could be considered bad luck..

It was our first holiday with our young family and we chose this hotel as it was quiet and had a small beach. We booked a few months in advance, and then once it was closer to the time discovered that the beach had been closed for repairs. We contacted Thomson Travel who were completely unhelpful, saying it was beyond there control. Well, it may not be them closing the beach, but when you're taking a four year old and a toddler to the beach for their first holiday... you expected a beach!. To add insult to injury, the price of a similar holiday was nearly halved once the beach closed.

We shook that one off, and arrived at the airport, where our flight was delayed boarding nearly 40 minutes. Not great fun with the kids getting tired and bored. Finally arrived in Tenerife and loaded onto the bus to Los gigantes, 40 minutes later the driver stopped at the side of the road, off loaded our five suitcases, two car seats, assorted handluggage and grumpy kids, pointed down a steep hill while rattling something off in Spanish, then promptly drove off. I had to wander off down the hill carrying our youngest trying to locate the hotel, then trying to locate the reception, to return to my husband, brother-in-law and son, then battle without any assistance to get all our bags and kids into the hotel/reception without leaving our things unattended on the side of the road. No word of explanation before hand, or any warning that the drop off was not outside the hotel.

Eventually got settled in our room - nice and spacious, but definately seen better days - the couches came apart if you moved them, several floor tiles were cracked or loose, door handles came off on the wardrobes. But clean and comfortable.

We then decided a cup of tea was in order. Except the only socket in then kitchen was at floor level, so we had to place the kettle on a side table to boil it - very dangerous with little kids arounds so we had to be very careful.

The next day we were woken before 8am, by the sound of construction work. As luck would have it, the beach repair was right outside our room and we then spent our entire stay with cranes outside our window and workmen drilling metal stakes into the cliff faces. A few times they sprayed cement reinforcing onto the cliffs and this left cement dust and smell everywhere. It started at 8am, ended at 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

My husband and brother in law got a tummy bug on day 2/3, and my son got it soon after and was sick for 4 days.

The public pool was only open 10-5, and would not allow my 15 month old to play with her ball, or our 4 year old to play with a small blow up boat in case they annoyed the sun bathers. Of course the shops aound the pool selling the toys don't mention it when you buy them... so... no beach, no fun at the pool, and everyone out to get as much money off you as possible.

Our return bus ride to the airport arrived, we had the fun of getting all out stuff up the hill to the pick up point, and the driver could not speak english, was not sure if we were ment to be on his bus, and could not tell us which airport he was going to. In the end we had to hope for the best and got on anyway. Two hours later we finally arrived at the airport, to once again have our flight delayed - not hugely, but again, 40 minutes is an eternity carrying two young kids.

We did our best to make sure the kids had a nice time, but we feel so let down by thomson travel - we will never use them again.

This hotel could have been perfect for us if the beach had not been closed and the construction not going on, but we can never go back and 'fix' the memories of our first holiday as a family.

I realise that the local language is Spanish, but booking through Thompson Travel I expected at least basic comunication in English from the bus drivers - isn't that the point of using a uk company?

I'll be complaining to Thomson directly, but after my previous correspondence regarding the beach closure, I fully expect them to brush me off. After all, they have their money, and its not their children who didn't get to build a sandcastle.

If you're looking for somewhere where you can have quiet nights talking on the balcony with the sound of creaking boats from the marina, or the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs, then this is perfect. It is set away from the more cliched, touristy parts of Tenerife. You would definitely need a car if you plan on staying in this hotel and going to nice beaches but parking is not an issue, there was always a spot available on the marina front.

The rooms were spacious and well furnished. I know that in some reviews, people complained about the fact the door that opens on to the balcony had a simple lock but with the price you pay, I simply don't see what the problem is. Well-stocked kitchenette and open plan lounge area, nice adequately-sized bathroom, comfortable bedroom, comfortable bedroom and balcony overlooking the marina - pretty impressive when you consider the price. Rooms cleaned and towels changed frequently.

Don't be alarmed if the front desk ask for your passports on check-in, you get them back when you pay for the stay.

No beach nearby (within walking distance) but there is a salt- water pool just across the road, which was rather pretty and again, you get the waves from the ocean washing against the rock wall nearby.

Nearby amenities include a convenience store, some restaurants (the best is a place at the end of the road alongside the marina, delicious tapas for reasonable prices) and a few bars.

Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience the quieter side of Tenerife, away from all the noisy tourists and clubs. Families would do well out of this as there are a number of excursions available from the marina, such as whale/dolphin spotting - just outside your doorstep.

We stayed one night here owing to our room not being ready elsewhere, I went down with the bug on the following night, and speaking to locals it is rife. There is also a funny smell around los Gigantes, even the travel agent said she noticed it when I mentioned it to her on our return.