Great hotel, lovely resort - very Spanish so it is worth brushing up on a few basic phrases at least before you go (we were the only English family in the hotel for the majority of our 10-night stay). Beaches are great, with shower and toilet facilities at regular intervals. At first glance the resort seems small and quiet, but take a right out of the hotel and 10-15 minute walk will take you to lots of restaurants, shops and a bustling market at night. A 5 minute walk to the left of the hotel takes you to Centro Commercial which has some lovely (if a little pricey) shops, a supermarket and lots of restaurants (including a Burger King if the kids need a taste of home!!).
It is worth paying for a pool-view room - we asked to move after the first night as our room was on the ground floor at the front of the hotel overlooking the carpark and I couldn't see us spending many nights on that dark patio when the children (ages 2 and 7) were in bed. The pool view room cost us 10 Euros per night but was worth every penny - much nicer outlook, plus very lively entertainment by the poolside at night so we didn't feel so isolated. It seems that the Spanish do everything later than us, so if you want to miss the rushes at mealtimes, go earlier (8pm was perfect for us - by 9:30pm it became very busy in the restaurant). Kids entertainment (mini disco) started at 9:45pm (!) and they showed a Disney film by the poolside every night at 22:15 (in Spanish, but my daughter still enjoyed watching Tangled!)
We went on a Half Board basis for 10 nights and expected to eat out at least a couple of evenings to ease the monotony you often get with buffet style dining - we actually ate in the restaurant every night - the food was great, loads of choice, with fresh seafood most nights.
All in all a great family holiday - the hotel has lots of amenities, including rides for the kids, and a great chill-out lounge on the top floor where you can have a quiet drink under the stars on comfy leather sofas. Would definitely recommend it, but also take a look at the Puerto Antilla Grand Hotel as that was over the road, practically on the beach, and looked like it had better outdoor facilities for the little ones.
- Iberostar Hotel Islantilla
- Iberostar Islantilla
