My husband and I stayed at the Asur Hotel Islantilla Suites and Spa from 23rd September until 3rd October on half board basis and we absolutely loved it. It was very Spanish which we loved and a few Spanish phrases did not come amiss just to help with communication - in fact I took my Spanish phrase book!

The transfer from Faro airport went nice and smooth as there weren't too many drop offs. First of all, check in was quick and efficient and Sylvie one of the Receptionists was really lovely and deserves a SPECIAL mention! She had a lovely smile and made us feel so welcome. She allocated us a gorgeous room overlooking the pool on the 5th Floor and we were impressed with the cleanliness of the room and of the hotel in general.

Now to the restaurant - the food was plentiful and there was a good choice for everyone. Again the restaurant was spotless clean and the food was displayed to perfection, especially the sweet and fruit counter and we never had to eat out once because of the amazing choice. We tended to go out to the bars in Centro for our drinks as drinks in the hotel are a little on the pricey side - but hey isn't that the norm? (That is my only criticism of the hotel).

The location of the hotel was good. Just a short walk to the lovely beach and a nice short walk, if you turned left out of the front of the hotel, to the small but lovely shopping centre. There were a few bars and cafes above the shops and a great little bookshop. The clothes and shoes were nice in the shopping centre and the 2 Euro shop was amazing and good fun!! Not like the usual pound shops we have over here - for the price I was surprised at the quality of the scarves and dress jewellery.

Cafe 1972 above the shopping centre also deserves a mention for the friendly service from Steve the young English guy and Marina the gorgeous young Spanish girl.

Lastly, the weather was absolutely gorgeous for the whole of our stay. All in all we had a fab time and we hope to return to Islantilla. We will definitely stay at the Asur Hotel again as it was a lovely, relaxing experience. Would I recommend this hotel - definitely.

Susan and Keith Taylor

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.

We have stayed at this hotel before when it was the Iberostar Suites. Everything was as good!! The service, staff and food were excellent. We stayed all inclusive, which was an excellent option with the grandchildren (who were constantly entertained, albeit in Spanish). The buffet was outstanding with something for everyone. The only down side was the fact we were there in the height of season and the hotel was heaving, and meal times were a bit of a free for all. We combatted that by eating earlier than the remaining clients which were all Spanish, who tend to eat later. If you want a poolside lounger you need to put your towels on before breakfast as this seemed to be the practice, and by 10a.m. there are none to be had!!! All in all we had a brilliant holiday and would return to this hotel (out of season).

Value for money. Great hotel.Near a beach in top.Good golfcourses near. All in all an exelent hollyday in may.