Stayed last week of August, first week of September, Halfboard.
This is the 2nd year that we have stayed at the Arena Center, and the 7th year that we have come back to Roquetas.
On arrival, our room was not ready, but this happened last year, so we travelled prepared in clothes that were adaptable on arrival (¾ shorts and a light shirt). The reception staff were very helpful and stored our cases, and told us they would let us know when our room was ready. So we sat poolside with a beer and let our holiday begin.
The room was large and air conditioned, with a small kitchenette (hob & full size fridge), large bathroom with shower over bath and superb bedroom with 2 ¾ beds and sofa bed. We were on the second floor which from the balcony gave a view over a park / pathway which runs the length of strip. Last year stayed in ground floor apartment which meant you had more room on the grassed area but looked in to the bushes that surround the hotel. The rooms are cleaned daily and the maids are the best I have known in any hotel.
From the rear exit of the hotel, you are 2 minutes away from a well stocked and friendly supermarket, which stocks just about everything you need.
We don’t tend to eat in the hotel much, had breakfast some mornings which consisted of enough to suit most (cereals, toast & breads, cold meats & cheese, fruit, yogurts, and cooked breakfasts.) as much coffee and fruit juices as you wanted. The evening meal, when we had it in the hotel, had a wide variety of meats, fish, pasta and rice and served from 7-30 until 10-30, we just don’t eat that early when on holiday, so on odd occasion called in before we set off out for the night.
There is a great tapas bar opposite the tabac, under the Bahia Serena “Bar Tapas Cullar” which was cheap and served great food. Ayda is a good restaurant with very large portions, so beware we generally had a pizza to share.
We spent many a night in Café Bar Scotia, just watching the world pass by, Jesús & Roberto are great waiters and always remember us when we return, year upon year.
Back to the hotel:- Poolside is well kept with a lifeguard who keeps everybody in check, we did see him removing towels from sun beds that were left as people passed through for breakfast. The pool area is well kept, with loads of sun beds. We did not join in the animation / games but that’s just us.
At night there is entertainment that is geared for the Spanish but this is Spain, and this is where they choose to holiday. Go to Blackpool or Benidorm if you want English entertainment. To round it up this is a great hotel learn a little Spanish before you travel (hello, good morning, yes, thank you, beer) if you try, the locals respect you more than those who just point and shout.
- Arena Center Hotel
- Arena Center Roquetas De Mar
