My family and friends, (40+ people) adults teenagers, youngsters all stayed in the Merlin for 10days (5-15th August 2009) for my sisters 40th birthday. The hotel was mainly in good condition but some steps and plaster needing repair. All the rooms I saw were exceptionally clean and plenty of towels (the only reason beds weren't made on one occasion, was because two teenagers had their clothes all over them, for which they were left a gentle reminder card). The food was mostly very good but not always what was on the menu and true to all inclusive form, leftovers were revamped for day after. No-body was ill due to the food! All our children found plenty to eat and some of them are very fussy. The snack bar also operated throughout the day. The entertainment programme was fun and varied during the day, music, games, etc around the pool and because we were a large party we provided lots of entertainment. Our teenage lads were bellydancers on one particular evening and on the last night they were the guys from full monty with our girls doing a spot of bellydancing. The programme runs over a week with parrot shows, vocalists, gamesnights, plenty of bingo and mini disco etc. I have to say that Van and family did us proud - we were able to decorate the entertainment room for my sisters birthday and hide the cake etc. it was really good of them. The hotel staff work very hard and treat like dogs especially the bar staff! but I always found them very polite! We did complain about the lack of staff on the bar especially over the weekend when the spanish tourists also arrrive.
All in all this hotel served as a great base for our party and the bus and taxi service are cheap and you are able to get to local villages and playa clubs without a problem (our young adults throroughy enjoyed the party life). There are also local shops, a few bars and restaurants to visit and a pharmacy who are extremely helpful and speak english. (Sunburn and prickly heat were main causes)
The pool is fab but the blue paint does tend to stick to your skin if you sit on the sides (good tip use nail varnish remover or gin) The sunbeds have cushions but some in need of repair. There is also a splash pool and games court around the back.
It's also worth mentioning that on the last evening one of the boys slipped and cut his arm which ended up in casualty. (Always take passport and E111). The hotel staff were very helpful and rang a taxi for us. The hospital were very friendly and because we had the necessary documentation their was no charge. (Just the return taxi fare).
I would definately reccommend if your with other families and friends or a just a cheap getaway for the sun, but we needed another holiday to recover!!!!!!!!!
- Hotel Merlin
- Ocean Club Tenerife
