Great Holiday, Apartment OK but could be better
Review Submitted: March 26, 2009
Date of Stay: January 2009
Overall we had a good holiday in this apartment. The weather was absolutely fantastic for January with temperatures during the day of 22 – 24 degrees.
With the fall of the pound against the euro during 2008 – 2009, food was expensive. Local supermarkets were expensive as were the restaurants. For example three apples at the local supermarket (200 yards from the apartment) were 2.75 Euros. Main courses eating out ranged from 15 - 30 Euros.
The apartment is located overlooking the beach and the views are excellent. If you walk into town then the walk down is fine but it is quite steep coming back. The balcony gets sun from daybreak until about 3pm. But if you love the evening sun then you will need to get an apartment on the other side of Porto Rico.
The apartment block has had some renovation at the back but the front of the property facing the beach has seen better days and is in need of some tidying up and repainting. The windows from the bedroom facing the beach are Perspex or have an anti-shatter coating, unfortunately it is badly scratched and it is hard to see through the window.
The apartment itself is small but OK if you are a party of two, although there are two double bedrooms we would have found it cosy with four adults. It is reasonably well equipped, although it lacks a plumbed in washing machine the portable washing machine worked well.
We were though a little disappointed with the cleanliness of the apartment. Many of the surfaces were very dusty, there were fluff/hairballs on the floor and hair and fluff under the legs of the chair. It may be that the owners employ the cleaners and didn’t know how standards had slipped.
Communication with the owners was excellent. The keys arrived on time, the damage deposit was refunded without question and good advice was offered by e-mail. All communication was politely and promptly answered.
Would I recommend staying here? The resort yes without doubt, the apartment yes if the owners provide it with some TLC, ensure that cleanliness improves and spend some money on it.
Owner's Response: We make no secret of the fact that our apartment is approached by hill. We actually state that our residence is not suitable for those who have trouble with walking or who are infirm and most enquirers make their mind up about that. But consider, without the incline, there is no panoramic view and that besides the quiet, is what most of our guests come back for time and time again.
Renovation is now complete. The pool area has been completely renovated and the sun can be enjoyed all day. The gardens surrounding the pool and communal areas are very well stocked and attended and a water feature has been erected. A pool toilet/shower room is also complete. The communal areas and stairways have been retiled and new lighting installed which automatically come on if you enter the apartment in the evening. The perimeter is very security focused and the apartments are approached via a locked gate.
Both the front and back of the apartment block has now been completely re-painted this includes all hand railing Rewiring has also been addressed,
The apartment accommodates 4 guests easily, we would not advertise for 4 if it was only comfortable for 2. Indeed, most parties occupying have included 4 guests. The overall area is 50 sq metres and is ample. We have taken 75 bookings in the last 2 and half years, some for a month's duration and no one has every complained about lack of space.
A considerable amount of money has been spent. In the last 3 years, a new bathroom,kitchen, boiler, floor, all equipment including beds, wardrobes, cabinets, towels, linen and kitchen utensils have been purchased. The only items left by the previous owner is the 3 and 2 seater settees. Both of which are in good condition.
There is not a suitable area for a washing machine so one is not advertised. But some guests do like to wash through a small amount of clothing. We have tried to make life easy by supplying a portable washer. Most guests find this very useful.
As regards cleaning, it was explained that for this particular week, temporary staff were employed, our usual lady was away, they will not be used again. Our manager will make sure of this. This is the only complaint we have received regarding cleanliness and our guest at the time accepted this explanation.
The fall in the £ affects everyone, we have no control over this and the local traders all suffer.
All properties have their drawbacks whether situated on the East or West Hill.
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