Review date: 17 December 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from Cardiff, Wales wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments"
Travel date: December 2008
Just got back from a weeks stay at the Montemar, December 15th and I couldn't fault the place for what it cost. The room was bright, cheerful and cheap - typical standard of an apartment you'd find in mainland Spain and the islands for the price. I didn't find one cockroach in the room, the maids came in everyday and tidied up and bedding was changed.

The girl at reception was very helpful and pleasant and my family and I would go back there any time again. The location for the beach was great and it was too for the Kasbah and Yumbo centres.

I did find Gran Canaria expensive this time for eating and drinking. I didn't find much difference between the British pound and the euro. Also watch out for the girls trying to put a cheap friendship bands on your wrist - they were a pain. Try a boat trip - expensive, but you're out all day and they come with food and drink, so worth it.

The Yumbo centre is full of drag queens at night so can be a bit awkward if you have kids who ask questions. Also, PRs in the Kasbah and Yumbo centres a bit of a pain hassling you trying to get you in their bars to eat and drink. Overall we had an excellent time in Playa del Ingles, and the Montemar apartments were excellent too.

Review date: 14 November 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from Surrey wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments"
Travel date: November 2008
We returned from the Montemar on 10th November after staying for a week. Resort OK but the room leaves a lot to be desired. We found bare wires under cooker, plugs in sinks did not fit, taps loose and lights did not work. As for the bedding, well, I don't think this had been changed all summer - the sheets were filthy. Towels in the bathroom were the same colour! I did wonder what cleaning was done because the room never seemed to look tidy.

Swimming pool was very clean and tidy and no problem getting sun loungers. Pool bar food was very good except two euros for a cold cup of tea!

Mini market was very small with limited selection - better to walk to Netto next to the Irish Bar.

I think some of the restaurants were very pricey for what was on offer.

The weather was not very good when we arrived but did improve everyday so we came home with a good suntan.

The location is not good because we found it very noisy especially Saturday night! Would I go there again? I don't think so.

Review date: 04 November 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from Middlesbrough wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments "
Travel date: October 2008
Me and my family, 14 of us, all stayed at the Montemar. All five families asked for ground floor rooms and we were all given first floor as they is no such thing as ground floor. You have to walk up two flights of stairs.

Me and my family got a simple but clean two bedroom apartment. We thought by the end of that night we had killed more than 20 cockroaches just in the kitchen so we complained and they moved us to another room on the same floor which was good of them and then our holiday got so much better and we could relax.

All the kids loved it and so did the adults. Sergio at the pool bar was lovely. I would recomend the hot dogs. I couldn't wait to get up and have them. The women at the reception and at the supermarket in the complex were also good English speakers which helped us communicate very well.

They have pools - a baby pool and a big pool, only they are not heated so very cold. The weather was quite hot, even though it was their winter, but we all came back with a satisfactory tan.

The entertainment wasn't the best but I would say, if you want English food, down the road there is a place called 'Painters'. An English woman Jamie, a lovely woman and her Spanish boyfriend Fernando own the place. Nice Sunday dinners and morning breakfasts. Also there are a lot of shopping centres close by and markets. The 'Plaza' had 'Burger King' but was very expensive. I'd say, don't buy something when you first see it because more than likely it is cheaper in a different store.

To get down to the beach and the main resturants there is are quite a lot of of steps or you can take the short cut and go down the lift which is more often than not open. On the beach you need to be careful with young children. There is a lovely family beach but then, right bang in the middle, there is the nudest beach, which, if that's not your scene, I wouldn't recomend it and just stay down the other end.

Playa del Ingles is supposed to be the gay capital. I have no problem with gays but if some of you have and are worried about it, then don't. I couldn't even spot one when I was there, unless you go down to the Yumbo late at night after midnight as all the family shops and bars suddenly turn into gay and transvestite bars but its OK. My family went they on a afternoon and it's very good. We got a nice olden day photo for only ten euros maximum. Also, the night life is just around the corner with 'Ministry of Sound', 'Pacha', 'Cream' and 'Linker's Bar'. They are all ace but watch out for the 'lucky, lucky' men as they seem to hang about there and try to sell you some drugs. If you do use drugs, I still wouldn't buy it, even if they tell you its cheap as chips. Just don't.

We went to 'Aqua Land' which was great but the kids' area was only suitable for one of our kids who was four and then my other children were too big for the baby pool and too small for the big rides but we went on a few rides. I would honestly say don't buy food there as the queue is massive but the pizza was nice, but very greasy and expensive.

Well, that's all I can think of really. I loved it and my family and I would definitely go back and see my good man Sergio again or but the people putting towels on their bed at the crack of dawn did my head in and the cleaners never changed our bed sheets all tthe wo weeks which was a down side.

It's not that noisy. You can buy milk from the big pink building over the road. There is a phone which is very cheap and internet. Even one night got a 'Pizza Hut' take away to our apartment. Loved it.

Review date: 01 August 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from Tyne And Wear wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Is Good - Everything Else Not"
Travel date: July 2008
The Montemar apartments are very basic but very clean. However, when we arrived at the Montemar apartments, we had requested a first floor apartment with Thomas Cook and we were given a third floor apartment. I have three children so when we got there at 3.30 in the afternoon, it was very hot and myself, my wife and my three children had to carry our suitcases up six flights of stairs as there is no lift. Not exactly a good start to the holiday.

The apartment was very clean but very basic. You have to hire a kettle if you fancy a cuppa (unless you use the saucepan) like we did. The only down side was that the bedsheets did not get changed until a week after we arrived and with the heat in the night, you sweat a lot (unless you get air con) and this makes your bed quite wet.

The location of the Montemar is in the worst possible place as it is on a main road and the traffic is quite busy and very, very noisy. Also there are a lot of pubs up the road and these are 24 hour so don't expect much sleep. Our kids couldn't get to sleep until three or four in the morning due to the noise from people coming out from the pub and then they were awoken at 7-8 a.m. with building work in the hotel opposite.

Also there is the beach. Unless you are an Arnold Schwarzenegger you will not enjoy the steps (lots, shall we say). There is a lift if you walk along the promenade but this only takes you down one floor and then greets you with more steps (our four year old couldn't manage the steps and needed to be carried up them). Definitely not a suitable place for children.

The hotel was lovely though. Wouldn't stay there again as too noisy. More suitable for young couples or party animals, not families. Was not happy with finding out all this when we were told by Thomas Cook it was suitable for young children and families.

Do not buy fresh milk from the supermarket on the corner of the Broncemar as this was off both times we bought it.

Pedro, who runs the hotel, is a very helpful man and helped us out when he could. Also Serge, who runs the bar, is also nice.

Review date: 11 March 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from West Midlands wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments"
Travel date: March 2008
You pay for what you get and the Montemar apartments just do that. Clean and spacious.

The road outside was noisy as a main road for buses etc and this kept you awake and couldn't keep the patio door open at night for air. If on ground floor, you were cautuios of leaving your patio open overnight.

The female receptionist and her father very friendly and would try and help whenever they could.

Need more sunbeds that you can adjust though. The shop underneath very reasonable as well.

Review date: 06 November 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Ireland wrote:-

Review title: "Safe And Convenient"
Travel date: October 2007
The Montemar apartments were central to the beach and shops. They were cleaned every day, except Thursday and Sunday. Kept very clean. The pool and surrounding area was clean. The mini bar food area by the pool had lovely food at reasonable prices.

The only thing was you had to rent your kettle and toaster which I think should be in the apartment to start with. Other than that, a good holiday was had by all.

Review date: 25 October 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Leeds, England, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Excellent Choice"
Travel date: October 2007
These apartments were great. Would definitely return. Staff are lovely and friendly. Rooms are spotlessly clean. Think the Montemar apartments should be a higher rating!

Nicely situated near all the best locations. A really fab holiday. You must check out Steph, the Thomas Cook rep! She does an excellent job!

Review date: 23 September 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Bicester, England wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments!"
Travel date: September 2007
The accommodation at the Montemar was great. We stayed there for two weeks 8th - 23rd September. Our room was very clean when we got there and it got cleaned everyday day except Thursday and Sunday.

The staff was great especially Sergio (the snack bar owner). Many people take Pepito (night porter) the wrong way - they think he's moody and rude but he just doesn't speak or understand much English! The rep for the Montemar Steph is great. She's so down to earth so don't hesitate to ask her anything and she will sort any problems you have out straight away! We will miss her!

As someone mentioned, you do have to rent stuff out like a kettle which is now 28 euros for two weeks(18 euros to rent, ten deposit), safe which is 40 euros (30 euros to rent, ten deposit). The room doesn't have air conditioning but they rent fans out too if you need one. We didn't rent one as it was expensive! The pool was nice and clean and so was the pool area. Pepito cleans it every night and morning!

The location was great. We had a sea view from our balcony. It is only a five minute walk to the beach but there's a lot of steps to go down before you reach the beach! There are lots of supermarkets around but if you're in need of milk, do not buy it from the Broncemar shop (big pink building, which is round the corner) as it was gone off both times we shopped there! Get it from the Montemar shop as it was fresh!

We went on four of the trips that were offered to us which were; Aqua Land - we didn't do this through our rep as it was cheaper to go there and pay at the door! It cost 16 euros for kids at the door and the rep charged 23 euros! For adults it was I think 30 euros at the door and the rep's charge was 39 euros! A taxi cost to get there was six euros. The park wasn't that great - the only decent flumes were the rubber dingy rides which are situated on the left side of the park! The normal slides where you just slide down were awful. As I was going down I stopped as the water wasn't that strong and without checking if I was off the slide, the worker let someone else down and they smashed into my back (which hurt by the way!) The food place there was expensive and it was disgusting. My advice would be to take a packed lunch!

Black and Red Casino (Las Vegas Legends)- this was an amazing show. It cost 49.50 euros and this included a three course meal and the show with a free drink i.e a half of bottle of wine or a beer! Then after, if you're over 18, you can go into the casino and lose some cash! Just need to take your passport.

Loro Parque - this trip is an amazing experience but its a very long day (14 hours). The zoo is in Tenerife so the trip starts at 7.20 and a bus picks you up, then you pick a few more people up, then head off to the ferry which takes about two hours. Then you board the ferry which takes one and a bit hours to get to Tenerife, back on the bus for an hour then you're at the zoo. This is an amazing zoo with four shows (the sea lion show, the dolphin show, the killer whale show and the Loro bird show) and they are all great. Other animals there included penguins, jaguars, sharks, white tiger, chimps and gorillas. I would recommend this day trip to anyone. It costs 89 euros per person but it was worth it!

Searching for Dolphins - this was a short trip. Pick up was at 9.15 then we got to the Puerto Rico port at 11ish and set sail to search for dolphins. We found some and this was amazing to see. We arrived back at the Montemar at about 2! This cost us about 39 euros each.

Also, the rooms in the Montemar haven't got double glazing so you can hear everything! Montemar is next to a road which has regular bus routes going past and cars with loud music so that's probably the only bad thing I can say about these apartments!

The best food place to visit would be 'El Gaucho'. This has to be the best restaurant I've ever been to! It's a steakhouse! Ask the rep Steph about it and she'll give you ten per cent discount card for there!

I wouldn't visit the resort again as I didn't think it was for couples or families as there's not much to do in the day or even the night time, apart from going to the pub!

OK, think that's all. Say hi to Steph and hope you enjoy your holidays.

Review date: 07 August 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Derby, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Great Location, Poor Apartment!"
Travel date: July 2007
Well, I would like to say that our stay at the Montemar was a nice one. However, I'm afraid we were to be disappointedly! When we arrived at the complex first thoughts were it's OK, I guess. When we got to our apartment we found food left in the cupboard, a socket hanging out the wall, a condom packet in the bedside drawer, pubic hairs around the bath and the floor was filthy. To my amazement there was no kettle, no toaster and no welcome pack of any sort. We had to pay to rent a toaster which will cost you 24 euros (14 to rent plus ten deposit). Luckily we packed a travel kettle and iron, otherwise expect to pay for those too!

Although the Montemar lacked all the basics of a self catering holiday, the location was spot on. With us being a young couple, we were right next to the night life, shops and the beach all a five minute walk.

There is a telephone in the lobby but don't use it - its extremely expensive. Walk into the town - it's loads cheaper.

The people at the complex were really nice and friendly but I'm afraid that's not enough for us to visit the Montemar again. We will go back to Playa del Ingles as its a great place, though we will be staying elsewhere!

Review date: 11 July 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Middlesbrough, England wrote:-

Review title: "Best Holiday I've Had!"
Travel date: July 2007
Well where do I start? Accommodation is spot on, should definitely be a higher key, it has just about everything you'll ever need. A gorgeous sea view from your balcony, (the sea is literally a seven minute walk, by the way!) shops down below, groovy swimming pool, cute little cocktail/snack bar, restaurants and shopping centre - ten minute walk, brilliant reps and options of activities to do. We chose 'surf and turf' and I recommend it to every one. Amazing jeep ride round the rocky mountains of Gran Canaria with breath taking views. We met a jeep driver Brian there, who was an absolute top bloke, genuinely nice and I hope to meet him again sometime! Then you have a meal at a port, which then leads you on a boat to see dolphins and the wide ocean! Perfect! The hotel also has two pool tables, a seating area for watching television and a little baby pool for children. Also has a play area for children.

The bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, sitting area and balcony were spot on, and the only little thing we complained about was that there was no kettle. But boiling it in a pan was fun anyway!

I had the time of my life on this holiday as everything was there that you wanted. Even at the five minute away beach, there was jet ski-ing, banana boating, boogie boarding, surfing etc etc, all at good prices (everything is at good prices, might I add).

The nights out, how could I forget those? Every night we went out and had an absolute blast. We found that the best places to have meals were 'Papa Joes', 'Steak House' and...dare I say it... a bit of Burger King! I do apologise but a good burger after a night out was just too good. Also the Chinese restaurant is gorgeous! Right under the shopping centre there was a circle of clubs, we named this 'The Pit', doesn't sound very appealing but it was absolutely awesome. They do bar crawls down there where you get free t-shirts, shots and drinks. 'Scandig' was the best bar, then 'Zig-Zag', '100% Orange' etc. All offer free drinks and dance, hip hop old school music. If you are really into your indie/rock, then you might not want to come here all the time. They play games in the clubs, some funny, some a little bit wilder, but fun all the same. The other clubs were 'Pacha' - extremely stylish, 'China Whites' – awesome- I got my girls in V.I.P here and I consider it a great accomplishment! Also 'Fabric' and 'Ministry of Sound' were great.

Over all this was a cheap holiday which we imagined to be good, we didn't expect to be amazing and it really was. The people in our hotel were fantastic and all the people we met outside our hotel were awesome, I would recommend this apartment, location and package holiday to anyone, it was spot on!

Review date: 15 September 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Glasgow wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments!"
Travel date: June 2006
I would recommend Montemar to anyone. Staff were very friendly. Apartments were very clean. Couldn't have chosen a better place to stay.

We have been to Playa del Ingles five years in a row and this was the best apartments we have stayed at. Excellent location. Will revisit.

Review date: 09 July 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Crewe, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Quiet Location,Very Good Value"
Travel date: May 2005
Basic accommodation, undamaged furnishings, recently refurbished kitchen area, comfortable beds. Cleaned five times in the week, with bedding and towels changed. Small supermarket on site, approx 400 yards to bigger supermarket. Car park under apartments handy for hire car. Friendly reception staff and a helpful night porter who checked me in - despite not speaking a word of English he did his best, bless him.

Would definitely stay again for a cheap and quiet break. Two star rating but apartment as good as Sunwing when it had three star rating. Sunwing has more facilities though.

Approximately 50 yards back from the promenade between Playa del Ingles and San Augustin - very nice walk on an evening!

Review date: 31 October 2004 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Montemar Apartments Good Value"
Travel date: October 2004
Basic accomodation but clean hotel. Staff very friendly. No cats to be seen on the complex.