Koka Apartments

Well, what can I say? I did as probably most of us do and that was to look up this hotel on Google and what I found, I must say, led me to trust this is a half decent hotel! Yeah, right.

First off, don't think that the Koka is one big complex around the gorgeous pool that's showed in brochures or on line because it's not. There are three different buildings and only the main building with the reception has a pool on site, the other two buildings are at the side. Pub on complex - wow, forget it, you could hardly swing a cat in there and plus don't even bother asking for change or help from the very unfriendly guy who works there. The mini market was not used by us but remember people, the mini market, pub and disco are all in the main complex and the other two buildings have nothing. We were in the furthest away building.

Rooms are a disgrace and I am not asking for a posh hotel or anything but they take the Picasso! Our first night there both my wife and I woke up with our backs killing us. We learnt we were just sleeping on a base with a tiny bit of cotton on top of it for a mattress. We did complain and the guy sent us another two very thin mattresses and although it made some difference, it was still bad.

Security on the complex is about all this place has got going for it and this will probably get on your nerves the most. I could write loads more about the apartments but hey, my dinners ready. I know some of you will think maybe I am exaggerating, but in all honesty, I am not. Let's just say you have been warned.

Oh, after complaining at reception about the beds, the guy at reception informed us all rooms are the same! You have been warned!

The Koka apartments are class. They are right near all the main attractions. The Irish Centre is a must go! And shopping centres are everywhere! Make sure to get a good bargain though. They try to charge you a lot extra. Just laugh and walk away! Gran Canaria 2006! Class!

Arrived Sunday morning as disco below was closing - not a great first impression. Assigned a room in D Block which was horrible. I wanted to get back on the plane. But, we moved to the main block which was small but great. Staff lovely. Everywhere is very clean. Very well thought out kitchen area which comes with everything you'll need. Gorgeous pool area. A lot of noise from disco on Saturday nights. If you're near the disco, you'll hear the music into the morning and if you're looking onto the surrounding streets, you'll hear disco goers coming and going.

Playa del Ingles is a mad place for younger people in the peak summer months but in May it is lovely for couples. Quiet enough but not dead and it has a big mixture of age groups and nationalities.

I'd highly recommend 'El Gaucho' for an evening meal in the Kasbah shopping area - I've never met nicer people and the food was gorgeous. Slightly more expensive and very modern is Maximilian's on the Av de Tenerife - great place, food and staff. We thought the restaurants around the beach weren't as nice as the restaurants a bit inland. The beach is ok for breakfast and lunch though or a drink in the evening.

Highly recommend Koka and Playa del Ingles.

I absolutely love Koka. They are quiet apartments in a lively area. The service is fantastic. I can't rave about it enough!