Family holiday - travelled on 8th Feb 2008
Booked through Thomas Cook
Ages - 37,35,14
We have just returned from a somewhat short stay at the Riu Adeje. I can safely say this is the worst holiday experience i've ever had.
This is never a four star rated accommodation, and it was advertised as being in Playa De Las Americas in the brochure, when actually it is at the outer-end of Costa Adeje.
The star rating and the location were the main reasons for booking this accommodation.
On arrival we were given a room on the 3rd floor, which was very basic and in need of repair. This is a theme which seems to run through the majority of this complex.
Problems with the room:-
1. Broken outside door frame, which severely leaked water into the room when it rained.
2. No sockets in the bedroom, and the reception didn't have any extension leads to be able to run a lead from the kitchenette area.
3. Bathroom door handle came off in my hand.
4. No dressing table... you may think this is petty, but my wife and daughter both have long hair, and need to get ready and made-up without struggling.
5. Electric hob rings didn't get hot, just warm; the coffee maker didn't get hot either. So making a drink in the morning was an ordeal.
6. The fridge door didn't close properly.
7. Paintwork outside the room and on the balcony was tatty.
We stayed one night in this room. In the morning we asked to be moved to accommodation that deserved the 4* rating. We were upgraded free to a 'bungalow'. This had its own problems, but was better than the original room.
On arriving in the room I noticed the following problems:-
1. The bedroom window catch was broken, so the window wouldn't lock.
2. A light-fitting in the bedroom was hanging off the wall.
3. A socket next to the much needed dressing table didn't work.
4. The bungalow was tucked around the back off all the other bungalows in what seems to be a forgotten area. This is reflected in the state of the stairs up to the bungalow and the small paved area outside the patio doors, which had a dirty great block-wall running along side it... a great view !!!
The majority of the complex was run down and in need of refurbishment. The only areas that seem to be in good condition were the reception and pool areas
The holiday rep was very helpful, as were some of the reception staff in trying to deal with our complaints. This however cannot be said about the complex manager, who I must say is one of the most obnoxious individuals i've ever had to deal with. She was sarcastic and had complete disregard for customer care. The argument I had with her in the reception area sealed our fate at this accommodation, and we promptly flew home early on the Sunday, cutting our weeks' holiday short by 5 days.
In my opinion, 4* accommodation should give you everything you need, and you shouldn't be left wanting for the most basic of expectations.
I had read many of the reviews on this accommodation, and must come to the conclusion that Brits are too easily pleased when on holiday, and readily accept standards that they wouldn't even entertain at home in the UK.





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