having spent several holidays in las americas i booked this hotel in oct 2007 through holiday nights for the location and good reviews.
i read about people being relocated before we travelled so i checked with holiday nights to see if there was a problem,they assured me the booking was okay.
on arrival we were told the hotel was full.they had relocated us in the nearby piramides(not a hotel i would have chosen)
after an hour or so of protesting with the manageress we gave in and went to the piramides.
we spoke to several guests at the california who told us similar stories of other holiday makers being relocated over that week.
also local bar owners seem to think that unless you book with a major tour operator you get relocated on arrival,a practice that has been going on for months.
we were lucky to end up just around the corner,we heard of others who had been moved to the other end of the resort.
so if you have booked through a private holiday firm be warned!!!

We stayed once again at the California in January and I have no reason to change my previous good reviews on these apartments, they are basic but well kept and clean. The reception area has been altered since last year giving a more open plan effect. I have no gripes however I originally booked this holiday for my wife and myself as a package with Thomas Cook and a few months later my sister in law booked a week privately through Holiday Nights and flew out with us on same flight. When we arrived the receptionist said my wife and I were OK but due to a technical problem my sister in law was being 'upgraded' to the nearby Columbus. To cut along story short my wife (normally non confrontational and leaves all that to me) kicked up a stink which resulted in the manageress coming to see us and after some strong protests she backed down and lo and behold even managed to get my sister in law a room 2 doors from us. We were told by nearby bar staff that this happens regularly at the California as Scandic companies pay more for the rooms the independent travelling UK guests get bumped elsewhere. This is fine if it suits you but some people have been moved to Compostella Beach Apts which are not central at all.

I actually saw other UK arrivals being told of this 'technical problem' package travellers seem OK its only the independent ones that get moved. Worth bearing in mind if it happens to you and you dont want to go stand your ground they will back down and then move someone else.

We had a very good week again disappointed though that Ian Rockcliffe has left the Sax Bar and moved to cafe De Paris (Its a restaurant and not a suitable location for this quality guitarist) and unfortunately the Sax Bar's new band are rubbish (Sorry Tam but its true)

Catch Roxy Risque in Shenanigans for an example of a hard working entertainer who has a great show (as opposed to the Rod Stewart tribute guy Ged Bolton who managed to clear half of Blaydon Races after only 3 songs).

well where do i begin im susan, i went at the beginning of nov last year and after being there recently i can say it was not a great hotel due to the amount of restless perverted men that just wanted to get their leg over so if thats what you want for ur holiday just a bit of fun and possibly holiday romance then california hotel is for you!!! two of my mates are going in nov drabbs, johno behave. apart from the lads that swarmed us it was a great time and the apartment was in a good clean state even if a little basic. if you go the nightlife is fantastic not overcrowded ENJOY...

Stayed here for a week arrived quite late so just dumped the bags in the room and headed around the corner to The George for a bite to eat.
Room was really clean and beds comfy for a change! Lovely views from the balcony we were on the 4th floor, cleaners were in every day except for wed & sat when they only empty the bins.
There was 2 supermarkets across the road netto and spar, little spanish run shop in complex next door which was cheaper for selected alcohol. Anyone who likes malibu avoid the local stuff its horrible pay the extra euro for the proper stuff!
Ideally located for anyone going to veronicas & starcos would say not even a 5 min walk, not to sure on the way back when your slightly worse for wear and walking in stiletto heals with swollen feet! recommend Brannigans Helen behind the bar is wicked. Edwards is a good bar aswell although there all the same with the pr's taking you in for 2 for 1.
Staff in the hotel are all nice except for 1 of the night staff who is on your case as soon as you walk through the door threatening to call the police if there is any noise, all in all really good place to stay will def be back.