We have just spent 3 weeks self catering at this hotel. We found the rooms very clean although rather 'tired' but this is mainly through the wear/care of many different types of traveller. There are actually enough hangers supplied for a change, and quite a bit of storage space. The towels are changed very regularly as are the beds, which are clean and comfortable. You get cleaning service every day but Friday.
All the staff at the hotel are polite, efficient and go that extra mile to help where they can.
Because we were there for 3 weeks we cooked and catered for ourselves and although the Netto across the road is very convenient for heavy goods we shopped at the Hiperdino, just off the main shopping street where you could get all you needed slightly cheaper. We found the kitchen facilities adequate although when we used the oven, hobs and microwave all at once we tripped the fuse box. The maintanance man kindly showed us what to do when it happened and we didn't have any further problems. We could have done with an ovenproof dish or two.
There were offers on different catering arrangments which were good and everyone we spoke to was happy with the food and the service in the restaurant and the pool bar.
The grounds are lovely, clean and beautifully kept by full time gardeners and groundspeople.
The only thing we saw as a problem was that, where some other hotels lend you a sunbed mattress free, at this hotel you have to hire them which pushed the cost of the holiday up. There is quite a list of things you have to pay to hire: toaster, hairdryer, fan, iron and board, coffeemaker and electric heater. Baby equipment I would expect but basic things like a hairdryer and sunbed mattress I would expect to be included in the price of the holiday. With the euro as strong as it is now, this can add up. If you need baby equipment or any of these things talk to your holiday company or ring the hotel for the prices before you go or you could get a shock.
We are pensioners but would definitely recommend it to others and would use it again.

Having just returned from a weeks stay on a half-board basis, partly booked on the strength of the reviews on this site, I thought it only right to add my thoughts...

To start with we (my wife, four-year old son and one-year old daughter) all had a great time and would definately stay here again. As you'll gather from many of the other reviews, this hotel is great for families with young children. The staff went out of their way to help us and keep the kids entertained and special mentions should go to Eddy in the restaurant and the 'funny-man' childrens entertainer, both of whom went the extra yard on almost a daily basis.

What about the hotel itself though? Our room (Rm137) was clean and tidy and large enough for us all, but in fairness was a little tired. However, the only time we were in it was when we were sleeping, showering or getting changed so I've no complaints whatsoever. The cleaners were excellent and clean every day but Friday, so overall, we were very happy. It's a three star hotel and I think we got good value for our money.

The food was also very good, so long as you remember you're not eating at a restaurant and the catering team are preparing buffet style food for 200 people plus. Our children aren't fussy eaters, but I think you'd struggle not to find something you like each day, and once again, for the money we paid, I thought the breakfasts and dinners were excellent value. The service was also first-class and all the restaurant staff were very attentive.

However, this was a family holiday and at the end of the day, if the children are happy, then the holiday is a success. Our children loved it, although my one year-old daughter is obviously pretty easy to please with an endless supply of ice-cream and someone singing and dancing on stage meeting all her needs. As mentioned above, the childrens entertainers gave it 100% with the 'funny-man' and Luisa leading the way. They had the stage in the outdoor bar area from 8pm to 8.30pm each night with more grown-up entertainment starting at 9.30pm, so each the kids had the chance to burn-off some calories and tire themselves out for bed with singing and dancing games and endless renditions of 'I am the music man'.

From a practical point of view, thier is also a Netto supermarket literally across the road, so childrens fruit drinks and nappies are always close at hand.

Finally, the beach at Playa Dorada is a five minute walk-away, is child friendly, (although it shelves a little about 10/15 foot out), is surrounded by everything from traditional Spanish restaurants to cafes selling fast-food, has a lovely little beach bar and offers wetbike rides, parasailing and inflatable banana rides, so don't spend all your holiday around the pool especially as two sun-loungers and a parasol are only Euro7.5 per day on the beach.

A great holiday - wish were still there....

We have just got back from our week's stay at the Bahia Blanca Rock in Playa Blanca and are wishing we were still there. We only ever go away for a week, but wished we had stayed for two. The place was so relaxed. Nice position, nice pools, room basic but fine for our holiday. We stayed half board and found the food great, lots of choice every day. The hotel staff were very nice, friendly and helpful.. Though we dont have any kids of our own, there were lots of children (mostly well behaved!!) who all seemed to be having a fabulous time and were well catered for, including during the evening entertainment shows. Playa Blanca is small yet has lots of amenities and the newly developed marina area is very close by and offers a quieter alternative night out. We loved it.

On the plus side, the appartment's bedroom had plenty of cupboard and wardrobe space. The kitchen was a reasonable size and the apartment was in a quiet location.
The complex was well laid out with nice gardens.
On the negative side, there was no draining board in the kitchen and there were no cleaning cloths or tea towels.
There were two chairs and a table on the balcony but there were no sun loungers.
With the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in mind, I checked the security of the complex and found the gates which led to the car park seemed always to be open. It is easily possible to get into the complex from the street via the car park without going through Reception.