El Duque Aparthotel

Most relaxed atmosphere of any hotel I've stayed at with pleasant, helpful staff, especially at the bar, and no fuss about anything, just good service covering the main bases. We had an enormous apartment with huge terrace and working equipment, cleaned very well early in the day, though it was definitely in need of some refurbishment. The paintwork was ludicrously chipped everywhere but the wood was sound and the doors closed. The absence of A/C obviously brings the standard down a bit but we did not find it a disadvantage in March. Towards the end of our stay there was the appearance of 'themes' for dinner, but mostly it was good, well-cooked staples with enough variety for both of us to find a good plateful. Evening entertainment is outside (sometimes a bit chilly) and is surprisingly given by professional acts, not the usual animation amateurs, so better than most in my experience with some excellent spots. The bar and audience area is small but surprisingly adequate for the clientele who turned up. We were on AI but there must be many on half-board or less, so the bar is not overwhelmed. The main pool was large enough for a decent swim, nicely graduated in depth with no chlorine and a separate children's section. We never found it difficult to find sunbeds, though our use of them was limited, sometimes waiting till their 'release' at 10.00, sometimes heading to the beach. Both Fanabe and El Duque beaches are about 15 minutes walk away, Fanabe being a bit stony at this end and lined with eateries and bars. El Duque had great sand, sheltered swimming and relatively little commercial hassle. Loungers at E6.10. The area was not particularly busy except when the market was held in the car park opposite the hotel (Wed and Sat). A newly completed up-market shopping complex just outside the front gate was finding it hard to attract customers even with live music in the evening (which might be a problem for guests in that part of the hotel) and the new El Duque Plaza on the way to the beach also had the appearance of a ghost town. Head over to the Fanabe side for cheaper shopping, including useful beach towels at E3.00 and cheaper booze than the duty-free. We also found the GIFT agency mentioned in these reviews which was very good for money-changing and booking a tour. 'Teide-Masca' is a fantastic trip up to the volcano caldera and on to some spectacular scenery and breath-taking roads. Better on a coach than a hire car! We had a very convenient flight-time in the morning so we were not left without armbands at 12.00 which is obviously a problem here. On the whole a very enjoyable holiday with splendid weather. Will probably return.

Arrived at 11pm on 4th April 2019 and at check in were told Ai had finished and would have to pay for drinks and there was no restaurants open (not a good start). One bedroom apartment was OK but basic, sofas not comfy, beds OK, nice pool and sea view, wifi hit and miss. Restaurant sufficient with a good choice at all meal times. Entertainment in my view was very poor especially Radio Hits who was on twice in the week that we stayed, but animation team worked hard. Bar staff were superb especially Pedro,Tomos and Roberto, nothing too much trouble. I would say this is a FB hotel with free drinks. On checkout at noon wristbands we're removed and no more Ai, poor when you've not leaving until 7pm. Decent stay but Ai timings should be addressed.

Our expectations were not high but this hotel was a delight. The room (apartment) was enormous and the terrace was superb. Three star rating maybe down to the fact that all the doors were in dire need of painting but it was comfortable and really clean.View of the pool and everything within easy reach. The food was of a high standard, well cooked and plenty of choice at all meals. Outdoor eating area was lovely and the staff are efficient and friendly. Wine was perfeectly drinkable. Don`t bother with the packed lunch, not worth having. Bar service was the best we have seen for some time. Friendly barmen ! Proper beer glasses ! Very little queueing and a pleasant ambience. Pool area, like the rest of the hotel, is kept impeccably clean and there are ample sunloungers available. Area closed off until 10am so there is no reserving of loungers. The area has plenty of amenities and a good bus service. We changed money and booked an excellent island tour from a shop called G.I.F.T Excursions just down the road. Playa del Duque beach is beautiful and a pleasant 15 minute walk down, good exercise on the way back ! Only slight disappointment was that although the reception guy dropped heavy hints about my birthday nothing actually was done to mark it. You can`t have everything !