Occidental Jandia Mar

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here so much so we booked up to attend again July 2020 with another family we met whilst there 2019 but unfortunately Coronovirus had something to say about that! Hotel was massive, plenty to do. I would recommend the Boot & Ball if you're venturing out for a pint. The landlord was lovely. Stayed 2019 (catching up with reviews whilst in lockdown!) We would've highly recommended at the time

Every March I organise a family trip. This year I chose this hotel. The following is an honest opinion and the only thing which let this hotel down was the reception staff. On Friday evening two members of our party arrived and although they had to call me to confirm that the remaining balance would be paid when I arrived on the Saturday (they flew from Scotland) the were then show their room. We arrived afternoon on the Saturday and although it is a good 1.5-2 hour drive from the airport it was so nice being southern and relaxing just what we had planned. Check in was not as straight forward as previous holidays we had ben on. We arrived and I waited in line only to be pushed in front of by several others whom were not British. I then firmly stood my place at the desk and gave the details of our party. We were then provided with a check in sheet (normally TUI provide this on the bus) and each party over the age of 14 had to complete these forms. We were then provided with our rooms to which I was told my room was not ready and I would have to wait. I firmly stood my ground and said no I was not willing to wait and they changed my room after a lot of pushing. Like most reviews we had paid for a sea view and although 5/6 rooms you could see the sea when you stood up (the balconies are quite high) I was staring at another room front door. It didn't matter I don't spend much time within the room. There are 2 pools. One is a fresh water pool and the other is a semi warm pool which most of the children congregated around so did get very busy. We only had one child with us so sat at the lower part of the complex and somebody just walked up with her to play in the warmer pool. Plenty of sunbeds when we arrived in March and relatively quiet so can not comment when this is peak. I think the hotel had only been open a couple of weeks when we arrived. There is 2 bars near poolside. One which serves alcohol (self service beer and soft drinks) and the other soft drinks only. The one which is not directly next to the heated pool completes a full salad bar and burgers etc for lunch this commences at 12. Very good choice. I only ate in the main restaurant for lunch the day we were leaving but wish I had visited it poor there was so much choice, There are a few activities and child's club around the pool which I can not comment on as did not partake. Evening meal is very repetitive like any all inclusive but varied choice for everybody. On arrival into the hall you can collect wine and water for the table but you are not permitted to take these out of the food hall. Night time the upper bar only had one bar tender on and the queue was quite large I would suggest another bar person on this area. The lower bar again help yourself to Wine but stand in the line for spirits etc. There is another restaurant which is for GOLD members. We were not told of any Gold upgrade but if you wish to eat at this restaurant you can for 20euros each. We chose not too. Entertainment was varied and will be entertaining for most. I would say the children's entertainers only spoke in Spanish and the British Children got very bored and would walk away as they didn't understand what they were saying. Maybe find out where the children are from and then speak accordingly. I appreciate we were in Spain but it is not just Spanish people whom arrive. The rooms are very basic and although there is a hairdryer the one in our room was blowing cold air so I would suggest taken your own. The shower is over the bath like most resorts but there was no shower curtain so the floor did get extremely wet and the room was very dark. I would recommend taken your own beach towels. My parents didn't take theirs and although paying 10 euros each they had difficulty getting this back and they didn't retain the paper invoice which was given to them when they paid and the assistant manager had said that they could have picked towels up from anywhere and took them back so how did they know it was actually theirs. People really do that???? I only went outside the resort once for a run and the beach is beautiful. Be advised that many found the hill back to the hotel quite demanding but take your time or even use the free shuttle and you ill be fine.

We stayed here for two weeks in march luckily we had enjoyed 10days before lockdown come in . We had a newly refurbished room, morden with plenty of space. Food was fantastic couldn't believe it! So much choice never went hungry. Helped yourselfs to bottled water and wine or beer with your evening meal. I'm used to going all inclusive & knowing that we may eat out but we never ate out once in 2 weeks. Snack bar was great next to pool had fresh burgers, hotdogs chips,toastie, salads, fruit etc open from around 12ish till 5pm as well as the main restaurant help yourself couldn't fault it plus a really friendly waiter! Two swimming pools one was heated ideal for children plenty of sunbeds didnt matter what time you got there. Which was main pool used by entertainment team the other pool was much quieter we never used. Evening entertainment was good had hotel team that done some shows plus different acts that would come in few times a week and kids show every night before main show. Brilliant holiday definitely be returning next year.