Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun Playa Blanca

When we arrived at the hotel, a concierge parked our car for us, which was a nice touch; this is what one expects in a hotel with such a star rating. The staff were mostly lovely (the bar staff could be grumpy at times, maybe due to the amount of people they had to serve) and the entertainment team were great with children and so friendly. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide range of choices, ranging from continental to 'full English'. We only had lunch once in the buffet restaurant, as the bar by the pool was easier to eat for lunch, and the food was good lunch food from there, and there are eating places within driving distance. The evening buffet was limited and 'samey' - I ate the same meal most evenings. The location is really good - right on the beach (you can get out to the beach from the hotel), and only a short drive from other good places to visit (and drivable to the volcano) - we had a car, but some friends that we met there, completely by chance, would get a taxi to nearby places they wanted to visit, which the hotel staff were more than happy to assist with. We did not visit the Italian restaurant on site - we were just never organised enough to get it booked as you have to book days in advance - but our friends did visit the restaurant and said it was lovely food. The hotel is also right next door to a small shopping arena (not really noticeable from the hotel) with a little supermarket, which was within one minute walking distance and super handy. Overall, it was a positive experience - the only downside were the blaring music late at night and the lack of reasonable variety and quality of food in the evening buffet.

Christopher