Monterey Royale, Tenerife

We are CLC members and this was our first visit to Monterey. We couldn’t get into Royale, so this review is for the basic accommodation and basic it is.

We had a 2 bedroom apartment which could have done with a spruce up – especially the bathrooms. There wasn’t any aircon and the fans didn’t really cool any of the rooms down. All of the beds were quite uncomfortable (and I can sleep anywhere) with the double having a lump all down the middle as a result of it being 2 singles bolted together. Neither of the bathrooms had fans which made for uncomfortable conditions after showers and other necessary activities! The kitchen was compact and we were disappointed to see there wasn’t a washing machine which we were sure was advertised (must check on the website).

Our balcony was very spacious with a table, chairs and sun loungers (2 of which were broken). We didn’t really use them so didn’t notify reception – probably should have done.

Our room was next door to the cleaners office so from early in the morning we had staff coming and going and conversing quite loudly.

The facilities on-site are OK. Reception is open 24 hrs and the ladies who work there are very, very helpful and pleasant. There is a minimarket which seemed well stocked (again, we didn’t use).

The pool bar – sunrise was as expected. Food seemed good quality and the staff were again very helpful and pleasant. Disappointingly, this bar closed at 6pm which given the heat and several hours of sun left, seemed very early. It would have been nice to move from the pool to the bar, have a drink and then go up to our rooms.

As the pool is used by both hotels, the sunbeds were sometimes in short supply. The kids pool was out of order for some of the time and there was very little shade if you didn’t grab an umbrella. If you did get an umbrella, they would only go ‘up’ about 4ft as they seemed too heavy for the poles????? There was also a really weird rule about inflatables which I can understand if people are bringing big lilos’, but we saw the lifeguard stop a mum bringing a small ball in for her child which seemed harsh.

The sunset restaurant was OK. We only ate there once and found it overpriced for the quality. Again, the staff were lovely and the entertainment was very enjoyable. It was Latin night and the dancers were fab.

Like all CLC resorts, it’s at the top of a near inaccessible hill – I mean crazily steep! and even though it’s not far, there really should be a complimentary shuttle bus into town.

One good thing this resort has over other CLC’s we’ve visited is wifi is free, unlimited devices and available pretty much everywhere (although bizarrely not in reception)

Overall, we had a good weeks holiday and the apartment made an adequate base.