SBH Monica Beach Resort

After reading all the negative reviews we were pretty anxious about our holiday here. Upon check in the guy behind the desk was lovely, really welcoming and we were given something to eat and drink due to our delayed arrival. Rooms - our room was right on the edge on the complex which meant quite a walk to get anywhere, room was very dated and there were stains on the curtains and walls. We were told not to leave anything outside which we couldn’t anyway as didn’t really have a patio or balcony and not to leave doors or windows open due to previous breaks ins (not scary when there with children). Air conditioning was hit and miss and the room did tend to get very stuffy. Shower leaked, celling was covered in mould and the pull button to switch from bath to shower was broken. Reported these issues daily but they weren’t fixed. Room was cleaned daily although 1 day no new towels to shower with were left which meant the lengthy walk to reception to get some as the telephone in the room didn’t work. Did request a room change as didn’t feel particularly safe or a room close to what is advertised but were told they were full so a room change wasn’t an option. Food - food was plentiful however it was the same each day, no difference in the choice you had so did get rather boring and unexciting. Dinner hall does get busy and they ran out of clean plates, glasses quite regularly. There also appeared to be regular visits from local birds who liked to do their business on the floor and pinch food of plates. Facilities - Only 1 of the slides are working, pools are dated and need of repair here and there, only 3 pools not 4 as stated the 4th pool is now a patch of astro grass with showers. The basement room where the evening entertainment is does get really warm as no air conditioning and the entertainment is very hit and miss but wasn’t an issue for us anyway. Staff at this bar can be quite rude and unfriendly but the way some guests spoke to them I’m not surprised. If you’re not at the main pools by 8am at the lastest you stand very little chance of getting a sun lounger (which are also in need of an upgrade as some are broken and very dirty). No where enough outside seating in the evenings which lead to people including us having to sit on the sun loungers which isn’t ideal or comfortable. Staff - most staff are really friendly and work their butts off but again the way they get spoken to by some guests I’m not surprised some are grumpy. Doesn’t take much to say please, thank you or take your dirty plates/cups etc from around the pool to the bar rather than letting them build up by the loungers. Entertainment staff were ok, only really went out their way to entertain when it was a little cloudy. It was all very much the same every day and only really bothered when we were asked to fill out a survey. All in all I don’t believe this hotel is the 4 stars advertised, it’s such a shame it’s so run down and need of re-decorating, deep clean etc bec

I was slightly put off by all the negative reviews but glad we still decided to come. It is a slightly dated hotel in parts but a good standard in most areas. Pool areas are good. On the beach, just a short walk down. Nice beach bar and pool bar. Rooms were good. We had a sea view room in block 100 near the pool. Cleaning was good. Food was a bit similar each day but overall good choices and plenty of seating. Lots of spare sunbeds around the pool too. Overall a good choice for a family break in the sunshine. Don’t expect 5 star as you are not paying for that. Would definitely visit again and recommend to others.

Given some of the reviews we were a little anxious, and can safely say it exceeded our expectation. As a 4 star, it is great value. Everywhere is spotlessly clean. Our room was great and housekeeping super quick with additional requests. We asked for extra pillows and hangers and they were brought immediately. Whilst the pool are can be a little cramped, there's a nice roof terrace over the pool bar. There was no mad rush of early towels down too. Food was great. Very varied each day and something for everyone. Food items replenished quickly and clean and fresh too. All staff were delightful and eager to please. For a good value fly and flop in the sunshine this was ideal. We would definitely go back.