SBH Royal Monica

So we booked this all inclusive knowing that it probably wasn’t going to be the best we have visited, due to the price we paid and the reviews we read. We went knowing that at worst we would just use as a base and probably just have breakfast. The cost of this 6 night trip was cheaper than self catering we had been to in Playa Blanca previously. We arrived in the evening and was booked in swiftly. Not much information given at reception, but if we needed anything we could ask later. Put cases in and went for the evening meal as it was due to close at 9.30. Food was fine, went for a wander, found a self service bar, lots on tap - beers, wine, sangria and soft drinks. This was empty but we wasn’t sure why. So we wandered to the beach and then found the pool and the pool bar. A huge building with a bar and a stage, it was karaoke night- this is where everyone was at. Anyway just to say for the rest of our stay, we used the restaurant everyday, the pool bar every night and the beach each day. We didn’t feel the need to go out to restaurants or Playa Blanca. We just relaxed and enjoyed the laid back vibes of the hotel, ate the food each day which was great. Obviously if we had been there longer than 6 nights we may have ventured out more. Everything becomes repetitive after a while, no matter what food you eat or where you eat it. We have been to some really lovely modern new all inclusive and still got a bit bored by the food after a while. It is the main complaint of all inclusive I’m sure. So in all honesty, this is a tired looking hotel- it needs a bit of TLC. But for the amount of time we spent in the hotel building and the room it was fine. If you sit back you can find fault in everything. We spent our time in the bar or on the beach, certainly not looking for negatives. The food was lovely, we’re not fussy though. There was a massive range of salads, pastas, meat, fish, potatoes, chips, cold meats, cheese etc. desserts were mainly yoghurts, rice pudding, crème caramel, cake, ice cream and fruit. The drinks were lovely, I’m a bit more fussy about my drinks than my food and never had any problems with the range of drinks on offer. Would we book again? definitely. The price was great, the location to the beach was great, food great, drinks great. The staff were all lovely and helpful. A couple of long faces on some of the staff but I’m sure overworked and tired staff all over have their moments. Again, it’s not the best looking hotel we have been in. But if you can look past that and not just sit looking for faults you will have a lovely holiday. When it becomes repetitive, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to visit. It has the nicest walk to Playa Blanca with shops, bars and restaurants. It has a local bus outside the hotel that loops right around back to the hotel or get a taxi for about €5.