Barcelo Margaritas Royal Level Adults Only

We stayed for a week in the Barceló Margaritas Royal Level. Overall we had a really lovely time with the highlight being the service provided by all the staff who were super friendly and really helpful, it really was a case of 'nothing was too much trouble'. The pool area and the gardens are really well maintained and spotlessly clean with plenty of sun beds available when we were there (however I think this might be more of an issue in high season). There is a pool service for drinks which is really easy to use and had a great selection on offer. The room was a good size with a balcony big enough for two sun loungers and a small table and chairs. The bathroom was small but for a week's stay it wasn't an issue. We were All Inclusive and the mini bar selection was very limited with just a couple of bottles of water and soft drinks (no alcohol or snacks) and to get this restocked you were charged so we were buying water and other items from the local supermarket to use in our room. The only slight downside to the stay was the selection and varity of food available. Both breakfast and dinner is a buffet and while the quality was good, at dinner it all became very similar and after a few days I found myself reverting to the same thing every time. Lunch was ala carte but again the menu was quite restrictive with no new additions or 'specials' on a daily basis. The biggest downside for us was that there is no bar area in the Royal Level where you can sit and relax with a drink either before or after dinner.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this stay: I was looking forward to exercising and relaxing with food and drinks – neither of which was really possible. Several pieces of equipment in the gym were out of order for the entire duration of my stay (including two out of three treadmills and one out of two cross trainers). Overall, the gym was very small and basic, especially considering it was shared by two hotels. The restaurant was overcrowded during peak hours, giving it more of a cafeteria atmosphere. I've stayed at the Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level twice before – it was a completely different level. More space, higher quality overall, and less crowding. Barceló emailed guests during their stay to ask for feedback. When I mentioned the two issues (gym and overcrowded restaurant), they replied that a budget had been approved for gym renovations. They also stated that they were currently experiencing very high occupancy rates, which could explain the crowded buffet. This is the response you get when you're aware of the problems and don't intend to do anything about them. If I pay a premium for supposedly "royal" quality, I expect to receive it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The staff was friendly (though noticeably more stressed than at the Barceló Fuerteventura – which was also fully booked both times...). The junior suite was in good condition. There was ample free parking outside, and the hotel also offered a paid parking lot with an electric vehicle charging station. I'm happy for all the guests who had a good time here (many seemed satisfied), but I won't be returning.

Great room, great bedding, great service, great welcome... everything would be perfect if the food were up to par. It was a real bland canteen with cooks who were too busy because there weren't enough of them, so the plates were always empty. If you like undercooked chicken, pasta, and water with runny tomato sauce, then maybe, but otherwise... Opt for the package without half-board, and definitely not full-board. We ate at the restaurant 7 out of 10 days so as not to be disappointed by Gran Canaria. It's a shame because the location and the staff are fantastic!