great apartments
15 July 2008
we were very pleased with balcon del mar the staff are extremily pleasnt and our rooms were spotless and the view was breath-taking from our balcony we really enjoyed our stay and we would highly recommend it
mrs c kelly, dublin
Mature Couple (36+)
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Great value High standard accomodation
04 February 2008
4 th Feb 08 Just returned after spending a week at Balcon Del Mar with my daughter and my 3 yr old grandson I can honestly say we were really pleasantly surprised did-not expect to find such standards for the price we paid it was really the BEST value for money apartment I ever got When we arrived it was late evening and dark we found apartment to be really spacious lots of storage and so very clean kitchen area had 2 ring hob fridge kettle and toaster bathroom was spacious shower had great pressure water really hot be careful especially with children We walked down to the harbour area went for dinner got taxi back less than 3 euro Had great night;s sleep it was so quiet and peaceful What a surprise when we got up and looked out the window the view was stunning we could not believe we had not been charged extra you can see right over to Fuerteventura The pool area was really well maintained cleaned every morning ,water really COLD plenty of sunbeds no charge Reception staff very friendly and helpful Pool bar \ cafe was a bit disappointing as every time I went in staff were sitting at counter smoking does not really encourage you to eat there Pity lanzarote does not seem to have no smoking laws Do not let hill put you off it really not that bad bus stop right outside only one euro each way to resort centre taxis usually only 2 euro at daytime There is a Hipo diner supermarket close by also supermarket next door at La Flora .Chinese restaurant few doors away where you can eat in or they will deliver take away to your apartment at no extra charge I was abit worried that cats would be real problem but honestly they were okay if you don't encourage them they not bother never once heard them make noise at night Many thanks to Alpharooms as this accommodation was more expensive on other websites I would say if you are going to Lanzarote and want great value accommodation of a really good standard book Balcon del mar with Alpharooms
kathleen, West Cork Ireland
Other
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review of balcon del mar
09 January 2008
my partner our 12 year old daughter and my sister in law and her husband stayed in a double appartment over the new Year. The accomodation was clean and spacious, and a fantastic view of the sea and mountains (room b42). wouldn't want to stay there if it was for the pool I don't think you would get more than three people in it at the same time. good placing for the best restaurants in the harbour area but the walk to and from the appartments is very steep not recommended for older people with walking problems.
wendy baldock, south yorkshire
Family with teenagers 12+
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Balcon Del Mar
13 September 2007
My partner and I stayed in apartment b34 right beside the bar and pool. On first sight we cringed at the thought of being so close to the bar, but come 8pm everyone headed out and the bar was closed. It was extremely spacious and clean and the bathroom facilities were excellent!! The only downfall was that when we arrived we had to wait 2 hours until out room was ready. Luckily I had been there the year before and knew where to go to kill time before our room would be ready.
It is in a very quiet secluded part and you get an excellent view right out over the ocean and you can see the island Fuerteventura. There is a fair bit of walking involved to get to town and to all the best restaurants up and down the ‘cardiac hill’ but if you enjoy walking then I wouldn’t worry. My partner and I were really worried about the terrible reviews we read before going about this dreaded hill but it is not that bad!! To be honest it is perfect to burn off those calories from the all you can eat Chinese!! If you’re not into walking there are always taxi’s close by and a bus stop right outside the accommodation, but honestly, don’t be put off by the hill.
We also booked a tour of the south which was amazing. You get to see the amazing volcano landscapes and learn a little about the islands history and culture and you even get to go wine tasting. The fantastic shops and weather are the two things I cannot fault. BRING BUG REPELANT!! Flies and the odd mosquito at night are a bit of a pain.
Thumbs up all round for this accommodation, location and over-all holiday package. It takes a while getting familiar to the surroundings and small windy roads but we are only back a week and already thinking of booking again next year!!
Sarah Comfort/Brian Simpson, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
02 January 2007
Apartment no 24 was very basic, but very clean and large. The complex was clean but like the apartment needs to be updated, there were no umbrella's at the pool it didnt bother us as it was Christmas and the umbrella on our balcony was broken and very old.We never used the pool bar, looked old and shabby. We had a lovely view from our apartment. The apartments are in a good location and make an ideal base. Its a short walk to some very nice restaurant such as Bellenies very reasonable and really lovely, we eat there a good few times. Quintins at Avda Juan Carlos1, 25G not far from the shopping centre, more expensive but really lovely, and Montmartre Bistro 2 we had Christmas dinner there.
Jackie Garvey, Dublin
Family with teenagers 12+
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
15 October 2006
Apartments were as expected when booking this accommodation - basic but nice and spacious. We had a lovely sea view and were very close to the pool area. The rooms could have done with an update but were clean. Maid service was meant to be 5 times a week but I think they must have fancied an extra day off as we had them only 4! All in all we would opt to stay at these apartments again if we were looking for a cheap and cheerful holiday.
As for the supposed cardiac hill? Yes admittedly it is quite an incline from the harbour or new town back up the hill to the apartments. However, this is an exaggeration unless you are disabled, infirm or extremely unfit!! We managed it with a pushchair as well so don't let the hill put you off staying in the old town of Puerto Del Carmen.
We would like to recommend a couple of very nice places to eat that are English owned serving high quality food. They are both in the old town. If you go up from the Balcon Del Mar apartments, past the Flora apartments and then follow the road down to the Harbour you will firstly come across a small restaurant called 'Bellenies'. Then keep following the road towards the harbour, just before the Atlantis aparthotel and you will come across the second restaurant called 'Casa Cabana'. Both serve excellent food if looking for food such as Beef Wellington - instead of steak and chips all the time!
We also could not have asked for better weather in 80.C - 90.C all week. We will definitely be returning to Puerto Del Carmen at some stage as the resort suits everyone with it having both the old and new town.
Kathryn Mitchell, Doncaster/England
Family with Children 11 and Under
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
12 October 2006
We stayed in these apartments for one week in September, 2006. These apartments are of a very low 2 star standard. The location was not a problem for us, up a steep hill in the old town, which meant it was very quiet and cose to the harbour. We never once used a taxi, however, if you ventured into the strip at night you would need one. The reception staff were very helpful and friendly. Parking was never a problem despite the apartments being located on one of the main roads into PDC. From the outside the apartments were obviously painted regularly and the gardens well tended. The pathways, however, were never swept and amongst the piles of leaves and sand were cockroaches, dead and alive! After 3 days I eventually went and swept the area around our apartment, watched by the laughing gardener!!! The apartments themselves albeit very spacious, are obviously old and once inside don't look any younger. The saving grace for me was that the bathroom had clearly been renovated recently and was of a high standard. Everything else came out of the Ark. The beds were horrendously uncomfortable, the kitchen badly needing upgrading (fridge and dishes clean though). The apartment needed a good deep clean to get rid of the build up of dirt in the corners and along skirtings. The floor tiles were pre 1960's and the terrace doors badly needed replacing. We had our sheets changed once and after 4 days had to ask the reception for clean towels. The towels started smelling after 2 uses. I was assured they were meant to be changed every other day. Cleaning was not evident during our week, except in the kitchen. Our terrace was beautiful (despite the 6 cats that passed by frequently)and along with the bathroom was what saved me from walking out and booking in elsewhere. We read in the reviews that the pool bar was good, so shortly after our arrival we headed over for lunch. HEALTH WARNING! - DON'T SET FOOT IN THE PLACE! We walked in to be greeted by the man in charge sitting smoking at the bar. No-one else was in the place, yet the tables were littered with half finished drinks, which looked like they had been sitting for days. The tables had paper cloths on them, which had obviously been on the tables since January and never wiped down or replaced (I kid you not) with fag ash, crumbs and spilt drinks coating them. When I asked for a cloth the man had to look long and hard in his kitchen for one!
Mr and Mrs Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
11 September 2006
Clean apartments with basic facilities.
Karen, Sussex
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
11 September 2006
When we arrived at the Balcon Del Mar, we couldn't believe our luck as we were given 2 rooms next to each other and directly at the side of the main pool / bar. This made our holiday more enjoyable as we could spend all day at the pool and go back to the room for food or drinks when every we needed. Should you have the choice, request a room between 28 to 32, they are ideal. The rooms were very clean with all the mod cons needed on a self catering holiday. There were a few cats but if you left them alone, they would leave you alone.
We have been away several times with each other and this is the first time we have been somewhere and we couldn't spend our money. Food and drinks were so cheap in restaurants as well as the supermarket (Dino Hyper market was extremely handy for snacks and drinks).
We went to a couple of chinese restaurants, both were beautiful; the Purple Turtle serves a lovely breakfast to soak up the "pop" from the night before; the "homemade" chips in the Balcon Del Mar pool bar were to die for and their salads were just as good. I could just talk about the food forever, but you have to go to find out how good it is.
Other reviews have mentioned that the hotel is on a hill. You will be glad of it as you manage to burn off a few pounds walking up & down it everyday. Ideal for walking off the chinese food !!
There is a Live Music Bar not far away from the hotel. This is were we had a couple of really good nights. The music and atmosphere was amazing. Their lager wasn't up to standard so we went on bottled beer. Speaking of Lager, the best pint has to be in the Ginty McGinty Irish bar. A large Tropical will sent you back 2.50 Euros and it knocks your socks off (better than stella and it actually tastes nice).
We went onto the "strip" but the bars were so warm and stuffy that we prefered the old town were you could sit outside or even in air-conditioned bars and have a drink without sweating over everyone.
We hope we have helped you to make your mind up about staying in the Balcon Del Mar, and Peurto Del Carmen as a whole. It is a really wounderful destination. We just wish we had booked to stay longer so that we could go on some excursions.
Enjoy....!
Claire, Bob, Debs & Nelly, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England
Group of Young Friends/Couples
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
27 August 2006
Just returned from 2 fantastic weeks staying in Balcon Del Mar Apts.
Accommodation is great. My boyfriend and I stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment. The bedroom is a good size with two bedside cabinets, a dresser, a large mirror, and sliding-door wardrobes with plenty of space for clothes. There is a good sized window (with bars on the outside for your safety - sounds daunting but certainly doesnt take away from the overall look of the apartments).
The kitchen is basic, with just two rings for a cooker, but to be honest, who wants to stay in and cook on holiday anyway?! There are plenty of cupboards for storage, and a kettle, coffee maker, and toaster were provided in our apt.
The bathroom is lovely, very clean. Suite consists of a shower into a bath, there is ood water pressure which can be altered and desired temperature is always easily achieved.
The kitchen into the sitting room has a breakfast bar with three high stools, then in the sitting room there is a couch (with a bed underneath), a coffee table, and two large chairs. There is huge bay window with a door onto the balcony.
Balconies are a great size, in all of the apts. All look out to the sea as well. Obviously some still have better views than others, but thats expected. Balconies are a sun trap too for all sun lovers.
There are 80 apts all in so its not that large compared to others. There are two good sized pools. The main pool, situated in front of the pool bar (and featured in all the photos shown on sites of the apts) is lovely. There are two large circles split by a little concrete-style bridge. The smaller circle is good for kids, but the larger of the circles is very deep, and you are unable to stand. The other pool (which I never sat at) is 2m or just over, all round.
Now to the poolside bar. The bar is owned by an Irish couple, Mark and Fiona. They are absolutely fantastic and if you need to know anything about the island or where to go for something, just ask and they will do their best to help you. The bar staff are fantastic too, Lynn and Hazel. However, I did hear that there was to be a new manager and so Lynn and Hazel wont be there. I can only hope that the new staff will be just as friendly and welcoming. Im sure we can trust Mark and Fionas judgement.
If you do visit, do tell them that Ashley and John-David from Glasgow say hello and send our best.
So.... thats the accomodation.<
Ashley Rogers, Glasgow
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
11 August 2006
Spanish run warm and friendly staff who moved us immediately from our apartments on the bottom pool to the bar side apartments which appeared cleaner and more child friendly. Bar Staff were excellent -Cliff and Lynn where you can enjoy an Irish breakfast from as little as 3 euro. Food served all day/night 9-when you leave. Two pools, the bottom pool one depth for adults, the top pool split level- child/adult. Rooms cleaned and linin/ towels changed every second day. If you have children and you want entertainment go next door to the Flora apartments where you will find better pool/ entertainment from 11 to midnight -Free!!! This season the two girls entertainers there are Marianne and Vivien from Holland who made our holiday so enjoyable- Try it for yourselves but everyone on the complex enjoyed them. Watch out for the spanish holiday makers who mainly come at weekends- No respect for the British or Irish and they regard everything as theirs by right. Still this was our best holiday in 18 years. Thank you Alpha rooms. If anyone would like more info please e mail me at welderqual@tiscali.co.uk
Derek O'Flaherty, Great Dunmow Essex
Family with Children 11 and Under
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
11 August 2006
Pool and bar area fantastic, excellent for children.
Staff very friendly and helpful.
Rooms very basic with maid service 6 out of 7 days.
Bus stop for island right outside door, excellent service.
Shops, bars, restaurants and harbour within a couple of minutes walk.
Excellent holiday.
lawson, durham
Family with Children 11 and Under
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
23 June 2006
Balcon Del Mar is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed in Lanzarote and would recommend my friends & family to stay there when they visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly & the staff are always helpful, they also have a pool bar that has everything that a family or couple could wish for.
Nova Burns, Manchester, England
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
20 June 2006
Can't fault the place (well maybe the Irish football coverage) but overall spot on for location within the old town, sea views were amazing!
Andrew Jones, Liverpool
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
16 May 2006
Clean rooms,good maid service,great pool bar..say hello to Lynne,Fiona ,Mark & James when you get there & receive some excellent hospitality.See all soon
Douglas , Glasgow
Mature Couple (36+)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
25 April 2006
The hotel was far better than we expected for what we paid, the balcony was a sun trap!! Basic but everything you need to enjoy a break away, the only let down was the weather as it was cloudy most of the time, however thats not the hotels fault lol!! for eats, as suggested by other reviewers we went to the purple turtle which was the best breakfast and lunch we had the whole time there. didnt think much of the strip however it was early in the season. take a walk down to the harbour where you'll find gorgeous little beaches and cafes.
would defo go back hopefully sooner than later as the island is beautiful!!
Vikki McCloskey, Glasgow, Scotland
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
21 March 2006
My wife & I visited Balcon del Mar last September. We had a very relaxing time. The apartments were basic, but clean. The staff were very friendly & efficient....We did have a problem with the toilet flush, but with the help of the gardener & one of the maids (It was the maintenance man's day off) the problem was soon fixed. We had been warned about the cats, but being cat owners ourselves,found them no problem....We found the kittens delightful. As for the location of the apartments, it was ideal. Yes, it is on a hill, but not too steep. There are some excellent restaurants nearby, as well as a couple of well stocked supermarkets. I recommend Tres Penas ( just across the street)Where I enjoyed the best steak that I have ever eaten. We also used the Purple Turtle, but beware, as this is the only restaurant that we found that charged extra for usin a credit card. If you fancy a quieter drink, I recommend the German bar, Deutsches Eck, just down the hill...Very friendly & the drinks are a bit cheaper. To sum up, Would we go back to Balcon del Mar?.....Well, we have already booked for this year!
Malcolm Smith, Weymouth, England
Mature Couple (36+)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
18 March 2006
just back after a week in the balcon del mar...The apartments are very spacious and very clean. we only found one small problem and that was the lack of sockets (especially when theres more then 1 girl trying to get ready to go out)!!! Apart from that they are a leisurely 10 minute stroll away from the beach and at the bottom of the road are some of the best restaurants on the island i would recomment El Altica at the marina..!!! i read reviews before going that said the apartments were at the top of cardiac hill, what a laugh yes theres a hill but its not steep and certainly not cardiac unless your about 90..!!! So if you're thinking of going to these apartments then i would recommend them....!!! thanks.
lynne , glasgow
Group of Young Friends/Couples
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
19 February 2006
We were very pleased with the facilities
Rudi Mariussen, Denmark
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
29 January 2006
Just got home after a fantastic ten day stay at the Balcon Del Mar apartments. The apartments are situated in the old town of Puerto Del Carmen, about 4 minutes walk down to the harbour. Although the walk is described as "Cardiac Hill" please don't be put off by this, its really not that bad at all.
The apartments represent fantastic value for money, have stayed at the Flora Appts before and Portonovo - and the balcon del mar was equally as good, but a lot cheaper. The apartments were a good size, and were very clean and well decorated. Most of the apartments are well away from the road so there was no background noise at all, and there's no disco's nearby - so no pounding beats to keep you awake at night.
The apartments were cleaned daily, with fresh towels every third day. We had a lovely sea view as well. I know some people mention the problem of cats at the Balcon Del Mar, but being totally honest, there's cats everywhere on lanzarote!! and they really were not a problem in the slightest, i did not get disturbed or woken up once by meowing, and i am a light sleeper, so please don't get put off by this!!
If you are cat lovers then please be responsible - don't feed the cats in your apartment, the next guests may not be cat lovers!! There are speicific feeding stations around the complex so use these!!
The pool areas were great, plenty of sunbeds and all very clean, lots of lovely plants everywhere gave it a lovely relaxed feel. The bar was good serving a good range of well priced snacks and drinks.
The reception was good as well, making booking trips and hiring a car very easy work, we had a car for a week which was great. Would definately recommend Papagayo beach, Jameos del Agua and the Rancho Texas Park...(the parrot shows are so funny!!)
Overall i would recommend Balcon Del Mar to any of my family or friends.
Troy Coverdale, Warwick/England
Young Couple (18-35)
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'
15 December 2005
This was my second stay at the "Balcon". The apartments are large and very spacious if a bit old fashioned. Bathrooms are all recently upgraded and tiled and very modern and clean. Bedrooms are very big with plenty of storage space and extra blankets/pillows. Best of all is the large living area and compact kitchen with cooker and oven. Outside is a nice sized patio area for private sun worshipping or late nightcap. Poolside bar was not up to much on first visit but this time was much improved - mainly due to new owners - Irish, who are well in tune with what we want away from home. They even had RTE for the Budget!!! All the soaps (as if you can ever really get away from them!. And great characters as well! Staff were their usual excellent self although the night staff are not completely fluent in English but always help when the language barrier is finally broken with hand signals etc... Only drawback? THE HILL!!! Long walk back up after a freewheel down into the old town but then taxis are cheap and plentiful. All in all compared to some of the more modern(?) apartments I've stayed in in Lanzarote the Balcon Del Mar offers better room space and nicer staff. With the bar situation improved I would recomend these apartments to anyone! Will be back again with my family in 2006! Can't get better than that!
John Casey, Cork, Ireland
Solo Traveller
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Review of 'BALCON DEL MAR'excellent
21 March 2005
we stayed in room number 9 fantastic views best apartments we have ever stayed in the staff were very helpful... we will highly recommend you to our friends and we will be back over in 3 weeks hopefully you can have us again looking forward to staying with you didnt get the name of girl at reception lovely very helpful will get her name next time yours faithfully anna
anna lynch , ireland
Other
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