BelleVue Aquarius

This hotel is widely recognized for its fabulous views of the sea and harbor, a signature feature that captivates many guests and makes it a memorable destination. Its central location in the old town, with easy access to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, is consistently highlighted as a major draw, making it an ideal base for sightseers and explorers. While the property is often described as dated and in need of renovation, many budget-conscious travelers and couples find it offers good value for money. For families, the hotel can serve as a functional base, though some aspects like pool depth and accessibility might require consideration. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request a lower-floor room if mobility is a concern, and be prepared for the pool's significant depth.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large swimming pool that is a central point for guests, though its condition receives mixed feedback. Many reviews note numerous missing tiles and a rough concrete surface around the pool area, and some describe the water as cold. The pool is notably deep, often exceeding 1.55 meters, with a smaller children's pool available. Sunbeds are plentiful, but they are typically locked until 10 AM. Guests frequently express frustration over the Wi-Fi, which is available for a fee and often reported as unreliable or non-functional in rooms. Similarly, TV access requires a refundable deposit for the remote, and only a limited number of English channels are provided. Washing facilities are on-site but incur a charge, and detergent is not supplied. An on-site shop is available, though its operating hours can be inconsistent.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The condition of the rooms is a frequent topic, with many guests describing them as very dated and in need of significant refurbishment. Issues such as worn furniture, ill-fitting doors, broken sockets, and peeling paint are commonly reported. While some guests found their rooms to be adequately clean despite the age, others reported significant dirt, grime, and stained furnishings or bedding upon arrival. Bed comfort varies, with some finding the beds comfortable and others describing them as hard or lumpy. Rooms lack air conditioning, relying instead on often noisy and ineffective ceiling fans. Bathroom issues include broken shower heads, mold, chipped enamel, and occasional reports of brown water. A recurring concern is the presence of cockroaches and other small pests within the rooms, which significantly impacts guest comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is mixed, particularly concerning the all-inclusive package. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, offering a decent selection of hot and cold items. However, food quality for lunch and dinner often receives criticism, with many guests describing the options as basic, repetitive, and sometimes lukewarm. Some guests found the food acceptable for the price point, while others opted to eat out frequently. The all-inclusive drink selection is often perceived as limited, typically including cheaper alcohol brands and watered-down soft drinks, with bottled water not included. Guests also report long queues at the bar and a lack of snacks provided between main meal times, leading some to feel the all-inclusive option was not good value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised as one of its strongest assets. Situated in the old town, it offers easy walking access to the harbor, a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops. Popular spots like Playa Chica beach are just a short walk away, and the main strip is also within comfortable walking distance. However, a significant aspect of the hotel's design is its accessibility, which is a major point of concern for many. The property is built on multiple levels, featuring numerous stairs to access different apartments, with no lifts or elevators available. This makes it particularly challenging and often unsuitable for guests with mobility issues, disabilities, or those traveling with prams or pushchairs.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, often highlighted as a major positive that compensates for some of the property's shortcomings. Reviewers frequently describe the team as friendly staff, helpful staff, attentive service, and accommodating. From quick check-in processes to assistance with various requests, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme. Specific mentions include the helpfulness of reception staff, the attentiveness of restaurant and bar personnel, and the responsiveness of maintenance staff in addressing room issues, even if the quality of repairs can sometimes be inconsistent.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and features that may impact their stay. The Wi-Fi is not complimentary and is often reported as expensive and unreliable. A TV remote deposit is required for in-room television access. The safe in the room also incurs an additional charge. For guests with early departures, there is no dedicated luggage storage room, with bags typically left in the reception area. The pool rules include specific opening times, with sunbeds locked until 10 AM, and there can be restrictions on inflatables. Some guests have noted the presence of ongoing building work in the vicinity, which may cause some noise.