Well! It was definitely wonderful to be back in the Marina Suites for last two weeks of January. Our last visit here had been November 2018 - and a lot had intervened (not least the pandemic) to prevent my husband, Andrew, and me from returning sooner. This current visit would be either our 12th or 13th stay here. It was like home from home for us. Indeed we were guests so regularly there that we would get a complimentary upgrade to the upper floors - 8 or 9 - and I did request that this time too - by email - using all the charm and powers at my disposal - to no effect! No worries! We were given a 5th floor suite 517 - right in the middle - overlooking the marina. It was fine! These suites are enormous and wonderfully appointed. First room to greet a guest (off a long hallway) is a good sized bedroom, large bed, hanging rails either side of a wardrobe with safety box in; a small table at one side of bed and a large, round table at other side (table lamp on it). Sockets for charging appliances at either side of bed and individual, bendy reading lamps at each side too. This room also includes a standard lamp and a basket chair. In the wardrobe can be found an iron and there is a really small ironing table hanging on the...Well! It was definitely wonderful to be back in the Marina Suites for last two weeks of January. Our last visit here had been November 2018 - and a lot had intervened (not least the pandemic) to prevent my husband, Andrew, and me from returning sooner. This current visit would be either our 12th or 13th stay here. It was like home from home for us.
Indeed we were guests so regularly there that we would get a complimentary upgrade to the upper floors - 8 or 9 - and I did request that this time too - by email - using all the charm and powers at my disposal - to no effect! No worries! We were given a 5th floor suite 517 - right in the middle - overlooking the marina. It was fine! These suites are enormous and wonderfully appointed. First room to greet a guest (off a long hallway) is a good sized bedroom, large bed, hanging rails either side of a wardrobe with safety box in; a small table at one side of bed and a large, round table at other side (table lamp on it). Sockets for charging appliances at either side of bed and individual, bendy reading lamps at each side too. This room also includes a standard lamp and a basket chair. In the wardrobe can be found an iron and there is a really small ironing table hanging on the clothes rail.
Next - the bathroom, with wash hand basin, bath with shower, toilet, hairdryer. Toiletries are attached to wall for basin and hair and shower gel on wall next to shower.
The main area of the suite consists of the lounge with sofa and easy chair. A shelf set running along one wall, containing a table lamp and television. The wall opposite also has a taller set of shelves which hold most of the crockery, glassware etc for the kitchen, dining area of the lounge.(although this only uses up about a third of the shelf space). There is a fridge, toaster, microwave, coffee machine and electric kettle. There is also a two plate electric hob with extractor hood above. And the sink, of course. There are pots and pans, cutlery etc in the drawer and cupboard beneath the work surface/breakfast bar.
There is a variety of thematic art pieces on the walls in the lounge and bedroom - all to do with the sea! The whole decor of the suite is quirky, not in anyway like a traditional hotel, and to me very, very appealing.
The last bit of living space is the balcony - with a sturdy metal dining table and 4 chairs - and two balcony easy chairs. All very roomy.
However - no matter how attractive and appealing the suites are - a hotel of any description is only as good as the personnel who work there - from the minute a guest registers at reception - all the way through to those who cater for guests at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and those who maintain the suite on a daily basis. I know I’m only speaking for myself but every single member of staff we dealt with - without exception - were just wonderful. Pleasant, friendly, helpful, caring, respectful- nothing too much trouble.
Let me give a shout out to the following:
Jorge - the director
Jose - the assistant director
Victoria and Daysan (amongst others) on reception.
Laura - a lovely young woman who encourages guests to try gentle yoga, and aqua exercises, and serves up tasty tapas and pink bubbly on a Wednesday afternoon at the director’s hosting party for guests. All welcome.
Dianna - our regular room steward - always cheery - always leaves the room immaculate - a sweetheart.
Anibel, Judith, Anily, Nico, Roberto, Omar at the alfresco restaurant on 1st floor where we had breakfast every morning - looking out over the Atlantic.
But I reserve very special mention for two, very dear, young men in this restaurant, who, over the years, we have come to know a little bit - Juan and Tony. They are the senior waiters here - and as soon as I see them again - it’s like being home from home. I just love them to bits. They feel like my ‘Gran Canaria family’ . They both epitomise the best of the ethos of the Marina Suites to me - friendliness, kindness, caring, - always ensuring that guests receive the very best experience on their holidays.
Och I could go on and on. Thank you everyone at the Marina suites - once more we had a lovely time and it was good to be back.More