A look at the Brisa Sol... (Brisa Sol)

Member Name: Campbell87

Product:	Brisa Sol
Date:	01/07/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: location, cleanliness

Disadvantages: noise

We (a couple in their early twenties) stayed at the Brisa Sol for five days in June 2009.
We pre-booked a pool view room, which was fantastic. Our room was situated on the ground floor, which at first, seemed dauntingly un-private but we settled in well and basked in the perks. The greatest thing about a ground level pool view is that your balcony has its own access point to the pool area. So there is no hanging around doors and charging for sun beds come 9am, and if by chance you miss a sun bed, you can convert the chairs on your balcony / in room, with a few towels and pillows into some pretty comfortable loungers, on a semi-private patio. This also means that we did not have to cart all kinds of belongings and goodies out to the pool area with us; it took seconds to pop back into the room.

The room itself was a studio, not the apartment we expected. It was small but big enough for just 2 people. The room consisted of two single beds pushed together (that were not terrible comfortable!), a small kitchenette area (complete with fridge, 2 ring hob, kettle, dishes, cutlery, pots/pans etc), a couch and coffee table area, small TV, bathroom (the power of the shower was amazing! It is perfect for blasting sandy beach water out of your hair!), wardrobe (hanging space, extra pillows, thicker blankets and 3 drawers) and a lockable cupboard (containing the safe, extra chairs, bin, and more hanging space).

The room was cleaned daily and towels are changed when you leave them in the bath, though they do ask you not request fresh towels everyday to help save on water usage etc.

The room was not the most soundproof and we were frequently woken by loud returning guests and could hear the entertainment in the bar perfectly, as if we were there.

The safe lock and key has to be purchased from reception. There is an initial deposit of 15euros (refundable at the end of your holiday as long as you return the lock/key and receipt) and then a further non-refundable 10 euros per week of your stay. (As we stayed less than a week it only cost us around 6 euros.)

The pool area is around 2 - 3 months old and is great. There are plenty of sun beds on various levels and areas around the pool. The pool in open from 9am to 8.30pm. The water however, is freezing! No matter what time of day you jump in, it is always cold! There is an indoor pool that is heated but you are required to wear a swimming cap to use it. There is no real 'deep end' to the pool, (I am 5ft 4in and could stand flat footed at the deep end, head clearly and comfortably above the water). There is a kids paddling area too that is separated from the main pool. Do note, I never once noticed a lifeguard on duty so keep an eye on little swimmers. There is a pool side snack/bar area that serves sandwich and some hot meals (we never ate here but what we seen looked nice). There is also a shaded kids club area with some soft toys in that is gated for safety but it did not appear to be manned by staff, just other parents.

The hotel has both a tennis and squash court that you can hire out for a fee. The sauna is also available for 3euros per person but they did not say how long you could spend in there. There is also a gym and Jacuzzi but they required a different card to access (we presumed you have to pay to gain access).

The hotel bar boasts live entertainment most nights which is advertised in the lobby area and on boards around the hotel. There is also a small newsagents to the right of the bar entrance but it did not seem to stock any English papers/magazines.

We never ate at the hotel but we have heard good things about the buffet selection. Menus can be found at reception and inside the lift.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They are also able to help you book days out to ZooMarine, Aquashow and Slide n Splash. Most coaches for these trips pull up at the tourist train stop right outside the hotel to the left.

The location is perfect. There is the Modela supermarket next door to the right which also houses several other shops/outlets and a food court. The prices at the supermarket seemed reasonable for most things and you could stock up well for self catering. The hotel is a 15 - 20 minute walk from the Old Town and beach. There is also the tourist train which will stop outside the hotel (Blue bus shelter to the left) that will take you to the strip or old town (Around 40min circular). It runs until after midnight and is a cheaper alternative to taxis.

There is also a 'commercial' zone across the road that has several restaurants, shops, a McDonalds and KFC. There is also an internet cafe which is cheaper than the internet access in the hotel (3 computers near the games room, around 1euro for 10minutes).

The games room has an indoor mini golf and a few arcade machines and air hockey.

In all, we enjoyed our stay here and would pick this hotel again for the great location and price.

Summary: A great base camp for exploring the surrounding area.