SBH Monica Beach Resort
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"Very poor experience"
We spent only two hours at Monica Beach, and unfortunately our experience was extremely disappointing. Upon arriving late at night, my 7-year-old and I were informed by a very rude reception supervisor that, due to overbooking, we had been relocated to the sister hotel, SBH Palace. We were told to pay for our own taxi with the promise of reimbursement and all-inclusive wristbands, which never materialized. The Palace was unsuitable for a small child—no kids’ disco, no animation, and only half board—making it an inadequate substitute for what we had paid for. Attempts to access the Monica Beach facilities were confusing and frustrating. We could not get pool towels, were repeatedly sent back and forth between hotels, and the AI wristbands were taken away. When we finally spent a couple of hours at Monica Beach, it was dirty, overcrowded, and poorly maintained. Drinks were tiny, food was bland, and the water slides were unsafe due to lack of supervision. The reception area was outdated and smelled of sewage, and outdoor spaces were poorly kept. We would have accepted a sincere explanation, proper communication, and a paid taxi or suitable AI alternative, but the hotel showed no concern. Thankfully, Thomas Cook moved us to R2 Rio Calma, a proper 4-star all-inclusive, and provided compensation. The only positive at Monica Beach is the location, but overall it felt more like a 3-star property. We will definitely avoid SBH hotels in the future.
"No frills accommodation, 4* is questionable"
We stayed at this hotel for five days as a family in an apartment on an all-inclusive basis, and overall it was an almost average, no-frills experience. On the positive side, the kids loved the pool and beach, the room was clean and serviced daily, and the small slide at the kids’ pool (only one working) was enjoyable. The Africa Bar near the beach offered a nice view, and the beach itself was accessible. However, the accommodation was extremely basic, with dark, tired decor and hanging curtains. The food, while varied, was bland, unseasoned, and often unappealing, with breakfast being the best but still only average. Sunbeds were grubby, broken, and overcrowded, and towels had to be rented and placed early to save spots. Coffee wasn’t available before breakfast, the main pool felt cramped, and there was no lifeguard monitoring the slides. Security was minimal, allowing easy access from the main road, raising safety concerns. Our departure experience was also disappointing: the courtesy room offered for showering before the airport was dirty, unprepared, and smelled of mold. In short, this is a basic, tired, and unloved hotel. While it has potential, it would need significant investment to reach higher standards. We were glad our stay was short and would not return or recommend it.
"Not to bad"
We had a good week at this hotel with no major problems. The property is very clean, the all-inclusive food is above average, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Some small issues include only one water slide being operational and rather poor evening entertainment. Sunbeds by the main pool are hard to secure, but there’s always one available by the slide pool. The hotel caters more to a continental crowd, so don’t expect a traditional English breakfast or English-style bars. One important tip: use a safe, as there were one or two attempted break-ins, although security was attentive and responsive. Overall, it’s a pleasant stay with good food, clean facilities, and friendly service.
"Ok but not great."
After reading the negative reviews, we were initially anxious about our holiday, but check-in went smoothly and the staff were welcoming, even offering food and drinks due to our delayed arrival. Our room, however, was located on the edge of the complex, requiring long walks to amenities. The accommodation was very dated, with stained curtains and walls, a leaking shower, mold on the ceiling, a broken bath-to-shower switch, and inconsistent air conditioning. Daily cleaning was generally good, but one day no fresh towels were provided, requiring a walk to reception. Requests for a room change were denied due to full occupancy. The food was plentiful but repetitive and uninspiring, with busy dining halls running out of plates and glasses, and occasional visits from birds stealing food. Facilities were also lacking: only one of the two kids’ slides worked, the pools were dated, and the advertised fourth pool had been removed. Sun loungers were limited, often broken or dirty, and outdoor seating in the evenings was insufficient. The evening entertainment was hit-or-miss, and some bar staff could be unfriendly, though most staff worked very hard and were friendly overall. Overall, this hotel does not live up to its advertised four-star rating. While the location is stunning and most staff are commendable, the property is run-down, in need of refurbishment, and requires improved security. We made the most of our five-night stay with trips out, but we would not return.
"Monica Beach Resort is good 4/5 stars"
Monica Beach Resort is a great all-inclusive hotel offering a clean and comfortable stay. We stayed in a double room, which was cleaned daily and equipped with air conditioning and a ceiling fan that worked adequately. The hotel provides drinks and food throughout the day, with soft and hot drinks available for self-service and alcoholic beverages from attentive bar staff. The food is tasty, varied, and fresh, catering to a wide range of tastes. The resort features two separate swimming pools, a pool bar, and a smaller pool with two slides. Pool areas are well-maintained, and the water is clean without an overpowering chlorine smell. The beach is just a short walk away, and a nearby hotel bar offers drinks with a sea view. Beach sunbeds and umbrellas are available but require a small additional cost. Some drawbacks include slightly dated rooms and bathrooms, an old-fashioned TV with limited options, and poor Wi-Fi coverage throughout the hotel. Another issue is that early-morning sunbed reservation with towels can make the pool area feel crowded, with staff rarely enforcing rules. Overall, Monica Beach Resort earns 4 out of 5 stars from us. It is an excellent choice for families and couples looking for fun, good food, and a relaxed all-inclusive holiday.
"Not a 4-Star Experience – Honest Review from a Young Family"
We’ve just returned from a week at SBH Monica Beach Resort and, unfortunately, we would rate it no higher than three stars. The resort has potential, but several issues let it down. After 14 hours of travelling with our one-year-old, we arrived to find our room’s air conditioning wasn’t working. After some insistence, we were moved, but it was not a great start. The rooms are dated and in need of refurbishment, with uncomfortable beds and minimal bedding, though housekeeping was excellent, keeping the room clean and tidy. The food offered variety each day, but some dishes were undercooked, and drinks were served in tiny glasses, meaning frequent trips back and forth. Bar hours were limited, with the Africa Bar near the beach closing at 6pm, and the children’s pool bar closed all week. The kids’ pool was disappointing, with green algae accumulating over the week, and the children’s play area was unpredictably shut. The Asian restaurant was nearly impossible to book, and sunbed enforcement was poor. Security was lacking, as anyone could enter from the street or beach. Positives included the stunning location, the African Market, the resort centre with mini golf and a beauty room offering relaxing massages, and a well-stocked hotel shop with reasonable prices. Evening entertainment wasn’t suitable for families with young children. Overall, we made the most of our week, but the resort requires better management, organisation, and maintenance to meet a true four-star standard. Some staff were lovely and hardworking, but the property itself falls short.
"Huge complex brilliant food kid friendly"
My husband and I just returned from a week at this resort and had an enjoyable stay. The food was amazing—plentiful, tasty, and varied. I particularly loved the bread, cheese, meats, and garlic mussels, and the desserts and snack bar offerings were also good. The pools were well-maintained, and the smaller pool with slides was often empty, giving plenty of space to relax. Sunbeds fill up quickly by 9 a.m., and beach beds cost an extra €15 for two. The resort offers a great selection of drinks, including sangria, which was surprisingly strong but enjoyable. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the basketball, tennis courts, and crazy golf, and there are shops both on the complex and nearby. Staff were friendly and welcoming, and we enjoyed learning midweek that we could use facilities at other SBH hotels. Some drawbacks included our room being at the bottom of a steep hill, which made carrying luggage a workout, a broken bed that couldn’t be fixed immediately, and thin walls that made noise from neighboring rooms noticeable. We also found a bug under the bed protector on the last day. The Asian restaurant’s hours were different from what the website stated, which was disappointing. On the plus side, the entertainment team was friendly and relaxed, offering certificates for activities without pressure. The resort has charming chipmunks on the beach and cats around the property, adding to its family-friendly vibe. Pack plenty of sunscreen, even in mild weather, and be aware that the resort may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would happily return—it’s perfect for families with children.
"Great hotel great location shame the service"
This hotel boasts a great location on a calm coast with a beautiful beach and refreshing water, making bathing feasible and enjoyable. The rooms are clean, spacious, and comfortable, with dated decor but well-maintained beds — though a bidet would have been a nice addition. The staff are friendly, professional, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. However, the service has some notable drawbacks. Pool bars close as early as 6pm, long before the sun sets, and the last bar doesn’t close until 11pm, which feels inconsistent. Sun loungers are reserved from early morning, making it difficult to find a free spot unless staff enforce usage rules. The all-inclusive offering would benefit from 24-hour beverage dispensers and more snack options for late arrivals. Paid WiFi is poor, and some bar and snack choices are limited, lacking fruit, yogurt, or simple iced drinks. On the positive side, restaurant service is excellent with a good variety of dishes, and the animation team is always present and engaging. With a few service improvements, this hotel could easily meet higher expectations.
"It is not a 4 stars hotel!"
I stayed at the resort alone with my children and booked a standard room, only to find it located far from the main building—about a 10-minute walk in a completely separate structure. The room was damp, smelled musty, and faced a plain wall, giving it a very confined and unpleasant feel. When I requested a room change, I was told unprofessionally that the hotel was fully booked and I might hear back in three days, despite availability showing elsewhere online. I also noticed that the area around my room had open access to the street, which made me feel unsafe, but the staff consistently responded with little more than “I’m sorry.” The room was poorly maintained, with the floors never cleaned and humidity so bad that our bed stayed wet all week. During our stay, I even noticed police on site after someone had been injured overnight. While the resort has its positives—particularly the friendly and energetic animation team and service staff—the overall experience fell far below expectations for a 4-star property. I strongly suggest improving security and clearly updating the website to indicate that “standard rooms” are located in a separate area outside the main resort.
"A Pleasant Getaway"
We had a truly enjoyable stay at this hotel and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff. From the moment we arrived, everyone was warm, welcoming, and friendly — their hospitality greatly enhanced our experience. The food was excellent, with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes, making mealtimes a real highlight of our days. The beach was another major plus, easily accessible and perfect for relaxing walks or soaking up the sun. The only downside we noticed was the presence of flies during mealtimes, which was a little concerning from a hygiene perspective. Despite this, our overall experience was memorable and pleasant. We sincerely appreciate the effort and care shown by the hotel team and look forward to returning in the future.
"Too bad…"
The hotel has a fantastic location and the staff are extremely friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The buffet was varied and quite tasty, and the animation team seemed motivated and dedicated. However, despite these positives, we cannot recommend this hotel. Both the public areas and the rooms are in urgent need of renovation. If you choose to stay here, definitely book a “sea view” room; otherwise, you may end up in the basement like we did, with a view of a run-down wall. Despite sending an email in advance requesting two adjacent rooms on an upper floor, our request was ignored. When we tried to change rooms upon arrival, the hotel refused, stating that “standard rooms” are like that — a policy that, in our opinion, makes these rooms barely worthy of a two-star rating. Unfortunately, due to these issues, we will not be returning and cannot recommend this hotel.
"Beautiful location, improvements needed"
Our room was excellent, spacious, and cleaned to a high standard every day, with our housekeeper always offering a friendly smile. The location is lovely, and the sea-view rooms are worth paying extra for, especially with the gorgeous beach nearby where the wildlife kept my daughter entertained for hours. However, there are some significant concerns. Sunbeds are reserved from as early as 6:30am, often left unused all day until 4pm, making it difficult to find a spot. The water slides urgently need proper lifeguard supervision, as there was no monitoring of how many people were coming down at a time, creating a potential safety hazard. The dining hall can be overcrowded, and with insufficient staff or tables, large groups may struggle to find seating. Entertainment areas are also too small to accommodate guests comfortably, and some staff were slow to assist unless observed by management. Overall, the hotel’s location, room comfort, and beach make it ideal for a short relaxing break, but improvements in safety, staffing, and facilities would greatly enhance the experience.
SBH Monica Beach Resort
All-inclusive beachfront hotel with multiple pools, sports facilities, and entertainment programs.
Address
Av. Jahn Reisen, S/N, 35627 Costa Calma, Las Palmas, Spain
Email
https://www.sbhfue.com/en/Contacto
Telephone
+34928547005