Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel

What People are saying

Conflicting Objectives

J427 on 19/11/2017 16:45

We made our 5th visit this October & were disappointed.
Enrique is no longer Director and unfortunately our holiday coincided with Pilar's annual leave. Her absence was noticeable.
During previous stays we had not experienced the hotel hosting events but there were 2 during this 2-week period, along with a 40-strong party on a short (thankfully) golfing break. As we spend our time by the pool and in Minerva's capable hands in the gym, they barely impacted us in the day but there was an obvious difference in the evening: children running around the courtyard (where dinner was taken); noise, be it from the children's karaoke, or the golfing party who woke us 1-evening with their banging and jeering; bar service - we gave-up waiting on a couple of occasions, and restaurant service - a far reduced offering on the hors d'oeuvres buffet, no signs denoting what any of the dishes were, long wait for the table to be re-laid etc.. I can only assume management didn't employ additional staff, which in my opinion made it too much work for those on duty.
The staff as usual were lovely but they require help. 5 star establishments should not be happy with cutlery and crockery piling-up on breakfast tables, or waiting staff having to run around because they are so busy. In my opinion Malud can't be expected to cover drinks for the bar and restaurant if there is no-one to assist in the Piano Bar with taking orders, clearing tables and providing table service. Patricia's friendly smile and happy greeting were sorely missed. New waitresses must be trained sufficiently, so at the very least they are not wondering up and down the restaurant with orders trying to locate the table number they require.
The lifeguards on duty were friendly but I don't think they checked the pool area in the way Andreas used to, as the broken glass next to my sunbed (which became embedded in my foot) would attest. I can only hope Andreas was on annual leave and has now returned.
We believe the shortfalls of our recent visit reflect on management only. During our stay a Director (a chap covering all the Canary Islands) felt it appropriate to allow a toddler and dog to run around the courtyard area during dinner service. I understand many people complained but the running and yapping continued. The Director's attitude speaks volumes.
The hotel needs to decide whether it wishes to appeal to its core clients, who visit due to the tranquil setting and friendly service, or attempt to increase its bottom line by hosting events. It struggles to do both.
Invest in your biggest asset - your staff. Also fix the a/c in the gym - it gets ridiculously hot in there when practising HIIT workouts.
5* to the staff. Thank-you as ever to: Ali; Ana; Andreas; Aneta; Carmen; Chapin; Ignacio (carry on the good work); Laura; Lupe; Makki (go to the gym), Malud (take him or he won't go); Minerva (we love you); Prescilla, and all the ladies and gents behind the scenes.

Levels of service

Mark W on 14/11/2017 12:00

I have stayed at the hotel several times in its infancy (2002) whilst our villa was being completed and as such have seen all the trials and tribulations first hand. On all visits I spend much time at the hotel as I am a passionate golf fanatic and even though my home is opposite the hotel I frequently enjoy breakfast and always dine on at least one occasion each time in the evening.
A consistent and in my opinion invaluable asset to the hotel is Pilar an ever constant and proactive part of the management team who welcomes myself and my family with genuine enthusiasm each time. She is a great credit to the facility' and I was very impressed to see the excellent Maitre de skills now employed by Ali in the restaraunt as a result of her instruction. The stafff worked well together under his guidance and with genuine warmth to all guests. I have known Carmen for many years and with the ever bubbly Anna they work the floor with consummate ease.
This trip I was alone as my wife kindly sanctioned me honing my golf skills pre winter but I was made to feel part of a large family and I witnessed great attentiveness to all the patrons that evening.
I made a point of mentioning this huge improvement.in service levels to Pilar and I believe under her continued guidance the team and hotel will continue to flourish and evolve.
Well done to all and thanks for such great hospitality.

See you all for new year
Mark xx

Mark Whittaker

Disappointing

canbird on 09/11/2017 22:09

On the surface this is a nice hotel but as soon as you get below the surface it is disappointing.

The main challenge is the staff - there is a definite attitude problem. The breakfast restaurant has truly awful service and the staff are unfriendly and unhelpful - plus the tea, coffee and food is all cold - even if you are first in. It also doesn't start until 7.30 which seems rather late.

The food in the dinner restaurant was so tasteless as to be almost inedible - and the waiter is like a drill sergeant. While I appreciate efficiency it felt like we were being bossed around the whole time.

There seemed to be a lot of 'rules' we had to follow that made it feel like we were at Butlins father than a 5 star hotel.

Certainly wouldn't rush back.

5* Golf Hacienda

Martin H on 08/11/2017 20:02

This a comparatively small hacienda styled hotel with 62 adult only bedrooms built in a square around an open courtyard. The hotel rooms are large and well appointed with a separate wardrobe dressing area, many also have a veranda. The staff are attentive, approachable and very friendly nothing is too much trouble. Breakfast is served in “Hole 19” and is a typical Spanish style buffet with eggs and omelettes cooked on demand. Hole 19 also serves light lunches and snacks throughout the day, which is essential or golfers. Dinner is a la Carte with two different specials each night, the starters sweets are found at the large buffet. The food was very good and you can have as much as you like or change your meal if it doesn’t suit your taste when it arrives. On one night due to a slight mix up we had to wait slightly longer for our meal, the restaurant manager was very apologetic and offered us a free round of drinks.

The golf course is well kept and very interesting with some great holes which have some challenges if you are to score well. However the golf school do cater for beginners and offer lessons on the driving range.

Overall a golfers dream with enough other facilities such as a spa and pool to keep the non golfers happy.

A true haven!

nicolagibb on 28/10/2017 13:53

Just sitting in fuerteventura airport on the way home from a fabulous, truly 5 star break at the Elba Palace. Almost heart broken to leave.

It is difficult to single out one factor that makes this hotel so amazing - the fabulous pool area, the breakfast, evening meal, cocktails, adults only, peacefulness etc. However, the staff make this hotel 6 star!! They are attentive and have such a keen eye to detail. From the welcome on arrival with a glass of champs to the service in the dining areas to the time they take to get to know you personally - you don't have to say the same drinks order twice!!

Special mention for Pilar - what an outstanding assistant manager. She remembers us each time we visit and ensures we always want to come back.

Malic, Priscilla, Ali, Laura, Chapin, Andres, Idracio, new bar man (Ronaldo look alike), Libby, Ana, our cleaner, I'm sure I've missed people -sorry. You are all wonderful.

We stayed in room 220. Great room, fab views. This is our 5th stay at this hotel and couldn't complain at any rooms we have had.

Well done team Elba Palace. See you in February!!