There's no missing the Conquistador, occupying as it does a large spot on the corner of two main roads. The entrance is quite grand, with a gold canopy above the front door and once inside you'll soon get a feel of the joyful atmosphere from the smart, smiling staff behind the reception and the guest services counter. The lobby extends over a wide area with contemporary seating at the couple of bars to the right. Opposite the welcome desk are the stairs leading down to the floor below (shops, tour operator info etc) and outside, to the pool area. This huge space, which is both clean and calm, has three pools in total: one enormous main pool, another smaller heated pool and a kids one. At the centre of the main pool is an island specially reserved for members of the Privilege Club. Guests will need their room key to enter the smart area which comprises designer loungers and sun beds under a canvas canopy. It certainly looks comfortable, however you may feel rather conscious of sunning yourself in full view of everyone around the pool. In any case, there is plenty of room next to the pools and where you can enjoy a full day of sun with no worry of the buildings blocking your rays. Note that there is a 15? deposit for towels and a 1.50? charge for each one. Also next to the pools is a kids playing area with climbing frame etc. The Daisy kids club is where children can pass the day painting, playing games and, later in the evening, participating in the minidisco. For adults (and children too if they feel like it), the hotel's three animators organise various activities throughout the day including archery, tai-chi and even Spanish classes! At night there are various shows put on usually involving song and dance and brought in from outside.
The hotel has its own professional fitness and wellness centre in the form of the Thalasso Centre. Offering a range of massages and therapies, including shiatsu, watsu and physiotherapy, it also specialises in thalassotherapy and has other treatments and a hairdresser too. The new gym has top-of-the-range machines and flatscreen televisions on the wall to help you through your exercises.
The Privilege Club, reserved for members, is a chic lounge area with sea views where guests can relax in front of the large flatscreen television with a complimentary drink or catch up on work emails at the free to use business centre. Also available in the lounge, which is fitted out with a shiny marble floor and sleek, contemporary furniture, are daily newspapers and a terrace complete with loungers, cabanas and a jacuzzi. Given the relatively small cost of upgrading to the Privilege Club, we'd strongly recommend it. Other amenities at the hotel include an arcade room, two tennis courts and free wifi in the public areas of the hotel.
The general condition of the hotel is very good although some of the corridors could do with repainting. Getting around is easy and although there may be high numbers of guests at any one time it never feels claustrophobic. The welcoming staff also makes a big difference.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
