The entrance to the Palace is just off of the main drag through a set of rotating doors under a mirrored overhand and next to a colourful contemporary mural. Similarly to its sister hotel the Cleopatra, the first thing that'll hit you upon arrival is the sheer size of the property, which is in the shape of a bulging crescent. From the reception level, which is located on the first floor, you can see all the other floors arranged in gallery form with huge chandeliers stretching from the ceiling right down to the ground floor. It isn't the best decorated of lobbies, but the black and white marble floor, the escalators and capsule-style lifts going up and down and the multiple seating areas give the area a certain buzz, while the glass roof allows light to pierce through the space. Downstairs from the reception level you'll find an array of fountains and pools, seating, greenery, statues and, annoyingly, a whole series of mirrors, all of which is largely wasted on guests unless they happen to be here playing pool, fusbal or arcade games.
Outside you'll find the one and only swimming pool which is an enormous round affair with fountains around its edge and at the centre. In fact it is so imposing that there is plenty of space for all the hotel's guests by its side as well as for aqua gym classes to be held within it alongside those who simply want to splash about. It is unlikely that you'll struggle to find a free lounger, although the sun does dip behind the surrounding buildings towards the end of the day, cutting short sunbathing time in certain sports around the pool. Just nearby is the highly impressive Club Maré, the brand new kids club which opened the day we were over and which is possibly the finest of all centres on the island. 800m² is dedicated to making sure that the little ones have as much fun as the adults. Several different rooms have been constructed, including the main one with its quite amazing climbing frame and ball pool. The animation team is excellent with the kids and this, together with the fact that the club itself is so fantastic, may explain why a fee was due to be introduced for its use. Otherwise, there is a full daily animation programme for adults, including yoga, spinning and cocktail games. At night a show takes place outside on the terrace above the pool which proves a great setting for professional spectacles involving traditional dance, cover groups and of course the early minidisco. The big attraction though is the flamenco extravaganza that takes place every day in the Pyramids venue next door. It may cost 43? per ticket, but it is truly worth the money. Also found close to the pool is the smart fitness room, which has a good range of machines, and the few treatment rooms at guests' disposal for massages and other body treatments. Indoor pools are also available complete with massage showers.
Other amenities at the Palace include a hairdresser, coin-operated PCs for surfing the internet and a bike rental scheme priced at 5? per hour. Access to the rooms is fairly simple, although may take a while due solely to the sheer size of the complex. The public spaces are clean and well maintained and the atmosphere that descends upon the hotel is rather a jolly one.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
