SBH Crystal Beach

Hotel The hotel is located in Costa Calma, the very south of the island, roughly 1h10m drive from the airport and is a typical Canarian hotel. The resort of Costa Calma is smaller than others on the island and a great option if you’re after a quieter area. Unless you have an arranged transfer, I would HIGHLY recommend getting yourself a hire car to get to the hotel; my research before the trip found only 1 bus service which ran once every 1-2 hours, therefore not very helpful. The area, unlike other resorts on the island, such as Caleta de Fueste and Corralejo, has a higher rate of German tourists compared to Brits. The hotel itself is a bit dated, very 90s decor, but it’s all clean and maintained well. Upon arrival you are handed information pamphlets which detail all key information for your stay including check out, dinner times. One arrangement I had never encountered was a refundable deposit to have pool towels (10€ per towel). If you’d like your pool towels changed, that incurs a 1€ fee. There were plenty of tables within the restaurant and more than enough sun loungers in both the pool area and the “beach area”. There is a pool area just outside the bar with plenty of loungers, chairs and tables. Down a few flights of stairs, you will find a second sun lounger space which is their “beach” area (this area you can then walk through to get to the actual beach). The hotel is very much beach front; you can walk to the water from the hotel in 2 minutes. If you’d like to use the loungers on the actual beach, make sure to bring some cash as they are 18€ for two and a parasol (they’re owned by the council not the hotel). The reception is 24hour and attended to by staff who speak a mixture of Spanish/Castilian, English and some German, I have a pretty good level of Spanish so only spoke that with staff. Nearby you will find a minimarket selling standard drinks and food items (bottled water, crisps, etc) however, if you are able to, I would recommend you take yourself to a Mercadonna instead (there is one about 15 minutes from the airport and another about 10 minutes from the hotel). Room We booked one room for two people and were given two double beds. In the room was a mini fridge, a tea/coffee station, two wine glasses and two mugs, a wardrobe, a tv, a chest of drawers, a bedside table, a safe and a huge balcony with outdoor furniture. The safe nor the tea/coffee were free to use and instead came with charges. The room had a bathroom with a toilet, bidet, shower and a sink. In the bathroom, amenities included a shampoo/shower-gel in the shower, a hand soap, toilet roll, a plastic shower cap, a hairdryer and a pack of tissues. Only thing that I would have appreciated would have been a bar of soap. The bathroom itself was a bit tired, but clean. The hair dryer, for example, was cracked, but still worked, and the shower seemed to have old fixings still attached to the wall which were rusting and probably due removal. The room was always clean and made up perfectly. Food/Drink We were on the half board option which meant we had breakfast and dinner included each day. Breakfast and dinner are buffet style. At breakfast, you are free to attend any time within the slot yet, at dinner, you are given a dedicated table within one of the two time slots (which you can choose to change). At both meals, you have a choice of both local Canarian cuisine and dishes but also some more “international” options. At breakfast, tea, coffee, juices, smoothies and water is available for free. At dinner, you have a choice of soft drinks, wines, beers, etc, at a charge. I did think it slightly harsh that not even water was free at dinner however. The food was always all lovely and staff were very attentive. Myself and my boyfriend were always quickly to be served (possibly due to my Spanish lol). There is also the option of two speciality restaurants, one within the hotel and another in a neighbouring hotel but we never visited. The bar serves cocktails for about 8-9,50€ each. Things nearby Of course, you’ve got the beach. On the beach is one bar, Beach Bar Horizonte, which sells some great tapas and drinks. Myself and my boyfriend went twice and were recognised by staff when we returned (again, my Spanish was doing us favours!) About a 10min walk from hotel is a surf themed cocktail bar, Rapa Nui, which serves some delicious cocktails and often has a live DJ. As implied earlier, Costa Calma isn’t a very big place so we often had a drive out to see other sights around the island, but if you’re happy sunbathing by the pool and beach every day, you’re good. Overall Definitely would come back to this hotel, think it was good value and staff were always friendly.

A damp, musty, cramped room, with ripped curtains (see photos) which opened onto a busy public beach - not suitable for a woman travelling alone, as I was. There was no access to the room from within the hotel. The bath was stained with black and there was no sink plug. I complained immediately on accessing the room and was told I would be moved next day; that promise was not kept - the 'rules' of giving housekeeping staff a day's notice evidently had a higher priority than guest security and comfort. On the third day I was given a new room but had to check out at 11 and wait until 2pm for access. My complaint was not taken seriously nor ever acknowledged by reception staff or management at any point, nor did anyone check the room following my comments. This was the third time I had booked this hotel - I used to love it - but I will not return.

I had a fabulous stay at this hotel! They made my first time in Costa Calma just like I expected, no issues,no noise,peace and quiet,amazing views from my room,lovely,friendly just so tranquil and homely.The reception staff is extremely friendly and professional and so is the housekeeping staff,always there ,cleaning the whole hotel every day.I know because I kept asking them for directions!🙄😅The room I booked was lovely and spacious with the amazing sea view!The room was spotless,cleaned daily.The hotel is quiet and it is easy to relax there.On my birthday I found a bottle of champagne and a letter wishing me a great day and offering a table reservation for myself and my party.The hotel is literally on the beach which is clean and welcoming the only suggestion I would have to create smoking zones as sunbathing on sunbeds with people smoking next to you is not great but that I would say is actually down to people's lack of respect for others to be fair.When smoking is not in fashion anymore one should think twice if it is not affecting others around,having said that ,that has nothing to do with the hotel itself,the hotel privatemini beach was smokefree zone.As for the hotel itself ,the WiFi worked,the room was absolutely amazing,I loved the balcony with comfortable sunbeds and breathtaking views.Very quiet area which offered an excellent relaxing atmosphere, peace and quiet, no noise which I appreciated very much.Not sure about entertainment, as I came to stay outdoors to enjoy the sun and to explore the island but I saw lots of evening entertainment posters in the hotel and heard great,joyful swimming pool activities which I will deffo join next time,they also had yoga on the beach .If you like peace and quiet with an incredible sea views and lovely,smiley staff you won't be disappointed. I will definitely return soon.Thank you Crystal staff ,you are fab!🥰