The resort was in the process of some refurbishment. The standard of the rooms that we occupied were well below 4 star standards, although kept very clean. During the 2 weeks we were there the bath tap fell off the wall on a number of occassions and was finally replaced when I took it and presented it to Reception. The towel rails were also hanging off the wall.

We were in the Beata block which is the quiet area, that is until 11.30pm when the Roadway Bar kicks in and pumps music out until 5.00am! Do not stay in this block if you are a light sleeper. Apparently they are triple glazing it next year because of the noise!!

The main swimming pool was dirty and is over crowded. There are not enough sunbeds and those that are there are old and in some cases broken. The complimentary pool / beach towels are old, threadbare and stained when you can get them. I suggest taking your own towels for the pool. On a number of occassions the pool lights were seen floating in the pool and the staff were not in a hurry to fix them.

If you are looking forward to the water sports be prepared to be disappointed. There is not enough equipment to cater for everyone. Take your own snorkels, in two weeks we managed to get one set for an hour during the second week and there were 4 of us. The kayaks are in short supply and did not see a windsurf all fortnight.

The food in the three a la carte restaurants is good with the Octopus being the best. The cafetaria is ok but becomes much of a muchness after a couple of days and be prepared to share breakfast and lunch with the birds who quite like the scrambled egg. Also, if you expect there to be a dress code be warned, the hotel does not enforce it and you could have your evening meal next to someone in vest and shorts.

The evening entertainment is repetative, after the first couple of nights it is boring and is always finished by 10.30pm

All of that said, we had a great time, making some new friends and making the most of the holiday. The staff were always cheerful especially Jackie in the quiet bar.

It wouldn't take much to bring this hotel up to standard the basics are there.

We got back at the begining of July 2008, this was our 3rd time at the Gran Ventana Beach Resort, so that shows you something. Yes its a great place to stay, the people are wonderful.

We are about to book again for next year... Not sure which month yet... Have tried August, September and June, The weather is really hot each time, The food is excellent, can't fault it,
June its a bit quiter, easier to get a lounger at the pool,
Yes the hotel was having refurbs at the time, did not put us off,
We had been booked into the quite hotel, I had a little word, not one to complain and they moved us into the main block.

Over all, Yes I would recommend this hotel, Everyone has different likes and dislikes as to what they want out of a hotel/holiday,

If your looking for relax and resting times, Super hot weather, great food and very friendly people then this is the place to come.

Stayed at the Gran Ventana for our honeymoon, flight was delayed so arrived at 4am in morning, we had booked a junior suite and i was so dissappointed when i arrived at the room, it was big but awful!! Complained next morning and were given a choice of 4 other rooms most of them were the same awful in need of being updated but the last room we were shown was absolutly fantastic!! After that the holiday was great, staff were friendly, food was good and the sister hotel Victoria had some lovely restaurants also. Would go back! Resort was a bit dull though not much to do.

For all you out there that wrote rotten reviews, where were you staying, cause it wasn't the Gran Ventana.
First of all on arrival we were greeted with cool drinks and within ten minutes we were booked in and being shown to our rooms, which were large, airy and very clean with a stocked fridge.
Admitted, there was not a great deal of cupboard space but it was manageable. (thats the only downfall about room).
The A-La-Carte restaurants have to be tried, all three were delicious, The only thunderstorm we had was whilst eating at the
Ocean Grill which is situated on the beach front, which added to the magic of the meal...spectacular...
If you are unlucky enough not to be able to book at the A-La-Carte
restaurants(i advise you book as soon as you arrive, they book up extremely fast), then you wont be disappointed by the buffet bar, they have food on offer even for the fussiest of eaters, (you must try the omelettes, delicious)
The Pool and poolside were kept clean at all times, the staff work so hard, and not just at the poolside. We could learn alot from these cleaners, not only hard working but extremely friendly and helpful. The entertainment was just that, entertaining. The entertainment team tried really hard to keep audience participation going and have so much energy. Great fun...
The beach is like something out of a travel brochure, beautiful. It does tend to get a bit windy in the afternoon, but to be honest its most welcome after the extreme heat you can encounter there. I advise high factor suncreams used at all times.
We came across some fabulous locals on the beach, and although they seem to constantly want to show you their wares, a firm no thankyou sends them on their way.If you come across Angel, Francesco, Diego say a big hi for me, And that leaves just Johnny, who offers some great trips at a third of the price that the hotel offer. You must try Paradise Island and the jeep Safari, both of which were fantastic. Do make use of the free water sports too. Gonna miss this place, and i'll certainly be returning some time soon....