Hotel Tabaiba Princess

“Ignore the bad reviews!!”

Having stayed in a number of TUI Blue properties as well as many 4-star and 4-star-plus hotels over the years, I feel I have a good basis for comparison when reviewing this hotel. We stayed on the Tabaiba side, which we had been told was generally quieter and more adult-focused. While I can’t dire… more

Having stayed in a number of TUI Blue properties as well as many 4-star and 4-star-plus hotels over the years, I feel I have a good basis for comparison when reviewing this hotel. We stayed on the Tabaiba side, which we had been told was generally quieter and more adult-focused. While I can’t directly compare it to the other side of the resort as we didn’t spend much time there, our experience was extremely positive. The atmosphere was peaceful, with mostly couples and families with young children rather than large groups. We spoke to another couple who had visited during the school summer holidays and they described it as considerably busier, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed stay, travelling outside of peak family holiday periods may be worth considering. I don’t drink a great deal myself, but others in our group did and none had any complaints about the quality or selection of alcoholic drinks. What I did try was enjoyable. The self-service drinks stations also didn’t cause any issues for us. In my opinion, if those weren’t there, people would simply find something else to complain about. Some reception staff were friendlier than others, but that’s true of most hotels. We all have difficult days at work from time to time, and it certainly didn’t impact our overall experience. Our room was modern, comfortable and exceptionally clean. The housekeeping team were excellent and clearly took pride in their work. It’s actually one of the few hotels where I regularly saw the floors being mopped every day rather than simply given a quick tidy. The food exceeded my expectations for an all-inclusive resort. I’m not suggesting it’s comparable to a high-end restaurant, but considering the volume of guests being catered for throughout the day, the quality and variety were impressive. There was genuinely something for everyone. We were travelling with a particularly fussy eater who not only found different options each evening but also ended up trying and enjoying foods they would normally refuse at home. The desserts were another pleasant surprise; unlike many all-inclusive resorts where everything looks different but tastes the same, there was real variety and each dessert had its own distinct flavour. The entertainment and activity programme also deserves recognition. Throughout the day, announcements were made around the pool highlighting activities for both adults and children, and the hotel app provided a full daily schedule, making it easy to see what was available. There was a wide variety of options beyond the usual pool games and fitness classes. One activity that particularly stood out to me was the wine and art session, something I’ve never seen offered at a resort before. It was held in a peaceful, quiet setting that looked incredibly relaxing. Unfortunately it took place on our final day so I didn’t get the opportunity to participate, but it’s exactly the sort of activity I would have enjoyed and it was refreshing to see something a little different being offered. Another thoughtful touch was the departure facilities. As we had a late flight, we were pleased to find that the hotel offers private shower rooms that can be booked free of charge on the morning of your departure. Each booking gives you a dedicated 30-minute slot, allowing you to freshen up before travelling home. I’ve stayed at hotels where guests are directed to use spa changing facilities instead, which can feel less private and less convenient. Having dedicated shower rooms available was a small detail that made a big difference and demonstrated that the hotel had considered the needs of guests right through to the end of their stay. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would happily return. In fact, we’re already looking at booking again later in the year. As with any hotel, those determined to find fault will probably manage it. However, based on our experience and having stayed in many similar properties, I believe this hotel offers excellent value, a high standard of cleanliness, good food, a well-organised entertainment programme, and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere.

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