We stayed there for the summer half term last year. Our first time staying in an all inclusive hotel so we were a little apprehensive. But it was absolutely lovely. Sigh, wish we were going this year! DD (11 at the time) said it was the BEST holiday she'd ever had. But then we do usually go camping in Wales!
Had a huge room with balcony overlooking the pools and the sea.
Other guests seemed to be OK, lots of people with children. English, Spanish and German mostly. Didn't see any evidence of binge drinking, bad behaviour etc, all much more civilised that we'd feared.
Food was always absolutely fine and occasionally very good. Lots of choice. Good mix of Spanish dishes and generic 'international' dishes. Always chefs on hand to cook fish, chicken etc in front of you if wanted. Puddings were rather odd and after a few attempts at lurid cake things we just stuck to fruit. You get assigned a set table for the evening meal which you then keep for the whole of your stay. Do try to get a table outside as it is much more pleasant on the decking over the pool than stuck inside. We didn't eat anything from the pool bar - all pretty basic - only had drinks from there. Only the a la carte restaurant was a bit of a disappointment food-wise (you get to eat there one night as part of the deal), but the service was great and it made a pleasant change to be served.
People really do creep out early to reserve their sun beds! We thought this was an urban myth but no, they were out there with their towels before breakfast. Fortunately there were usually enough sun loungers to go around.
There is a small shop in the hotel where you can buy suncream, sunglasses, small toys, newspapers etc. The area immediately around the hotel is pretty dead. There was a small arcade of shops which were mostly shut when we were there.
There is a nice marina which is a pleasant 20 minute walk around the coast with loads more restaurants and lots of gift shops. Playa Blanca is approx 20 mins walk further than this, which has everything you need and loads more places to eat. Apparently you can get taxis from the hotel to Playa Blanca for not very much but we didn't bother.
To stop us going stir crazy we hired a car for three days. There is a car hire concession at the hotel so they can arrange it all for you. This meant that we could go out and explore a bit on our own (Timanfaya, camel rides, Jameos del Agua, Cactus garden, etc).
The beach immediately in front of the hotel is very unappealing but the next beach over to your left (Playa des mujeres?) is much nicer but quite wild and the walk to it over the headland is very hot. Playa de papagayo is the cove beyond this and very pretty. If you are young and hardy you could probably just about walk it, but it is very hot and dusty and not recommended if you are lugging children or lots of gear. We drove over when we had the car. Papagayo beach has a bar at the top which is v. useful for cold drinks etc.
We arranged for a private transfer to and from the airport which meant that we got a huge minibus to ourselves on the way out, and an entire COACH to ourselves (just 3 of us!) on the way back. This saves a lot of time as apparently the hotel is the very last stop after all the other hotels in Playa Blanca if you use the standard coach transfer. And it meant that we got to check in before the rush.
Anything else you want to know, just ask!