babalu apts

[rab_c.]

there were a few enquiries in the old site regarding the babalu apts.
they sit up the sunny side of the mountain opposite the europa centre on the low side

they have been rejuvenated since we were last there and now have showers in place of the bath although pretty basic they are still more than adequate for a fantastic holiday.

great pool area with a fun pool and a normal swimming pool great bar area with reasonable prices a panoramic lift gets you from road level down to the pool area.

great tip here is to get an apt at reception level if possible outstanding sea views and when you come back from an night out no lift to operate nor steps to fall down.

balcony is the big drawing point here massive space for 4 sunloungers if you want and they get the sun from dawn to dusk high season

rab_c.

[col161]

reviews.............http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/1734-Puerto_Rico-Babalu_Apartments-Holiday-Review.html..

[roy long]

does any one know hoe to book the babalu apts. merry xmas

[missprimmy]

does any one know hoe to book the babalu apts. merry xmas

I've only seen them advertised with MY TRAVEL (airtours, direct holidays etc.)

We stayed here last year - good basic accomodation, great pool, friendly bar staff, across the road from bars, restaraunts etc. quiet on a night time. Would definately go back again sometime.

[col161]

try booking here.:thumb: http://www.mytravel.com/

[Mart]

I stayed her in 2004 and found them great. Stayed in the Colina Mar this year but have booked again for the Babalu for May 2006. Can't wait!

[rach]

I am going to Babalu apartments on 24th June 2006 with my boyfriend and I've read many reviews on the internet - most have been good but some have not. Many have been about loud music but that doesn't bother us as we're young. Has anyone been here and if so can they tell me what to expect and whether we are going to have a good holiday?
Please reply as I would really like to find out what other people have thought about it!
Thanks!!!:)

[karen]

Heres a post already put on by rab.

there were a few enquiries in the old site regarding the babalu apts.
they sit up the sunny side of the mountain opposite the europa centre on the low side

they have been rejuvenated since we were last there and now have showers in place of the bath although pretty basic they are still more than adequate for a fantastic holiday.

great pool area with a fun pool and a normal swimming pool great bar area with reasonable prices a panoramic lift gets you from road level down to the pool area.

great tip here is to get an apt at reception level if possible outstanding sea views and when you come back from an night out no lift to operate nor steps to fall down.

balcony is the big drawing point here massive space for 4 sunloungers if you want and they get the sun from dawn to dusk high season

rab_c.
__________________
apt pics at www.rab.c.fotopic.net (http://www.rab.c.fotopic.net/)

[col161]

some reviews here-: http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/1734-Puerto_Rico-Babalu_Apartments-Holiday-Review.html

[missprimmy]

We stayed at the BABALU the last two years. Had a fantastic time. Apartments are basic but clean and adequate, you can hire fans, toasters etc from reception. We have been on the 4th and 5th level and had a great sea and pool view.
Loud music is played by the pool/bar from about 10am till 12pm so, not so late as to bother you.
Pool bar was great but fairly quiet, though Europa centre is literaly across the road as is crazy golf, trampolines, amusements etc. Taxi rank is nearby if you want to go down to the main centre (about 3 euro's)
Pool area is fantastic - large family pool, deep pool and toddlers pool all cleaned daily.
Lots of cats around but they don't bother you if you don't bother them!
I'm sure you'll have a brilliant holiday:nodding:

[rach]

thanks for the replies its really helped

[rach]

can any1 tel me also how long it takes to walk to the beach? and what the weather is going to be like at the end of june/start of july?

[chorlton]

Depends which beach you want to walk to! Amadores beach is about 20 mins away (mostly downhill). Puerto rico beach is probably the same (again downhill and then on the flat)

Weather at that time of year should be around 30 degrees - you're not likely to get any rain. Perhaps the odd bit of cloud but remember you still tan/burn through the cloud

[rach]

cn u recommend any good bars or places to eat (cheap lol)

[Mart]

Hi, I stayed there two years ago and have booked again for May this year - no complaints! Music from the pool bar was quite good, never once bothered us. The cats are quite friendly, just don't feed them and they won't bother you. Maid service every other day.

As Chorlton said, both beaches are about a 20 minute walk, Amadores down the long and winding steep zig zaggy road and Rico beach down the (millions of) steps. Or get a taxi, lol.

Flicks in the Europa does the best breakfast (imo) as well as afternoon meals and snacks throughout the day. Good nightlife consists of Yates' at the Europa or Turbo's Bar. Extreeems has changed hands since we where there so can't comment but will still be calling in to see what it's like. Loads of other bars at the Europa to suit everyones taste.

Never been to the large commercial center at the bottom so can't comment. Sounds loud, though lol.

Hope you have a good time, I know we will again!

PS - take lots of suncream, it's bloody h-o-t!

[karen]

Flicks is a good eating place in the Europa.

The Irish Cottage, Pickwicks and Turbo bar good.

All depends on what your after. Lots of good bars down in the Commercial Centre.

It is a winding walk down to the Amadores beach but it is a nice walk. The views are lovely. Only walked back up once ....tiring to say the least.

[LauraJ]

Not sure if any1 knows but I went to book these apartments as we were getting a really good deal. I then looked on the internet on the Direct Holidays website where it says there will be building work!! I contacted Direct Holidays who said that this will be taking place on 2 floors, where they will be replacing doors, and also fire escapes etc etc. the note on the internet says there may be drilling etc during the day. we were going to still book here coz didnt think it would be that bad, but D holidays said they had only been notified recently and that it is due to take place week beginning 1st July. My Travek Agent hadnt even heard anything so maybe worth a check if u have booked or planning to book!!

Hope this doesnt scare any1. I just thought that I would like to know that if I were booking

[rach]

where on the direct holidays website does it say about building work???

as I have booked to go there on june 24th and didn't see anything about work and would probably not have booked there otherwise!!
Luckily if it starts sat 1st july we will miss most of it as we leave that night!

[BIG TONY]

As we are now approaching May/June this is the time of year when building works on the accomodations take place. The winter months in the Canaries are known as Scandinavian season, whilst the summer is British season. As the winter season draws to an end and before the summer season gets into full swing many buildings have maintainance/improvement works carried out on them as this is the only economical time of year to do this. Most works are simple fast track projects completed in just a few weeks. Some good allocation on arrival deals exist during this time so don't be afraid to take a gamble if the price is right. Best advice is to just get on with it, after all your going on hols to a much warmer place than over here, you'll have a great time anyway !!!!!!

[Stephen]

I looked yesterday as well and there is no mention on the direct holidays site of any building works as Rach said

[LauraJ]

Hi!! I checked and it looks as though its not showing anymore!! i called Direct Holidays and they confirmed it over the phone to me! she had to call a diffferent dpt and they told her the dates and the kind of work that is taking place. They were informed that internal doors on 2 floors will be replaced. only during the day, and electric tools may be used. when u do a search for specific dates rather than the actual property search it should say there will be building work!! for all i know it may have changed! I just thought I would advise anyone of this because it was confirmed by Direct Holidays over the telephone!!

[rach]

its still not on direct holidays and i searched for different dates and on the property search and it doesn't say anything.
i rang direct holidays yesterday morning and they said they couldn't tell me as it is customer relations that deals with building work probs etc and i wouldn't be able to speak to anyone as the offices are closed over the weekend?
did they confirm what dates it is going to be on??? i hope its not when we're there!!

[chorlton]

If its internal doors to the apartments the only noise likely is if you were in the apartments either side of the ones they are working on. Plus if its during the day surely you'll be at the pool or the beach and I've never been to an apartment block yet where they worked evenings. The Babalu is a nice complex - I wouldn't let it bother me and you could end up being offered somewhere not as nice

[rach]

yes i suppose so! thanx :)

[rach]

I phoned direct holidays this afternoon and they have told me that the work is taking place now and will all be over by 1st May before the summer season starts!!
It does now say on the d.hols website though but it'll all b over by the time we are there so i dont' know why they told you it was 1st july - unless they got mixed up.
:D

[Mart]

I'm staying there from 20th May, hopefully the works will be completed by then!

It says on the website HERE (http://www.directholidays.co.uk/AniteNextPage.asp?p=ACCOMDETAIL&xml=GENSEASONCODE%20S06&xml=TOUROPERATORCODE%205251&s=185450060) (at the bottom) that they are currently replacing all apartment doors.

Mart

PS - thanks for the info!

[rach]

well they told me that all work will be completed by 1st may so im sure they wont get in the way of your holiday - they'll probably be gone by then!

[willie]

Friends of ours stay at the Babalu every year,they love it.

[cathyminx]

:) hi, off to PR , babalu on 30 sept , stayed at riosol n azul before..how does babalu compare ?

and not been this late in year before..wot weather can i expect ?

many thanks :thankyou:

[chorlton]

Have a look here for some pics http://bryanandchris.fotopic.net/c486205.html. Pretty similar to the others I would say and all close in location to each other so views the same as the Azul. For weather keep an eye on our weather thread that has live reports http://www.canaryforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13

[Turbos]

:) hi, off to PR , babalu on 30 sept , stayed at riosol n azul before..how does babalu compare ?

and not been this late in year before..wot weather can i expect ?

many thanks :thankyou:

I have family out there at the moment and it is still very hot in pr at this time of year, heard it was 42 last week.

Im booked up for babalu in dec and next july, been before and they are good apts, basic but great location and clean. there is normally quite a good laugh at the pool bar.

:have-fun:

[rab_c.]

Hi
The babalu were renovated a few years ago baths were taken out and replaced with showers. basic but ideal accomodation for the europa centre with all its entertainment.
two lovely pools and always spotless

the babalu pools sits on the lower level of the complex opposite settings from the other apts you mentioned but there are only 6 floors so no climbing up and down a mountain or waiting on lifts.

the pool bar when we used to visit before we were spoilt by another new apartment block was always very reasonable and as turbos says there is always something to laugh about there so very friendly.

entertainment was always basically non existent but with the europa directly across the road then that may be the reason.

rooms..... having taken photos of all three hotels I have to say that the rooms in reality are more or less all the same but with the babalu balconies are huge and get the sun on them from morning till night.try for a room on the top level (reception) fantastic views from them.
a few more photos here of the babalu http://rab.c.fotopic.net/c331875.html

rab_c.

[cathyminx]

many thanks RAB C n TURBOS .

cant wait now, just wanna get away :packed:

[cathyminx]

thanks chorlton..good pics

[chorlton]

Rab - I did a search on your site and your Babalu pics didn't come up for me otherwise I would have put the link in - sorry :rose:

[rab_c.]

Rab - I did a search on your site and your Babalu pics didn't come up for me otherwise I would have put the link in - sorry :rose:

no problem chorlton thanks for the rose how sweet thank you
rab_c.

[Turbos]

anybody been staying at the babalu this summer?

maybe when cathyminx comes back she can give us a review????

[nij]

Although a frequent visitor to Puerto Rico, this will be my first time staying in the Babalu Apartments. I've looked at the photos of these apartments on Rab.C and Bryan and Chris' sites (really helpful, thanks) and they look really nice, however, having read reviews on other sites (dirty pool, slippery and slimy surface around the pool, unclean rooms, thefts, etc) I'm ever so slightly worried!! I was just wondering if anyone who had recently stayed at the Babalu could let me know what they were like please - it's just I'd rather be prepared and know what to expect when I get there!! Also, I'd be really grateful if anyone could recommend what floor would be best to request (for views etc..?). I'm flying out on Saturday morning so if anyone could reply before then, that would be great!
I'm really excited and can't wait to get back to Puerto Rico!
Thanks in advance for any advice. x :D

[Stephen]

Me too even thou i am not going to next may i have never stayed there and would welscome comments

ta

[missprimmy]

Hi,

we've stayed at the Babalu a couple of times the most recent being about a year and a half ago, we loved it.

The rooms are basic but clean.

The pools and sunbathing terrace were cleaned every morning, the poolside is abit slippy when wet, but I think this applies everywhere!!

Our rooms were on the 4th and 5th floors and had fantastic views, all rooms have a view over the pool/bar area, and I think all rooms from about the 3rd floor up will have lovely sea views.

Hope this helps :grin:

Oh, and I've haven't been aware of any thefts whilst staying at the Babalu.

[nij]

Thanks very much for your reply Santeg. You've put my mind at rest!
Flying tomorrow and I can't wait!
Cheery! :nodding:

[john47]

hi njs no worries i stayed there last christmas and everything was brillant ,,,brillant size balconey ,,,,plus the three pools were cleaned every morning without fail i'll be going back to the babalu no probs plus your just 2 minutes walk to the europa center ,,,,,,so i must say i never found anything wrong with them and i'm a fussy bugger ,,,,oh another thing you get the sun on your balconey all day ,,,,you go enjoy yourselves

[nij]

Hi John47
Thanks so much for your reply - really helpful. I can't wait to get there and enjoy myself!
Smiles and waves! :nodding:

[nij]

I just got back on Saturday from PR and had a really fantastic time, as always. I thought I'd give my opinion of the Babalu in case it may be helpful to anyone.

Apartments :
- they were cleaned, and towels were changed 5 out of the 7 days that we were there.
- they were basic (ie, no toaster, kettle, but I guess these could be hired if needed - but as we didn't need them I'm not too sure)
- coin operated tv. We only had news channels, and quite poor reception - but we didn't go there to watch tv so it didn't bother us.
- safe was one that had a key, not one that you put in a personal number.
- balconies/terrace were a really good size with table and four chairs. I think you could hire sunbeds for sunbathiong on your balcony if you wanted.
Pool :
- was clean and so was the pool area (as far as I could tell!)
- the sunbeds were chained together so if you are one of those people who like to move your sunbed round to follow the sun (like me!) - you can't!
- you couldn't adjust the backs of the sunbeds - slightly uncomfortable, but hey!
Cats :
- saw four when we were there. We were on the ground floor and they didn't bother us at all. If you feed them, they will - if you don't they leave you alone.
Cockroaches :
- only saw 1 (quite big one!!) in our apartment but that's all.
Location :
- right at the top of the resort. Two minutes across the road is the Europa Centre.

This is just my opinion though.

I personally prefer to be closer to the bottom of the resort, however, I had no problem whatsoever with the Babalu and would stay there again.

Hope this helps.

For anyone going to PR for a holiday soon - have a great time.

Smiles! x :D

[rab_c.]

nice to hear you had a good time nij. small question how are the bathrooms now with the showers installed instead of a shower over a bath. thats a good point on the sunbeds being chained always forgot to mention that in my report.we were told a few years back that the reason for this was that people used to take them to their own balconies for personal use instead of hiring them, then taking a further bed up at poolside making it look like a shortage of beds hence the chaining of them
rab_c.

[nij]

Yes, forgot about the shower! It was ok. The only thing I would say, however, is that the shower curtain stuck to you each time you took a shower!! Silly comment I know, but it could get rather annoying!!

Just another quick point - we didn't run out of hot water - there was always enough for 2 showers every night. Some other apartments we've stayed at in PR sometimes ran out of hot water after the first shower.

Sunny days! :)

[LittleCannock]

hey
stopped in the babalu bout 2 years ago
the rooms were basic but clean
the only thing that let the hotel down was the pool as it wasnt cleaned very often
i was there while it was the kids half term and the pool cud hav done wiv a bit more clorine if u get my drift
lol
well that was 2 years ago ne way so must hav improved by now!
hope this helps

Kaye x x x

[john47]

hi nij glad you enjoyed the babalu shame you were'nt on the third floor as you were able to see everything round you ,,,but glad you had a nice time

[rach]

My boyfriend and I stayed at Babalu this June just gone and after reading some of the reviews we were a bit worried about what we were going to find when we got there!
The rooms are basic but have everything you need. They are extremely clean and the maids came in every other day and did a great job. We didn't see one cockroach the whole time we were there which was great.
The pools are brilliant and the food at the bar is nice as well.
The Europ is a one minute walk away, as is a taxi rank so it's easy to get anywhere. We wouldn't recommend walking down to Puerto Rico as it's a hell of a long way! We did it on the first day and we had blisters!!!
I can't really say we had any complaints when it came to the accomodation to be honest and we would definately go back again. I hope this helps!

[rach]

my boyfriend and I had a brilliant time at Babalu this summer and the apartments were great - absolutely no complaints what so ever!

[Turbos]

thinking about booking up for the babalu again next year, they seem to have come down in price alot...:banana:

[claire]

is there any entertainment at night here

[rab_c.]

is there any entertainment at night here

used to have an odd parrot show or karaoke etc but unsure if they still have them but europa is directly across the road with all the entertainment you will ever require.
rab_c.

[Turbos]

as rab said they did have stuff on day & nite but the person that was doing it left but you cant go wrong with the europa centre over the road, live shows everynight in the barbacoa or the loads of pubs aswell....:have-fun:

Im booked up for the 24th Sept at the Babalu :packed: Cant wait....:banana:

[ASLEB]

as rab said they did have stuff on day & nite but the person that was doing it left but you cant go wrong with the europa centre over the road, live shows everynight in the barbacoa or the loads of pubs aswell....:have-fun:

Im booked up for the 24th Sept at the Babalu :packed: Cant wait....:banana:

Hi there , my daughter and her BF are there at the moment until the 16th july, i will let you know what the say about it when they return.....:thumb: