Grand Park Lara Hotel

Other than looking like a load of tower blocks (it's a huge hotel with blocks A-H), this place is pretty faultless as far as we're concerned. Water, fruit, drinks, freely available all day everyday (water fridges everywhere). Food: bbq/grill daily, lots of meat, salads, roasted veg, breads. Nice patisserie 12-4. Would have come away healthier if not for the cakes. 24hr restaurant which is great because we struggled with the 2hr time difference from the UK so missed breakfast every day (it carries on in the bistro until about 12 and then seamlessly switches to lunch). The breads are lovely. At eye level it's a really attractive set up too - the pools are lovely and clean, so are the bars and it feels like a little village with lots of options to sit, eat, drink. The staff are ever-present and keep the whole place running smoothly. Loads of loungers. Very family oriented. The all inclusive carries on at the beach: loungers, bar and burger bar here (cakes and salads too, and a nice lady hand making stuffed breads next to the beech bar), little train style shuttle service if needed.. we didnt bother. So once you've paid, there is legitimately no need to spend extra money if you don't want to. The rooms are good quality, not at all dated. We booked 2 family rooms because we have teenagers who argue - but 4 could technically have stayed in our room. We had 2 bedrooms, nice bathroom, balcony for each room. Downside? Windy, but the wind is warm. Beach is wavy and no real shallows for little ones. Our family all swim and our kids enjoyed jumping off the pier (technically not allowed). Beach towels available via spa. To be honest, this place is fab. I prefer a cove and turquoise waters, which you don't get on Lara beach. Think UK beach but warmer water. If not for this, I'd be back again and again. We don't bother about entertainment - we sit about and play cards. But it's available. One night there was a DJ which was pretty cool. Pools are so clean and everyone seemed to be polite - we played ball in the pool, lots of inflatables about, but the pools are big enough to accommodate. Turkish bath and massage at spa good but expensive, and we got the hard sell to go back, price dropping to entice us. I don't really like this, so if you don't want it, just say no firmly.