Hotel Cala Bona

6 readers found this review helpful

on the day of arrival you start driving down all the small back streets and then you think here we go keep all PB's on you at all times then you get off of the coach and walk down a back steet then you come across a brilliant hotewith full air con in one block (no sea veiw as brochure says) but erfect for the price.
you then come to the food the starters and desserts were brilliant but the main courses were alwas inedible unless you had a ". . . and chips" or if you like the delicacy of "hake" as every night it was on the menu in one form or another. another fault with the food was that any of the cooked breakfasts wereleft in the trays swimming in the fat they were cooked in and the eggs were always overdone apart from if you had them boiled.
the rooms were well firnished with lots of storage space nice balconys of you have one all by it not having the seaveiw but you get a lcd tv with all the normal english channels if you want to keep up with watching your programs.
the location was exelent once you got through the older block as it sat right on the harbour front with the best bar in cala bona just a stones throw away with friendly english staff in the restraunt called "smithys" but the pool was worse with it being on the first floor and having a main busy road behind it whwere the bus stop is located.
all of the staff at the hotel were very friendly and trouble shooted any problems in minutes and also the rep was very helpful to solve ay problems that may occur
all i wish to do now is give a shout out to katie the thomson rep for helping us to get a birthday cake for free for one of the people in our family who went with us

4 readers found this review helpful

visited the Cala Bona Hotel for the first time recently.we booked and paid extra for a sea view room and were very happy when we were put in the pergola with a corner position which gave us a magnificent view over the harbour.The room was spacious and exceptionally clean,being cleaned every day.
The hotel staff were very friendly and always willing to help(most were english at the reception)Bar and resteraunt staff were also very friendly.Entertainment in the evenings always started with a few games of Bingo.we went out most evenings so only saw the end of the other entertainment but it appeared to be of a good standard and certainly enjoyed by other holiday makers.
The hotel does not cater for children except for the childrens part in the pool.
The resort and hotel were fairly quiet and some of the bar owners were worried at the lack of customers.
There is a local shop at the end of a short road near the hotel and many shops and bars on your doorstep but if you walk along a flat promenade you soon come to the next resort cala millor where there are more shops and bars.
A bus stop is just at the back of the hotel with a good cheap service to either Porto Cristo or Cala Ratjada the other way.Beware of bar prices at Porto Cristo,check these out before you order.
we did visit Sandancers bar one night after been reccomended,The owners were brilliant as they tried their very best to entertain us as again the bar was very quiet.
however the best bar we found was Yates which is in Calla Millor,approx 10mins walk away
they play non stop qizzes and games (non embarrassing) from 9-30pm to 11-30/12am
it was the liveliest bar we found outside the hotel.
The only down side was the hotel food which was disappointing.It was adequate but very little choice.

3 readers found this review helpful

It was good that we had read some reviews before going - as the reception is definitely hidden away but a very warm welcome was had when checking in. We had seaview room which clean and lovely view of the habour, square and sea and room was cleaned etc every day. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Food was very good especially the breakfasts and remember if your food is not hot enough - there are a couple of microwaves. Only downside was the noise level from other rooms within direct vicinity of our room ie if televisions were on and the lounge allowed SMOKING in certain areas but didnt matter where you sat in the non smoking areas - could always smell the smoke!! - but for the money this hotel was very good value. Entertainment in the evenings was pretty good - not too fussed about the bingo though!! Bus stop just outside the hotel which took us to Porto Christo (approx 15 min ride) + many other places to go to including Palma Express.

2 readers found this review helpful

My mum in law took us to the Hotel Cala Bona for the 2nd week in October after she had been to the same place in May and enjoyed her holiday very much (4 Adults, 2 Kids 10 & 3). However she didn't think about the fact that although the hotel accepts children they do not cater for them - all they have is a kiddies pool area.
90% of the clientel are over 60 - they were the most rude and miserable holidaymakers that I have ever met in my life! For example, my 3 yr old (who was only just 3) was making her way down the marble stairs holding the banister - about 6 older people came around the corner wanting to go up the stairs - they just stood waiting for me to move my daughter out of the way, they could have easily moved past us on the stairs and not one of them said thank you after they went by!
My children weren't they only ones there and they were all playing in the pool - there was a lot of tutting and I heard one lady complaining about the noise - THEY WERE ENJOYING THEMSELVES. However a few of the older ones did enjoy watching them play.
The food was very disappointing - the majority of it seemed to be frozen or tinned - certainly the vegetables were. There was nothing for kids really - by mid-week my 10 yr old said she really couldn't eat any more chips (and they don't eat them at home so chips are a treat)! However, the breakfasts were nice.
The pool bar was shut the whole time that we were there despite the pool area being packed for a number of days - if you wanted a drink, you had to traipse down stairs and across a road to the hotel bar! The waiters would bring drinks up for you, but they didn't collect glasses and ashtrays remained uncleaned for the whole of the week! Not good service when a lot of money had been spent on going there!
The waiter service in the bar was appalling! They ignored most people - the grandfather of a little girl my daughter was friends with told us that he refused to spend his money there after waiting 20mins to be served! My husband & I waited 10 mins to be served in the afternoon when there was NOONE in the bar, we got fed up and went to the Rope & Anchor along the street.
There was a break in while we were there involving police and the hotel asked the families involved not to tell anyone because of their reputation!
I would not recommend this hotel or resort to anyone with children - there is nothing for them to do.
The Hotel Cala Bona needs to decide to accept adults only or cater for kids properly!

3 readers found this review helpful

Booked this hotel through Portland Direct on recomendation from family members, who have previously visited, after an 11 night stay, wishing I had not bothered.
A surprise birthday Holiday for my wife spoiled because of a very extremely GREEDY hotel owner.
Arrived on the tuesday of our holiday to be greeted by the receptionist advising us that the sea view room that we had booked and paid for was not available and that we would have to settle for a street view room for the first night, although had air conditioning this room resembled a youth hostel with views of a corner shop and the balconies of other rooms at this hotel. This was because the Hotel owner had overbooked and was refusing to acknowledge what he had done.
When we eventually got the room we had paid for 24 hours after arriving, 3 camp beds had been squeezed into the smallest space possible, with a view of a block of apartments overlooking the harbour and a partial sea wiew from the balcony.
Tried complaining to both the hotel staff and the thomson representative, who both refused to pursue my complaint any further, by trying to blame each other for us not getting what we had paid, for, also insulted with an offer of compensation that the owner reluctantly agreed to of just €2.00, which was what he claimed was the difference between the two different rooms.
Hotel is split between five blocks, with roads between them, with one block being about a five minute walk from the main block that housed reception, dining room and swimming pool, Hotel is extremely outdated, as was built in the 1920's and still maintains this old decor.
First floor swimming pool although not massive was of a good size, but was filled with salt water that ruined 2 of my daughters swimming costumes, which needed to be thrown away.
Restaurant and food were passibale, food provided, although not a large varied variety, was geared towards the british holiday maker. The prices in the bar were extremely high, almost double what you would pay at a harbourside cafe or other Hotels and restaurants.
Hotel entertainment was extremely poor apart from "John", the funniest comedian/artist in town, saw him twice during our stay and thoroughlly enjoyed his show.
Very difficult to get to sleep at night due to high volumes of noise from passers by and people sat in the hotel bar that extended on to the harbour side. Beware of this.
Would most certainly not go back to this hotel, if you are planning to visit this hotel please take note of what I have detailed in this review, rated 3 star by portland, this is more definatley 2 star.

just been to hotel cala bona for a week with my husband 2 children aged1 and 3 and my mum. my mum had a sole occupancy room which did not have a balcony but did have paio doors with safety railing up the room itself was a double with 2 beds and very spacious for one person. oud family room was in same block (main one where reception is) and it was huge.....lots of room for 3 beds a cot and a pushchair. It had air con and free free-view tv, the balcony was twice as big as other follrs as we were on 2nd floor restaurant below so if children did climb over it was very safe as they was on restaurant roof which was secure with railings. we hired a fridge for 17e great thing to do as supermarket is nxt dr and save loads of money overall. the the pool area was great clean and sun beds free. the best thing was the food for a 2star hotel the foof was easily 3 or even 4 star quality. lots of choice and so nice. each day there is a menu outside restaurant telling you whats on offer that ngt.....except sundays no ,mention of carvery yorkshire puds and trimmings so dont eat out at lunch time on sundays like we did....food gorgeous. the hotel is in a great location and cala millor is a 25 minute walk along the front....great for shopping there. overall i would recomend this hotel to everyone excepot thoose wanting area for kids or kids club....not much for them onls section of pool. we knew this when we booked as we wanted a quiter hotel not one focused around kids. we will definatley go back and recomend it to all.

1 reader found this review helpful

This years visit was my 7th to Cala Bona, all of them to the Cala Bona Hotel.
This hotel has everything I need on a relaxing by the pool type holiday and I never fail to have a good time. I travelled with My Mother (in her 50s), Sister (28) and I'm 25.
The hotels rooms (in the Azul block situated a few minutes walk from reception) are large (even with an extra bed), clean and well equiped. Before travelling I always email them and request the Azul block. On arrival this year we were given a room in the block above the hairdressers, we thought we were going to have this room for the rest of the holiday, but at 8am the next morning, Christine from reception called the room and informed us that our requested room would be ready for us by 10am. As a gesture of good will they gave us a fridge, kettle, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer free of charge without us even asking (These are normally available for hire).
The cleaner, as always, did a thorough job each day, replacing towels as requested (towels are changed if you leave them on the bathroom floor). We never pay extra for a sea view as the rooms at the back of the Azul block are quieter and have an amazing view of the hills and mountains.
The pool area isn't the largest, but is clean and has plenty of sunbeds and sunshades. If you have a problem getting a bed, speak to the guy at the pool bar and he will remove towels that have been left for a long while - only fair really!
The pool is lovely and warm once you take the plunge and get in!
Meals at the Cala Bona aren't gourmet but always hot and tasty (if not hot enough, there are microwaves located around the dining room). A table sharing system does operate if there are only 2 of you travelling, but on occasions when only myself and my Mum have been there this hasn't caused any problems and it's actually nice to speak to other people for 30 minutes or so!
Having not really been to the bar for evening entertainment (we prefere to go to Sanddancers - more on this later) i can't really comment, but i have heard people by the pool the following day raving about the previous nights act.
SANDDANCERS! This bar is the main reason we come to Cala Bona. Over the past 4 years we've built a real friendship with Faz and Tracey (a couple from South Shields who own the place), their son Faz Jnr and Sharky (Faz's best friend who works there each season). I cannot fault this bar in any way, it has something for all ages, quizs, karaoke, comedy from Faz, a kids play area, free kids cinema and free playstaion games to keep the little ones amused while the parents have a drinkpoos. All of the resort reps come here too and a great night is had every night of the week. Tracey serves up delicious hotdogs, pizzas and other bar snacks, the drinks are of large measures (resulting in sore heads!) and are reasonably priced. The Bar is located along the road at the back of the hotel:
Come out of reception, turn right
turn right again
Turn left at the Bip supermarket
Cross the road!!!
Please be sure to visit this place on your first night, if i had a Euro for every time i've heard someone say to Faz and Tracey "If only we'd found you sooner" I'd be a very rich woman!
Enjoy your stay, we'll be back next year!

2 readers found this review helpful

The hotel cala bona is situated central to the seafront harbour. The hotel is unusually split into the old original front building with wooden shutters, which over looks the square and harbour. Behind the old original hotel are 3 other hotel blocks. The hotel has a traditional feel and decore about it. All very comfortable. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The food is very good, and always something to please everyone. There is only one sitting in the dining room between 7 and 9 pm, so if you a couple, you will be sharing a table with another couple. When we were there we found we ate at different times , and did not see the other couple, although they were very plesant!The bedrooms and hotel itself are kept very clean.The bedrooms overlooking the front do not have air conditioning, instead a large ceiling fan, and often there is a nice seas breeze to cool. One other thing to bear in mind is that these rooms are noisy as there can be quite a crowd gathering in the bars and restaurants below in the square. I would add though this is not a noisy resort, and most entertainment will be over by 11 or 12. There are lots of little facilities in the hotel including internet access from two computers, hiring of tea making facilities for room, hiring of hair dryer, use of hotel safe to store valuables. etc etc. The staff are more than happy to provide what you need.We had a late flight home, and did not leave hotel until 8pm. Instead of keeping on our bedroom and having to pay for that, it is worthing knowing that there is a special shower room which you can book for an hour free of use and the hotel provide towels. In the shower room is a toilet, handbasin, shower, and hair dryer. The only criticism about the hotel is that we found the area around the swimming pool very crampted. There are plenty of sun beds, but not enough room for them really. The swimming pool is not overly large for the amount of people, and we found that you could not really swim properly in it, as children and adults were jumping in and using it as a splash pool. There are facilities on the small beach, ie sun shades and beds which you pay for, but not sure if swimming is that good in the sea, there seemed to be quite a lot of rocks under water and some weed. Further along in Cala Millor there is a larger beech, and better for swimming.There are plenty of lovely sea front cafes and bars, and it is very difficult to avoid having a spot of lunch at one of these!!!!Would go back again for a relaxing holiday.

2 readers found this review helpful

This hotel is the friendliest, most laid back and relaxing place anyone could wish to stay at.
It does not pretend to be an international 5 star hotel but what it does do it does very well.
The food is good with a varied menu and something for everyone, it is well cooked and plentiful.
The Hotel Cala Bona has a terrific atmosphere - friendly, comfotrable and relaxing.
The hotel is immaculately clean and the staff are fantastic.
So well positioned right by the harbour and promenade but quiet after bedtime.
This was my second visit to this hotel and I will be going back sometime.

1 reader found this review helpful

we have stayed at this hotel many times over the last 6 years. a family run hotel, staff are very friendly and accommodating. rooms are varied, depending on what you pay for. the basic rooms are at the front with lovely views and only a ceiling fan but other rooms are available (you get what you pay for) the reception block includes air con with the choice of pool view rooms but the best block for a small extra charge is the pergola block with sea view and air con.
i am very fussy where i stay and usually go 4-5star but i will always go back to this hotel for a break. so i would recommend......
it overlooks the marina and is a short flat walk to most places
this hotel should have a higher rating