Festamar Apartments, Estartit, Spain
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £77
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Festamar Apartments enjoy a quiet location within close proximity to the gently-shelving beach of L'Estartit, making these apartments ideal for families. loading...
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Festamar Apartments Reviews
" in september 2007 i went to festamar... "
Submitted By: Mr Ryan Seale
in september 2007 i went to festamar apartments and i thought it was exellent because everyone that i went with loved it.when i first got in my apartment i thought it was very nice because it was so clean and also it was very big,all the rooms was very nice and the beds was very nice to sleep in.it was very good at night time when i was in bed because when there was noise out side i couldnt here it.everything was great and i want to go again.one more thing was that all the staff in the bar was very nice.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We found the apartment very clean and... "
Submitted By: Mr J Backhouse
We found the apartment very clean and well equipped. We were on the side of the building overlooking the main entrance so were well away from the entertainment noise on a night, which suited us just fine.
All the staff we met on our two weeks there were very friendly and helpful. We were there at the end of sept and lots of places were closing down. The first week we had a few good meals in Brannigans but this was shut by the second week and this was repeated at many others throughout our stay. We should have gone at the start of sept.
We tried a meal in Dinos one night and had both ordered pie chips & veg it looked nice when it came, but both pies were still frozen in the centre so we went somewhere else, As we were the only people in its not as though the chef was rushed. This was a shame because everything else about the place was so good and we would have eaten there quite often otherwise.
The resort its self was very nice with a great beach that shelves gently into the sea, there are toilets near the beach as well as snack bars and beach beds/shades etc.
We found there was not a lot of nightlife but again I think we were too late in the year as you could see that lots of places had shut shop for the year even Jocks fun bar was closed and having read previous reviews I was looking forward to going.
All in all we had a nice relaxing time at a very nice place and would go back but earlier in the year.
All the staff we met on our two weeks there were very friendly and helpful. We were there at the end of sept and lots of places were closing down. The first week we had a few good meals in Brannigans but this was shut by the second week and this was repeated at many others throughout our stay. We should have gone at the start of sept.
We tried a meal in Dinos one night and had both ordered pie chips & veg it looked nice when it came, but both pies were still frozen in the centre so we went somewhere else, As we were the only people in its not as though the chef was rushed. This was a shame because everything else about the place was so good and we would have eaten there quite often otherwise.
The resort its self was very nice with a great beach that shelves gently into the sea, there are toilets near the beach as well as snack bars and beach beds/shades etc.
We found there was not a lot of nightlife but again I think we were too late in the year as you could see that lots of places had shut shop for the year even Jocks fun bar was closed and having read previous reviews I was looking forward to going.
All in all we had a nice relaxing time at a very nice place and would go back but earlier in the year.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Skytours
" The first thing that you notice is... "
Submitted By: Mrs S A Wetmore
The first thing that you notice is the cleanliness of the apartment and during our stay must say it was immaculate.
Cleanliness of hotel and public toilets could not be surpassed. Room was adequate for our needs just. - a bit on the small side - but in fairness it was a very late booking. The apartment had everything we needed, an iron was an added bonus.
The hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful - though the lack of English with the night security proved a light irritation, but not insurmountable. It is not a 24 hour reception, so should you need your deposit returned on your deposit boxes could be a problem for a late flight - but only 10 Euros, does it matter! ! I recommend the buffet breakfast for Euros 6. was brilliant.
The only problem I had with the resort and hotel - lack of interest for children from 12 -17 in the evening. I went with 2 x 15 yr old girls. There was nothing for this age group - the bar attached to the Hotel Dinos specialised in Bingo, Karaoke and General quizzes, who had the feeling of Butlins 5 year ago at least - a lot liked it but was it because there was not much else.
I found the bar staff extremely efficient and friendly. Surrounding bars - Barracuda had a live singer - Chad who was brilliant. He also sang at various bars in the neighbourhood. The food at the Festamar was OK for the price equal to bars around, and Bar b Que evening was worth the value. One word or warning - all trips Barcelona, Medieval Feast, Water World are all over 1 1/2 hours away - each way !
The resort is very small and quite quiet. One main shopping street, but if you want a relaxing holiday this is fine - everything is in walking distance. Beach - beautiful within 5 min absolute max ( being a sceptic timed it). the town centre is 20 min (timed and a cruise not marathon) walk across the beach promenade, but when you get au fait with the town - there are various short cuts. (10 mins, timed and not at a great pace).
I recommend this resort under the conditions above - this is what I was looking for and found it fantastic - it you are after 24 hr per day - mass entertainment, party -party etc laid on, not for you.
I enjoyed my holiday and would thoroughly recommend it - but with children 12 -15 it is a slight problem. For families with children under this age, the hotel, bar, beach and town is superb - would highly recommend it. There are a lot of families that go, year after year and I can understand why.
Next year the girls are going back on their own!
Cleanliness of hotel and public toilets could not be surpassed. Room was adequate for our needs just. - a bit on the small side - but in fairness it was a very late booking. The apartment had everything we needed, an iron was an added bonus.
The hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful - though the lack of English with the night security proved a light irritation, but not insurmountable. It is not a 24 hour reception, so should you need your deposit returned on your deposit boxes could be a problem for a late flight - but only 10 Euros, does it matter! ! I recommend the buffet breakfast for Euros 6. was brilliant.
The only problem I had with the resort and hotel - lack of interest for children from 12 -17 in the evening. I went with 2 x 15 yr old girls. There was nothing for this age group - the bar attached to the Hotel Dinos specialised in Bingo, Karaoke and General quizzes, who had the feeling of Butlins 5 year ago at least - a lot liked it but was it because there was not much else.
I found the bar staff extremely efficient and friendly. Surrounding bars - Barracuda had a live singer - Chad who was brilliant. He also sang at various bars in the neighbourhood. The food at the Festamar was OK for the price equal to bars around, and Bar b Que evening was worth the value. One word or warning - all trips Barcelona, Medieval Feast, Water World are all over 1 1/2 hours away - each way !
The resort is very small and quite quiet. One main shopping street, but if you want a relaxing holiday this is fine - everything is in walking distance. Beach - beautiful within 5 min absolute max ( being a sceptic timed it). the town centre is 20 min (timed and a cruise not marathon) walk across the beach promenade, but when you get au fait with the town - there are various short cuts. (10 mins, timed and not at a great pace).
I recommend this resort under the conditions above - this is what I was looking for and found it fantastic - it you are after 24 hr per day - mass entertainment, party -party etc laid on, not for you.
I enjoyed my holiday and would thoroughly recommend it - but with children 12 -15 it is a slight problem. For families with children under this age, the hotel, bar, beach and town is superb - would highly recommend it. There are a lot of families that go, year after year and I can understand why.
Next year the girls are going back on their own!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The apartments: basic, clean, beds... "
Submitted By: Mr A Alker
The apartments: basic, clean, beds like concrete, annoying corridor lights on timers that turn off when u are halfway to your room. Walls paper thin, plumbing that requires a degree in thermodynamics to get the water temp and pressure right and air conditioning that went out with the ark!
But...apartments well stocked for dishes etc and sheets and towels supplied clean. Evening entertainment in the form of karaoke, bingo and the odd 'special' like a magic act etc.
If you are unfortunate enough to be placed over the entrance to Dinos bar take earplugs if you want to sleep before 3a.m. as the bin men arrive at midnight and when the bar closes about 1am the staff like to sit right under your window for an hour or two and shout and scream before going home.
Eating: We found soft drinks were pricey throughout the resort. We only ate at Dinos once. If you want cheap, filling and decent grub go around the corner to the Cantina bar take away, the curries are gorgeous, our ten year old rated the kids meals better than McDonalds!
Brannigans bar opposite the Cantina is a decent hangout (serves Guinness) and when you get sick of drinking San Miguel you will find Stella around the corner in The Barracuda bar which shows all the footy and is great for the kids. Away from the apartments if you are into seafood you will be in heaven, otherwise everywhere serves similar dishes that can be a bit repetitive and overpriced. Next to the Festamar there is a reasonably good supermarket and bakery.
The resort: Parking is a nightmare and the police will tow your car away if its illegally parked. There is a market every Thursday which takes up the street between the Festamar and the Festasol apartments and all the way into town so we advise moving your car off this street on a Wednesday, we used Thursday for day trips and the market had packed and gone when we arrived back late afternoon. You can park on the beach around the corner from the Festa apartments but may be best not to risk leaving it there at night.
The main roads are decent enough but we recommend buying a good map if you are driving around because the direction signs are a bit scarce in some areas and we found ourselves going in circles a few times. The area around the apartments is a bit shabby and reminded me of inner city tenement blocks.
The local people are nice enough and the ex-pats working in the bars are really friendly and helpful. The walk along the beachfront into L'Estartit town is very pleasant but gets a bit busy early evening, there is also a tourist road train that will take you into the old town for a few euros but it is only a fifteen minute stroll into town from the apartments.
The bars/restaurants in the town are expensive. If you are having a tipple stay away from the beer and ask for shorts as they don’t use optics and you will get at least a triple shot of the hard stuff for about the same price as a single in a UK city centre pub. Santa Anna Street is good for shopping.
The boat trips out to the Meddes Islands and beyond are a good afternoon out. If you are looking for more than sun, sand and sangria we thought that the medieval town of Pals was very pretty and quaint, there are ruins of Greek and Roman towns up the coast near L'Escala and if you like pretty little seaside villages head south to Callella de Palafrugell which is very 'Cornish' in appearance.
Other info: If you are not used to driving in Europe stay away from Barcelona, it's a nightmare even on the main express route through it. If you want to go to Barcelona we would advise getting the train from Girona or Flaca.
The beach: Huge and probably the best beach we've been to. Great for kids with a gently sloping shelf which means the water is the same depth for a fair distance out.
But...apartments well stocked for dishes etc and sheets and towels supplied clean. Evening entertainment in the form of karaoke, bingo and the odd 'special' like a magic act etc.
If you are unfortunate enough to be placed over the entrance to Dinos bar take earplugs if you want to sleep before 3a.m. as the bin men arrive at midnight and when the bar closes about 1am the staff like to sit right under your window for an hour or two and shout and scream before going home.
Eating: We found soft drinks were pricey throughout the resort. We only ate at Dinos once. If you want cheap, filling and decent grub go around the corner to the Cantina bar take away, the curries are gorgeous, our ten year old rated the kids meals better than McDonalds!
Brannigans bar opposite the Cantina is a decent hangout (serves Guinness) and when you get sick of drinking San Miguel you will find Stella around the corner in The Barracuda bar which shows all the footy and is great for the kids. Away from the apartments if you are into seafood you will be in heaven, otherwise everywhere serves similar dishes that can be a bit repetitive and overpriced. Next to the Festamar there is a reasonably good supermarket and bakery.
The resort: Parking is a nightmare and the police will tow your car away if its illegally parked. There is a market every Thursday which takes up the street between the Festamar and the Festasol apartments and all the way into town so we advise moving your car off this street on a Wednesday, we used Thursday for day trips and the market had packed and gone when we arrived back late afternoon. You can park on the beach around the corner from the Festa apartments but may be best not to risk leaving it there at night.
The main roads are decent enough but we recommend buying a good map if you are driving around because the direction signs are a bit scarce in some areas and we found ourselves going in circles a few times. The area around the apartments is a bit shabby and reminded me of inner city tenement blocks.
The local people are nice enough and the ex-pats working in the bars are really friendly and helpful. The walk along the beachfront into L'Estartit town is very pleasant but gets a bit busy early evening, there is also a tourist road train that will take you into the old town for a few euros but it is only a fifteen minute stroll into town from the apartments.
The bars/restaurants in the town are expensive. If you are having a tipple stay away from the beer and ask for shorts as they don’t use optics and you will get at least a triple shot of the hard stuff for about the same price as a single in a UK city centre pub. Santa Anna Street is good for shopping.
The boat trips out to the Meddes Islands and beyond are a good afternoon out. If you are looking for more than sun, sand and sangria we thought that the medieval town of Pals was very pretty and quaint, there are ruins of Greek and Roman towns up the coast near L'Escala and if you like pretty little seaside villages head south to Callella de Palafrugell which is very 'Cornish' in appearance.
Other info: If you are not used to driving in Europe stay away from Barcelona, it's a nightmare even on the main express route through it. If you want to go to Barcelona we would advise getting the train from Girona or Flaca.
The beach: Huge and probably the best beach we've been to. Great for kids with a gently sloping shelf which means the water is the same depth for a fair distance out.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This place reminded me of the hotel... "
Submitted By: Dr R Pepper
This place reminded me of the hotel in Elles Bells on Carry On Abroad. It's cheap, very cheerful and like something out of the late 70s/early 80s.
What you've got here is a drastically cheap concrete structure that was knocked up in the 80s and all of the decor seems to be original! It's a bit like Margate on the Costa Brava.
If you're looking for an economical trip for the family GO HERE, it's safe, fun and not to be taken too seriously.
L'estartit has some tremendous restaurants and bars if you look carefully enough, just not near the Festamar!
What you've got here is a drastically cheap concrete structure that was knocked up in the 80s and all of the decor seems to be original! It's a bit like Margate on the Costa Brava.
If you're looking for an economical trip for the family GO HERE, it's safe, fun and not to be taken too seriously.
L'estartit has some tremendous restaurants and bars if you look carefully enough, just not near the Festamar!
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" It was brilliant because the sun... "
Submitted By: Mr KG Garrard
It was brilliant because the sun shined all holiday plus friendship all over the hotel. My best holiday ever so far hope to go again soon. It is about 92 degrees.
The pool was warm and very big. Games room cheap for fun and staff very friendly even the Dj. My wife, myself and our 4 kids had a lovely cheap holiday to Estartit.
The hotel was cleaned by staff bringing clean towels and sheets for beds. Kids club was great because the kids love playing.
The pool was warm and very big. Games room cheap for fun and staff very friendly even the Dj. My wife, myself and our 4 kids had a lovely cheap holiday to Estartit.
The hotel was cleaned by staff bringing clean towels and sheets for beds. Kids club was great because the kids love playing.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Just got back from Festamar... "
Submitted By: The Brooksby & Kirkpatrick
Just got back from Festamar apartments for the 2nd year, and it is an amazing place to stay! The Staff are all friendly. The rooms are very clean and well maintained!
After being here 2 years in a row, we realised that Dino's Bar was the best place for food! We would also recommend BBQ night - Its a right laugh!
Jimmy's Bar's a brilliant night out something for everyone and not far from the apartments. The beach is close by and a supermarket across the road.
The pool is very clean and not 2 deep! Also there is Entertainment provided by the hotel every evening. e.g./ Quiz night, Bingo, Karaoke lol I know how that sounds boring? But the guests make it fun. Well there’s so much to say about Festamar but to narrow it down an amazing holiday for all ages a nice family holiday.
People looking for a clubbing holiday I wouldn't recommend it to though. However me and my Family will definitely be returning. Many thanks.
After being here 2 years in a row, we realised that Dino's Bar was the best place for food! We would also recommend BBQ night - Its a right laugh!
Jimmy's Bar's a brilliant night out something for everyone and not far from the apartments. The beach is close by and a supermarket across the road.
The pool is very clean and not 2 deep! Also there is Entertainment provided by the hotel every evening. e.g./ Quiz night, Bingo, Karaoke lol I know how that sounds boring? But the guests make it fun. Well there’s so much to say about Festamar but to narrow it down an amazing holiday for all ages a nice family holiday.
People looking for a clubbing holiday I wouldn't recommend it to though. However me and my Family will definitely be returning. Many thanks.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Excellent base for families. Estartit... "
Submitted By: P Smith
Excellent base for families. Estartit has a great beach and the Festamar Apartments are well run and very efficient.
Adding a post to one of the reviews above, I can concur, the best family bar in the whole of Estartit is undoubtedly Jimmy’s Cellar British Pub. There is a Scottish compare called Robert who keeps everyone entertained all night. From Quizzes, bingo, karaoke, Race Nights and a Happy Hour every night for 2 hours where you get 2 drinks for the price of 1, all helps to create a fun family atmosphere.
It’s a 5 minute walk from the Festamar Apartments, but it’s worth it. A great place to have fun nights on your holiday in Estartit.
Adding a post to one of the reviews above, I can concur, the best family bar in the whole of Estartit is undoubtedly Jimmy’s Cellar British Pub. There is a Scottish compare called Robert who keeps everyone entertained all night. From Quizzes, bingo, karaoke, Race Nights and a Happy Hour every night for 2 hours where you get 2 drinks for the price of 1, all helps to create a fun family atmosphere.
It’s a 5 minute walk from the Festamar Apartments, but it’s worth it. A great place to have fun nights on your holiday in Estartit.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Not Specified
- Tour Operator:Not Specified
" This is our third time of going to... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Lewis
This is our third time of going to the Festamar. Ok 5 star it is not. But the staff at reception and bar make up for it.
Roy the resident DJ is great fun even though he wasn't very well during our stay. The kids love him as he always had time for them, the Kids reps were great, some days the club had them for 6 hours in total! The rooms are only cleaned once a week but having said that I do not expect other people to clean up after me. Linen changed 3 times in 14 nights. The air con was not what it could be but it wasn't advertised so you can’t grumble.
I really like Estartit you feel very safe, and it is not full of tourist bars with people trying to get you in. The snorkel safari was great we went twice, the town itself is very nice too, beach great also. It does what it says on the package, a good family holiday. Hopefully we will be back next year.
Roy the resident DJ is great fun even though he wasn't very well during our stay. The kids love him as he always had time for them, the Kids reps were great, some days the club had them for 6 hours in total! The rooms are only cleaned once a week but having said that I do not expect other people to clean up after me. Linen changed 3 times in 14 nights. The air con was not what it could be but it wasn't advertised so you can’t grumble.
I really like Estartit you feel very safe, and it is not full of tourist bars with people trying to get you in. The snorkel safari was great we went twice, the town itself is very nice too, beach great also. It does what it says on the package, a good family holiday. Hopefully we will be back next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hi, my family and I have been going... "
Submitted By: Ms L Wilson
Hi, my family and I have been going to the Festamar apartments for the last five years and are going back this year. The staff are all very friendly as well as helpful.
We have met and made a lot of nice friends with other holidaymakers as well as locals and it is nice when you go back and they remember you, the rooms are always clean and tidy, if you have a problem it is sorted out very soon, Roy who does the entertainment is excellent and we have become good friends.
The bar staff and macro the cook are also very nice and the food is good, there is a supermarket across the road and behind that there is the beach. In the opposite direction there is a kiddies entertainment park and at the side of the football park a very nice pub called jimmy's cellar. Bothmel and Jimmy are great.
Overall the resort is very nice it is very family orientated so if you don't like children stay at home.
We have met and made a lot of nice friends with other holidaymakers as well as locals and it is nice when you go back and they remember you, the rooms are always clean and tidy, if you have a problem it is sorted out very soon, Roy who does the entertainment is excellent and we have become good friends.
The bar staff and macro the cook are also very nice and the food is good, there is a supermarket across the road and behind that there is the beach. In the opposite direction there is a kiddies entertainment park and at the side of the football park a very nice pub called jimmy's cellar. Bothmel and Jimmy are great.
Overall the resort is very nice it is very family orientated so if you don't like children stay at home.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We got to our resort at 23.00 so we... "
Submitted By: rachel666
We got to our resort at 23.00 so we had no idea what it would be like. When we got to the room it was very nice and clean (not very big I will add) and we collapsed into something that was supposed to be a bed. In the morning I looked out of the window and I was horrified at what I saw there in front of me was concrete and nothing else to look at just concrete hotels and screaming kids everywhere.
You cant get away from the noise because the hotels are in one big square and the walls are wafer thin you can hear people running the tap to fill the kettle, the mattress on the bed is really thin you will think that your in prison and it got worse it was raining and there nothing to do. The food was vile we went to the restaurant at the hotel called Dinos it was awful there is a chip shop near by and it is so greasy I was sick.
With saying all that my beach is beautiful but you are surrounded by concrete, concrete and more concrete. The flies are a real pest you can’t have a meal without flies trying to land on your dinner. I found Estartit just like London, ****.
You cant get away from the noise because the hotels are in one big square and the walls are wafer thin you can hear people running the tap to fill the kettle, the mattress on the bed is really thin you will think that your in prison and it got worse it was raining and there nothing to do. The food was vile we went to the restaurant at the hotel called Dinos it was awful there is a chip shop near by and it is so greasy I was sick.
With saying all that my beach is beautiful but you are surrounded by concrete, concrete and more concrete. The flies are a real pest you can’t have a meal without flies trying to land on your dinner. I found Estartit just like London, ****.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We went in October because of my... "
Submitted By: S Wilson
We went in October because of my granddaughter we had problems with the flight going and it was raining when we got there the first week we got on the beach as the sun came out our apartment was nice and the staff helpful the Thomson reps were brilliant and very helpful.
The second week it rained but we hired a car and went all over this was the first time I had been abroad and I loved it I would go back to Estartit again as I enjoyed it very much I would recommend it to any one and I hope to return next year the holiday is how you make it and we thoroughly enjoyed. We went to Bryan and Liz and got fantastic English food and they made use very welcome I would like to thank all for making my holiday great.
The second week it rained but we hired a car and went all over this was the first time I had been abroad and I loved it I would go back to Estartit again as I enjoyed it very much I would recommend it to any one and I hope to return next year the holiday is how you make it and we thoroughly enjoyed. We went to Bryan and Liz and got fantastic English food and they made use very welcome I would like to thank all for making my holiday great.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2005
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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Advice: great beach,great family resort, not for clubbers
Activities: mountain itself beautiful. restaurant at jocs fun park quite nice
Good for: Beach