Reviews of Iberostar Club Cala Barca Hotel, Cala Mondrago

Location and surroundings beautiful. Accomodation clean but in need of updating. Food good Poor reservation system for booking in restaurants for evening meal. On two out of six evenings our reservations were mixed. Attitude of staff on these occasions was poor and a complaint to reception gained little. Staff would not even make eye contact and we were given the impression that our word was doubted.



The location is not suitable person disabled persons or those with mobility difficulties.



Sunbeds were not available on beach and we felt this would be something which would enhance the beach.



Ice cream or ice lollies were not freely available to all inclusive guests. Ice cream was available in some restuarants at limited times. These items are normally available ad hoc in all inclusive deals.



All in all a good holiday but customer care does need to be addressed.

Just returned from our second trip to this hotel and we were equally if not more impressed! We took a risk, our first vist was 7 years ago and booked through an agent our boys were only small but we really enjoyed it. This time, a last minute independently booked flight, we diceided we'd go to a place we'd experienced before and it turned up trumps. Yes it is very multi-national but not just German: Italian; Dutch; Spanish and English. Our boys, now 11 and 8 mixed well in the kids clubs and as well brought up children they don't have pre-misconceptions and made great friends with others from Holland, Germany and England. Children have a great way of communicating and over come language barriers - love of sports/games does help! Do not go here if you expect self catering accomodation - it is set up for all inclusive but with added benefit of a fridge (unlike some hotels). Very well kept, great services, well spoken English. There are lots of choices as to where to eat with a fantastic selection. Great for kids who have varied tastes and wishes of eating at different time! Very good value for money given the Euro at the moment. All inclusive but never ever rowdy. We've seen quite a bit of the island before and the sole purpose of this 9 day holiday was to relax, we didn't (on this occasion) feel the need to leave the resort. Great selection of pools, good beach (with bar/food). There is an alternative beach reached by road train or short walk where you can hire pedalo's etc but not part of the complex and so expect to pay for drinks etc when you are there. As far as safety for kids etc, yes there are lot's of steps and pools but small children must be watched 24/7 no matter where they are - if anything it's adults that need to watch their step or their vino intake! Highly recommended by family of four chilled laid back Northerners who will definitely go back.

Honestly, read reviews about this hotel before we left and I have to report back and say that this hotel is excellent. We will be rebooking but for 2 weeks next year. Beach is great. So much to do on site. You can go scuba diving (at a cost), horse riding, loads of sports. It really is excellent. Lots for children and even the teenagers seemed pleased with what was offered on the site. Lots of people we met have been there many times. Location is fantastic. If you dont want to be too far away from the main area, email the hotel and ask to be located close to the restaurants - thats what we did. Food was great and plentiful. Of course you will get the odd day that you dont like something. Main area for food, pizza place does food too, as well as Italian and Mexican (which is situated on the beach). We had a few flies in our room - but hey your in a hot country - take some spray! Mozzies - no problem with these until I went to the beach in the evening - so be warned. Cleaning good - asked for extra pillows and got them within 10 minutes. You cant check in til 2 - so bear this in mind. Lots of drinks on offer. Cake and coffee in the sports / tv room between 4 - 6p.m. Evening entertainment could sometimes be a bit boring but we met loads of people to chat to, so didnt seem too bad. SUNBEDS - RIGHT HERE WE GO. The good thing about this hotel is that they are chained together until 10a.m (saves the getting up really early). A TIP FOR YOU. When you get up, go down and get some of the white chairs and place your towel on the white chairs. Place the chair in the space in which you wish your bed to go. At 10 you will see everyone hanging off the sunbeds ready for them to be unchained. It is better for 2 of you to get your beds. One each end and thus no one can get it out of your hands. We got a bed everyday without force, so good luck. The pools are fantastic and are not fresh sea water but have chlorine. WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL - DAMN RIGHT I WOULD. We booked through Travel Republic and saved quite a bit of money. Any questions just ask nearlyforty@hotmail.co.uk

Do not go here if you are British unless you can speak fluent German. No offence meant to our German holiday makers but whilst we were there we only saw another 8 British families 6 of which were at the welcome meeting This hotel is 7km from Cala Dor it is surrounded by fields and nothing else. The food was terrible we lived on pasta all week. The entartainment would have been enjoyable if we could have understood the language. Thank goodness for the train which left from outside the hotel to take us to Cala Dor which is really beautiful. Dont leave any valuables in sight as we had items stolen from our room but at least the thief kindly locked our door with a key as they left. And dont bother complaining to the rep because hes not bothered either.

We just returned from another fabulous holiday at Cala Barca and am so pleased we decided to return there.I was a little concerned reading a recent review about the pools looking different from last year as it was commented upon as there was no bridge or islands in the pools. I asked a member of staff about why the diving pool had been filled in and also about the removal of islands and bridges over the pools, they said it was because some older children had jumped irresponsibly and had hurt themselves, therefore they removed them.I must say that they kept the aesthetic beauty of the pools and if you hadn't visited in previous years you would never have noticed the difference.

The staff truly make this resort a wonderful place to visit, from the very warm greetings from reception staff to the guys collecting glasses from the pool area.There was never a queue at any of the bars and the hotel is kept spotless, you never have to ask for a table to be cleared.

The animation team, yet again, outstanding.This year we went with my 21yr old daughter and sons aged 13 and 5, myself, husband and my mother.There was always something to do, whether you wanted to try your hand at archery, rifle shooting, horse riding, salsa lessons, or one for the English, Bingo! The majority of the guests are German, but other nationalities were represented including the Swedish, Americans, French, Italians and Spanish. British people were very definitely in the minority which never bothers us.

The entertainment team have vastly improved this year with new additions to their team.We saw a couple of fabulous shows and were always able to find a table no matter what time we had dinner.Again our favourite restaurant was the Mexican restaurant on the beach, drinking a glass of wine watching the sun go down, quite beautiful! The other restaurants are lovely also, and there are only a couple of hours in the day when you can't have a meal or a snack.

One of the services which isn't advertised is that the sunbeds are locked of an evening and are only released at 10:00am the next day, thus avoiding the awful race to reserve sunbeds.This is positively frowned upon at this resort, as it should be! Everyone queues up at about 09:50am and waits until they have been unlocked.A level of decorum is definitely expected and if you sunbathe by a pool expect to get wet as the children will be jumping in! Again we expected this and it didn't bother us at all.

We have never returned to the same place twice as we always say that the world is too big. However, we were not disappointed and were extremely happy to be given the rooms we requested. If you don't want to have a room far from the main restaurant areas you should email Iberostar requesting you stay on the same side as the restarants/sports areas as the resort is built around a bay, horseshoe shape and it can be quite a hike from one side to the other.

The beach is in a lovely cove, very private with a beach bar, lots of places to sunbathe.

Once you are there it can feel rather remote so plan carefully, although there are always lots of excursions on offer.

As a family who, quite honestly can be very critical on holiday, we were very pleased to return to Cala Barca and whole heartedly recommend this hotel to not just familes, but to anyone who wishes to relax, enjoy wonderful service in an environment free of people who bathe in excess.(There are no drunken people singing at 02:00am).

The staff all speak English and it is very much appreciated if you make the effort to learn a couple of Spanish phrases.

At a time when it is considered we are not getting much value from the Euro it is refreshing to know that you can still have a wonderful holiday in Europe if you choose wisely.

This hotel is a death trap for young children you can never take your eyes off them in case they go over one of the many drops at the edges of the pools which are on 3 levels. there is a huge drop into the pine wood onto the beach which has a rail around but the rail has big gaps that a toddler could fall through, This hotel is ready to be updated renovated or pulled down and started again, the many paths, paving slabs have huge cracks in them and have been painted over with very nice green paint above and around the hotel grounds which are very very slippy when wet. The pool area looks nothing like the pictures on the internet there is no bridge or stepping stones. We spent most of our time around the toddler pool placed just above the huge drop to the childrens play area, as I said railed off but the rails very wide which children could fall through. The childrens play area is in the shade but too much shade with the breeze from the sea it can be very cold. The beach is small and the sand has lots and lots of stones in it and is surrounded by rocks. However the staff are excellent and the childrens club staff really look after the kids our children where too young. we were sold this holiday on the premis of it being a family hotel, we met a travel agent who had sold this holiday to herself who said that indeed the brochure needed bringing up to date. If your children are sensible and not too daring then this could be the holiday for you as the entertainment is very very good. but if you worry about your childrens safety and they are adventerous there are lots of accidents waiting to happen at this resort.The pool area is none too clean, we did try to shame the staff into cleaning one evening by swilling and brushing the toddler pool area but they just laughed at us. This is also a German dominated resort which is not a problem but if you only have one child could be a problem making friends with the language barrier

Had a good time though this hotel is what the reviews say, you will not meet many English.



So don’t do what the Brits usually do and moan to each other, do as what will be done to you - be rude push in and hover for seat at night you will enjoy it more.



The all inc is excellent we have been too many all inc across world and this does rate as one of the best, 1 tip order a picnic every day then you will all ways have bottled water for the room.



If you are coming here I would recommend a car as you are out on a limb, local buses will take you to where you want to go but it is slow and tiresome.



But if you were like us we just wanted to chill for the week and we did entertainment was very good with the animation team working overtime.



Another tip if you are coming here look at the cheap web sites to book like travel republic on the beach as you will almost half the price to that of a travel agent.

Just got back from an absolutely brilliant holiday at Cala Barca Hotel with the family. We went with two adults and four children and enjoyed every minute! Lots and lots for kids to do everyday, plenty of shows, (even though most were foreign) tons of great swimming pools and best of all, the complex is surrounded by many beautiful tropical beaches!



Having never been abroad with the family before we weren't really sure what to expect, but now we are so glad we went. The staff at Cala Barca are lovely and very hardworking. The children loved to go and talk to them all, especially waiters Thatiana and Felipe and bar man Antonio. They were fantastic at their jobs, as soon as we'd finished our meals plates would be cleared - excellent service! Food was brill, lots and lots to choose from. Alot of it was aimed at the many Germans there but there was plenty of english food to pick from and it was very filling.



In the daytime we definitely recommend going to visit other beaches and towns. The kids especially enjoyed going to Cala Mondrago, a beautiful nature reserve about 5 minutes away from the hotel. Had two massive beaches and the sea there was alot clearer, unlike the rockier sea at Cala Barca. Also go to Cala Dor which is a very smart and pretty town with lots of designer shops and a great beach. You can get to both of these places by catching the little train that stops outside reception, the kids loved the ride and it was great to see the local sights on the way!



At evening there were three different shows, even though they were mainly in foreign languages - the kids still loved to dance along to the songs and it was nice to sit on the balcony and laugh at all the germans disco dancing! The songs were very catchy and we still can't get them out of our heads!



Overall we definitely recommend going, we had a fantastic time and will definitely be back sometime soon!

We have just returned from a fantastic holiday at Iberostar Cala Barca in Porto Petro Cala Santanyi.



We are a family of four, our sons are 4 & 12 and after spending our first week self catering to do a lot of sightseeing we just wanted to chill, relax and feel pampered at this all inclusive resort, far from the hustle and bustle you would normally associate with Majorca.



Our room was lovely with a fantastic Romanesque balcony. I had requested a pool view/sea view and was given both, as the beach is a stone throw away from the main pool areas which are on split levels to avoid crowding.



The sunbeds are not released until 10:00am so you don't have to get up at daft o'clock to reserve your sunbeds. Another observation is that there are always plenty of places to camp out, either in the sun or the shade.



The whole resort is aesthetically beautiful with the horse riding stables and the tennis courts/sports arenas behind the main complex you can't see or smell them!



You can choose between three main restaurants, although there is also a pizzeria and the Mexican restaurant, (on the beach!) serves lunch and snacks during the day.



Our four yr old didn't want to join the miniclub but still did a lot of the activities, pony riding, mini golf, tee-shirt painting, that's when we could get him out of one of the pools! Our eldest son took part in almost everything, basketball, football, tennis lessons, diving, mini golf, everything he could do he did do, which is a testament to the exceptional quality of the animation staff.



Generally our children don't bother with activities as they are usually led by people who either look embarrassed to be there or incapable of showing enthusiasm. For the first time we as parents even joined in the archery and rifle shooting!



The food is fab, lots of choice and as a none seafood person I was relieved to find plenty of alternatives to giant Gambas, calamari and seafood paella which was on offer most days.



The outside entertainment was superb, River dance, Mama Mia and a Kenyan dance Co to name but a few. The bar selection was also great and there was never a queue. As an international resort with most of the staff speaking four/five languages it was extremely well organised.



Not at any time did anyone pressurise us to take a trip, hire a car etc which was a welcome change at an all inclusive resort. We have travelled extensively and have always said that the world is too big to return to anywhere twice, but we would definitely consider going back next year.



The only reason we have not rated this resort 10/10 is because on the first couple of days our air conditioning didn't work. However the matter was quickly amended would wholeheartedly recommend Cala Barca to families who enjoy a multilingual atmosphere away from the dross of Magaluf.



PS: A taxi transfer costs 60Euros per way.

Myself & my daughter came here last year, & returned this year with a friend & his 2 boys; clearly this hotel is fantastic as far as we are concerned!



I love the fact that there are hardly any English people, although the Germans get on your nerves with their lack of manners; however this is not the fault of anyone apart from the Germans.



The staff are amazing, so friendly, on their feet at least 12 hours a day & never complain! (Unlike over here!)



The star friends are truly a treasure to the hotel & put on fantastic shows every eve, they clearly work hard!



The hotel itself is so clean, the pools amazing, the food has a fantastic range & is damn good!



My only downside this year was Thomas cook! A welcome meeting 30hours after you arrive! So not good, good job I have been here before!



This should be at least a 4star place, not 3! So damn brilliant!

We chose Cala Barca hotel as it ticked all the boxes we needed for our family holiday to be as good as possible! We arrived late August 06, and the weather was gorgeous.



Firstly, I have to confess. on arrival we were surprised to find we were one of the so many nationalities at the resort (as in the past we've been amongst only English holiday makers), however, ironically, when we did bump into a group of English people (who were mostly finding fault with this and that), we soon realised that we were definitely better off having a more private holiday, and was kind of glad not to have to smile politely and side step away from the English-moaners!



Don't get me wrong, we did however meet a great selection of holiday makers, which we regularly bumped into, but these people didn't take over our holiday! We met newly wed's from Scotland, a family from Essex and Liverpool, a family from Belgium, another family from London (who became our kid's best friends), and a lovely couple from Germany. Great!



This resort is about 20 years old, but none the less, very clean, fantastically large, and well equipped, and once you get the low-down on what this village-like complex has to offer it's very exciting, cause it's just great for kids (young and teenagers), and parents too!



There are three main pools, but with every new path you wonder down you'll find mini 'private style' family pools all with pool bars and chips and burger cabins... these smaller pools are brilliant for lounging till-you're-heart's-content, whilst the kids lark about with new friends.



The food was also fantastic! There was the expected all inclusive canteen, which was perfectly lovely with a relatively varied menu from day to day, but better still was a more exciting Mexican restaurant on the beach, also a pizzeria restaurant and a Mediterranean 'posh' restaurant too! (These extra restaurants are still 'free' but required a table reservation at the hotel reception, easy!), Oh yeah, don't forget the little burger cabins at each of the pools from 10 until 5 pm! Wonderful!



The entertainment was great, 12 nights out of 14! The entertainment staff were sooooo enthusiastic and happy, and pleased to make your holiday a great experience!!! They were amazingly energy fuelled people!



There were also, three kid's clubs, dependent on the children's ages, baby club (organised activities with mums/dads), mini club for little one's up to 7 year olds was perfect, the staff were great, with horse and cart riding, beach trip, pirate days, and each child was simply spoken to in their language and showed our kids how to mix and play together. I know the older children/teenagers had a great time too, because they were rewarded with achievements on stage for rock climbing, archery, scuba diving!



All in all, it's great, if you like to eat, swim, have your children entertained and chill out! Hope you love it as much as we did!

Where do I start? - I new we were on to a bad thing when we had a 14hr flight delay at Gatwick, which with 2 children was a nightmare - we eventually landed in Majorca to find that the Thomas Cook Staff did not know which coach we were to go on to get to our hotel - eventually we were on our way.



We arrived at Cala Barca to find that as we were a day late, we were classed as a no show and our apartment had gone - after a 5 phone calls to Thomas Cook reps they blaming the hotel and the hotel blaming Thomas Cook we eventually got our apartment.



We decided this had been a bad start and the rest of the holiday would not be spoilt however our apartment was clean but basic, but would have expected more for the money we had paid.



There were 3 big pools near our apartment and they were clean - but you couldn't get a sun bed at all, you had to queue for them in the morning at 8.00, and to say it was very territorial would be an understatement, this is multi national hotel with only a small percentage of English at the time we went.



The entertainment was awful as there were so many nationalities the entertainment staff had to say everything in Spanish 1st then German, French, English etc.



The entertainment was not good at all one night they even showed an old Mr Bean video - the other nationalities thought it was hilarious though.



We did venture out over the cliffs to the beach at Mondrago and this was fantastic and had a day out at Cala D'or which there again it was great to get away from the complex.



I will say that we went at the height of the school holidays and the place was packed (far too busy), possibly if we had gone in June or September it would have been better (even though the entertainment would still be bad)



Three good things - having a laugh at the various Speedos on show - food (superb) - going home.

A really good holiday. The food is good and the staff are brilliant .The rooms are clean and spacious. The pools are massive and there are various dotted around the hotel. recommend the archery and shooting.



I stayed at this hotel last year in July would consider going back again. I think we went too early in the season this year as the weather wasn't as good but there wasn't so many people. This resort gets very busy towards the end of the season.



Really good for the kids the entertainment staff really go out of their way to help most of the staff speak English big plus when you have small children. They are also doing a baby club this year.