Isla Paradiso Aparthotel, Arenal DEn Castell, Spain
Hotel Information
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Hotel Description:
Aparthotel Isla Paradiso is located in Arenal de'n Castell above the beach bay, only 200 metres from the nearest beach and 500 metres to the centre of town with the shops, bars and restaurants all close by. The apartments are all well furnished and equipped with modern amenities. On site there is a restaurant with a la carte menu, bar and cafe area. loading...
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Isla Paradiso Aparthotel Reviews
" We had a week here with our 6 and 2... "
Submitted By: Mr S Goodchild
We had a week here with our 6 and 2 year old sons. The 2 bed apartment we had was really nice - spacious and very clean. There does seem to be a BIG problem with the condensers for the air-conditioning units which are mounted to the wall at the rear of the apartments. Be warned - if someone has the air-con on at night, these units vibrate right through the apartment. The noise is audible in all rooms and louder if you lie down. It was quieter on a top floor apartment compared to one on the first floor - but still enough to disrupt us every night!
The bar area where the kids disco (8.30 - 9.30 every night) and later entertainment (until 11pm at the earliest) is open to the pool and apartments. If you are unlucky to be near to the bar then you will be able to hear exactly what is going on from the comfort of your room with the windows shut whether you like it or not!
There is also a kids club which is great if your kids are into that - not so good if you dislike the 'holiday song' being blared around the pool 3 times a day - every day.
If you like a low-key Butlins abroad then you will probably like the Isla Paraiso. If you are looking for somewhere where you can join in with all the 'holiday fun', but only if you want to - then this is probably not the place for you.
The bar area where the kids disco (8.30 - 9.30 every night) and later entertainment (until 11pm at the earliest) is open to the pool and apartments. If you are unlucky to be near to the bar then you will be able to hear exactly what is going on from the comfort of your room with the windows shut whether you like it or not!
There is also a kids club which is great if your kids are into that - not so good if you dislike the 'holiday song' being blared around the pool 3 times a day - every day.
If you like a low-key Butlins abroad then you will probably like the Isla Paraiso. If you are looking for somewhere where you can join in with all the 'holiday fun', but only if you want to - then this is probably not the place for you.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Wow! What a fantastic holiday we just... "
Submitted By: Mrs E Moore
Wow! What a fantastic holiday we just had! We stayed at Isla Paraiso for 14 days and we couldn't fault it. We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment with a 3 year old and 8 month old and there was enough room for all of us. The apartments were cleaned daily and the maids, couldn't speak alot of english but were very friendly and really respectful when our little one was asleep.
We stayed half board and we loved the food, it was very varied and always something for the kids. We found a lack of highchairs the only problem with the restaurant. All the staff in the restaurant were really friendly and cleared the tables super quick!
The staff at the reception were lovely, sorted out any problems you had as they all spoke very good english, there is even an english receptionist.
The bar staff understood any drink you ordered and they seemed to work around the clock, there is a barmaid called Stephanie from Scotland and she is really great and very chaty.
What can I say about the entertainment staff! Well, they were wonderful! There is something to do most of the day that you are there and they keep the kids occupied day and night. My 3 year old son danced the night away every evening to the Crazy Kids Disco. There are 3 entertainers, Mikey a favourite for teenagers and young babies alike, was always smiling and you could tell he really cared about the kids and they inturn looked up to him, Miriam is such a lovely girl, she loved a chat and would always make sure you were ok and Rachel who was new and had to learn everything the weeks we were there and now is really coming into her own and is proving to be a great entertainer.
Take as much baby items as you can, 1 jar of Hipp organic food is 2.65 euros! I decided to buy a Spanish jar made by Nestle, that cost 1.40 euros, it looked and smelt like dog food, my daughter did not like it at all! Nappies and wipes are also very expensive.
The view of the beach is breathtaking, a bit of a trek with kids, but well worth it, 2 sunbeds with a parasol is 15 euros for the day, so take down your towels and buy a parasol from one of the many shops for 8 euros so you don't have to spend a fortune.
If you fancy a meal out Sa Gavina is wonderful, great food, great staff, beautiful view.
The Irish bar seemed to be the place to be in the evening, they have a guitar player that plays Irish music and is a favourite of the Entertainment staff and the reps, a bit pub like though, so not really for small kids.
We WILL be going back to Isla Paraiso, Thomas cook/JMC do not do it justice, infact their rep is so rubbish there, she couldn't be bothered to do anything for us, next time we will be travelling without them as our agent.
We stayed half board and we loved the food, it was very varied and always something for the kids. We found a lack of highchairs the only problem with the restaurant. All the staff in the restaurant were really friendly and cleared the tables super quick!
The staff at the reception were lovely, sorted out any problems you had as they all spoke very good english, there is even an english receptionist.
The bar staff understood any drink you ordered and they seemed to work around the clock, there is a barmaid called Stephanie from Scotland and she is really great and very chaty.
What can I say about the entertainment staff! Well, they were wonderful! There is something to do most of the day that you are there and they keep the kids occupied day and night. My 3 year old son danced the night away every evening to the Crazy Kids Disco. There are 3 entertainers, Mikey a favourite for teenagers and young babies alike, was always smiling and you could tell he really cared about the kids and they inturn looked up to him, Miriam is such a lovely girl, she loved a chat and would always make sure you were ok and Rachel who was new and had to learn everything the weeks we were there and now is really coming into her own and is proving to be a great entertainer.
Take as much baby items as you can, 1 jar of Hipp organic food is 2.65 euros! I decided to buy a Spanish jar made by Nestle, that cost 1.40 euros, it looked and smelt like dog food, my daughter did not like it at all! Nappies and wipes are also very expensive.
The view of the beach is breathtaking, a bit of a trek with kids, but well worth it, 2 sunbeds with a parasol is 15 euros for the day, so take down your towels and buy a parasol from one of the many shops for 8 euros so you don't have to spend a fortune.
If you fancy a meal out Sa Gavina is wonderful, great food, great staff, beautiful view.
The Irish bar seemed to be the place to be in the evening, they have a guitar player that plays Irish music and is a favourite of the Entertainment staff and the reps, a bit pub like though, so not really for small kids.
We WILL be going back to Isla Paraiso, Thomas cook/JMC do not do it justice, infact their rep is so rubbish there, she couldn't be bothered to do anything for us, next time we will be travelling without them as our agent.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:JMC Holidays
" We really couldn't fault the Isla... "
Submitted By: Miss L Harris
We really couldn't fault the Isla Paradiso Aparthotel. We originally booked a 2 week cheap break at a sister apartment up the road (which was a bit grotty) - as luck would have it they didn't have many bookings and upgraded us 3 days into our stay, so we moved to the Isla Paradiso. When they gave us the option to move we were a bit cheeky and requested a top floor, sea view room.
The holiday kept getting better - our room was fantastic, with beautiful views across the sea. The staff were very helpful, and the rooms were cleaned every day! The kitchen was very well equipped, the bathroom was clean, with a great shower and hot water whenever you needed it - they even provided a hairdryer and toiletries! The pool was a good size, very clean, and had a separate childrens pool. Couldnt comment on the restaurant as we never ate there, but locally there were a few good places to eat, especially down by the sea - the fish was excellent.
I would not hesitate to recommend this aparthotel - it is great for couples and families alike. They even sent us a christmas card!
The holiday kept getting better - our room was fantastic, with beautiful views across the sea. The staff were very helpful, and the rooms were cleaned every day! The kitchen was very well equipped, the bathroom was clean, with a great shower and hot water whenever you needed it - they even provided a hairdryer and toiletries! The pool was a good size, very clean, and had a separate childrens pool. Couldnt comment on the restaurant as we never ate there, but locally there were a few good places to eat, especially down by the sea - the fish was excellent.
I would not hesitate to recommend this aparthotel - it is great for couples and families alike. They even sent us a christmas card!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Global Holidays
" What a superb Holiday! This was our... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Wilson
What a superb Holiday! This was our first holiday abroad with our 3 year old son so we were a bit apprehensive about it. The flight was short, the transfer painless and the resort and hotel super.
We booked a 1 bed apartment but were delighted to find that we had been given a 2 bed apartment instead. The room was very clean and spacious, plenty of room for a 3 year old to run about.
The pool area and general public areas of the hotel were very clean and tidy and the evening entertainment was just about right for us.
Having 2 supermarkets in easy reach of the hotel was very handy and the food on offer was reasonably priced.
There are 2 beaches in Arenal, the main beach which is a bit of a trek down steps (especially with a buggy!) and a smaller quieter one just across the road from the hotel down a short slope - much easier!
Both the beaches do have sun umbrellas and sun loungers to hire, but we bought a parasol from the local shop (about £4) which was much better value for a week holiday - it even made it back on the plane!
The local bars and restaurants in the town were generally good and not too pricey. All of them welcomed us and our son was treated very well. He even learnt some Spanish while he was there! We would HIGHLY recommend Sa Gavina restaurant - super food and super staff!
All in all, a super first abroad experience as parents! We will DEFINITELY be returning!
We booked a 1 bed apartment but were delighted to find that we had been given a 2 bed apartment instead. The room was very clean and spacious, plenty of room for a 3 year old to run about.
The pool area and general public areas of the hotel were very clean and tidy and the evening entertainment was just about right for us.
Having 2 supermarkets in easy reach of the hotel was very handy and the food on offer was reasonably priced.
There are 2 beaches in Arenal, the main beach which is a bit of a trek down steps (especially with a buggy!) and a smaller quieter one just across the road from the hotel down a short slope - much easier!
Both the beaches do have sun umbrellas and sun loungers to hire, but we bought a parasol from the local shop (about £4) which was much better value for a week holiday - it even made it back on the plane!
The local bars and restaurants in the town were generally good and not too pricey. All of them welcomed us and our son was treated very well. He even learnt some Spanish while he was there! We would HIGHLY recommend Sa Gavina restaurant - super food and super staff!
All in all, a super first abroad experience as parents! We will DEFINITELY be returning!
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:JMC Holidays
" We would highly recommend this... "
Submitted By: Mr Martin Boxall
We would highly recommend this holiday. We travelled with our two children, 11 & 7, and had a fantastic time. The rooms were very good with a/c and were cleaned to a high standard every day. The complex was never too busy and was very relaxed and clean. The pool was lovely and there were ample sun loungers and parasols. The complex overlooked the bay and it was a short stroll to the beach which, despite the time of year, wasn't packed. The sea was beautiful and clear.
The buffet was of a high quality and plenty of choice for all tastes. The children were also kept happy by the food on offer. I was also pleased with the standard of drinks offered at dinner and after two weeks of dining, felt that our drinks bill was very reasonable. All staff on the complex were excellent, helpful, polite and friendly. A special mention to the entertainment programme -100%. Very good tribute bands and plenty of other varied acts to enjoy. You're sure to have a good holiday here, for couples or families it sure is an excellent choice.
The buffet was of a high quality and plenty of choice for all tastes. The children were also kept happy by the food on offer. I was also pleased with the standard of drinks offered at dinner and after two weeks of dining, felt that our drinks bill was very reasonable. All staff on the complex were excellent, helpful, polite and friendly. A special mention to the entertainment programme -100%. Very good tribute bands and plenty of other varied acts to enjoy. You're sure to have a good holiday here, for couples or families it sure is an excellent choice.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:JMC Holidays
" We were not sure what to expect being... "
Submitted By: Mr PR Lacey
We were not sure what to expect being our first visit to the island. The apartments were recommended to us by the assistant in the Thomas Cook shop and we took it at face value.
What can I say, the place is fantastic, we booked a self catering trip but ended up using the Isla Paradiso buffet all but one of the days we were there. There was a great selection of quality food and the staff were kind, friendly and all spoke English. Other facilities were also very good, the apartment itself was very clean, tidy and well laid out, the facilities were more than sufficient and well maintained. We did not have a kettle when we arrived but after mentioning this to one of the reps, we were provided with one within the hour. Our location next to the clean, warm pool was ideal for the three children who seemed to live by the pool the entire time we were there.
The 5 minute walk to the beach does involve a lot of steps so those with walking difficulties may struggle but if you take your time, its worth the walk. There is a small beach to the north of the main beach and this was where we spent our time. Take a mask and snorkel or buy one there from the many shops that cater for the warm sea water. The underwater fishes are great to watch and a crust of bread will make the water boil with activity!
Being at the north east of the island and being a bay within a bay, the sea is very calm and sheltered, we took out a pedalo boat into the bay and enjoyed the views and the sparkling water, there are also small powered 'Xoom' craft that can be hired, these are both fun and allow you to explore further afield.
We were there end of season so things were more quite than peak time but still, all the shops were open till late, there was plenty of verity and things to do for both adults and the kiddies. Not at all noisy and slightly cooler on a couple of days, some thunder in the evenings including a spectacular electrical storm on our last night there.
Very highly recommended, all the people we spoke to while there agreed that they would come back to the Isla Paradiso and were more than satisfied with the overall resort and facilities.
What can I say, the place is fantastic, we booked a self catering trip but ended up using the Isla Paradiso buffet all but one of the days we were there. There was a great selection of quality food and the staff were kind, friendly and all spoke English. Other facilities were also very good, the apartment itself was very clean, tidy and well laid out, the facilities were more than sufficient and well maintained. We did not have a kettle when we arrived but after mentioning this to one of the reps, we were provided with one within the hour. Our location next to the clean, warm pool was ideal for the three children who seemed to live by the pool the entire time we were there.
The 5 minute walk to the beach does involve a lot of steps so those with walking difficulties may struggle but if you take your time, its worth the walk. There is a small beach to the north of the main beach and this was where we spent our time. Take a mask and snorkel or buy one there from the many shops that cater for the warm sea water. The underwater fishes are great to watch and a crust of bread will make the water boil with activity!
Being at the north east of the island and being a bay within a bay, the sea is very calm and sheltered, we took out a pedalo boat into the bay and enjoyed the views and the sparkling water, there are also small powered 'Xoom' craft that can be hired, these are both fun and allow you to explore further afield.
We were there end of season so things were more quite than peak time but still, all the shops were open till late, there was plenty of verity and things to do for both adults and the kiddies. Not at all noisy and slightly cooler on a couple of days, some thunder in the evenings including a spectacular electrical storm on our last night there.
Very highly recommended, all the people we spoke to while there agreed that they would come back to the Isla Paradiso and were more than satisfied with the overall resort and facilities.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:JMC Holidays
" We had a fab fortnight at the Isla... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Jackson
We had a fab fortnight at the Isla Paraiso. The apartments were spotless and perfectly adequate space wise for a family of five, air conditioned, but could have done with a kettle. I know ants can be a problem in Menorca but we didn't see any in the apartment. The cleaners came every day, made the beds, cleaned the bathroom, mopped the floors and changed the towels.
The complex itself was clean and well maintained. Plenty of sun beds and parasols, although it's a good idea to put a towel on them early. The pool is a good size and 1.6m at the deepest point, with a separate toddler pool. There is a little play area, but it was aimed at toddlers so I didn't investigate it too much - my kids are past that stage!
The staff were all friendly and helpful, and there is an English speaking receptionist on duty 24/7. The downstairs buffet restaurant was good value (45 euros for evening meal for 5) and the food was fresh and well cooked with lots of salad, just some unusual combinations. The tex/mex restaurant upstairs was not very good however, cold, stodgy food and miserable staff. The bar prices were reasonable, and the little supermarket attached to the complex was one of the cheapest we found - good croissants and Danish pastries for breakfast!
It was about 100m walk from our apartment to the pool, across the road, along a few metres and down the steps. Beautiful beach, crystal clear shallow water, great for snorkelling and most days just ripples so safe for the kids. Sun bed and parasol hire on the main part of the beach was expensive; most people bought a parasol for about £10 from the supermarket and laid on airbeds or towels.
Around and about in Arenal, there was not a great deal of nightlife, mainly quietish family-friendly restaurants overlooking the beach, and a few bars with entertainment. Good places to eat included Sa Gavina and the Good Bridge Cafe (really welcoming), but give the big pizza place a miss - it was dreadful. The Irish bar was funny.
We tended to eat out, then the entertainment at the apartment complex started at about 10 - most nights they have acts come in, such as an Abba tribute band and the Disney dancers. Around this, the in-house entertainment team do intermittent games around the pool during the day, and a mini-disco before the night show. No pressure to join in if you just wanted to lay back in the sun.
Car Hire is definitely worthwhile for some or all of your holiday - nowhere is more than an hour away. We went to Mahon and Ciudadela, but Cala Morrell was gorgeous for scrambling over the rocks and exploring the caves. The kids liked the tiny beach at Binibeca, and the water slide at Santa Galdana. The Lladro place on the main road to Ciudadela was worth a visit - there is a huge play area with zip wire/swimming pool etc which is free so take towels and the cafe food is OK. Fornells looked lovely as well, but we got caught in a sudden downpour and were too lazy to go back!
Worth knowing if you have a late flight home - you have to check out of your apartment by 12 midday, but there is a luggage room and showers (with towels provided) at reception so you can still swim and sunbathe before going home.
We will be booking to go back next year - we just wanted to chill out and spend time as a family, and Arenal and the Isla Paraiso fitted the bill perfectly - teenagers might find it a bit quiet though.
The complex itself was clean and well maintained. Plenty of sun beds and parasols, although it's a good idea to put a towel on them early. The pool is a good size and 1.6m at the deepest point, with a separate toddler pool. There is a little play area, but it was aimed at toddlers so I didn't investigate it too much - my kids are past that stage!
The staff were all friendly and helpful, and there is an English speaking receptionist on duty 24/7. The downstairs buffet restaurant was good value (45 euros for evening meal for 5) and the food was fresh and well cooked with lots of salad, just some unusual combinations. The tex/mex restaurant upstairs was not very good however, cold, stodgy food and miserable staff. The bar prices were reasonable, and the little supermarket attached to the complex was one of the cheapest we found - good croissants and Danish pastries for breakfast!
It was about 100m walk from our apartment to the pool, across the road, along a few metres and down the steps. Beautiful beach, crystal clear shallow water, great for snorkelling and most days just ripples so safe for the kids. Sun bed and parasol hire on the main part of the beach was expensive; most people bought a parasol for about £10 from the supermarket and laid on airbeds or towels.
Around and about in Arenal, there was not a great deal of nightlife, mainly quietish family-friendly restaurants overlooking the beach, and a few bars with entertainment. Good places to eat included Sa Gavina and the Good Bridge Cafe (really welcoming), but give the big pizza place a miss - it was dreadful. The Irish bar was funny.
We tended to eat out, then the entertainment at the apartment complex started at about 10 - most nights they have acts come in, such as an Abba tribute band and the Disney dancers. Around this, the in-house entertainment team do intermittent games around the pool during the day, and a mini-disco before the night show. No pressure to join in if you just wanted to lay back in the sun.
Car Hire is definitely worthwhile for some or all of your holiday - nowhere is more than an hour away. We went to Mahon and Ciudadela, but Cala Morrell was gorgeous for scrambling over the rocks and exploring the caves. The kids liked the tiny beach at Binibeca, and the water slide at Santa Galdana. The Lladro place on the main road to Ciudadela was worth a visit - there is a huge play area with zip wire/swimming pool etc which is free so take towels and the cafe food is OK. Fornells looked lovely as well, but we got caught in a sudden downpour and were too lazy to go back!
Worth knowing if you have a late flight home - you have to check out of your apartment by 12 midday, but there is a luggage room and showers (with towels provided) at reception so you can still swim and sunbathe before going home.
We will be booking to go back next year - we just wanted to chill out and spend time as a family, and Arenal and the Isla Paraiso fitted the bill perfectly - teenagers might find it a bit quiet though.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independentlylowcostbeds.com
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The flight time was short enough and the transfer very short so arrived early afternoon in fine spirits. First impressions were of a pleasant enough hotel with all reasonable amenities present and correct. Our room was on the top floor facing the sea with an impressive view of the bay and was apartment/villa size rather than a hotel room. All facilities were there and we realised we had really fallen lucky.
As we were on half board the evening meal (buffet style served from 18:30 to 21:00) was eagerly looked forward to and didn't dissapoint. The range available was enormous with a fresh soup and breads, large salad selection, choice of 6-8 hot cooked meals and then a large selection of 6-8 deserts plus fruit and cheeses. We overate of course and so began the sequence that continued for the entire 2 weeks.
Breakfast the following morning (again buffet style and served from 08:00 to 10:00) was another endurance contest as we were confronted with breads, meats, cheeses, various fruits (fresh, canned and dried), yoghurts, several cereals and a large selection of cooked eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, hash browns, beans, tomatoes etc etc. Plus the kids were impressed with the various flaky pastries, donuts, croissants etc and all washed down with a selection of juices and hot drinks from several dispensers. We overate again and borrowed a couple of rolls for lunch which we barely needed as we had eaten enough to last till the evening meal anyway.
All the staff were great from the receptionist to the cleaners but in particular the restaurant staff and the entertainment staff that the hotel provides for free kids activities during the day.
I could go on (and on and on) about the hotel and the resort and the whole island but suffice to say that after returning we immediately booked another week for October half term that we have just returned from. This has simply reinforced the opinion that this a gem of a Hotel in a great resort that we will return again to.
Advice: Great little resort for families, really quiet and peaceful with an almost perfect safe beach.
Activities: Snorkelling from the beach.
Good for: Beach