Sol Balmoral

Me and my boyfriend went to the Balmoral, last minute holiday cheaply for all inclusive. We really didn't know what to expect and it was a long transfer from the airport. Staff were nice we had to issues with that. Room was clean and maids were in everyday. I wouldn't recommend this hotel to people who are looking for a lively, party holiday as this hotel we felt were aimed at older people and couples just for a relaxing holiday. There was activities to do during the day which suited my boyfriend and the entertainment was reasonable, just what you would expect. We had to go out pretty early to get a sunbed next to the pool which was quite annoying as the area round the pool is not exactly huge so we someone jumps in the pool you will get soaked. The food was reasonable there was something there for everyone and it was fresh. There is a shop next to the hotel but I would warn people that it is very expensive as its the only main shop near the hotel. The beach is probably about 15-20 minute walk away and we went the tail end of august it was very, very busy. There is a cove across the road from the hotel which we went down frequently which was lovely and relaxing and rarely busy. We only went for a week which was enough as there isnt really much to do. More suited for people who just stay within the hotel. I wouldnt advise people with children to go to this hotel, I wouldnt if I had kids. I very much doubt I would be back to this hotel but it was a reasonable hotel overall.

1 reader found this review helpful

We not long been back now and have had time to look back at our holiday which was in July 2010.
Good points
1. Lovely views
2. Hotel very nice
3. Pool lovely x 2 and baby pool
4. Food not to bad, a mix for every one.
5. Nice walks
6. lift worked all the time we was there...10 days
7. plenty to do during the day.
8. rooms clean and cleaned reguly
9. Kids left us alone all day!
10.Evening shows not to bad
11. lots to dring, however my partner didnt like their beer. I was ok with all the many shorts availible..lol
Not so good points
1. Staff boaring and bar staff to old to have any fun
2. Get a safe as I had my phone taken from our room.(we had a safe, but one of the kids left phone out)Staff did nothing to help when reporting it, apart from givin us police number to contact to report it???? felt very unhelpful
3. Our room door was open when we got bk after a good evening out, but nothing was taken or seemed to of been moved?
4. you need to get up to get a bed
5. German 15yr old lad attacked my 10yr old daughter on our last nite over dispute with the pc in pc room. Staff seemed a little lost as to hardly it.
6. sat and sun seemed to be taken over by Spanish people.
7. No games on Sunday???
8. one of the hotels was closed.... which leaves me wondering if it was open, how much more people would be around our pool...'Balmoral closed' not sure if it had its own pool? as we was in Chinchillers, which had use of 2 pools and baby pool
9. can only get 2 drinks at a time, or 2 ice creams?
over all, would I go again??? yes. But as a person who dosn't usualy go to the same place twice... I would rather spread my wings and travel around the world or diff parts of spain. This was a cheapish family holiday which we all enjoyed. No one was ill!!

1 reader found this review helpful

I,m writing my review a bit late but as they say better late than never. We stayed at the sol resort june 09, i took my daughters 18 and 22 and my mum 73, my remit for the holiday was cheap, all inclusive and tacky entertainment, we got it all and what a great holiday we had, the food was good, the entertainment was tacky but well done and the team try really hard. The hotel is dated but clean and tidy. My mum has never been anywhere twice as she doesnt usually like a place that much but she,s been back this year with a friend and had just as good a time. Mt daughter is also returning in sept. We are a really fussy family and are lucky enough to usually stay in 5 star resorts but to enable us to have more than one holiday a year we have started looking at 3 star. I,m sure if you go to this resort you will love it. Only one thing make sure your up early to get your sunbed! enjoy

1 reader found this review helpful

We went all inclusive to this hotel being a bit apprehensive before we got there as we had read a few bad reviews. However was pleasently suprised at the cleanliness, the service and the food! There was loads to choose from, theres always salad, cheese, chips and pizza incase there is nothing else that takes your fancy. But there is something for everyone there, plenty of choice! There is also a pool bar where you can get drinks and ice cream as much as you want for free! Loved it!
The hotel is perfect for couples or families who want to just stay around the hotel for the majority of the time. There are loads of clubs and things happening for kids and the entertainment at night is usually quite good.
If you fancy going to the beach then theres a small one about 10mins away and a bigger one about a 15minute walk away. We went to this one which was really nice although there were a few jelly fish around which put me off going in the sea!
The town is about a 10 minute walk away with loads of shops and a couple of supermarkets. There is also a few mini golf courses around! We didnt find the town til towards the end of our holiday we thought it was just a couple of shops but there were loads around the corner!
We did go on a day out to Cala Bona on a glass bottom boat. It was a nice boat trip however the boat set off about 10:00 and the last boat back was about 2:30 but we thought it would only take about half an hour to get there. It took about an hour and a half!! So by the time we got there and had something to eat we had about half an hour to look round and then had to get back to the boat! So it wasnt really worth the 24 euros each we paid! Although on the way back the boat stopped for half an hour so people could jump in the sea which was really good!
All in all the hotel is excellent value for money. The staff are friendly enough and most of them speak english (most of the people who go there are english). Loved the food and there were 2 pools which were nice and clean! Would definately recommend!!

1 reader found this review helpful

Just returned from a week - we stayed in the Balmoral 5 years ago and were really impressed by the room, service and food, not to mention plenty of room around the hotel complex. This year we thought we would be going back to the Balmoral but were instead in the Chihuahuas - never again!! We were on the 8th floor overlooking the pool and entertainment area so therefore no peace and quiet from morning til after midnight as the noise drifted up constantly. Because there was no air con in the bedrooms, we had to have the balcony doors open to let some air in otherwise we would have suffocated. Some guests didn't appreciate that not everyone wanted to be woken at 4.30 every morning by their return then kept awake by their constant partying on their balcony!!
On the plus side, the food was excellent if a little repetetive, the staff extremely helpful and the room spotless. For us it was just too crowded with guests from Mastines, Chihuahuas and then the annexe part of the Balmoral all sharing the same pool and entertainment facilities.

When arriving at the hotel we were told to go to the sister hotel of balmoral, hotel chihuauas to state our arrival and get our keys to our hotel room. Which for a fact was ment to be sol balmoral hotel (even stated on holiday paperwork).
But the recpetionists told us that we we're staying in hotel chihuauas. The receptionist said 'you don't know which hotel you are staying in till you arrive here.' :/ This was quite dissapoint because we wanted to stay in balmoral because we had stayed there 15 years ago and found it a lovly hotel and holiday and was looking forward to staying here.
we got over the fact and enjoyed the rest of our holiday. Second day into our holiday we decided to go over to balmoral, and see what its like. - we went to find that the hotel wasnt even open, the grass was all over grown, two pools were empty, the over was filled but the water was green, the rooms through the windows looked rather empty, and the appartments were all open, with mucked up furniture outside of them. GREAT.
as for the other hotel (mastines) it wasnt open either.
but thankfully this hotel was ment to be opening on the tuesday after we left.
this was quite bad as we was suppose to get the facilities of all sister hotels, but the things that we had was lovely. the pool was nice. the food was lovely with lots to choose from. the rooms were clean and the beach 5minutes away was nice.
i would advice you to go there, hopefully the other two hotels are open by now.:)

8 readers found this review helpful

Excellent range of food. Believe me. Wonderful fish and meat dishes. The Spanish do know how to cook. We have stayed in over 30 all-inclusives over the last 20 years, and the hotel ranks in the top 3 world-wide.
If you want burgers and chips forget it.
The surrounding walks are are rocky cliff views with railed safety. God little alcove beaches 5 minutes walk.
Hotel isn't the most modern, but hey who cares.
The staff are great. Prompt and professional without "wanting to be your friend"
Very professional.
Pools are warm.

2 readers found this review helpful

On arrival to the hotel after checking in we were told the room was not ready so went for a drink in chihuaha, we looked around at the shoddy paint work and dated decor and to be quite frank was dissapionted!!! When we did finally get to our room, there was no air con, the room was cramped and the door to the balcony did not lock plus the balcony it's self is a death trap as my tall friend found the hard way after leaning on it and alomst tipping over, we were on the 7th floor. The fan in the room sounded like a large generator.
The food, well where do i start.... me and my friend are very good eaters normally and are not normally fussy but all we ate for 10 days was salad, chips and bread rolls. The meat is horrible and cheap tasting. I had a bad expirence with some "onion rings" as they were not correctly labeled and were infact squid ring not nice for someone who hates fish.
Also you are not allowed to take ANY food out with you, my friend attempted to take two apples but was stopped abruptly by the manager informing her that it was not a pick nic.
The night life was okay...made some good friends from BRADFORD near leeds, liverpool,Wales, london, newcastle and scotland. We went to jupiters mosts nights cheap drinks and the manager, mike, sometimes gave out free shots! Tiffneys is another night club but is mainly spainish orriented, they dance funny and like weird music. It only really gets going at about half 1 in the morning. Its quite hard to keep drinking for so long as we started at 10am most days, i got alcohol posioning off absinthe which affected my enjoyment off my holday.
The maids come way too early in the morning especially if you have been out till 6 then get rudey awoken by the maid barging in 9 most mornings WITHOUT knocking which is quite unnecessary - cos we stayed in bed we missed breakfast most mornings and the room did not get cleaned!! honestly i would will never stay in a sol hotel again as they are all conected!! Me and my friend this year are going to magaluf this summer and are expecting better the best thing about this holiday was meeting new people and me sized lurker from BRADFORD pause near leeds. Please do not go!!!

3 readers found this review helpful

just back after a 2 week stay at the balmoral hotel, all inclusive for a good price 2 adults 2 children 9 and 2 .hotel a bit dated but clean and good food,bad point railing on balcony dangerousley low and plastic and being on the sixth floor would not let the kids out there .animation team very good during the day with activitys bit rubbish at night as entertainment doesnt start till 10pm and same shows week in week out. local town very small and boring but ok for a quiet drink or watching football, but bigger towns just a short bus ride away sa coma and cala millor very nice beach dont be tricked in walking between the beaches told its 20 min walk but is actully 4.5 kms! .all in all a nice place but a little quiet would recommend to others though.

5 readers found this review helpful

We stayed in Sol Balmoral, the reviews are right on the mark. The place is clean and food is okay but the accommodation is extremely basic. No air con just a fan in the room believe me in high season it would be unbearable. Sister hotel Chihuhauas is the best of the three Sol hotels but it is 1970's. If someone wants to do a retro film they could film it here. Back then it would have been a five star. As I said in my title if you get a cheap deal go, the weather was fantastic. Try not to stay in the bungalows as they are too hot. Entertainment team do a good show and I think the kids clubs are good. If someone spent money revamping the hotels it would be excellent. P.S. Our tour operator went bust day before holiday and we had to pay twice aaah!