San Valentine Hotel, Son Bou, Spain
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £94
Hotel Description:
The large, spacious Valentin Son Bou Hotel and Apartments have fantastic facilities, with plenty of sports, activities and entertainment to suit all. It's a short distance to the beach but there is a regular FREE bus service if you can tear yourself away from the luxurious indoor and outdoor pools. This hotel is great for couples and families. loading...
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San Valentine Hotel Reviews
" Fantastic!!! "
Submitted By: colluk2002@yahoo.co.uk
This is the 2nd time i have visited the Hotel, the first time being 9 years ago.. As the hotel made an excellent impression on me first time round i convinced my husband and step son that this hotel would be ideal for our family holiday this year, and i was right.
Upon arrival as we arrived late morning our room wasnt ready but we were given keys to a room we could use to freshen up and change and a place to leave our cases for us to go to the pool and start our holiday. Approx 1 hr later our names were announced over the tannoy system to say our room was vacant, so we didnt have to wait long, but as we were able to chill by the pool it wasnt an issue for us at all.
The room was clean and all the facilities we needed were available, we even had BBC1 and Cartoon channels on the TV.
The facilties at the Hotel are great, lots to do for Children, daily activites from early till late to take part in and also for active adults too e.g. Water Polo, Archery, Football, Shooting, Aqua Aerobics. Both Hubby and Step Son were in their element whilst i was able to chill and relax by the pool. There were always plenty of loungers around the pool and one advantage here is that noone abused it by leaving towels on the loungers from early as this was prohibited.. Excellent Idea! The main pool was large and plenty of room for a swim even at the peak of season where lots of children were staying at the hotel, there is also a childrens pool on a lower level.
Gardens and surrounding areas were immaculately kept, as well as the communal areas around the pool reception and toilets.
The food within the restaurant was to an extremely high standard, most evening there were king prawns, shell fish and lots of exotic meals for Fish lovers. Plenty of choices for everyones nationality and taste. There were a lot of Spanish people staying at the hotel and to me that i always an excellent sign.
There was entertainment each night, i wouldnt say every night was brilliant but there were 3 shows that we throughly enoyed. This was the tribute to the Police, Vanessa May and Il Divo... Well worth watching these as they were Excellent, and especially for us ladies, Il Divo - 2 words 'Eye Candy!!!'
We were half board at the Hotel, i would definately recommend anyone staying here to go All Inclusive, the only down fall with Menorca at the moment is the price of food and drinks, you are paying UK prices or more, definaly more for snacks which can add up during the holiday. The other large expense is beds and parasols on the beach. We were rather shocked to be charged 23 Euros for 3 Beds and a parasol!!!! Wth the exchange rate as it is for UK now this was more or less £23..... We didnt go to the welcome meeting otherwise we would have been aware of this, the advise is to buy a parasol and mats from a local supermarket, the air beds were rather cheap about 4 - 5 Euros each so better off purchasing them instead!!!
All in all had a fantastic holiday, all the staff were friendly, nothing was too much trouble for them! 7 days certainly wasnt enough. We will definately return and sooner the better!
Upon arrival as we arrived late morning our room wasnt ready but we were given keys to a room we could use to freshen up and change and a place to leave our cases for us to go to the pool and start our holiday. Approx 1 hr later our names were announced over the tannoy system to say our room was vacant, so we didnt have to wait long, but as we were able to chill by the pool it wasnt an issue for us at all.
The room was clean and all the facilities we needed were available, we even had BBC1 and Cartoon channels on the TV.
The facilties at the Hotel are great, lots to do for Children, daily activites from early till late to take part in and also for active adults too e.g. Water Polo, Archery, Football, Shooting, Aqua Aerobics. Both Hubby and Step Son were in their element whilst i was able to chill and relax by the pool. There were always plenty of loungers around the pool and one advantage here is that noone abused it by leaving towels on the loungers from early as this was prohibited.. Excellent Idea! The main pool was large and plenty of room for a swim even at the peak of season where lots of children were staying at the hotel, there is also a childrens pool on a lower level.
Gardens and surrounding areas were immaculately kept, as well as the communal areas around the pool reception and toilets.
The food within the restaurant was to an extremely high standard, most evening there were king prawns, shell fish and lots of exotic meals for Fish lovers. Plenty of choices for everyones nationality and taste. There were a lot of Spanish people staying at the hotel and to me that i always an excellent sign.
There was entertainment each night, i wouldnt say every night was brilliant but there were 3 shows that we throughly enoyed. This was the tribute to the Police, Vanessa May and Il Divo... Well worth watching these as they were Excellent, and especially for us ladies, Il Divo - 2 words 'Eye Candy!!!'
We were half board at the Hotel, i would definately recommend anyone staying here to go All Inclusive, the only down fall with Menorca at the moment is the price of food and drinks, you are paying UK prices or more, definaly more for snacks which can add up during the holiday. The other large expense is beds and parasols on the beach. We were rather shocked to be charged 23 Euros for 3 Beds and a parasol!!!! Wth the exchange rate as it is for UK now this was more or less £23..... We didnt go to the welcome meeting otherwise we would have been aware of this, the advise is to buy a parasol and mats from a local supermarket, the air beds were rather cheap about 4 - 5 Euros each so better off purchasing them instead!!!
All in all had a fantastic holiday, all the staff were friendly, nothing was too much trouble for them! 7 days certainly wasnt enough. We will definately return and sooner the better!
Advice: Excellent beaches, clean and tidy. Excellent family resort.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Fantastic! "
Submitted By: NJDaggs
San Valantin is a great place to stay. It has amazinly clean apartments, friendly staff and great food. It also has its own bus which takes you down to Son Boa.
Advice: Nice Beach
Activities: Atalis
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" First time visit for my wife and I.... "
Submitted By: Mr I Mackenzie
First time visit for my wife and I. Would go back again. Excellent facilities, clean rooms and communal areas, friendly staff, very quick response to tv and light failure in the room and a broken loo seat, no noise disturbance, good choice of food in the restaurant although like other places they seem to have a problem understanding the word 'vegetarian'. It didn't upset us though and we certainly didn't starve.
We observed many families with small children of none school age and, quite clearly, there are excellent entertainment facilities for the youngsters during the day and at night in the bar/cabaret area before the main event.
Most nights there is stage entertainment of a high standard and although the bar/entertainment area is under the seaward facing rooms there was no noise disturbance.
The free hotel 'bus service to and from the village centre was much appreciated and kept to the times stated at reception. It connected well with the island 'bus service from Son Bou to Mahon.
We met several couples returning for third and fourth time visits to this well run hotel.
We found nothing to complain about and would recommend it, without hesitation, to our friends.
We observed many families with small children of none school age and, quite clearly, there are excellent entertainment facilities for the youngsters during the day and at night in the bar/cabaret area before the main event.
Most nights there is stage entertainment of a high standard and although the bar/entertainment area is under the seaward facing rooms there was no noise disturbance.
The free hotel 'bus service to and from the village centre was much appreciated and kept to the times stated at reception. It connected well with the island 'bus service from Son Bou to Mahon.
We met several couples returning for third and fourth time visits to this well run hotel.
We found nothing to complain about and would recommend it, without hesitation, to our friends.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Fantastic hotel and staff. NOTHING is... "
Submitted By: Mr J Kirkby
Fantastic hotel and staff. NOTHING is ever too much trouble for them. Have been in both the hotel (3 or 4 times) and twice in the apartments. We meet dozens of people who go back year after year. The food is fantastic, the sports facilities are quite good (hopefully they'll improve the tennis courts and gym), there are loads of fun activities during the day for both adults (archery, pistol & rifle shooting, volleyball) and the same for the kids but not at the same time! I always need a holiday when I get back!
And the staff (who could go anywhere were they not to be looked after by the management) are more or less the same each year which speaks volumes for the care they show to all. Our daughter has been there since she was about 6 and loves it. Yes they provide a free bus service down to the beach but we prefer to stay by the great pool and enjoy all thats on offer.
And the staff (who could go anywhere were they not to be looked after by the management) are more or less the same each year which speaks volumes for the care they show to all. Our daughter has been there since she was about 6 and loves it. Yes they provide a free bus service down to the beach but we prefer to stay by the great pool and enjoy all thats on offer.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas CookGreat4Hotels
" great place. pity about the rotten... "
Submitted By: Mr J Taylor
great place. pity about the rotten air conditioning which is controlled by the management. could not get the room below 24 degrees. when i complained at reception we were offered a fan. the air conditioning was being switched off at 12.00 for the first week. after more complaints this was extended to 1.30am whoopeeee.would not go back but only for this reason. everything else was good or better.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Went for 2 weeks self catering. The... "
Submitted By: Mr G.P Lucas
Went for 2 weeks self catering. The hotel facilities were great - apartment was spotless & bedding changed every day & the staff very helpful & friendly.Liked the fact that there was an even mixture of nationalities staying at the hotel & this made it seem more relaxed.Would definitely recommend Valentin Son Bou to anyone who asked.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Brilliant holiday. Excellent hotel... "
Submitted By: Mr T Pottle
Brilliant holiday. Excellent hotel with good facilities, suitable for all. The pool depth varies from 2cm to 2m so great for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
We were All Inclusive so ate there every day. You could have Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Snacks and then dinner - we just had 3 meals a day in the restaurant but the food served at the pool bar (i.e. the snacks) looked equally appetising. Excellent variety of foods catering for all tastes - although unbelievably I did hear one British man saying that there was only "foreign muck" available. As it happens, while the "foreign muck" was absolutely delicious, there were steaks, chips, battered fish, plain pastas etc for the non-adventurous (Perhaps people of this ilk should stick to British B&Bs eh).
The hotel is located out of Son Bou up quite a steep hill but the hotel runs a courtesy bus every half-hour to the centre and beach (which is superb white sand and shallow waters) so I don't even think this can be treated as a down-side.
The resort of Son Bou only really opens from 21 June onwards (i.e. our second week)and the evening entertainment up to that date (particularly the mini-disco for the kids) also really didn't get into full swing until our second week - but our 5 year old loved it anyway.
Many of the people we spoke to were on the second or third trip to this hotel and I can see why!
We were All Inclusive so ate there every day. You could have Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Snacks and then dinner - we just had 3 meals a day in the restaurant but the food served at the pool bar (i.e. the snacks) looked equally appetising. Excellent variety of foods catering for all tastes - although unbelievably I did hear one British man saying that there was only "foreign muck" available. As it happens, while the "foreign muck" was absolutely delicious, there were steaks, chips, battered fish, plain pastas etc for the non-adventurous (Perhaps people of this ilk should stick to British B&Bs eh).
The hotel is located out of Son Bou up quite a steep hill but the hotel runs a courtesy bus every half-hour to the centre and beach (which is superb white sand and shallow waters) so I don't even think this can be treated as a down-side.
The resort of Son Bou only really opens from 21 June onwards (i.e. our second week)and the evening entertainment up to that date (particularly the mini-disco for the kids) also really didn't get into full swing until our second week - but our 5 year old loved it anyway.
Many of the people we spoke to were on the second or third trip to this hotel and I can see why!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" what can i say this was the loveliest... "
Submitted By: Miss H PATE
what can i say this was the loveliest hotel we have been to.
we have a 2 year old daughter who loved very minute of this holiday.
we checked in late in the evening to be told a cold buffet had been prepared for us this was a lovely surprise as we thought we had missed out.
the rooms are lovely and clean and big enough to cope with a 2 year old charging around constantly. the rooms were cleaned daily by lovely friendly ladies.
the pools were fantastic 2 outside and 1 indoor so there was always something to do even if the weather was not great. there is a play area down the road that we visited daily.
all the staff were lovely with many speaking very good english and happy to help at all times.
there was a courtesy bus that ran regularly to the beach we walked it once down hill but never up it looked far too hard the bus stalled once when going u it is that steep.
the beach is lovely and clean with always plenty of space there are many pedal boats to hire if you so wish. there are many shops we visited which had all you could need.
the food at san valentin was brilliant always something for even the most fussy eaters and for those not so fussy expect to put on a few pounds!!!!!
we hope to return to this hotel it was that enjoyable not something we usually consider but this time we have been spoilt,and want to be again
we have a 2 year old daughter who loved very minute of this holiday.
we checked in late in the evening to be told a cold buffet had been prepared for us this was a lovely surprise as we thought we had missed out.
the rooms are lovely and clean and big enough to cope with a 2 year old charging around constantly. the rooms were cleaned daily by lovely friendly ladies.
the pools were fantastic 2 outside and 1 indoor so there was always something to do even if the weather was not great. there is a play area down the road that we visited daily.
all the staff were lovely with many speaking very good english and happy to help at all times.
there was a courtesy bus that ran regularly to the beach we walked it once down hill but never up it looked far too hard the bus stalled once when going u it is that steep.
the beach is lovely and clean with always plenty of space there are many pedal boats to hire if you so wish. there are many shops we visited which had all you could need.
the food at san valentin was brilliant always something for even the most fussy eaters and for those not so fussy expect to put on a few pounds!!!!!
we hope to return to this hotel it was that enjoyable not something we usually consider but this time we have been spoilt,and want to be again
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The hotel was clean and most of the... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Berry
The hotel was clean and most of the staff were curtious and helpfull.
For all inclusive (when you have paid up front) the food was very repetitive with limited snacks, drinks and ice creams, there was not much choice for vegitarians. For people who were paying on a bed and breakfast or room only there was a much wider choice of everything which did not seem fair.
The hotel is situated at the top of a hill it takes about 15-20 minuites to walk to the town which is okay down but exausting coming back up, there is a bus but this does not run between 1-3pm and does not run of a night time, so be prepared for a walk or stay in the hotel every night.
For all inclusive (when you have paid up front) the food was very repetitive with limited snacks, drinks and ice creams, there was not much choice for vegitarians. For people who were paying on a bed and breakfast or room only there was a much wider choice of everything which did not seem fair.
The hotel is situated at the top of a hill it takes about 15-20 minuites to walk to the town which is okay down but exausting coming back up, there is a bus but this does not run between 1-3pm and does not run of a night time, so be prepared for a walk or stay in the hotel every night.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" A super hotel with the exception of... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Paynton
A super hotel with the exception of evening meals. Very poor selection: great if you lived on salads and didn't want any meat with this.
Vegetables practically non existant at dinner: plenty available with breakfast - sprouts, broccilli!! Why is it we are subjected to chips with evening meals every day.
Puddings were fine with loads of fresh fruits, ice creams, jelly and 'cakes'.
The staff were very obliging and courteous the hotel was very clean and evening entertainment good.
Our week was spoilt by rain (no one can help this) apart from the evening meal we would certainly return.
Vegetables practically non existant at dinner: plenty available with breakfast - sprouts, broccilli!! Why is it we are subjected to chips with evening meals every day.
Puddings were fine with loads of fresh fruits, ice creams, jelly and 'cakes'.
The staff were very obliging and courteous the hotel was very clean and evening entertainment good.
Our week was spoilt by rain (no one can help this) apart from the evening meal we would certainly return.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This was our fourth year in a row at... "
Submitted By: Mr A Fish
This was our fourth year in a row at the San Valentin, we have never had a complaint to make about the hotel. We stayed in one of the appartments but had half board. The apartments are comfy with adequate facilities, cleaned every day by friendly staff.
The food in the restaurant is of a good standard and the waiters and waitresses are very friendly and polite, in fact some of the staff remembered us from the previous years.
The entertainment in the evening is of a high standard, except for the nights when the entertainment staff do their miming to hollywood songs etc.
During the day there is plenty of entertainment and activities if you want to join in or you can relax around the pool or gardens.
It is advisable to hire a car as there is so much to see on this beautiful island, even though we have been six times tothe island we still find new places to visit. The boat trip around the harbour in Mahon is a must.
We have made alot of friends over the years at the San Valentin, many who have been going for 10 years or more.
We have already booked to go back in July 2008.
The food in the restaurant is of a good standard and the waiters and waitresses are very friendly and polite, in fact some of the staff remembered us from the previous years.
The entertainment in the evening is of a high standard, except for the nights when the entertainment staff do their miming to hollywood songs etc.
During the day there is plenty of entertainment and activities if you want to join in or you can relax around the pool or gardens.
It is advisable to hire a car as there is so much to see on this beautiful island, even though we have been six times tothe island we still find new places to visit. The boat trip around the harbour in Mahon is a must.
We have made alot of friends over the years at the San Valentin, many who have been going for 10 years or more.
We have already booked to go back in July 2008.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The hotel San Valentin is very nice,... "
Submitted By: Mr C Kirkby
The hotel San Valentin is very nice, but the entertainment goes on all night. You cannot get an 'early' night, even if you try.
Everything else is great, there is a Kids club and a big pool, and the entertainmen is good.
Our room wasx spacious, clean with a good view of the beach. The reception staf are helpful and others are too.
Overall a great stay, walready ooked to go back!!
Everything else is great, there is a Kids club and a big pool, and the entertainmen is good.
Our room wasx spacious, clean with a good view of the beach. The reception staf are helpful and others are too.
Overall a great stay, walready ooked to go back!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Me and my partner have just returned... "
Submitted By: Miss K Wren
Me and my partner have just returned from a week’s stay at the San Valentin Hotel on a half board basis, and to be quite honest I can't understand anyone who has been to this hotel being told it is a 4* resort being anything less than deeply disappointed!
We travelled with First Choice and found the reps and cabin crew very helpful and polite. Once on the coach it was around a 20-30 minute transfer to the hotel.
When we arrived the reception staff were very friendly and helpful, we had been delayed an hour and a half flying out so by the time we arrived there was only 15 mins left until the restaurant for dinner closed, so we were offered a cold meat salad to be delivered to our room.
We were also offered a ground room floor which we were told were slightly larger and as compensation upgrade us to All Inclusive - we weren’t sure as we had only just arrived and we had specifically booked a room with a balcony so we decided to stick with that.
The room we had was clean, cool and we had our balcony - we were on the 3rd floor - unfortunately it was at the back of the hotel and below us was where the hotel staff would take their cigarette brakes, which wouldn't have been too bad had they of made not quite so much noise. Day and night. It was also where the bins were kept!
I would not consider this room to be 4* although it was clean it was quite basic, there was no fridge or mini bar so keeping any water cool was impossible, there was satellite TV but was a small portable with poor reception and as we flopped down on the bed tired from the travel the wooden headboard double smacked against the wall! We had a look and it wasn't fixed to the wall properly so I decided to roll up one of the horrible green rugs and wedge it between the headboard and the wall! Hardly 4*!!
I must say however that the maid service was excellent! Somehow they would see you leave your room - however late - and by the time you were back everything was done. In the hotel this was done every day (however as I understand it from a couple of other guest staying in the apartments this was done only twice a week and their air-con wasn't very good) the maids were also very nice and polite.
After we had dumped our bags we ventured down for a drink. The main bar which is where the "entertainment" is held, this also the family bar, - this wasn't really for us though although the children that were there were very well behaved. We went down to the adult only bar, it's small in comparison but much nicer and the staff (the same two ladies) were lovely and very friendly but for some reason this bar closed an hour earlier than the family bar, midnight! Also the adult bar doesn't open until 8pm.
Whilst reception, the adult only bar staff and the maids were all hospitable, polite and friendly the same can't be said for the rest of the staff. On our first evening meal in the restaurant or cafeteria as we called it (it really was a bit of a free for all!) the waiter came to the table and asked for our drinks order, I asked for a vodka and coke, he just wrote coke so I politely said that it was a vodka a coke I wanted and I was abruptly told "No, in the bar only" Ok! So I asked for a glass of wine again I was told "No, tonight no tomorrow not a problem" we could only order a bottle, by this time I was totally confused and ordered two bottles of water - which are just dumped on your table as the miserable staff walk past.
Not exactly the service I expect from a 4* hotel! However if you were All Inclusive you would be given wine by the bottle in the restaurant but they would only do it by the glass in the bar! So you could order 4-5 glasses but not a bottle!! Ridiculous! On another night we did order a bottle of wine to have with dinner, it wasn't that cold so we had the one glass that had been poured and after dinner took the rest with our glasses to sit outside the main bar.
My partner went to the bar to ask for an ice bucket, he was told "No, you have to buy a bottle of Cava" he explained we had just spent 13.40EUR on the bottle of wine in the restaurant, he came back empty handed, I couldn’t believe it! We were both losing patients, my partner went back up with the bottle of wine to show the barman, and reluctantly he gave us one.
Just the lack of basic manners and a friendly face constantly made you feel that you were putting them out. One morning we ordered a coffee in the main bar and was just grunted at by the barman! Charming.
We are not arrogant holidaymakers and would always speak Spanish (although limited) Please, thank you, how are you and when ordering drink & food wherever we could. The staff at the pool side bar were the same, totally disinterested and no manners, plus the food was horrible and overpriced - 26.00 EURO for 2 cheeseburgers, 1 portion chips and 3 large cokes (which were from the pump)! About £18-20! I nearly fell over, especially as I’m sure the burger was deep fried and there was also a regular ping of a microwave.
The pool area itself was lovely, clean and always a sunbed available with a smaller pool for the little ones.
Food times were also restricted even for people who would be paying, like us. Once the restaurant was closed the only place to eat was the pool bar which also stopped serving any food halfway through the day - There isn't even room service! Where did they get these 4*s from?
There is a little shop on site so we used to use that to buy our drinks from in the day whilst by the pool, although this would also close for siesta, but on a couple of occasions the drinks we purchased were out of date, one bottle of fizzy water was out by 9 months!
Outside of the hotel it’s about a 10-15 min walk down a very steep hill to Son Bou, (although there is a free bus service that the hotel run) there are a few restaurants all of which do pretty much the same thing and was disappointed when there were no Tapas bars, but the food we had in a couple of the restaurants were lovely’s would highly recommend the Mexican bar BOU HAI which is next the Chinese restaurant, it's excellent, quite big all under bamboo/straw roof with swingy chairs hanging from them and big Wicca chairs and intimately lit.
The cocktails are great to; they do a huge one called the Volcano, for 4 people. It arrives with fire coming out the top of the volcano, 2ft long straws, a mass of fresh fruit surrounding it and sparklers! Great fun!
This hotel is no more than a basic 3* and would never go back. There was no one big thing just the constant battle on the little things which just built up throughout the holiday. We were very disappointed as this was our first holiday on our own for 5 years and our first holiday in 3 years.
Be warned, if you have been to a 4* hotel before and had the wonderful service and holiday as you should, please don't go hear because it just won't happen!
We travelled with First Choice and found the reps and cabin crew very helpful and polite. Once on the coach it was around a 20-30 minute transfer to the hotel.
When we arrived the reception staff were very friendly and helpful, we had been delayed an hour and a half flying out so by the time we arrived there was only 15 mins left until the restaurant for dinner closed, so we were offered a cold meat salad to be delivered to our room.
We were also offered a ground room floor which we were told were slightly larger and as compensation upgrade us to All Inclusive - we weren’t sure as we had only just arrived and we had specifically booked a room with a balcony so we decided to stick with that.
The room we had was clean, cool and we had our balcony - we were on the 3rd floor - unfortunately it was at the back of the hotel and below us was where the hotel staff would take their cigarette brakes, which wouldn't have been too bad had they of made not quite so much noise. Day and night. It was also where the bins were kept!
I would not consider this room to be 4* although it was clean it was quite basic, there was no fridge or mini bar so keeping any water cool was impossible, there was satellite TV but was a small portable with poor reception and as we flopped down on the bed tired from the travel the wooden headboard double smacked against the wall! We had a look and it wasn't fixed to the wall properly so I decided to roll up one of the horrible green rugs and wedge it between the headboard and the wall! Hardly 4*!!
I must say however that the maid service was excellent! Somehow they would see you leave your room - however late - and by the time you were back everything was done. In the hotel this was done every day (however as I understand it from a couple of other guest staying in the apartments this was done only twice a week and their air-con wasn't very good) the maids were also very nice and polite.
After we had dumped our bags we ventured down for a drink. The main bar which is where the "entertainment" is held, this also the family bar, - this wasn't really for us though although the children that were there were very well behaved. We went down to the adult only bar, it's small in comparison but much nicer and the staff (the same two ladies) were lovely and very friendly but for some reason this bar closed an hour earlier than the family bar, midnight! Also the adult bar doesn't open until 8pm.
Whilst reception, the adult only bar staff and the maids were all hospitable, polite and friendly the same can't be said for the rest of the staff. On our first evening meal in the restaurant or cafeteria as we called it (it really was a bit of a free for all!) the waiter came to the table and asked for our drinks order, I asked for a vodka and coke, he just wrote coke so I politely said that it was a vodka a coke I wanted and I was abruptly told "No, in the bar only" Ok! So I asked for a glass of wine again I was told "No, tonight no tomorrow not a problem" we could only order a bottle, by this time I was totally confused and ordered two bottles of water - which are just dumped on your table as the miserable staff walk past.
Not exactly the service I expect from a 4* hotel! However if you were All Inclusive you would be given wine by the bottle in the restaurant but they would only do it by the glass in the bar! So you could order 4-5 glasses but not a bottle!! Ridiculous! On another night we did order a bottle of wine to have with dinner, it wasn't that cold so we had the one glass that had been poured and after dinner took the rest with our glasses to sit outside the main bar.
My partner went to the bar to ask for an ice bucket, he was told "No, you have to buy a bottle of Cava" he explained we had just spent 13.40EUR on the bottle of wine in the restaurant, he came back empty handed, I couldn’t believe it! We were both losing patients, my partner went back up with the bottle of wine to show the barman, and reluctantly he gave us one.
Just the lack of basic manners and a friendly face constantly made you feel that you were putting them out. One morning we ordered a coffee in the main bar and was just grunted at by the barman! Charming.
We are not arrogant holidaymakers and would always speak Spanish (although limited) Please, thank you, how are you and when ordering drink & food wherever we could. The staff at the pool side bar were the same, totally disinterested and no manners, plus the food was horrible and overpriced - 26.00 EURO for 2 cheeseburgers, 1 portion chips and 3 large cokes (which were from the pump)! About £18-20! I nearly fell over, especially as I’m sure the burger was deep fried and there was also a regular ping of a microwave.
The pool area itself was lovely, clean and always a sunbed available with a smaller pool for the little ones.
Food times were also restricted even for people who would be paying, like us. Once the restaurant was closed the only place to eat was the pool bar which also stopped serving any food halfway through the day - There isn't even room service! Where did they get these 4*s from?
There is a little shop on site so we used to use that to buy our drinks from in the day whilst by the pool, although this would also close for siesta, but on a couple of occasions the drinks we purchased were out of date, one bottle of fizzy water was out by 9 months!
Outside of the hotel it’s about a 10-15 min walk down a very steep hill to Son Bou, (although there is a free bus service that the hotel run) there are a few restaurants all of which do pretty much the same thing and was disappointed when there were no Tapas bars, but the food we had in a couple of the restaurants were lovely’s would highly recommend the Mexican bar BOU HAI which is next the Chinese restaurant, it's excellent, quite big all under bamboo/straw roof with swingy chairs hanging from them and big Wicca chairs and intimately lit.
The cocktails are great to; they do a huge one called the Volcano, for 4 people. It arrives with fire coming out the top of the volcano, 2ft long straws, a mass of fresh fruit surrounding it and sparklers! Great fun!
This hotel is no more than a basic 3* and would never go back. There was no one big thing just the constant battle on the little things which just built up throughout the holiday. We were very disappointed as this was our first holiday on our own for 5 years and our first holiday in 3 years.
Be warned, if you have been to a 4* hotel before and had the wonderful service and holiday as you should, please don't go hear because it just won't happen!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" I took my 76 year old Mother and my... "
Submitted By: Mrs Buckingham
I took my 76 year old Mother and my handicapped sister for a one-off holiday paying around £500 each, expecting to find a 4* hotel as in the brochure. We were so disappointed when we arrived as the room wasn't prepared, two beds for three people... not enough towels for two let alone three.
The air conditioning worked but wasn't cool enough no matter how far down you turned it. The floor in the bathroom was dirty and even when I tried to clean it myself it seemed to be ingrained. The hallway carpets were grubby and stained, there were broken tiles around the pool, which some little children did slip on - one went down a crack and we heard her head hit the tiles. The tables at the 'snack shack' were crumbling around the sides and grubby on top. And I have photos to support these comments. You needed a towel for the sun loungers which were also grubby, but don't expect to use the hotel towels as this is frowned upon by the management. You can hire towels for a 15 Euro deposit and then so much each. In fact, you can pick up a sheet detailing all the things you can hire, e.g. a kettle - yes that's right, no drink making facilities in this 4* hotel.
The restaurant noise level was on a par with being in a school dining room. The entertainment was sort of OK although if you didn't get in around an hour-and-a-half before it started you wouldn't get seats together for three of you. Even couples struggled to get seats together by the last half hour. And one night the entertainment staff put on a 'Hollywood greats' show and I really felt sorry for them - it was embarrassing.
The staff in the hotel were great. The Rep... thought it was a lovely hotel and wasn't really interested in my complaints.
The air conditioning worked but wasn't cool enough no matter how far down you turned it. The floor in the bathroom was dirty and even when I tried to clean it myself it seemed to be ingrained. The hallway carpets were grubby and stained, there were broken tiles around the pool, which some little children did slip on - one went down a crack and we heard her head hit the tiles. The tables at the 'snack shack' were crumbling around the sides and grubby on top. And I have photos to support these comments. You needed a towel for the sun loungers which were also grubby, but don't expect to use the hotel towels as this is frowned upon by the management. You can hire towels for a 15 Euro deposit and then so much each. In fact, you can pick up a sheet detailing all the things you can hire, e.g. a kettle - yes that's right, no drink making facilities in this 4* hotel.
The restaurant noise level was on a par with being in a school dining room. The entertainment was sort of OK although if you didn't get in around an hour-and-a-half before it started you wouldn't get seats together for three of you. Even couples struggled to get seats together by the last half hour. And one night the entertainment staff put on a 'Hollywood greats' show and I really felt sorry for them - it was embarrassing.
The staff in the hotel were great. The Rep... thought it was a lovely hotel and wasn't really interested in my complaints.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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We stayed in the hotel main complex but asked to see an apartment as we are already considering a return hoilday next year. If you are considering an apartment, ask for one of the refurbished ones as they are excellent.
Air conditioning is provided throughout and it was a pleasure to walk into a chilled room on a hot day.
Advice: Clean white sandy beach,blue skies,turquiose sea. Shopping areas and supermarkets. Easy bus to Mahon
Activities: We ate in most of the restaurants and all were very good
Good for: Beach