Sol Gavilanes Hotel, Cala Galdana, Spain
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £234
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Sol Gavilanes is a spacious hotel with extensive gardens, set in pine trees and overlooking the sea. Located at the southern end of the cove, there is direct access down to the sandy beach. A selection of bars, shops and restaurants are available locally and the resort centre is 600 yards away. The capital Mahon is 25 miles away and it is 13 miles to Ciudadela. loading...
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Sol Gavilanes Hotel Reviews
" Absolutely fabulous "
Submitted By: fraser13
What a fantastic hotel. The food is first class and the views from the restaurant are breathaking. nothing is to much trouble for the staff and they are all smiling and happy. having stayed at a number of Sol hotels in the past i have to say that this was definetly the best. Yes Menorca and Cala Galdana are expensive but you get what you pay for and you couldn,t wish for a more beutiful place.
The swimming pool is small but it doesn,t really matter as the sea is so close and the bay is shaped like a horseshoe and you feel like you are swimming in a large lido. the beach is so close and you walk into the lift and press 'P' and you arrive at the beach. There are a few steps down to the beach but they have also built a ramp for wheelchairs and buggies.
I was so sorry to leave after a week and could have happily stayed forever. The only complaint i have is about Menorca in general, there are some fantastic beaches Cala Mitgana and Cala Macarella but these have been completely spoiled by seaweed. i understand that the Menorcans feel very strongly about environmental issues but they really need to clean up those wonderful beaches so they can be enjoyed by all.
Will definetly be going again next year but for 2 weeks next time not 1.
The swimming pool is small but it doesn,t really matter as the sea is so close and the bay is shaped like a horseshoe and you feel like you are swimming in a large lido. the beach is so close and you walk into the lift and press 'P' and you arrive at the beach. There are a few steps down to the beach but they have also built a ramp for wheelchairs and buggies.
I was so sorry to leave after a week and could have happily stayed forever. The only complaint i have is about Menorca in general, there are some fantastic beaches Cala Mitgana and Cala Macarella but these have been completely spoiled by seaweed. i understand that the Menorcans feel very strongly about environmental issues but they really need to clean up those wonderful beaches so they can be enjoyed by all.
Will definetly be going again next year but for 2 weeks next time not 1.
Advice: Weather, location, beach, village all wonderful
Activities: Swimming in the beautiful horseshoe bay
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Fantastic "
Submitted By: gemma28101981
This has to be the best holiday ive had in years. The hotel was clean, the food was beautiful, the views were amazing and the staff were fab.
We are planning on returning next year
We are planning on returning next year
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" DON'T BOTHER "
Submitted By: julierigby0151@blueyonder.co.uk
We went to The Sol Gavilanes after having our holiday changed 3 times!!! Thank you First Choice.... We did not mind too much as we knew the resort and we were going into a 4 star premier hotel - now we have been, we would rate it a 2 star. The hotel is in a good setting but if you have walking problems, do not bother as there are steps to the beach and around the pool areas. The views of the bay are beautiful. The trees need cutting down around the pool area as you only get about 4 hours of sunshine a day. The pool is not heated so was freezing although we did have a dip. We went for the last 2 weeks of the season and knew it would be quiet, we did not expect that the hotel would be practically closed. There were no activities day or night other than a pianist who was really bad. The rooms are spotless and we had clean bedding and towels every day, the maid was delightful. Whilst we were away, my daughter was 18 and I arranged with reception to have flowers delivered, and this was very good. We hired a car for a few days and were told that we would have to pay to use the car park, 3 euros a day. We parked across the road in a car park. Our biggest complaint was the restaurant. We were a party of 7 so we were seated at the far end of the restaurant, no problem but that end of the buffet was closed down further and further towards the end of the holiday. it was like doing a marathon to get your meal. You are only seated on your first day and then it is pot luck as to where you sit. Families of 4 were allowed to sit at the tables for big parties, so very often you had to wait for a table. We did address it with the maitre'd but got no response. The food was either cold or raw!!! On one occasion we had to microwave the meal before we could eat it. The plate warmer was not even plugged in. They had finished half the staff so you had to wait upto 20 minutes for a fried egg. The food was the same every night. We raised the issue with the rep and with the guest relations manager, but we got the impression that because it was end of season, they were not interested. It was almost 10 euros for 2 drinks. The island has gone very expensive and you do not get much for your money. Cala Galdana is a beautiful resort but we will never stay in this particular hotel again. The bus service was very good and worth using to get around. The Cala Galdana hotel is far superior.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We have just returned from a week at... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Hall
We have just returned from a week at the Sol Gavilanes. This is our 4th visit and we have already booked for next year.
The setting is fantastic, sea views, pine trees and peace and quiet, of course late September is late in the season but the weather was still hot an sunny although the evenings are getting cooler.
We found the hotel staff pleasant and helpful, rooms clean and comfortable,equiped with a fridge and safe at no charge.
This year we have found a big improvment with the food,the only thing in previous years I felt let it down a bit.
My husband enjoyed the daily activities, rifle shooting, archery, pistol shooting etc whilst I was happy on the lovely sandy beach relaxing.
The resort felt very safe and clean and the hotel seems to attract couples and young families.
I am already looking forward to next years visit
The setting is fantastic, sea views, pine trees and peace and quiet, of course late September is late in the season but the weather was still hot an sunny although the evenings are getting cooler.
We found the hotel staff pleasant and helpful, rooms clean and comfortable,equiped with a fridge and safe at no charge.
This year we have found a big improvment with the food,the only thing in previous years I felt let it down a bit.
My husband enjoyed the daily activities, rifle shooting, archery, pistol shooting etc whilst I was happy on the lovely sandy beach relaxing.
The resort felt very safe and clean and the hotel seems to attract couples and young families.
I am already looking forward to next years visit
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" What a fabulous holiday we had an... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Cook
What a fabulous holiday we had an excellant time my husband myself and our 13 year old son spent two weeks in one of cala galdana's villas. What a top room overlooking the bay, beach and the beautifull crystal blue sea. Our maid came in every day and changed the sheets and gave us clean towels.
The staff were very firendly and our first choice rep Damian was excellant, nothing too much trouble he gave us information about the resort and we went on some excellent excursions (Eastern delights a must).
The hotel restaurants were lovely always something good to choose, something for everyone even the very fussy!
The entertainment was first class. The tribute bands excellent.
The pool was lovely and could always find sun beds and parrasols.
You could not fault the resort and the beach is beautifull and very safe as is the resort it self. Find the view point its well worth it.
A great family holiday and well worth a second visit.
The staff were very firendly and our first choice rep Damian was excellant, nothing too much trouble he gave us information about the resort and we went on some excellent excursions (Eastern delights a must).
The hotel restaurants were lovely always something good to choose, something for everyone even the very fussy!
The entertainment was first class. The tribute bands excellent.
The pool was lovely and could always find sun beds and parrasols.
You could not fault the resort and the beach is beautifull and very safe as is the resort it self. Find the view point its well worth it.
A great family holiday and well worth a second visit.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" H aving just returned from yet... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Millward
H aving just returned from yet another wonderful holiday at the sol gavilanes,i will certainly be going again.It is about my 6th time at the hotel,have been going from the year 2000,and i must say in all that time the hotel and resort does not change at all.I have hired cars and seen alot of the island,but i still prefer the tranquil setting of cala galdana.This year was a emotional time for us as the hotel kindly planted a tree in memory of my father who passed away in october last year,my parents have also been coming to the hotel on and off for about 20 yrs.I do however think the indoor buffet food is not as good as in previous years,but there is still plenty of choice to suit most peoples tates.All in all i think the hotel and staff are excellent and we will be hoping to visit the island again soon.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We have just returned from a weeks... "
Submitted By: Miss L White
We have just returned from a weeks stay at this hotel, and couldn't have wished for a better location. The hotel affords some fantastic views over the bay. You would never tire of looking at this stunning beach . Twinkling clear turqouise sea that was shallow and very safe for children, no seaweed or pebbles to contend with! We do not believe in returning to places(too many places in the world to see) but we would DEFINATELY go back to this resort. A truly lovely location for only a couple of hours flight.
Upon arrival the reception booked us in within minutes, all very painless. Our room was on the 6th floor, and was plenty adequate in size for the two of us.
We were slightly disappointed with the evening meals. There was not a huge variety of dishes. Some of the recipes were not to our taste. However lots of lovely salad dishes to choose from.
This is not a 'cheapy' holiday for drinks and sunbeds etc....... but a very relaxing one we thoroughly enjoyed. You will not be disappointed with this resort.
Upon arrival the reception booked us in within minutes, all very painless. Our room was on the 6th floor, and was plenty adequate in size for the two of us.
We were slightly disappointed with the evening meals. There was not a huge variety of dishes. Some of the recipes were not to our taste. However lots of lovely salad dishes to choose from.
This is not a 'cheapy' holiday for drinks and sunbeds etc....... but a very relaxing one we thoroughly enjoyed. You will not be disappointed with this resort.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We are a mature couple 50 & 48... "
Submitted By: davencag
We are a mature couple 50 & 48 & have recently returned from Menorca having half the Holiday at Sol Gavilanes & the other in Sol Menorca at Santo Thomas.
This is our 2nd stay at this Hotel The view from the rooms as has been quoted numerous times is nice and the resort itself is very good with a fair selection of bars & restaurants. Things do seem to be a little more expensive here than elsewhere but you seem to avoid the lager lout brigade so money well spent in my eyes. I have marked this hotel down from last time. Like a previous review states I was also here during half term week, hotel & resort were very busy but the staff did not seem able to cope and were in the most part a dour & miserable bunch. By contrast the Sol Menorca Hotel staff were excellent helpful, happy & efficient. Gavilanes does have a few extra touches Coffee served to table at breakfast & Porter service for your luggage on arrival. Peronally I could have happily coped without either, after lugging your cases in & out of cars & through airports etc, to have someone expect tipping for wheeling them the final 20 metres across a marble floor is no benefit & almost insulting.
Food buffet style was ok better than many although desert choice was poor even compared with the smaller Sol Menorca. English cooked breakfast was disappointing with tasteless continental style sausage & the greasy bacon had little meat within the fat. If I returned again I would probably select room only as there are some nice restaurants here & with reasonable prices. Try Es Barranc at the back of the resort by the car park.
Hire a car at least for a couple of days to explore the island you will miss so much of what is best about Menorca if you stay in resort. A chap in the neighbouring room told me he had been bringing his family here every year for ten years and didn't see the need to hire a car as he was already in the best location with the best beach. He is wrong! it is a nice location & a nice beach but you only need to walk 30 minutes West or East to get a glimpse of the truly beautiful unspoilt beaches that surround this island.
If you only ever intend to visit Menorca once then you should stay here with a beach front room preferably on 5th or sixth floor for the optimal views & ignore the imperfections in service. If you are returning to Menorca for a peaceful getaway in quiet but attractive surroundings with better customer service but less trimmings try the sister hotel Sol Menorca instead
This is our 2nd stay at this Hotel The view from the rooms as has been quoted numerous times is nice and the resort itself is very good with a fair selection of bars & restaurants. Things do seem to be a little more expensive here than elsewhere but you seem to avoid the lager lout brigade so money well spent in my eyes. I have marked this hotel down from last time. Like a previous review states I was also here during half term week, hotel & resort were very busy but the staff did not seem able to cope and were in the most part a dour & miserable bunch. By contrast the Sol Menorca Hotel staff were excellent helpful, happy & efficient. Gavilanes does have a few extra touches Coffee served to table at breakfast & Porter service for your luggage on arrival. Peronally I could have happily coped without either, after lugging your cases in & out of cars & through airports etc, to have someone expect tipping for wheeling them the final 20 metres across a marble floor is no benefit & almost insulting.
Food buffet style was ok better than many although desert choice was poor even compared with the smaller Sol Menorca. English cooked breakfast was disappointing with tasteless continental style sausage & the greasy bacon had little meat within the fat. If I returned again I would probably select room only as there are some nice restaurants here & with reasonable prices. Try Es Barranc at the back of the resort by the car park.
Hire a car at least for a couple of days to explore the island you will miss so much of what is best about Menorca if you stay in resort. A chap in the neighbouring room told me he had been bringing his family here every year for ten years and didn't see the need to hire a car as he was already in the best location with the best beach. He is wrong! it is a nice location & a nice beach but you only need to walk 30 minutes West or East to get a glimpse of the truly beautiful unspoilt beaches that surround this island.
If you only ever intend to visit Menorca once then you should stay here with a beach front room preferably on 5th or sixth floor for the optimal views & ignore the imperfections in service. If you are returning to Menorca for a peaceful getaway in quiet but attractive surroundings with better customer service but less trimmings try the sister hotel Sol Menorca instead
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just returned from a two week holiday... "
Submitted By: Miss J Vinton
Just returned from a two week holiday at this hotel 16th May - 30th May. The hotel is in a perfect location on the cliffside with spectacular views. The hotel is very clean and has excellent maid service. The dining area is ok food varied and suitable for all although becomes boring after a while, be prepared to queue for food as they seem rather short staffed especially up on the outside terrace restaurant where food tended to go cold rather quick.
Swimming pools are on different levels, baby pool not in sight of main pool and very very cold. Plenty of sun beds around the pool but limited space to put them and if you go to the beach the hire of sun beds is very expensive for a daily hire charge it is 19 euros which is around £15!!!!
The hotel prices for drink is far to expensive as compared to going down to the local bars for drinks, this made us go out every night as for two beers and a coffee it was around 12 euros which is about £9!!!. Also the shop at the bottom of the hotel is rather expensive, just a short walk into the square you can save yourself quite a bit of money.
Daily entertainment was not available for adults until 3pm, I was informed this was because it was early in the season (half term hotel fully booked, how much busier can it get!) Kids club was ok but seem to try and do things as a group and not split kids into ages as 12 year olds do not always want to do what the younger children do (again was this because to early in the season - half term!) Although the staff were very pleasant and did try hard with limited resources and staff (just 2).
Would recommend hiring a car and visiting different resorts as only takes a short time to go from one side of the Island to the other. Had a good day at the waterpark in Los Delfines, where food and drink at the park was very reasonable.
Would go back to the resort but stay at a different location as the hotel only really provided us with the room (very small) but very clean.
Swimming pools are on different levels, baby pool not in sight of main pool and very very cold. Plenty of sun beds around the pool but limited space to put them and if you go to the beach the hire of sun beds is very expensive for a daily hire charge it is 19 euros which is around £15!!!!
The hotel prices for drink is far to expensive as compared to going down to the local bars for drinks, this made us go out every night as for two beers and a coffee it was around 12 euros which is about £9!!!. Also the shop at the bottom of the hotel is rather expensive, just a short walk into the square you can save yourself quite a bit of money.
Daily entertainment was not available for adults until 3pm, I was informed this was because it was early in the season (half term hotel fully booked, how much busier can it get!) Kids club was ok but seem to try and do things as a group and not split kids into ages as 12 year olds do not always want to do what the younger children do (again was this because to early in the season - half term!) Although the staff were very pleasant and did try hard with limited resources and staff (just 2).
Would recommend hiring a car and visiting different resorts as only takes a short time to go from one side of the Island to the other. Had a good day at the waterpark in Los Delfines, where food and drink at the park was very reasonable.
Would go back to the resort but stay at a different location as the hotel only really provided us with the room (very small) but very clean.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Everything you need for a reaxing... "
Submitted By: Mr PJ Thorp
Everything you need for a reaxing break. Hotel very clean, food pretty good, just a 2 minute walk to the resort, with lots of restuarants, bars etc and the very pretty river flowing out to one of the cleanest and loveliest bays you could wish to see. Woodland/coastal walks are stunning - everything within easy reach - will be going back next year.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We have been to this hotel no less... "
Submitted By: Ms TJ WILSON
We have been to this hotel no less than five times and will be visiting again in July 2008.
Quite simply we love it. The rooms are imaculately clean, a good selection of food at all times and a stunning location on the beach, where it is safe for children to paddle, and adults to swim. Staff have always been helpful and pleasant. evening entertainment is also fairly good and suitable for all. We usually hire a car which enables us to explore this beautiful Island. Nowhere is over 45 minutes drive away, and there are many beaches and things to see. Try fornells and hire a boat for a couple of hours and explore the bay, with its small almost private type beaches.
People are lovely and the English out there are respectable families, no benidorm chav types, no kiss me quick hats or must have English fry up breakfast types who read the sun!
I would say we are fairly hard people to please, but Menorca does it for us every time, and so does this great hotel. (no we havent got shares in it, just very very satisfied customers)
TJ Wilson redbridge
Quite simply we love it. The rooms are imaculately clean, a good selection of food at all times and a stunning location on the beach, where it is safe for children to paddle, and adults to swim. Staff have always been helpful and pleasant. evening entertainment is also fairly good and suitable for all. We usually hire a car which enables us to explore this beautiful Island. Nowhere is over 45 minutes drive away, and there are many beaches and things to see. Try fornells and hire a boat for a couple of hours and explore the bay, with its small almost private type beaches.
People are lovely and the English out there are respectable families, no benidorm chav types, no kiss me quick hats or must have English fry up breakfast types who read the sun!
I would say we are fairly hard people to please, but Menorca does it for us every time, and so does this great hotel. (no we havent got shares in it, just very very satisfied customers)
TJ Wilson redbridge
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Select
" Our 2nd year there and we were not... "
Submitted By: Mr K A Webley
Our 2nd year there and we were not disappointed. The only reason I have lowered my score from 9 to 8 is that I didn't think that the evening buffet was quite as good as the previous year. One unexpected pleasure was the maitre d' recognising us from 12 months earlier and welcoming us back like old friends.
Hoping to return in Sept 2008, the sea should have warmed up a bit!
Again, highly recommended.
Hoping to return in Sept 2008, the sea should have warmed up a bit!
Again, highly recommended.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" First class hotel and resort. Ideal... "
Submitted By: Mr P Evans
First class hotel and resort. Ideal for a family holiday. Excellent food.
Really nice waiters. Has four lifts all working. The children’s mini club is fantastic.
Just be careful, I had my digital camera stolen on the last day. 99 photos and some videos gone in a flash. No regrets, I should have locked my suitcase.
Really nice waiters. Has four lifts all working. The children’s mini club is fantastic.
Just be careful, I had my digital camera stolen on the last day. 99 photos and some videos gone in a flash. No regrets, I should have locked my suitcase.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" This was a brilliant holiday. The... "
Submitted By: Sombrero
This was a brilliant holiday. The view from the room across the bay was great. The beach just across a walkway was clean and safe to bathe.
Food was varied and of a good standard with a good mix of local and English tastes. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor eating and the views from the outside restaurant across the bay are stunning. There is also an a la carte available at extra cost in a seperate dining room which we went in on our aniversary night and had a great meal including lobster.
The hotel was friendly, staff great. We went in May and there was plenty of space on the beach. The sun shone every day and we had a great time. There is a great little restaurant just to the left of the hotel as you face the beach, very convenient. You can eat, drink and still keep an eye on your beach stuff. Plenty of watersport stuff to rent, pedalos, boats, etc.
Walk down to the village centre and follow the coast walk and you can go all the way to Macarella and Macarelletta. Quite steep in places and takes about 45 mins. Not for the unfit.
There was entertainment most nights that was ok and the hotel has a friendly feel. The pool isn't massive but is ok but with the beach so close we didnt use it much anyway. There is a small gym too if you want to stay fit.
Lifts go right down to beech level and the resort is mainly flat so good for all ages.
We are a 48 year old couple but are taking our mum's next year as a birthday treat.
Enjoy!
Food was varied and of a good standard with a good mix of local and English tastes. There is a choice of indoor or outdoor eating and the views from the outside restaurant across the bay are stunning. There is also an a la carte available at extra cost in a seperate dining room which we went in on our aniversary night and had a great meal including lobster.
The hotel was friendly, staff great. We went in May and there was plenty of space on the beach. The sun shone every day and we had a great time. There is a great little restaurant just to the left of the hotel as you face the beach, very convenient. You can eat, drink and still keep an eye on your beach stuff. Plenty of watersport stuff to rent, pedalos, boats, etc.
Walk down to the village centre and follow the coast walk and you can go all the way to Macarella and Macarelletta. Quite steep in places and takes about 45 mins. Not for the unfit.
There was entertainment most nights that was ok and the hotel has a friendly feel. The pool isn't massive but is ok but with the beach so close we didnt use it much anyway. There is a small gym too if you want to stay fit.
Lifts go right down to beech level and the resort is mainly flat so good for all ages.
We are a 48 year old couple but are taking our mum's next year as a birthday treat.
Enjoy!
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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Floor 5 and above has the best views in Cala Galdana.
We specified a sea view at the hotel when making the telephone booking with Direct Holidays, now owned by Thomas Cook, as we have a lovely view of trees at home. Happy to pay through the nose for it, as the holiday was £400 more expensive than last year’s.
But when the documentation arrived and the promised 'Sea View' - had mysteriously been changed to:
'View'…
'Off what? ' I enquired of the Direct Holidays’ Distinctly Unhelpful Line person.
'A nice brick wall?'.
He told me it wasn’t my ‘job’ to ask…. No – I couldn’t work that one out either….
Anyway, Thomas Cook (TC) duly investigated their booking tapes and found that a sea view had indeed been agreed.
To cut a long story short, we ended up with an apology, bottle of champagne and personal letter from a Top Cat director of TC, to say that we definitely had our sea view.
So went off on holiday, happily knowing that when we arrived, there would be upsets…
We showed the TC director’s letter and stated ‘Sea View’ booking confirmation to the receptionist - who promptly allocated us to a room at the bottom of the hotel (119).
It has a lovely view of trees with what they call a 'sea glimpse’ somewhere in between the branches. In addition, the whole corridor on this floor had a sewage-type smell to it.
So back to reception, where we got......:
'Tough - we are fully booked so there are no sea view rooms left for you’.
So much for TC’s Top Cat letter.
After some ‘Who blinks first?’ Spaghetti Western-type confrontation, (and some unexpected conciliatory hand-patting from the male receptionist ), the hotel manager was dragged out of wherever he normally hides.... and it appeared that, during our conversation with the receptionists, five rooms with sea views had 'suddenly become available'. We chose one on Floor 5.
So whatever you do - if you like a view of the sea, stipulate Floor 5 and above in your booking. Get it in writing and don't back down- despite the hand-patting.
FOOD
A la Asda style.... Wide choice, but nothing you really fancy.
Take toothpicks. The meat is tough. The usual strangely tasteless deserts, but also plentiful fruit, as in most other 4-star (lol) Spanish hotels.
Fans of the ‘Full English’ breakfast might like to know that you have a choice of black - or slimy - stringy bacon. Also on offer are fried eggs, and beans. But NO cooked tomatoes and mushrooms - much my OH’s puzzlement. Excellent coffee though.
Ice lollies etc are cheaper in the hotel supermarket than the same ones in the no-display price list snack bar, halfway to the main shops by the steps.
SERVICE
Better in the open sea-view restaurant – or should I say ‘Canteen in the Blazing Sun’, than the Bella Vista restaurant, which has thick table cloths, but a lack of air conditioning and closed windows, on the nights we ate there.
But a table was always readily available in both places.
However, my poor OH had his plate taken away twice before he had finished the meal, as they have a tendency to put their thumb on the plate and say: ‘Finish?’ ,when you are just getting down to the nice mulchy bit at the end of the meal, then move swiftly away, leaving the surprised diner mid-mouthful speechless … Which means you have to go and help yourself again. Tut! Such hard work.
STAFF
All very nice, with the exception of the treeview-allocating receptionist. Some of the waiting staff were a bit long faced … but who wouldn’t be with people constantly milling about looking for mushrooms and tomatoes.
DRINKS
Expensive. Around £5 for a pint now that the exchange rate is almost an equivalent. It’s not much cheaper anywhere else.
Medium bottle of table water - 2 euros.
BAR
The bar pianist, tends to get carried away and play so loudly that those with hearing aids can safely leave them in their rooms. Still, on the plus side, this means that there was no waiting for drinks, as the bar was almost always empty.
INTERNET
Eight seats - at 3 euros half an hour and 4 for the hour.
ENTERTAINMENT
When you work it out, a stay at this hotel costs around £60-£70 half board per day, a head - after the amount for the plane fare, taxes holiday company fees etc have been taken off.
Bearing this in mind, it is surprising that the ‘entertainment’ is anyone better than local, toothless spoon rattlers.
The sound system is ancient, and has a tendency to whistle and blip. But then, during some of the tribute, tribute acts - so did we..
What I will say is that there were performances every night in the ‘canteen’, even if they had a certain amount of unintended comedy in them.
Top prize went to the male flamenco dancer, who seemed a tad uneasy in the arrogant, ultra-butch style of the dance.
He gave us a novel demonstration of flouncy arm-waving semaphore, as made famous by TV’s ‘Mr Humphries’ in ‘Are you being served’.
The magician was a bit careless with his the box escape, as he dropped the velvet tube at the crucial moment. But the female contortionist who accompanies him was a real star - if you like this sort of thing. And if you like it for more than three minutes.
A bad point is that the stage is very low, so most of the audience can only see the upper half of the entertainers bodies.
So a good job they didn’t have a ‘Tribute to Riverdance …’.
The tribute songsters El Divo were the overall favourites.
SWIMMING POOL
Small and not really that well-used, probably because of the very noisy waterfalls. But it means that you can usually get a sun bed.
The pool doesn’t have a deep end and shallow end, as per normal - but deep/shallow divided longways. So it is important establish which bit is the deep half before diving in.
There was also a small children’s pool, which seemed to be mainly empty when we passed.
BEACH
Safe, clean but expensive. 10 euros for a bed and 8 for an umbrella.
People bought an umbrella for 10euros, and were abandoning them at the end of their holiday.
Lifeguards and a first aid place.
Fish around eight inches long can be seen just out of adult depth , with small shoals of litlle fish by the shoreline.
ROOMS
About the size of a large family living room. So not that spacious. Two British news channels and an old film channel on the TV.
Décor – turquoise and wood, circ 1980’s.
The hairdryer was quite good, so case weight of taking one if you are not fussy. The towels were big enough, but a tad thin.
Reasonable shampoo and bath stuff is provided in containers on the wall.
Hotel beach towels are available for a deposit and 1 euro change fee a day. So you don’t have to take your own, unless you object to changing them every day.
CLEANING
Quite good and very quick.
But they do not sweep the balcony, which means that you tramp sand into the bedroom. I’m an sandy-bed hate freak, so was somewhat surprised to find sand in my bed after if had been re-made, as there wasn’t any in it overnight.
GUESTS
Well behaved, with the usual dining room swerves.
Tattoo count low. Mainly Spanish. Brits in the minority.
DISABLED
The lifts do not go to the beach area and there are some 30 or so steps to navigate. There is a ramp down to the beach - but I wouldn’t chance it as it is quite steep. Also the divers have their hut next to the ramp and they leave a wet trail on it, which tends to make it slippery at times.
TRIPS
Don’t buy the expensive rep trips, book with for the man by the Audax hotel - but do it well in advance as they are popular.
THE HOTEL IN WHICH WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED?
Think we made the right choice, once the view had been sorted out.
The views are the best as the hotel looks out over the bay, rather than across it, as the Audax does. The Audax seemed to have the odd sewage smell one day we passed it, although it had cleared up on another day.
The swimming pool at the Hotel Galdana is on the road and the hotel is also to the side of the bay, although other guests said it is friendlier than the Sol Gavalines. This might be because there seemed to be more British there. Certainly the sound system and entertainment set-up is better. The beer was a bit more expensive but my OH says he preferred it.
THE REP WE SHOULD HAVE HAD?
Thomsons Holidays rep, who was always seemed to be at hand, with the right information.
The TC rep gave us the wrong information about the little train: ‘It’s always on time at 10.30am… that was at 10.10am, so we scrambled and rushed off to catch it. But the train doesn’t appear to have a timetable – leading to a 45m wait in the heat. We gave up and swimming instead, and went another day from the village, which is easier than waiting outside the hotel. It is 6 euros for a trip round the village. Nice views but a bit short.
Our rep also said she could not tell us what time the return coach was arriving, until five days after we arrived, which was a bit odd as the flight goes the same time every week.
WOULD WE GO THERE AGAIN?
No – once you’ve seen Cala Galdana, you’ve seen Cala Galdana.
OVERALL
A nice hotel, where they try their best - the trees that block some room views have to remain by local decree - but somehow it lacks a distinct personality.
Good for: Beach