Holiday Reviews > Med Beach Resorts > Ibiza > Portinatx > Portinatx Hotels > Presidente Hotel > Read Reviews
Presidente Hotel ReviewsPage 1 2 3 4
| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Portland Direct |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs H Rackley |
| Overall
Rating: |
6/10 |
| Comments: |
Usually travel independently to the Greek Islands but this year to save a few pennies and on the strength of various reviews thought we'd give the Hotel Presidente a go as we have a nine year old whom we thought this might appeal to (if shes happy then we get a good holiday !! ) how wrong i was ! It wasn't all bad but there are a few things you should know.We paid extra for a sea view which was stunning but the noise coming from the reps, during the day and the "entertainment " during the evening till at least midnight was horrific !! if you have young children to get to sleep or fancy a siesta forget it .We changed to a room at the back of the hotel (306 )still with a nice view and to be fair you could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. Also the rooms are very small , if you have a largish family ie 2 or more kids it must be a nightmare , Rooms were adequate if a bit basic ,looked a bit worn round the edges but cleaned daily .Another gripe was all the extra charges for safes,fridges etc a lot of people were complaining that the fridges didnt actually get cold enough as well.
We didnt have any problems finding a space by the pool as it was late sept , but and heres my biggest annoyance , the constant noise coming from the reps ,blaring music from the speakers meant that there was no way you could just chill by the pool .you would just get setteled and the they would start shouting through the microphone at you ! its was like Hi di Hi but worse .It seemed that they thought people couldn't be left to occupy themselves for a second. However to their credit they did their jobs well as the children seemed to love them , but most of the children there were preschool age , so my daughter didnt really get into any of the activities.All the hotel staff were pleasant,from the housekeeping to the managers
Food was excellent although dont expect a relaxing meal, its a bit like a school dining room, plates cleared away quickly and the head waiter oversaw it like a military operation so fair play to him for getting everyone fed !we went into town for drinks after but you could still here the screeching coming from the evening entertainment over the other side of the bay ! Portinaxt itself is very pretty ,quiet just a few shops and bars 3 nice beaches Unfortunately it rained for 4 days out of 7 so we hired a car and looked around the island because if we'd had to spend all day in the hotel i would have gone mad ! I dont think i would recommend this to anyone unless they wanted a Butlins abroad which is what it felt like. If people were just that bit more adventurous then there are much better holidays out there you could have for the same money (i've done them !)
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs P Harris |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Returned a few days ago from the Presidente.
The area
Transfer time from the airport was about 45 mins. Portinatx is a small resort. It has 3 cove type beaches all of which are lovely the water is very clear for swimming. Only the main one S’Arenal has a lifeguard. The sunbeds are 4.50 euros each to hire. Other than the 2 main hotels – Presidente & El Greco there are a few small apartment blocks, a couple of supermarkets, a smallish water park – it has 4 or 5 slides – and a few bars/restaurants. It’s cheaper to drink in the bars outside the hotel & the supermarkets are even cheaper. If you’re going for more than a week car hire is a must. Don’t rent cars from the hotel – very expensive – go to the little Avis shop at the seafront next to the S’Arenal Supermarket. We got 2 days, 2 drivers fully comp insurance on a car that seated 5 of us for 115 euros (about 98 gbp) it meant we could go the Ibiza Town and San Antoni in the evening (beer in these places was only 2 euros a pint) and travel round other beaches during the day. The signage for the roads are very good easy to find your way around. Cala Vadella was lovely but popular though it was hard to park there. Cala Moli – if you’re looking for peace this is it & Cala Tarida again very nice bit more commercialized and very expensive 5 euros for a beer and 4 for an orange juice.
The hotel
If you’re looking for a family hotel this is 100% it. The facilities here for kids are fantastic. The kids club is split in three groups and the activities are very well organized. The kidzone reps are enthuastic and very friendly. In my opinion the swimming pool is a bit small for a hotel this size especially when it’s full of inflatables – trying to swim is a bit like negotiating the M25 at rush hour !!!
Never a had a problem getting a sunbed even at 12 noon. Yes there were the usual culprits that nabbed the best spots at dawn and never returned till mid afternoon but you get there everywhere now. The food and service in the restaurant was very good. I could not fault the selection they offered – something for everyone – the kids even had their own buffet selection at a lower height. Drinks, snacks and ice creams were expensive. 3.80 euros for a pint of local beer and 2.25 euros for a small coke. The rooms are very clean but quite small and the fixtures and fittings are slightly dated this isn’t a real issue though as you only return to the rooms to sleep. However, there was no where to store the cases so we had to negotiate round them each time we left the room. If you need a cot as well that made it incredibly tight. The family rooms have two double beds which unfortunately didn’t suit our family setup at all. There are 2 lifts which we never had to wait more than a few seconds for. Outside is the main stage area and although busy in the evening we could always get a seat. The walk to the beach is only about 5 minutes but beware the Presidents on a small but steep hill. The first part of the hill takes you to a supermarket, shop and bar then if you go further down some steep steps or alternative steep slope if you have a buggy this takes you to the beach. There is a decking pathway across the beach up another slope to more bars/gift shops/supermarkets etc. After a few days you get used to it. If it sounds bad don’t let if put you off its not that bad but you should be aware if you have a less mobile person in your group.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs N Harris |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
This is the secand time we've been to the Presidente, brilliant for the children, the reps kept them entertained all day.. we will go All inclusive next time, as we found the drinks quite expensive. The gifts & treats the children got from the Thomson party were fab!! Food was exceptional.. 1 down fall, the toilets by the pool were not cleaned regularly. Beach was lovely. Great holiday all round, would definately reccommend.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr P Walker |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Brilliant hotel only problem we where there for two weeks saftey deposit box & fridge £80.00.Staff where brilliant food first class drinks in hotel £3.00 a pint.Plenty for the kids to do.But for a good night out check out Vincents Bar.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs K Busby |
| Overall
Rating: |
5/10 |
| Comments: |
I thought the hotel was very clean, and the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was also very good, but the restaurant was a bit manic, especially at breakfast time, but our waitress Yolanda was fantastic. I felt that the reps were all a bit over the top, the entertainment always seemed to be aimed at the children, and I think that for the older children it got very boring, I have 2 kids that are 9 and 11, who got bored very quickly. I also agree with some of the other comments about the pool area being over crowded with sunbeds and to many inflatables in the pool. I also think that the reps dont control the teenagers very well, I had to report the teenagers twice for jumping off the bridge into the pool when there were smaller children going under it, I also think it was bad enough that parents were leaving there older children at the hotel to upset other people while they went off for the day. I also thought that extra activities were very expensive for example for two 90 minute sessions, a goodie bag and a certificate for football cost us another 35 euros, even though the coaches were excellent, it was very pricey. Extra trips are very expensive to.
I do agree with the prices of the drinks at the bar being very expensive, and their wasnt a lot of choice for lunchtime food, unless you went out.
I also think that if you have trouble walking the hill when you come back from the beach could be very difficult, my mother suffers from asthma, and found this hard going.
Although a lovely island Portinax hasnt got a lot to offer, so a car would be a good idea to get about, and visit the other parts of the island.
I also think that the entertainment for the evening needs looking into, as the so called adult entertainment was shocking, and as if you dont get enough of the reps in the day you also get them doing evening entertainment (if that is what you call it). The only people who enjoyed it were the kids aged between 3 and 5.
While there we spoke to a lot of families that were also very disappointed with this holiday for the same reasons. I will not be recommending this to any of our friends or family. To sum this holiday up it would have been better without the reps.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs H Harvey |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
We have just returned from the Presidente Hotel, Portinatx. We had a great family holiday. Lots to do for the children, suited especially to ages 7-12. Our children were younger but had a great time anyway.
Before we left we read the reviews and they were pretty accurate although the hill up to the hotel is not as bad as reviews suggest (if you are reasonably fit and mobile anyway!).
The downsides were paying nearly 4 euros a day to hire the fridge in your room (same for the safe). Drinks from the bar were very expensive. Views from the room balcony onto the back garden were pretty grim. Oh and good luck getting a lounger by the pool!
The good points were: food in the hotel was good and staff friendly and attentive. The family room was bigger than we expected and the bathroom surprisingly spacious. Everywhere was very clean and modern. Entertainment for the kids was great - reps worked really hard. The babyzone room was brilliant - just to get the little one out of the sun for an hour or so. The smaller of the two beaches is more secure and just nicer for small children and quieter than the larger more popular beach. There is very little to do in the resort itself but if if you are like us and just enjoy sitting by the bar in the evening, watching the kids dance and sing with the reps then you don't need to go elsewhere. Hiring beach towels (for a deposit) was a godsend and they don't mind how many times you change them (most days we changed them at least once after having been to the beach and then having a last dip in the pool in late afternoon).
All in all a really good holiday for location, accommodation, food and entertainment.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr G Smithson |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
Enjoyed a very pleasant week in Portinatx - we`d been several times before as self catering but thought this time - just the two of us, kids now grown up - we`d give the Presidente a try. Would we recommend it to others? Absolutely - what it says in the publicity is exactly what you get, including the `stiff walk` up from the beach - normally no problem in the UK but when you`ve been sunning yourself on the beach all day - well, you`ll understand! So - a very good hotel for families but, nevertheless, very agreeable for couples as well - as long as you favour the beach rather than the pool and you give the evening entertainment (very much child orientated) a bit of a wide berth. Families were certainly enjoying themselves and that was great to see. The food and the restaurant - pick your times and there were no problems - 9am for an excellent breakfast and 8pm for an evening meal - very relaxed at these times and decent food as well. All the staff were extremely helpful, pleasant, courteous - a huge plus. Air conditioned rooms - bliss!! We had a 4th floor sea view room - highly recommended and very light. Don`t know what it would be like with more than two people! Very good bathroom - excellent attention to cleanliness.
Portinatx is very small and relatively quiet - as mentioned, from experience we knew this anyway. Certainly not one for teenagers - unless they like dipping in to the most beautiful sea on the most beautiful beach - crowded at times but never a problem - just full of people having a good time BUT not imposing themselves on others.
Cost of drinks - we didn`t find this too much of a problem, same prices as our southern county pubs - in fact, we reckon that some of the drinks are cheaper than in our local....
So - would we go back - yes, only this time we`re booking in two weeks not one!!
Hope this has been of some help!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Portland Direct |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Clark |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
This is the second time we have been to this hotel and I'd definately go back again. If you have children this hotel is great there is so much for them to do even if they don't want to go into the clubs. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old and they both really enjoyed themselves. The entertainment team of Johnny, Jade and Fairy were really good especially with the kids. Food was good and something for everyone, great if you like your deserts. Only downside prices are quite high for the drinks and ice creams. If you have children this is a great hotel. Have recommended to friends who also really enjoyed it.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs J Groves |
| Overall
Rating: |
5/10 |
| Comments: |
if you are looking at staying here there are a few things that you should know. my husband and i are well travelled and i myself am ex flight crew so we can give you an honest review.
we were very dissapointed with this holiday. although the hotel was clean and a good size, how thompson have rated this four star i will never know it is a decent three star at best.
the food is average and they try very hard to please the children at meal times but it is a little like eating in a cattle market. it is not a relaxing meal more the chance feed yourself quickly. the drinks always came half way through dessert and the plates never cleared away until the end.
the other reviews about the pool are correct it is too small with too many inflatables and no life guard the we could see. there are no sunloungers free after 8.30 so be up early. we even overheard one couple boasting about getting up at five to lay out towels!
the beach is a good walk away down a steep hill which is killer on the way back up but once there is pleasent and beautiful.
the two main problems with this hotel are the prices and the thompson reps. the prices are really high £2.40 for a fruit shoot and £7 for a jack daniels and coke to name just a few. yes most people were buying drinks and bringing them back as we did but who wants to feel like a sneaky peasant on holiday? they are way too high and the rest of the resort is expensive too considering there is nothing in it. dont be fooled by thinking that the whole island is like this as we hired a car drove around the whole island and found that most places were cheaper than portinax. cala longa and es canar had equally beautiful beaches and were half the price in all the shops compared to portinatx. even the high brow sunset san antonio cafe mambo was cheaper to drink in than our hotel!!!
the other problem of the reps is that they never ever leave you alone....ever. there are no less than twenty in this hotel and whilst we respect that they are there to entertain the children in most hotels they dont do it next to you whilst you are trying to relax. every half hour they scream down the microphone trying to get you all to do something, meaning if you want a relaxing holiday this is not for you! even at the beach which is a good walk away you can still hear them. it is relentless and annoying and all day long. we are not grumpy parents (we are only in our twenties for pities sake) but this is seriously too much. it seems to be a low class butlins abroad with the worst kind of chav dance music blearing out of the speakers on the few minutes a day that the reps werent shouting at us.
it is a shame because the resort is stunning and the hotel could be nice but thompson have ruined it thinking that children cant entertain themselves in a pool for more than 30 seconds.
if you have already booked then make the most of your holiday and hire a car to see the rest of this gorgeous island and you wont be disappointed. if not then buy some ear plugs and prepare your wallet for the shock!
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Thompson |
| Overall
Rating: |
5/10 |
| Comments: |
One of the worst holidays we have ever had. Looking at previous comments I totally agree with the pool being too crowded to even swim. Constant noise from Thomson entertainment for kids to the point that we felt oppressed being there. Not enough sun beds during the day or table and chairs in the evening. Portinatx only offers bars, cafes and souvenir shops and the rocks around the bay prevent you from going for a walk around the coast. Sun beds on the beach expensive 4.50 euros each whether you use them for 10 mins. or a whole day. The English people holidaying at the hotel were the worst possible and broke every hotel rule, letting kids drip all over the bar floor when there are clearly signs up asking you not to come through wet. The poor barman was constantly telling off kids and having to mop it up or it would be dangerous. The jacuzzi states 16 years+ and we saw mothers with kids with buckets and spades having water fights. The food was fairly good quality but manic to be seated, Emilio the restaurant manager needs an award to get everyone fed! Our toilet in the bedroom was disgusting never cleaned under the rim. The air conditioning unit goes off every 2 hours and our bed squeaked. We took 2 teenagers 14 & 18 and was very disappointed, would not recommend or go back.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Portland Direct |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr C. J. Povey |
| Overall
Rating: |
7/10 |
| Comments: |
Just arrived back from Hotel Presidente.
Gripes - The drinks & Ice creams around the hotel were very expensive. Pool too small when hotel full, as it was in August. Far too many inflatables in the pool when already crowded. If you don’t have a sunbed & parasol by 7.00am then forget it…. Rumour was most parasols gone by 6:30am but we always got one of the last few at 7.00am. Attempting to get to the pool resembled an obstacle course, due to every square inch being taken by sunbeds!
Plaudits – Hotel clean & tidy, staff diligent. Food excellent – service in the restaurant of a very high standard. Beach only a short distance away but watch for the hill on the way back. Resort very quiet, which was ok to us with two children under 7 but older children could get bored. Children’s entertainers very good & put in a huge amount of effort.
Have been to better but would we go back….. probably
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Portland Direct |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs H Monk |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
Please don't be put off by some of the comments on this page. Our holiday at the Hotel Presidente was great , yes the bar prices are too high and there is a hill to the beach. I can imagine if you were there for three 'poo in the pool' incidents it would upset your holiday but that is the fault of fellow holidaymakers not thomson or the hotel.
The reps all work really hard to ensure you get the most out of your holiday, jonny, claire, jade, mike and nicola (swimming coaches) to name a few. You can include yourself as much or as little as you want.
Rooms were clean, restaurant was cool and airey and plenty food to choose from. Like many places at the height of mealtimes the staff were very busy and tables took slightly longer to clear - we're all human!
If you are looking for holiday with young children, pool to swim in, kids clubs and plenty daytime activities this is for you. Resort is quiet but beaches were lovely.
Recommend the catamaran trip to espalmador and formentera, have think about waterpark (not changed much in 25 years since I was there as a child), not much for children under 1.2m. There is a small water park in Portinax that other people said was very good value for money.
Would certainly recommend.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs J Glasby |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
We went to the Presidente in July, so obviously quieter than August. However, have to disagree with some of the comments below. All the reps were fab esp Clair and Mike (swim coach), and all really worked hard. I felt that they genuinely cared about us and the quality of our holiday. My daughter had swimming lessons and within the course of a week, went from a nervous wreck in the pool to bobbing up and down without me and wanting to go down to the deep end! Admitedly, the music and some of the entertainment got repetative and I don't want to hear "Thomson the dog" again for a long time, but my 10 yr old and 6 yr old are desparate to go back. They made so many friends, the kids facilities here are good and if all else fails, they can search for lizards!! The pool was ok while we were there and Johnny was saying that they have planning permission to build another pool on the lower level as you look out over the terrace which will help with pool overcrowding.
Food was better than in Bahia Feliz, deserts good too, although a change of menu in the second week would be nice. Can't fault the fish! Drinks are expensive, so buy fruit shoots/water in the Spa on the other side of the bay. The walk down to the beach is fine, although I'm sure it's a pain with a pushchair. You can go round by the road way - flat and takes about 10 minutes if you really hate hills.
We went during the Fiesta week - rave on the beach until about 4am which was amazing.
Our room was quite small and faced the back of the hotel, a bit disappointing to start with, but as the time went on, it was quite nice to have peace outside the window, rather than the pool noise. There was enough space for clothes etc. You do have to pay for the fridge and the safe - turn the fridge down as it runs quite warm! Air con only goes on IF you hit the switch, and then is on for two hours - although the switch should be in a better place than on the headboard of your bed! Also, internet connection not great - two terminals almost always out of order, so no chance of checking emails - this may be a good thing though!
My husband took part in the hotels own activities - with Nacho - shooting, archery, canoeing etc and really enjoyed these. Our only main gripe was with two trips that were cancelled ( trip round island and hippy market) and the lack of interest from the head Thomson receptionist when it came to offering alternatives. I felt that Stacey (the other receptionist) handled herself in a far more professional manner. She rebooked us in for a trip that did run, apologised etc and gave us the customer service I would expect.
All in all, we had a great family holiday. Its a quiet resort, but it was perfect for what we wanted. We spoke to people who have been back 4 - 5 times and not just those with young children. I would recommend it, but maybe earlier in the season. We came back chilled and relaxed.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
D Pickering |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
Just come back from hotel presidente. Hotel staff were fantastic, especially Yolanda at meal times. The drinks around the hotel were very expensive but we went to boozy buys in the square which worked out a lot cheaper and brought drinks back, as did a lot of other guests. Ice-creams were also very expensive too. Fantastic beach for the kids because the water is very shallow and there is also a lifeguard on duty all day long. Only downside to the resort is that there was not enough pubs, so there was no competition and they all charged the same price for drinks as the hotel did. May go back again in a few years time as it is a resort where you can really relax as it is not too commercialised. P.S. Watch out for the hill, it isn`t for the faint hearted.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomson |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs S Allen |
| Overall
Rating: |
6/10 |
| Comments: |
Hotel was extremely clean and friendly. Breakfast and evening meals were of a high standard and a good variety. Staff were extremely helpful especially the reception staff although I found one or two of the bar staff from around the pool a bit off hand when asking for ice cubes only!!! Drinks are extremely over priced and lunch time food from the poolside bar is below average. Childrens entertainment was good.
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