Isla Paraiso Hotel

2 readers found this review helpful

We came here via a booking with hotels4u in September 2010. We found the rooms to be comfortable and clean with two seperate bedrooms and a living area with kitchenette. Ideal for travelling with children. It is only a short stroll down to the beach, a picture perfect azure crescent cove very suitable for children as it is protected from the high winds that blow up from time to time.
We found Timo (the children's entertainment organisor, previously mentioned rather unfavourably) to be fantastic with our children and great fun. He was incredibly well educated and an able linguist. The kids club was wonderful; just having a few hours off daily in the morning for us to head for a quick sea swim or just to read was true luxury. We weren't expecting this to be included in the cost of our holiday. The children were also entertained early on in the evening which gave us opportunity to have an after dinner drink. The adult entertainment on our last night was a group of Chinese acrobats that truly made our jaws drop. No Robbie Williams tributes or anything reminiscent of the sitcom 'Benidorm' here.
The food we found to be excellent (and I would happily call myself a bon viveur). Michelin guide it is not, but my expectations of a 3* family orientated hotel were not ridiculously high in the first place. The variety was always good (including both fish and meat dishes every night) and the buffet was replenished quickly. The person who said there was no Spanish food must have missed the ubiquitous paella and on one night a truly Minorcan local speciality of lobster calderetta was served! Lobster...in a 3* hotel! There was no jamon serrano but I, realistically, wasn't expecting it.
The only thing that spoilt our trip was the crowd on the beach itself. It seems that there are a few rather large and faily basic hotels near the beach front that seemed to be full of 'budget' British travellers sporting tattoos, smoking and swearing a lot! It sort of felt like you were transported to a very beautiful and hot version of Blackpool. There was also quite a lot of litter on the beach.
There is no culture here. For that head to the ports of Mahon or Fornells (both a bus ride away), grab yourself some churros con chocolate and take in the Minorcan atmosphere in the squares.
Overall a great place for kids and a 'holiday' for us so we are contemplating returning.

8 readers found this review helpful

We booked a 2 bed apartment independantly for a couple of weeks in August for the family of 5, boys ages 10, 13 and girl aged 15. Never been to Menorca before and so not quite sure what to expect.
The flight time was short enough and the transfer very short so arrived early afternoon in fine spirits. First impressions were of a pleasant enough hotel with all reasonable amenities present and correct. Our room was on the top floor facing the sea with an impressive view of the bay and was apartment/villa size rather than a hotel room. All facilities were there and we realised we had really fallen lucky.
As we were on half board the evening meal (buffet style served from 18:30 to 21:00) was eagerly looked forward to and didn't dissapoint. The range available was enormous with a fresh soup and breads, large salad selection, choice of 6-8 hot cooked meals and then a large selection of 6-8 deserts plus fruit and cheeses. We overate of course and so began the sequence that continued for the entire 2 weeks.
Breakfast the following morning (again buffet style and served from 08:00 to 10:00) was another endurance contest as we were confronted with breads, meats, cheeses, various fruits (fresh, canned and dried), yoghurts, several cereals and a large selection of cooked eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, hash browns, beans, tomatoes etc etc. Plus the kids were impressed with the various flaky pastries, donuts, croissants etc and all washed down with a selection of juices and hot drinks from several dispensers. We overate again and borrowed a couple of rolls for lunch which we barely needed as we had eaten enough to last till the evening meal anyway.
All the staff were great from the receptionist to the cleaners but in particular the restaurant staff and the entertainment staff that the hotel provides for free kids activities during the day.
I could go on (and on and on) about the hotel and the resort and the whole island but suffice to say that after returning we immediately booked another week for October half term that we have just returned from. This has simply reinforced the opinion that this a gem of a Hotel in a great resort that we will return again to.

I booked Arepar apartments through travelrepublic.co.uk in march to go this may. We arrived at the apartments to find it locked up. Helpfully, the bus driver rang his company who told him to take us to isla paraiso, an aparthotel nearby under the same management. Thankfully we got checked in and an 'upgraded' room. However, the hotel failed to inform us that we would not be receiving the same services as others in the hotel. For example, even though there was a information booklet in the room stating our room would be cleaned each day, ours would only be cleaned once. Had I known this at the beginning of the stay, I would have cleaned the floor myself but more importantly I wouldnt have put all the dirty towels on the floor (we were told to put ones to be changed on the floor), which then weren't changed for the last 3 days we had to use dirty hand and bath towels. When we went to reception to plead for a clean towel, they refused to give us any. Also, the air con didnt work, there were missing batteries from the tv remote and the sofa bed was broken. Very unhappy since arenal is an absolutely gorgeous place and I only had fond memories of it.

We had a week here with our 6 and 2 year old sons. The 2 bed apartment we had was really nice - spacious and very clean. There does seem to be a BIG problem with the condensers for the air-conditioning units which are mounted to the wall at the rear of the apartments. Be warned - if someone has the air-con on at night, these units vibrate right through the apartment. The noise is audible in all rooms and louder if you lie down. It was quieter on a top floor apartment compared to one on the first floor - but still enough to disrupt us every night!
The bar area where the kids disco (8.30 - 9.30 every night) and later entertainment (until 11pm at the earliest) is open to the pool and apartments. If you are unlucky to be near to the bar then you will be able to hear exactly what is going on from the comfort of your room with the windows shut whether you like it or not!
There is also a kids club which is great if your kids are into that - not so good if you dislike the 'holiday song' being blared around the pool 3 times a day - every day.
If you like a low-key Butlins abroad then you will probably like the Isla Paraiso. If you are looking for somewhere where you can join in with all the 'holiday fun', but only if you want to - then this is probably not the place for you.

Wow! What a fantastic holiday we just had! We stayed at Isla Paraiso for 14 days and we couldn't fault it. We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment with a 3 year old and 8 month old and there was enough room for all of us. The apartments were cleaned daily and the maids, couldn't speak alot of english but were very friendly and really respectful when our little one was asleep.
We stayed half board and we loved the food, it was very varied and always something for the kids. We found a lack of highchairs the only problem with the restaurant. All the staff in the restaurant were really friendly and cleared the tables super quick!
The staff at the reception were lovely, sorted out any problems you had as they all spoke very good english, there is even an english receptionist.
The bar staff understood any drink you ordered and they seemed to work around the clock, there is a barmaid called Stephanie from Scotland and she is really great and very chaty.
What can I say about the entertainment staff! Well, they were wonderful! There is something to do most of the day that you are there and they keep the kids occupied day and night. My 3 year old son danced the night away every evening to the Crazy Kids Disco. There are 3 entertainers, Mikey a favourite for teenagers and young babies alike, was always smiling and you could tell he really cared about the kids and they inturn looked up to him, Miriam is such a lovely girl, she loved a chat and would always make sure you were ok and Rachel who was new and had to learn everything the weeks we were there and now is really coming into her own and is proving to be a great entertainer.
Take as much baby items as you can, 1 jar of Hipp organic food is 2.65 euros! I decided to buy a Spanish jar made by Nestle, that cost 1.40 euros, it looked and smelt like dog food, my daughter did not like it at all! Nappies and wipes are also very expensive.
The view of the beach is breathtaking, a bit of a trek with kids, but well worth it, 2 sunbeds with a parasol is 15 euros for the day, so take down your towels and buy a parasol from one of the many shops for 8 euros so you don't have to spend a fortune.
If you fancy a meal out Sa Gavina is wonderful, great food, great staff, beautiful view.
The Irish bar seemed to be the place to be in the evening, they have a guitar player that plays Irish music and is a favourite of the Entertainment staff and the reps, a bit pub like though, so not really for small kids.
We WILL be going back to Isla Paraiso, Thomas cook/JMC do not do it justice, infact their rep is so rubbish there, she couldn't be bothered to do anything for us, next time we will be travelling without them as our agent.

We really couldn't fault the Isla Paradiso Aparthotel. We originally booked a 2 week cheap break at a sister apartment up the road (which was a bit grotty) - as luck would have it they didn't have many bookings and upgraded us 3 days into our stay, so we moved to the Isla Paradiso. When they gave us the option to move we were a bit cheeky and requested a top floor, sea view room.
The holiday kept getting better - our room was fantastic, with beautiful views across the sea. The staff were very helpful, and the rooms were cleaned every day! The kitchen was very well equipped, the bathroom was clean, with a great shower and hot water whenever you needed it - they even provided a hairdryer and toiletries! The pool was a good size, very clean, and had a separate childrens pool. Couldnt comment on the restaurant as we never ate there, but locally there were a few good places to eat, especially down by the sea - the fish was excellent.
I would not hesitate to recommend this aparthotel - it is great for couples and families alike. They even sent us a christmas card!

What a superb Holiday! This was our first holiday abroad with our 3 year old son so we were a bit apprehensive about it. The flight was short, the transfer painless and the resort and hotel super.
We booked a 1 bed apartment but were delighted to find that we had been given a 2 bed apartment instead. The room was very clean and spacious, plenty of room for a 3 year old to run about.
The pool area and general public areas of the hotel were very clean and tidy and the evening entertainment was just about right for us.
Having 2 supermarkets in easy reach of the hotel was very handy and the food on offer was reasonably priced.
There are 2 beaches in Arenal, the main beach which is a bit of a trek down steps (especially with a buggy!) and a smaller quieter one just across the road from the hotel down a short slope - much easier!
Both the beaches do have sun umbrellas and sun loungers to hire, but we bought a parasol from the local shop (about £4) which was much better value for a week holiday - it even made it back on the plane!
The local bars and restaurants in the town were generally good and not too pricey. All of them welcomed us and our son was treated very well. He even learnt some Spanish while he was there! We would HIGHLY recommend Sa Gavina restaurant - super food and super staff!
All in all, a super first abroad experience as parents! We will DEFINITELY be returning!

We would highly recommend this holiday. We travelled with our two children, 11 & 7, and had a fantastic time. The rooms were very good with a/c and were cleaned to a high standard every day. The complex was never too busy and was very relaxed and clean. The pool was lovely and there were ample sun loungers and parasols. The complex overlooked the bay and it was a short stroll to the beach which, despite the time of year, wasn't packed. The sea was beautiful and clear.
The buffet was of a high quality and plenty of choice for all tastes. The children were also kept happy by the food on offer. I was also pleased with the standard of drinks offered at dinner and after two weeks of dining, felt that our drinks bill was very reasonable. All staff on the complex were excellent, helpful, polite and friendly. A special mention to the entertainment programme -100%. Very good tribute bands and plenty of other varied acts to enjoy. You're sure to have a good holiday here, for couples or families it sure is an excellent choice.

We were not sure what to expect being our first visit to the island. The apartments were recommended to us by the assistant in the Thomas Cook shop and we took it at face value.
What can I say, the place is fantastic, we booked a self catering trip but ended up using the Isla Paradiso buffet all but one of the days we were there. There was a great selection of quality food and the staff were kind, friendly and all spoke English. Other facilities were also very good, the apartment itself was very clean, tidy and well laid out, the facilities were more than sufficient and well maintained. We did not have a kettle when we arrived but after mentioning this to one of the reps, we were provided with one within the hour. Our location next to the clean, warm pool was ideal for the three children who seemed to live by the pool the entire time we were there.
The 5 minute walk to the beach does involve a lot of steps so those with walking difficulties may struggle but if you take your time, its worth the walk. There is a small beach to the north of the main beach and this was where we spent our time. Take a mask and snorkel or buy one there from the many shops that cater for the warm sea water. The underwater fishes are great to watch and a crust of bread will make the water boil with activity!
Being at the north east of the island and being a bay within a bay, the sea is very calm and sheltered, we took out a pedalo boat into the bay and enjoyed the views and the sparkling water, there are also small powered 'Xoom' craft that can be hired, these are both fun and allow you to explore further afield.
We were there end of season so things were more quite than peak time but still, all the shops were open till late, there was plenty of verity and things to do for both adults and the kiddies. Not at all noisy and slightly cooler on a couple of days, some thunder in the evenings including a spectacular electrical storm on our last night there.
Very highly recommended, all the people we spoke to while there agreed that they would come back to the Isla Paradiso and were more than satisfied with the overall resort and facilities.