Protur Bonaire Aparthotel

1 reader found this review helpful

I don’t normally write reviews on places/events that I have been too, but on this occasion I felt obligated to put pen to paper
Just come back from a 1 week stay at the Bonaire in Cala Bona Majorca from the 1st September through to the 8th September with my wife and two children aged 3 and 9, we decided to go all inclusive as I two children who have a tendency to be very fussy eaters. We went to the same resort and location last year therefore I do have something to compare against.
Firstly the positive points:
1. As usual the hotel staff were polite and very friendly, always greeting you and happy to help in any way possible, we had trouble with our television and safe, both of which were repaired within a couple of hours.
2. The rooms were clean although slightly basic, but neither the less more than adequate for it purpose.
3. The food as ever was excellent, a superb range in an attempt to cater to all,
Now the negative points
1. The beds, oh the bed in the apartments are terrible, let me clarify, my children slept in the real beds while my wife and I slept on the “sofa beds”, after three days of torture we decided to put the mattresses on the floor and whilst this helped a little I have returned and aggravated a back complaint and taking pain medication and off to the doctors as soon as possible to get the problem sorted out . PLEASE THOMSON HOLIDAYS CHANCE THE BEDDING ARRNAGEMENTS or at least install newer /thicker mattresses as this problem happen to me last year as well.
2. The Thomson reps have a hard job I acknowledge that, but pushing the bingo sales every 5 minutes during the kids section of the evening entertainment is not on, your suppose to be entertaining the children, not trying to increase your proportion of the bingo profits
3.Again on the Thomson rep, have a very tough job, trying to cater to the masses, however for the people who stay there it could be there only break that year, so please show some enthusiasm during the day, get away from using the same mono tone voice god it’s so depressing. Change the daily routines it’s no wonder they are bored , why can’t they mix it up a little bit the rep’s did in the 2010 season.
In summary, a good holiday despite the two day of rain, would I go back? Good question, certainly consider it, if the beds were different and the daily entertainment were tweaked a little

Just returned from the Bonaire and found it to be one of the best family hotels I've been to. There was something for everybody. Great play areas and mini water park for small children and plenty of activities and sports for teens and adults.
Whilst the pool area is busy, there are plenty of sunbeds for all, and if like us you want to get away from the noise at times, there are sunbeds in the extensive well maintained grounds.
We went self catering this year for the first time. Whilst the apartment was very spacious and well equipped to cook virtually any meal you could think of, due to the wonderful resort with numerous restaurants we ate out every night. All restaurants in Cala Bona and Cala Millor (ten minute walk away) were superb, great food and reasonable prices.
Didn't go into the restaurant at the hotel, but from outside it looked spacious and clean. Wouldn't be too keen if I was on an all inclusive package if the food on display at lunchtime was anything to go by. Bland sausages, burgers, breaded things, chips etc left uncovered from 12pm-3pm and rarely changed because very few people seemed to be all inclusive. The kids drinks on this option were coloured, liquid sugar. The beer and wine which we bought once or twice from the bar were fine.
If I had to be really picky to balance an otherwise faultless holiday, the aircon was not particularly effective. This may have been just our room not throughout the hotel and it did not spoil the holiday.

2 readers found this review helpful

We've just returned from our second visit to the Bonaire, myself husband and four year old daughter. Our first visit was last year May 2011 and had a fantastic holiday. This time the food was still good the hotel lovely and clean and the staff very helpful and friendly. The splash pool is excellent for little ones but the water can be a bit cold early season but that is to be expected. We thought the entertainment was very good but it started later than last year. Starting at 8.30pm an hour later. My little girl was not impressed with the new Thomson The Dog now being called 'TTD' aiming him more for the older children. The only complaint we do have is we feel let down by Thomson Holidays due to them changing our flight four weeks before our holiday meaning we lost a day of our holiday and sticking us on Czech flight which was also delayed 2 hours. When we complained to Thomson we where told it was within their policy of twelve hours so basically like it or lump it. Sorry for the rant but feel I should let people know how Thomson Family Holidays look after their families.

9 readers found this review helpful

We travelled to the Bonaire Aparthotel Jun/Jul 10 and have been meaning to write a review since that time. However now that we are going back this June I thought I would let others who might be thinking of this accommodation hear our views. We travelled with our 2 year old daughter and 10 month old twin boys, from start to finish we all had a brilliant time. We had requested a ground floor apartment which we were allocated as we had a double buggy as well as a single. Within the complex where there are steps there are also ramps so you can get your children around easily. The soft play area and the small splash pool (no more than 20 cm deep and approx 1.5 metre radius) were both ideal for the boys but they also loved the much larger splash pool with all the activities in it. All three of our children were able to sit on the edge and play in the water. We also made use of the small swimming pool as well as taking them in the large swimming pool in their floats. We used the small playground everyday as well as the sandpit. We didn't use the crehe facilities or the childrens clubs - but we are planning to this year. We used the lauderette a number of times throughout our two week stay and this was reasonably priced.
The apartment was on the smaller side although we are a family of five so it was always going to be a bit more cosy but this did not negatively impact upon our holiday at all. The facilities within the apartment were fine and just what you needed, the blender came in very handy to make baby mush. I couldn't fault the staff, both the hotel staff and tour operator staff who all went out of their way to provide any assistance you may need.
The resort of Cala Bona itself is also relatively flat so you can push buggies with ease. We also liked the fact that in the main this was a resort frequented by families and older couples. If you are like us and want to eat English food there were a number of reasonable quality cafe/restaurants - we used Smithys rather a lot as they provided activities for our daughter at the table whilst waiting for our meal.
All in all this was a fantastic holiday and we are very much looking forward to our return trip this year.

5 readers found this review helpful

first time at this aparthotel but it will not be the last,place was spotless and all the staff very friendly,this place is a must for anyone with children.the entertainment was excellent and the pool area very clean and tidy.but the big plus was the fact that their was no stag or hen parties to spoil other peoples enjoyment.we went self catering so could not comment on the food but there were plenty of good places to eat in cala bona.this is the first hotel we have been to where we have decided to come back next year.
our holiday was in october so we had a bit of rain but most of the time the weather was very good.the only small grumble we had is the beds were very hard.but thanks to everyone at the bonaire we had a wonderfull holiday.two golden oldies.

1 reader found this review helpful

I loved this holiday, don't listen to any bad reviews. It has been my favourite holiday so far , and i have been to lots of holidays. Food is great , staff are very friendly, Great for familys. Loads to to, lovely resturants, book it now!

2 readers found this review helpful

This is a fantastic family hotel. We've just returned after our 4th visit in 3 years and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves again.
The reception staff are all friendly and very helpful. The bar staff are friendly and hard working. Everyone makes you very welcome. The hotel, terraces, gardens and pool areas are all spotless and well kept.
There is entertainment during the day and night with something for all ages.
We were self catering therefore only ate at the pool bar now and again. Food was good with large portions.
Just hope that Bonaire maintains the self-catering option now that the all-inclusive option has been introduced.

8 readers found this review helpful

1st Trip away with our baby boy (9 months old) what a great hotel, loads of entertainment for the children ( and adults in the evening), and a choice of excellent swimming pools including small water slides a pirate ship, fountains etc Staff super friendly kept our baby boy smiling from ear to ear throughout he was totally centre of attention from all the staff. Food good selection, not always something for the baby (well our baby has only two teeth so not too good at chewing yet!!)(but blenders and microwaves, kettles in apartment to prepare own food if needed) but a good choice for older children and adults.
Apartments clean and spacious and safe for just crawling baby.
Resort is lovley and plenty of shops cafes restaurants within walking distance. lovely beach at Cala Millor next resort along not far to walk.
Pretty little harbour to catch glass bottom catamaran from for a break from the beach and the pool.
There are trips available to zoos etc but we felt we had enough to do in the hotel and resort. Highly recommended.

2 readers found this review helpful

Just got back from a week saying in the Bonaire, Majorca. It was brilliant from the moment we got there until the moment we left! The room was excellent, great bedroom and bathroom with space for a seperate living area, with mini kitchen and dining table to seat four with plenty of space. We were half board so didn't really need to use kitchen equipment apart from for the odd sandwich but it was pretty well equipt. I would reccomend half board as food can be quite expensive at local shops with the pound being so week and there is something for everyone at the restaurant. Not michelin quality but perfectly satisfying! The pool is really nice but I could only dip my feet in even when it was sunny as at the end of March is was too cold! But there were a few kids who didn't seem to mind! Hotel staff were brilliant too and very friendly. It was my birthday while we were there and even without prompting from my boyfriend we came back from a day out to find a chocolate cake and card in the fridge. Was a really nice touch! Restaurants in Cala Bona are not fantastic. If you're looking for British food then you'll be fine but do not expect Spanish cuisine! We went to Janet and John's one night and ordered the paella which was on special and it tasted AWFUL. On top of that when we complained that it wasn't up to scratch (under-seasoned, just bones and no chicken, overdone prawns) they were exceptionally rude to us and without even an appology brought us the bill - took our money faster than I've ever seen a waiter move (we couldnt even get their attention to order a drink and it wasn't that busy) and basically kicked us out. I literally have never been spoken to so rudely. I've only ever complained in a restaurant once before and even left a big tip because the waitress was so appologetic - so it's not usually in our nature to complain unless it's BAD! So if you do fancy a meal out take a walk down to Cala Millor. It's a much nicer resort and better beach and restaurants. Also take a trip to the North of the Island if you can. There a beautiful views. Palma is ok for a city. It has the usual shops that you'll find in the UK and a C&A - We didnt go but some others did! But the cathedral there is fantastic and you'll get some great pics! The only reason this hotel gets 9* is becuse the entertainment could be a bit better. It's slightly tacky - Rod Stuart tribute, Robbie Williams tribute, lots of Bingo (although we won which was a bonus!) and as we're a young couple we were hoping for something a little bit more modern from evening entertainment especially as it was out of season so not huge amounts to do in the evenings outside of the hotel. However we would certainly go back as the bar staff were friendly so if you get into it all you will have fun. Overall we had a great stay and would certainly recommend!

7 readers found this review helpful

Myself, husband and daughter (aged 2) have just returned from our holiday in this wonderful complex.
We stayed half board, with a large, clean, apartment style room, consisting of a living/ dining area plus a kitchenette (small but adequete to cook a lunch for our daughter), with a separate bedroom.
We ate all our breakfast and dinner meals in the buffet style restaurant, good and enjoyable food.
All staff were friendly and very helpful.
For children under 5, this hotel is perfect, endless activities to keep them amused- 2 climbing frames with slides, sand area, indoor soft play and little tikes house.
Outside the hotel, is a short walk to the sea front where its all pedestrianised- very safe for our daughter to run infront. For approx. 2 miles you can walk into Cala Millor. Lots of bars/restaurants, shops, along the harbour. Very pretty and clean.
We would highly recomend this hotel to families and we are planning to re- book for later this year.