Sol Milanos Pinguinos Hotel

7 readers found this review helpful

Having just returned from this hotel, we thought we would add our review. There are 2 large hotels side by side, we were on the 8th floor and had a super sea view, in fact most rooms are sea view. The rooms are small, we had 2 children age 5 and 10 and the 10 year old was a bit squashed in the bunk beds and there was not much room left, but we only slept there, so we managed. The location is fab, smack on the beach and in the centre , although no noise at all, this is a family resort no loud music or yobs and the streets were very clean - no dog mess at all !. The pool area is large and you could always get a sunbed but if you want the shade best to get up a bit early. The food was very good, plenty of choice and selection both at breakfast and in the evening and the staff were very efficient at clearing the table for you. There were activities you could join for free, ie. football, shooting, pools, boules, pool areobics, cycling and more. Our children did not join the childrens clubs so cannot comment, but they were mainly spanish and italian children there. A lot of childrens activies in the afternoon are chargeable, which seemed a bit mean. Drinks were expensive but the Euros is rubbish, you could buy from the supermarket in the day and take round the pool which we did and nobody minded. Also there is a wooden hut which for a deposit (refundable) you can get most things, i.e. beach towels (10 euros for a week and then the money is refunded), umbrellas for the beach, buckets, spades , books, games etc , all you had to do was pay 5 euros for each item and when you returned it you got your money back. The sunbed and parasol on the beach was very expensive at 11 euros for just one sunbed and parasol, so best to take advantage of the hotel hut. The evening entertainment was good some nights. All in all though a clean hotel with helpful staff , entertainment team were good and the food was really good, we would go again but would like a bigger room (they have 2 bed rooms but not sure of cost and if you can book through tour operator. As for Cosmos, great transfers it is only 20 mins for the airport but no airnoise, great flights, the only downside or goodside is you do not see a rep at all, but at least you do not have to book extra trips. Son Bou is a lovely resort, the sand golden and a good choice of restaurants for lunch and quite a few shops.
We took the train one evening and it was a lovely ride although a bit pricey 6 euros each - no discount for children but again that is the rubbish euro rate. The fair near the hotel was good value we purchased 12 tickets at 12 euros, we let the kids have 3 rides for 2 days and they loved it.

4 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from Sol Milanos after a 7 day holiday. It was my husband, myself and our 2 young children aged 6 and 2. I thought I needed to add this review after reading the other reviews I dont think they give a fair overall representation of the hotel. Just to keep this simple im going to use positive and negative bullet points.
POSITIVES
* Pool was fantastic for the children, it wasnt heated but was not freezing due to the heat of the sun (obviously warmer in the afternoon).
* Food was amazing, we were half board and they always had a selection of meat, fish, veg, salads etc. We never encountered any cold food. There was always a different selection of food everyday. We have been to spanish hotels before and normally the food is well below par though this hotel is just as good as any in the UK.
* Situation very quiet (not for young couples)and it is literally on the beach. The beach was very clean and lovely sands, they charge for sun loungers on the beach as they do on any beach we have been to. It is cheaper to go and buy your own parasol at 6 euro! The sea is amazing its crystal clear and very shallow perfect for the children, they have some water sports.
* The room was aircondtioned at no other cost and there is also a ceiling fan.
* Room service was very quick and the room was always tidy when we came back from breakfast.
* The staff were very friendly and most of all were superb with the kids.
* Kids club, we used this 3 times in the evening we were never charged and our little girl loved it.
* Hotel was clean and even the lobby toilets were imaculate.
NEGATIVES
* The room was quite small though we did witness some larger rooms? Even though the rooms were cleaned they could have been vacumed or swept a little better.
* Entertainment was on every night but was not amazing, could have been better.
* The drinks in the restuarant were expensive ie we had 4 sprites which cost us just under 10 euro which is pretty pricey.
* Local restaurants are very expensive ie our average meal (mid day snack) was 40 - 50 euro.
* Lifts in the hotel were very small if you have a double buggy though there were 5 of them.
All in all this is a very good family hotel and would recommend to anyone. We have stayed in many hotels and are very fussy about where we stay and I must say this is probably the best hotel abroad we have stayed in highly recommended.

2 readers found this review helpful

I have recently returned from the Sol Milanos hotel with my mum and 1 year old son. The hotel location was perfect and the golden beach was so beautiful. However, I would not recommend anyone to go all inclusive as you are treated like 2nd class citizens!! You do not get waiter service, unlike the half board customers and you are basically ignored. you have to pay for literally everything other than food and SOME drink! Even the blow up side in the pool is charged at 3 euros an hour! Whatever they can charge you for, they will and it is NOT cheap. You have to pay for the beach sunbeds and sun parasols regardless, at 5 euros each - which works out very pricey over 7 days. You are best off buying a parasol and using that all week as only about 9 euros each.
The food in the hotel was awful with mouldy bread, so watch out! The lunch menu was the exact same as the dinner menu, so well cooked by the evening. The best thing was breakfast as fresh and had english sausages.
Some days you were allowed to have lilo's in the pool, yet another day you was told to get them out - even young children were told. It all depended on who was the life guard on duty! The childrens club was free in the mornings but surprise, surprise, you had to pay in the afternoons - I do not know the cost as I never used it.
Overall, the hotel is basic yet it is in a fabulous location with lovely grounds. Just be aware of the costs!! Fantastic for families but not for couples wanting to do a lot. Def would recommend the bus into Mahon for the day as lovely shops and a market.

1 reader found this review helpful

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in Son Bou. The hotel was immaculately presented with all communal areas very clean. The rooms were cleaned daily and although basic met our needs with a lovely sea view. The breakfasts were excellent but there was not enough choice for our son on the evening buffet and the food was very often tepid or even cold which was our only criticism. The staff were all kind and friendly and the kids club entertainers were excellent. There was no Thomson rep based at the hotel so we had no direct information about excursions or places of interest. We only found the Thomson information folder in Reception by chance on our third day. The swimming pool was icy cold, but this may be due to the fact that our holiday was at the end of the season, it was still a little disappointing though. On the whole we really enjoyed our holiday and would definitely return to Son Bou but probably during the main holiday season.

Just returned from 2 weeks at this hotel with wife and 2 1/2 year old. Overall I would recommend this accomodation to anybody especially the entertainment - had a fantastic time and the kids entertainment team are unbelievable.
GOOD POINTS:
Accomodation clean and tidy. Plenty of sunbeds. Location is fantastic with access to the beach and facilities nearby (Car hire - AVIS and Europcar and you can park the hire car at the hotel). VISA Cashpoint on site. Hotel staff friendly, quick to correct faults. Son Bou is lovely - best spot on the island in my opinion. Pool - spacious, warm and safe for kids (big shallow end). Beach - beautiful and the Med is really warm in September - very gentle shelf so ideal for kids to paddle and splash around.
BAD POINTS:
Food - it was edible but buffet style and the same same same after a few days. Room size - Rooms small - we weren't too bad as only 3 of us - but families with 4 struggled. Price of drinks (on and off site) - we were paying between €4.00 - €4.80 for local beer, wine around €3.60 for a small glass - so not cheap ! ! ! Supermarket prices not too bad - you can get a bottle of wine for €4 - €6, and beer is cheaper.
OVERALL:
I would go again and stay in the same place - but having seen the resort I would go to apartments and go self catering and just go to this hotel at night (others were doing this) for the entertainment. But don't let that put you off - the Milanos is superb and you WILL be hard pushed not to enjoy it ! ! !

2 readers found this review helpful

Just returned home from 2 weeks half board stay in the Milanos Pinguinos in Son Bou. I would definately recommend this holiday, particularly if you are travelling with children. The staff in the hotel are excellent - particularly the entertainment team who start at the crack of dawn and are still going strong when it's nearing midnight. There are various clubs for kids, right up to older teenagers. Our little boy is 6, and he joined in with the bambam club a couple of times, but also loved getting his pictures taken and dancing with the flintstones (these hotels are themed)! He joined in the mini disco most nights, and really liked Steffi. Kids clubs are free in the mornings and are also an option in the afternoon when you can pay for your children to participate in a range of additional activities. There is a good adults entertainment programme too. The hotels have 2 swimming pools between them, and it's very easy to find a spot to chill out and dip in and out as you want. Despite the size of the complex, and the number of people it can cater too, it was still very easy to relax. Accommodation is spotless. Your room is cleaned and made up every day, and there are clean sheets put on the bed every other day. I couldn't believe how hard the girl who cleaned our entire floor worked - she was a star! Restaurant staff also worked very hard and were also cheery.
There are 2 restaurants and a snack bar. The Milanos has the main restaurant with a bigger selection of food including a lower level kids buffet. This does lunch too, so is open from 1:00 - 10:00 pm. Betty's kitchen is in the Pinguinos, is smaller and has slightly less choice. It's open from 7:30 - 9:30 in the evenings. We usually had breakfast in the Pinguinos and Dinner in the Milanos. Also in Betty's kitchen, they have various playstations dotted around, which keep the kids happy while you finish your meal.
Drinks in the hotel are a bit pricey - 5 euros 10 for a cocktail, and just under 5 euros for a pomada (local gin & lemonade). If you need items from the supermarket - again, the hotel shop prices can be bettered if you shop elsewhere. Visit other shops for things like bottled water, soft drinks and inflatables.
Rooms can feel a bit small if you have children with you - but then you aren't in them that much really. There's plenty of storage so you can completely unpack. There is a mini bar in the room, which doubles as a small fridge. This was quite disappointing as it was not switched on 24 hours a day, so drinks were not as cold as you would like in such hot weather. Electricity in the rooms is controlled by your door key card, so as soon as you leave the room, taking your key with you - then all electricity goes off. A good idea in an eco friendly hotel - but an option to keep the fridge cold in such hot weather would've been good (the only reason I didn't rate this a 10). Balconies are very good here - they are not side to side with neighbours so are quite private. The sea view was stunning.
Son Bou beach is amazing. No matter how many people are on it, it is so huge that you can always find a peaceful spot. It is well manned with lifeguards and a flag system to let you know when it is safe to swim etc. Lots of facilities are available, like bars/cafes dotted along the waterfront and a selection of watersports. Pedaloes and boats can be hired and there's also a banana boat ride. The water is crystal clear, even when you go out to shoulder depth, and you can watch the fish swimming around you.
The resort itself is small - although it had more in it than I expected. Good selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Bowling alley is also good for a visit - specially if you're lucky enough to get the glorious hot weather that we did. It has excellent air conditioning, and as well as bowling, there are various arcade games and a kiddies play area.
The little 'train' which stops outside the hotel is worth a trip on. For 6 euros each you get about a 45 minute tour around the resort, and it takes you up onto the hill where there are some great views. If we ever return to Menorca - this is definately the hotel & resort we'd stay at.

1 reader found this review helpful

Just returned from my honeymoon at the Sol Milanos Pinguinos Hotel and I have to say I am delighted that we chose this hotel. The staff really made the holiday, we have two young children, Samuel (2) and Joseph (1) and were quite nervous about our first foreign trip with them both. We needn't of worried.
The set up is that the Milanos is the main hotel it seems with the identical Pinguinos next door. The Milanos has the main bar and the larger restaurant and the Pinguinos has the themed Betty's Restaurant, more about that later.
There is a nursery open from 10 until 1 and Flora who runs it is a star and kept the young ones happy while we got a couple of hours rest by the pool. During the day for the older kids there are kids clubs which are run briliantly by the onsite Flintstones reps. For the adults there are various activities that you can partake in if you desire, archery, water polo, water volleyball, shooting, boules - all well organised and fun. I should add that you aren't pressurised to play, take it or leave it, it's your choice.
We ate in Betty's Restaurant ever night apart from the last night we were there and I have to say the selection and quality of food was fantastic. It probably has the edge over the food in the main restaurant over in the Milanos and the atmosphere seemed to be much friendlier. This is mainly down to the restaurant floor manager Paco and his staff who were brilliant with the kids.
We did encounter a couple of problems while we were there but these were minor ones and were sorted out quickly and efficiently.
The only main gripe I have which prevented me giving the full 10 out of 10 is the price of the drinks - about 9 euros for a pint and a glass of wine, elsewhere in Son Bou you could get the same round for about 5 euros!!
The resort is quite small but there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from so you shouldn't get too bored. Try the bowling alley, good quality bowling and reasonably priced drinks.
All in all a fantastic holiday - thanks to the hotel staff and my beautiful wife Victoria and smashing kids.

WOW! Just come back from a 7 night stay at the Hotel Pinguinos/Milanos and we all truly didn't want to return to England! There were nine of us in total including 4 children aged 9, 7 and 6. They loved it! The beach was just amazing and only a couple of minutes walk from the hotel. They could walk out far into the water without it going too deep. The hotel was fabulous - the room (yes was quite small for a family of 4) but then again you don't stay in the room!! It was cleaned thoroughly every day and was of a good standard. We ate all our meals in Betty's Kitchen and you had a great variety of food - it was always hot and very delicious!!!!
The only bad thing was we travelled with Thomson and unfortunately they don't have a rep on site (we were not aware of this!) so we had to go to a First Choice welcome meeting which was three days later and unfortunately missed some of the tours which we really wanted to go to!
We give the resort of Son Bou and the hotel 10/10 and can't wait to return to again next year!!!

Holiday was good, fantastic weather If we had stayed in the hotel bar on a night we would have been skint by the first week we took a thuosand pounds drinks and food in the hotel were very expensive. eg two and a half pints of beer, 1 bottle of heinaken, 1 bacardi breezer, 1 coke, 1 water = 19 euros 80 cents thats 16 pounds a round not cheap at all little bit dearer as england overall place lovely just expensive

My family - myself, my husband and our 2 year old - had a week half board holiday to the Sol Milanos Pinguinos Hotel and had a fantastic time!!!!! We went slightly out of season so the small resort of Son Bou was fairly quiet but the Hotel was busy which was a good sign. Its right on one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen which seemed to go on for miles and although it was busy there was plenty of room for everyone.
We were a bit unsure on the Flinstones theme before we went but believe me although the characters are around it isnt over the top and tastefully done with a daily show by Dino the Dinosaur for the children. My son actually gave his dummy to Dino while we were there and has'nt had one since!!!!!!
The Hotel is modern and very clean with lifts to every floor. The maids were very friendly, they kept our rooms spotless and even folded our sons 'blankie' and made sure his teddy was on his bed. They came every day and left clean towels. The rooms were big enough for a family of 3, a good sized balcony and had a fridge.
The food was excellent and of a good variety and beautifully displayed and there was always plenty. The restaurant was well run and clean and again the staff were very friendly.
The evening entertainment was also good with a good mixture starting with the mini disco for the children. We also recommend the Copacobana Bar in the resort as excellent place to visit for a different night out. If we were there for two weeks we would have visited the rest of the island.
The only downside was the fantastic sized pool was a bit cold but I imagine in peak season this maybe different.
Overall we highly recommend this resort and Hotel especially to families and would definatley return. Thank you to all the staff for such a wonderfull holiday!!!!!!!