"We stayed at Prinsotel Hotel Alba Cala d’Or in May 2025, having previously stayed at its sister hotel, Prinsotel Le Dorado, which was absolutely outstanding. Unfortunately, the two hotels are not comparable, and I feel it’s important to make other guests, particularly families aware of this before booking.
First, the positives:
The hotel itself is attractive, and the staff we encountered were polite and friendly. Cala d’Or is also a lovely location. However, this hotel should not be rated four-star, and our experience fell well below expectations, especially when compared to Prinsotel La Dorado.
Dining & Half-Board Issues
We booked half board, expecting access to the advertised restaurants. On arrival, we were told that the Grill restaurant was closed because it was “too early in the season” and there were not enough guests. This was not disclosed at the time of booking, and had we known, we would not have paid for half board.
As a result, dinner options were limited to:
• The buffet, or
• The sushi restaurant (which is excellent but we did not want to eat at every night).
The buffet food was consistently lukewarm, even when we arrived right at opening time (around 6:00–6:30 pm), as some of the very first guests. This is simply not acceptable. There was also very little variety, with the same offerings repeated, unlike Le Dorado where there were themed nights (Mexican, Italian, Chinese, etc.) and excellent quality throughout. The difference in food quality between the two hotels is significant.
Safety Concerns (Very Important for Families)
As a parent of young children, I was extremely concerned about safety at Prinsotel Alba.
• The children’s evening entertainment was held right beside the swimming pool, with no barrier. I had to personally point out to staff how dangerous this was ,children dancing only steps away from the pool edge. One wrong move and a child could easily fall in.
• The playground is alarmingly close to the main road, with direct, open access. From the playground, it takes only a few steps to be on the road. There is no gate, no code, and no secure barrier.
This is not just a minor concern, it is a serious safety risk. What makes this even more worrying is that my sister raised the exact same issue with management eight years ago at the Alba hotel, and nothing has been done. In contrast, Prinsotel Le Dorado has a coded gate system, making it extremely safe for children. The difference is stark.
Kids’ Club Experience
The children’s club was another disappointment. Staff were largely behind the desk rather than actively engaging with the children. Activities felt minimal, and children were asked to tidy up not just their own work but other children’s work, which is inappropriate in a holiday setting. This is not school, it’s meant to be fun, inclusive, and engaging. Again, the contrast with Le Dorado, where the kids’ club was energetic, well-run, and child-focused, was very noticeable.
Overall Impression
While Prinsotel Hotel Alba is marketed as a five-star family-friendly hotel, it does not deliver on that promise, particularly when compared to its sister property, Le Dorado.
Key issues:
• Undisclosed restaurant closures
• Poor food quality and lack of variety
• Serious child safety concerns
• Underwhelming kids’ club
• Facilities and standards far below expectations
I am sharing this review so families can make an informed decision before booking. Had we known these things in advance, we would have chosen differently."