"Currently here now. Day 3 of 7. Location is wonderful with access via steps to Cala Farrera which is lovely- we have hired a tiki umbrella and two sun loungers for three days which has been good. It’s a short 10/15 minute walk to Cala D’or. There are lots of shops and restaurants along the way into the busy part of Cala D’Or.
Beds comfortable which is great so we’ve all slept well so far. Cleaners do a good job in the rooms.
Unfortunately, would have to be negative about most other things with the hotel...
Air con- does work in rooms but it could be colder. The restaurant is awfully hot, with dated old ceiling fans which everyone wants to sit under and an AC unit by the drinks but doesn’t circulate well. We had to eat quickly before breaking out sweating.
Same with the communal areas- hallways, lifts etc all boiling and vents that have no cold air coming out of them. Carpets are fraying in aread and threshold metal bars on the edges of the stairs aren’t fitted that well so it’s a bit of a trip hazard on some of the steps.
Lifts- don’t work well, take ages to come, go up/down when pressed the opposite plus with no air con we have chosen the stairs instead. Still no air con but better than waiting ages for the lifts!
Room- decor clean and simple, you can tell it’s had a refresh. Shower works ok but water damage to the floor and door which makes its look a bit unsightly. Balcony needs updating, the door leading to it and the flooring need some attention.
Food- the buffet restaurant is just standard in my opinion. The meat that’s cooked is changed daily with fish options too but is not the best. A decent selection of hot/cold food but the quality just isn’t there. The breakfast is probably the best meal. I haven’t found any dishes I’m rushing back for seconds for. The staff do work very hard, tidying tables, serving drinks promptly and replenishing food so I can’t fault that.
Swimming pools- the website says it has 4 large swimming pools- none are large at all. There is a small pool overlooking the beach. The concrete around it is cracked and just looks like it needs re doing. It just looks very tired and un inviting. The sunbeds are all ok and the views over the cove is lovely.
Around the other side of the hotel is another pool with a tiny square kids paddling pool next to it. It is not a big pool either and again quite old. Cabana type beds have been added around it which do make it look a bit nicer. The 4th pool is an indoor one in a wellness centre which you only have access too if you have chosen the All Inclusive plus package!
The updated bar next to the reception area is pleasant and the entertainment area looks well kept.
Towels- 5 euro per towel deposit. If you want to change your towels for new ones it’s 2euros per towel! We have done it today but will not for the rest of the holiday.
None of the bad things are the hotel staff’s responsibility, they work very hard.
This is a bigger issue where this hotel does not meet the standards that Barcelo hotel group boasts about their hotels. We visited Barcelo Playa Blanca in Lanzarote in October and it was great. It was a pretty new hotel and I understand this hotel has been bought and taken over by Barcelo but they can’t just redecorate areas and stick their signage up to make it great. It needs refurbishment in many areas to get the standard to a 4 star.
It has so much potential to be amazing due to the location and I hope I see that in the future!"
