Barcelo Portinatx

"This is a very special place. Not only are the rooms beautiful, the views sublime, the pool areas and availability of sunbeds perfect, the food and drink the best I’ve ever had at an AI, and the entertainment top notch - but if Carlsberg did staff, they would be like these (British joke not everyone will get. Apologies). Every member of staff fell over themselves to be helpful. We had smiles with service at reception, mealtimes, the pool bar and drinks in the evening. The cleaners would never pass you by without a ‘buenos dias’. This was right at the end of the season, and you’d imagine that by then they’d all be absolutely exhausted and fed up of being nice…not a bit of it. Even though the hotel was pretty full and breakfasts especially busy, the waiters were coolness personified - both in the restaurant and at the bars, which were always thronging with guests. We occasionally choose AI simply because I’m a vegetarian and it can be a pain trying to find a restaurant that has enough of a selection to keep me happy. Usually, the food and drink at this type of accommodation can be very hit and miss. Not so at Barceló Portinatx. As others have said, best breakfast selection ever - I noticed lots of Cava-quaffing (not by me, of course!); superlative made to order lunches at the pool; and delightful dinner buffets. The drinks were also not the typical cheap local vinos and spirits you usually get at AI, but premium brands - and gorgeous cocktails, which the bar tenders were never in a rush to make. I’m already missing those white sangrias. What a relief to not have a jot of concern about getting a sunbed at whatever hour of day. Only slight downside about the pools is that the water in them was very cold - they could heat it slightly. Not that that was a dealbreaker, as you can usually warm up and tolerate it after a length or so. The evening entertainment was of a professional standard, with an excellent female singer and a talented and fun saxophonist - a lovely touch which the guests clearly appreciated. The design aesthetic was also fabulous, and I coveted almost every piece of furniture, fixtures and fitting. Everything was pure comfort and class. I love the environmental and sustainability ethos of the Barceló Group, with the hotel having a refillable water bottle in the room and biodegradable toiletries such as bamboo toothbrushes and shaving razors - no evidence of plastic anywhere, except the toughened recyclable glasses poolside. On this subject, to the people (in reviews of many other hotels, not just this one) writing that they had to have fresh towels/bedding every day: what the hell is the matter with you? The planet - and Spain, in particular - needs to conserve water and energy. Take a leaf out of the Barceló’s book and think of the environment, please! On our last day, we were delighted to not only be given a courtesy room to shower in before our late flight home, but also to be allowed to keep our wristbands and enjoy one more lovely lunch by the pool. And, of course, one or two white sangrias. Thanks again to the wonderful receptionist who sorted us out. Barceló Portinatx - take a bow, you beauty!"

"My initial impression was one of disappointment. The price of a sea view suite was pretty steep, but we decided to pay it as we really wanted a sea view. However, the sea could not be seen from the room, (just another residential block of the hotel), and not from most of the terrace outside the room. If you stood up at the far end you could see a bit of sea. At a stretch, literally, it could be labelled as a partial sea view room. I informed Reception of the above, and met with the manager who very professionally came up with a suitable compromise. The matter was, I think, dealt well with by Tania. Breakfasts were absolutely lovely. The evening dinner buffet……the starters were excellent. The main dishes imaginative and would have been delicious if they had been hot, (no hot plates, and the hot dishes couldn’t really be considered hot even at opening time - such a shame as the chef clearly works very hard to produce tasty and imaginative dishes). The desserts tended to be on the sweet side, but there was usually some fresh fruit. The room was well cleaned but I had to chase up having clean towels almost every day of our stay. Very much lacking in towel rails / hooks, as previously noted by other reviewers. Outside the other side of our room was a muddy car park and large refuse bins, and to the front of the hotel is an ugly concrete building. The swimming pool and surrounding area are both lovely, with plenty of loungers available. Exceptional staff. Mostly good points to this hotel, but I would, personally, choose to stay at the other end of Portinatx should I ever return, as I preferred that part, but that is just a personal preference and not a reflection on the hotel itself."

"Overall this hotel is lovely. The staff are so attentive, polite and really welcoming. The food choice is plentiful for all tastes (try not to put on weight if you can) with very pleasant restaurant. Our room was huge but lacked enough storage for clothes etc so everything was stacked untidily around the room. Our balcony was spacious with lovely sea views but, bizarrely, had an outside shower 🤷🏻‍♂️. Fortunately, there was also a lovely shower in the room. It is a short (10/15 minute) but steepish walk into the small Portinatx village but worth the effort as there are a couple of supermarkets, chemist and a few bars. A car hire place with excellent newish vehicles is also there. The beach here is lovely too. There is a small beach opposite the actual hotel with a nice restaurant and, if you’re into walking, a challenging hike to a lighthouse which is well worth the effort. The one negative we have is that during our second week one of the maintenance staff was power washing the resorts entire carpet collection all day, every day even up to 19.30 some days which obviously spoiled our sunbathing by the pools. Now, as the hotel was due to close for the season on the day after we left why, oh why couldn’t it have been done then? It really spoilt what was a lovely holiday for us."