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Hotel Bon Repos - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama  - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Gerry O'Hagan - Newry (46,46)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from fantastic week in Santa Ponsa.  Bit apprehensive about the resort but have to say it was brilliant - very clean - and the nightlife was superb.  Go and see the live band "Gazoline" playing at the Dubliner Bar until the end of October - absolutely brilliant. 

Bon repos Hotel was clean but lack of lift and air conditioning was a big problem.  Situated in a quiet but convenient part of the resort within walking distance of everything.  Very good restaurants - especially Kelly's Kitchen and the italian and chinese restaurants situated close to Kelly's.  

All in all a great week in a great resort.

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Hotel Bon Repos - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: June 2004 Panorama

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : 44 to 9

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked one weeks holiday at the Hotel Bon Repos on June 3rd and went on June 5th. We were all very pleased with our weeks vacation. The hotel was basic but very clean and nice.  We were told before hand that there were a lot of steps but this did not cause us a problem.   The staff were very nice and I would certainly go back.       I liked the locataion as the area was very quiet at night and there were no teenagers staying in the hotel making noise at all hours in the morning.  The kids had a great time and there was lots for them to do.    

I would recommend a pub called 'appy days'.    It is organised totally around families and the kids had a great time.   We could sit and enjoy our drink while they were entertained and we watched.     We ate most evenings at the Portofino Cafe which is just at the bottom of the hill once you leave the Hotel.      It is across from Kellys Corner.    It was very reasonable and the portions were good.

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Bouganvilla Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - August 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Tom Moore - Cork (45, 37, 9, 2)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As a couple and as a family we have been to Santa Ponsa about seven or eight times and as a holiday resort we rate it as one of our favourites. Its a short flight time from Ireland (2hrs 15mins)and the resort, once you get familiar with the layout of it, you realise is compact, clean, safe and has alot of character about it.

We've normally chosen accomodation South of the Beach, but because of a very cranky one year old last year, our choice, this year, was very much dictated by a need to pick apartments specialising in children's activities. Having just returned I have to be honest and say that while we had a great holiday, The Bouganvilla would't be top of my list. 

It is a fine looking property about 20 minutes walk up a gradual hill from the main beach. It has two very spacious pools, one for the kids. The large pool has an entertaining slide that winds into the deep end. There was a life guard on duty every day from about 10am til 7pm and there is a large pool side bar and grill open for food from about 9.30am til 8pm and closes for drink at 1am. The entire staff including reception, bar and cleaners are very friendly and helpful. However the apartments, I have to say are tiny. 

Our sleeping arrangements consisted of a double bed, a sofa and a cot all in the one room, which was also our sitting room and kitchen and with luggage for four included there wasn't much room to spare. The t.v only had two channels, one English, one Spanish and after a severs thunder storm one night this was reduced to just the Spanish channel. The fridge was grubby looking and had no light. We had a few cock roach visitors but overall not many. The air conditioning in each apartment is temperature set and on a timer, so you can only switch it on or off. The air conditioner in our apt (and I believe in several others, on our last night) went on the blink and leaked a considerable amount of water. 

But I suppose what dissappointed us most about the Bouganvilla was the imbalance in the age brackets of the 'kids'. 70% of the 'kids' were in their mid teens and to be honest, the Entertainment Staff as well as the Life Guard showed great patience and restraint with them. The Water Polo games were invariably hijacked by the teenagers and it usually ended in boisterous free for all with the younger kids not getting a look in. Most nights the adults and indeed some of the teenagers sat drinking and socialising around the pool side, well into the early morning and I was a little surprised that security didn't ask them to move inside or even keep the noise levels down. To finish about the apartments, it would be fair to say that the staff are excellent, the property and apts are kept very clean but the age bracket of the 'kids' was much too old for our 9 year old.

The Spanish Square is only a few minutes walk from Bouganvilla and is good entertainment. The walk to the Town centre is downhill and only takes a leisurly 15 minutes. Taxi fares from the beach area to apts is ?4.
Some excellent restaurants there including Jackies - Miguels - Le Jardin - Kelly's.

We went to Western Water Park, only 10 minutes by taxi -?8, as opposed to Aqualand as there are less height restricted water rides for the children there, but just as much fun. The high diving show in Western Park is very impressive. We haven't done any excursions for the past few years as we have done most of them over the years. The Pirates Show and the Son Amar BBQ & Show are a must with the children but if you want to get away for a day on your own, the Northern Tour is relaxing, culminating in a steam train ride back to base in old wooden carriages. For the serious shoppers there are some classy clothes and jewellery shops but its not a great place to shop for electronic / camera etc gear.    

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Bouganvilla Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel, Sept 05

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Paula, 31, 27, 8 months

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Was wary about Santa Ponsa before we wnt as I'd been told it can be bit rough but had the best holiday. Couldn't criticize. Great place for kids. Lovely beach. Hotel is excellent with an excellent entertainment team, big pools, lovely kiddies pool, nice bright rooms. Staff very helpful and really do recommend this hotel. Perfect for holidaying with children, even babies. Enjoy!

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Bouganvilla Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Brian - Cork Ireland (34,32,5,2)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading the reviews on here before going on holiday to the Bouganvilla Apartments I was apprehensive due to the several mixed reviews on the the complex. Having returned home in the last 24 hours I felt obliged to to give my families opinion.

The rooms were the fine, with regular towel changes and cleaning. I would agree with previous reports that the walls were wafer thin. The reception staff there were extemely friendly and always happy to assist.

The facilities were excellent, with a very big kiddie pool and a seperate adult pool both with adequate amount of sun loungers,poolside bar and restaurant and a stage for all the entertainment at night. There were six Budget reps on site all the time two to each of the clubs - infant club 2-4, kiddie club 4-11 and the teen club 12-19. These clubs seemed to go down very well with both the kids and the parents.

The entertainment staff (5 in total) do a superb job in keeping every body in high spirits. They have a full list of activities during the day from scuba diving in the pool, beach volley ball, waterpolo, rifle range, poolside quizes etc. Every night there is a kiddie disco from 8.30 - 9.30 followed by bingo which is then follwed by a show. These shows were well rehersed and had alot of audience particiption also two nights a week there was an external professional show came in which were also very enjoyable.

I have been on countless holidays and believe me i do know good from bad and I must say these aprtments get a big thumbs up.

The Dew Drop Inn and Stuffies just out the back gate must get a mention for top rate grub reasonably priced. The entertainment in the square (less then 5min walk) is also very good with different tribute acts each night.

The resort is built on a hill and the apartments are at the top of the hill near the square so there is no bother walking down to the beach at the bottom of the hill (bout 20min walk) but a taxi back up (bout e4s) proves to be money well spent.

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Bouganvillia Sports Hotels - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: budget - may 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : lynette jason(25, 2 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we stayed at bouganvillia the travel agent recommended it as being a good place for kids.it wasn't they had no entertainment for kids but a mini disco 3 nights a week for about 10 mins.they did have a kids club which was very good, but that was only during the day

i found that entertainment around the town was much better specially the royal garden.one night in apartment about 2.30am there was like a chainsaw going so i rang reception after about half an hour was told they were carrying out repairs. wernt finished till about five in the morning. also the walls are paper thin. 

i definately wouldnt recommend it to anyone with or without kids

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Bouganvillia Ola Aparthotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: July 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Yvonne Fairbrother Dublin  43, 15, 12

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Had an absolutley fabulous holiday here in July with my 2 daughters age 15 & 12yrs. The studio appartment we had was very adequate for our needs. A lovely balcony over looking the babies pool provided me with much enjoyment, a nice place to relax read my book and enjoy a glass of wine while the children played table tennis or played pool. A very safe place for my children day and night. The bingo and nightly entertainment was a big hit with my 12yr old. La Naranga restaurant opposite the hotel (back entrance) what a place to eat, had 7 wonderful meals there. The Sunday roast to die for. Jackies further down in Santa Ponsa also very good. Miami near the square another nice place to eat.
Looking forward to going back. The best holiday we ever had according to my girls.

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Bouganvillia Ola Aparthotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - July 06

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Karen McCaughey - Northern Ireland (31, 30, 9, 22 month)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I wished their was more people who would their holiday reviews, I found them very useful but didn't find any recent comments on this complex but made pointers of peoples stay in Santa Ponsa overall.

Firstly my reviews on the complex itself, it was very clean but at first thought room very small, it was 1 open plan room with cot for the baby but we worked well with it, we had view of back which was great as in the shade during most of day, air conditioning excellent, there is a tv and hairdryer provided which were great on top of the basic stuff provided.  We were also given a free massage but I forgot to use it.  Laundry service great, 9? for 2 hours, use of 2 machines and tumble dryer.  This place is down at bottom of Santa Ponsa and you have to walk a we distance every time to go into the town but when you are there you will realise it is actually good that way because it is so quite and the further you walk the noisier it is, you will notice that.

Places we tried for eating out:
Amodeus - at the back of hotel - went to on our first night as close by, we didn't know about the shortcut at side gate beside pool on our first night, walked round and found Amodeus - very nice meal but not enough and pricy, kids meals 5?

Breakfast - at Dew Drop Inn - just across the road was very reasonable and good price, try the filled baguette very hard to finish.  We tried a few places for breakfast up the street but actually found they were the best.

Chinese - the first one you see is called China Ming and they have a 2 course for low price, don't bother trying it I got pork curry and just thought I was eating fat and they put service charge on bill and beer was dear too, I called it China Mingin.

Look out for Romanian - just as you are going down the hill on left side - we seen reviews to try his food and we were more than pleased, he is a carry out and sit in or outside - great variety on his menu, great prices, did superb kebabs and it was the only place we were in that served proper steakhouse chips, as soon as you ordered food was made straight away and you could see the guy cooking. We actually ate here quite a few times, you won't be disappointed.

We read the reviews on Burlington Berties though just called Berties for their kids creche and had to find it, we thought we would never find it, you need to keep walking for quite a while maybe 20 minutes from the hotel but you will see it, you can't miss the bouncy castle, they are on the left hand side.  It was well worth the walk my kids loved it, they were entertained and we sat back and enjoyed a few cocktails, no entertainment for adults though but we were just happy to see the kids happy.

Just before Burlington Berties on the other side of the road is Barcode 7, also with creche and bouncy castle also all free, I actually found this place better as they looked after my baby better, the other one the girls seemed to just stand around and look pretty.  There was also entertainment inside and you could go to it and if the kids wanted you they took them round to you though we sat outside and enjoyed the entertainment.

Not so far into the town there is a place on the left called Strings - great entertainment on in there and the cheapest cocktails we seen 2 for 5?, most places were 5? each or 4.50? each.

We seen reviews on the Square, didn't actually know were that was for a few days, as you pass the kids night time ride machine turn right, big square with entertainment in the centre and seats all round it, we just stayed one night, great night but drink pretty pricy and our young one wouldn't settle and it was too packed to let him out of our site.

Supermarket, read reviews to look for Syp, spent ages looking for it, in fact it had changed name to Eprop - just across the road from the kids night time ride machine - very cheap, we bought our Sanmiguel from there and all our groceries.

We did the Western Waterpark as read it was good for the younger ones, wasn't sure about it with our we one but no we had a great day there, we paid at the place but went back to hotel and realised it was cheaper to book with the reps, we always thought it was dearer with reps and usually avoid booking stuff with them.

We done the Pirates Show in Magaluf a few years ago, excellent - daughter loved it.

Advice tip what we didn't do, take a cooler bag, we stayed in July and it was very warm.

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: BUDGET  TRAVEL-JULY 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : NOREEN MC DERMOTT  36,37,12,8

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

this was our third time to santa ponsa and to the carolina and even do i will be back to santa ponsa, i wont be back to the carolina.things have  not changed at all.the green carpet in the upper block had not been changed and it was filty. there still is no air conditioning and the rooms were suffocating. i never slept my self and my husband & kids got a terrible flu from sweating so much at night. our rooms had not been cleaned at all apart from change of towels every sceond day.

the staff on reception were generally nice apart from one woman who and has to be the most rudiest girl ever, she reads a book at reception when she is doing nothing, and would not raise her head to take your key. activities in apt were no good, unless you like bingo every night.bottom bar could do with a face lift very badly. joseph in bottom bar very nice.the waiter in the top block miguel who we have got to know is the nicest man you could ever meet and the food he serves is lovely.

in general i was very dissapointed and i think when there closing for the end of season the should up grade these apartments.

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget - May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Matt , Shirley (32,25 , 7,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Carolina Apartments

After staying in the Holiday Center apartments the previous year i was apprehensive about booking with Budget again, but got a good deal so thought we'd give them another try.
And was very glad we did..the apartments are located within a 5 mins walk from the center of SP on the quite side of the resort.The accomadation was all you expect , clean and well managed, and unlike the Holiday center aparts the towels were changed every second day without fail. There are a few steps to navigate if you are put in the upper block.( 2 seperate blocks) but not a problem. The swimming pools (2) are well maintained and the kids entertainment is run by Chris who does a great job!

Resort

Was the second time to SP as we enjoyed it so much the first time, loads to do in and around the resort ..make aqualand a must and recommend the mini golf over in Palma Nova (7-8 euro taxi ride away or free bus from main roundabout every hour for aqualand)
Excellent beach!!
The evening entertainment was a little quite in May compared to July but still lots going on.
Best pint in town was in Churchills over on the quite side, run by Alf and his sons..if your going during the world cup this summer make sure you stop in for a match and a few cold ones.
 
Eating Out

Reccomend - Haavana
- Ault Wein
- El Paso (square)
- Rickies (for breaky anyway)
- Scotts corner (i think , there on a terrace over on the marina side of the bay) ..excellent breakfast and do a mean meat pie

We also went to crocodillo's and Granny's after seeing the reviews on this site

Crocodillos - overpriced compared to the rest of the resort..and without reason to be.
Granny's - whilst we got excellent service there the portions were the tiny and the food was average i'd say.. if i was being kind

An excellent resort ..but ..do your research on the places your thinking of staying at ..and if your reading this i suppose you are :)

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Clinton Family - Dublin (45, 43, 19)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Santa Ponsa is an excellent destination in September or late summer. It was not overcrowded, excellent resturants, bars and shops. It is advisable to hire a car and see the Island, it is beautiful.

We had a great time here, but the only downside was the Carolina Apts, the were horrible. The pool was dirty, windows broken in the Bar, curtains hanging off the balcony door, not very clean.

If you wat a really good time do go to Santa Ponsa, but avoid Carolina.

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: budget travel - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : mulligan family 36 35 9 7

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday 

Opinion: having spent our third year in carolina apartments in santa ponsa.had an absolute ball. went the first two weeks in july, the only problem being the apartments could do with being renovated...and the only downside was no air conditioning.weather was glorious..hello to all the cork crew who we had a blast with..to the waiter in the restaurnat who couldnt do enough..

food is lovely the pools are nice and big.sergio provided the entertainment ..great craic...at nite everyone headed out and came back to the bar...great sing songs to 3 or 4 in the morning...very family orientated...hello to shelly kiddies rep who did a fab job...
are going back this july again having been our 5th year..what more can you say

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Ronnie, Anne and Kevin (45, 44, 12). from Cork.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were well pleased when we arrived at the Carolina, (pronounced: Karoleena). It is a small enough complex of two blocks of apts, separated by a couple of dozen steps. (with two pools). The staff couln't have been friendlier. Our fellow guests made us feel so welcome as well.

The apartment was a single bedroom with a pullout bed under the couch. reasonably spacious and spotlessly clean. towels changed every second day and linen once a week.
There was a restaurant and bar in the upper block and the main bar in the lower block.
Activities were provided free. for the smallies there was the kiddies club,and for the older kids (me included!) there was Archery, rifle shooting, water polo (Although this quickly became Water Rugby!), Killer pool, darts and french boules.

A big thanks to Sergio for his efforts to keep us entertained, and for putting up with slagging! in the evening there was Bingo, karaoke and Quizes etc. Something for all tastes.
And if this was not your forte, the night life in the resort was fab. wew were really spoilt for choice.
The town was not too big, so everything was within a reasonable walking distance, with the beach just down th bottom of the hill. The hill wasnt't too steep, but after a long night in the town or on the beach it could be a slight struggle.

All in all we had a great time in Santa Ponsa and would definately return there again.
One problem though. although it didnt affect us, there was a burst pipe in one apartment on the third floor just before we came back. most of the third floor and some of the second floor were awash. My symathies to those families who had to endure that.

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - june 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Laura Lees(16, 2 parents)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

EXCELLANT. Thats all i can say about Santa Ponsa. It has everything and if your IRISH definatly go there. Its aimed at the IRISH. 

These aparts are just mins walk away from all the nite life. Its basically all Irish that stay in the Carolina and ALL the staff are so friendly. Thres an adult programe on during the day and a kiddies club. At night there is different stuff on every night. But it can get a bit boring as its usually the same few people in the bar at nite. But hands up to john who does the entertainment he tries his best and is v.nice. Pools are a bit small but the beach is 3 mins walk away.

Over all I would go back again in the morning Its great foe all age groups. Thers all the clubs and pubs which stay open till 4 sum even 6 in the mornin for the young crowd Then theres all the pubs with live music every night for families. Te SHAMROCK is a must see. My favourite though had to be the DUBLINER. THe man from Dyblin who plays there every nite is BRILLANT. Also there a funny little joke in ther also with "Paddy Murphy".

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Carolina Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : (21,12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The place is nice,clean and the owner is there daily and he is very friendly and helpful, and ensures that all guests are happy and pleased with the complex.

Rooms: are big,spacious and clean.The only problem is that there is no air conditioning and the rooms get stuffy at night.

Pools: are ok,the lower level pool is nice but small!The top pool is twice the size but it is full of children and idiots going mad!!

Bar: is small old fashioned but is good craic at night,and has happy hour 10-11!!

Location: Is perfect just a few mins walk from the center of everything!bus stop shops and resturants just round the corner!

Santa Ponsa: has everything for everybody/ all ages!!Will definately return in the near future!

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independant - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Sue & Geoff 35,48

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Please don't be put off from previous reviews about the incline to the hotel - unless you are extremely unfit or have walking dificulties it is nothing to worry about.

This was my first visit to Majorca and I was very impressed with the hotel, the staff and waiting staff are all very friendly and will help you as much as possible with any problems.

Please note that AC is not on until 1 June so take with you a fan as the fan in the rooms are not much good and if you leave patio door open it goes off automatically!  Being there the last week of May we definately could have done with the AC.

The rooms are spotless with beds made everyday and towels changed every other day. 

The food in the hotel was lovely especially the different tasty soups everday, i have never seen and tasted fresh salad like at this hotel - beatiful!

I just think that Santa Ponsa is lacking that certain something along the lines of adult entertainment but is great for kids.

I would definately return xx

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Stevie, Glasgow  21

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Casablanca is not up this giant hill that everyone says it is. However, it is at the other side of the beach from the Irish quarter and main strip. This meant that it was families with young kids and geriatrics that fitted in at this hotel. There was no entertainment, no atmosphere and the wee guy at reception is a wee jobsworth with a bad attitude.

The food in the hotel was dry and cold and we had to share a table with another couple. This is off-putting. We ended up eating out most nights.  The best place to eat is Fat Sams American Diner.

The pool was good and you could use the pool next door that was part of the apartment block. Getting a lounger was no problem.

If you are young and like nightlife then stay away from this hotel as the people that go to it are pensioners. Best to stay up near the Deya and Sun Beach apartments.

The maid came every day which was good and we always got clean towels and bedding.

The breakfasts were between 8-9.45 which is useless if you want a drink at night.

The air conditioning is so poor that I complained. A wee battery powered fan would have been better. Dont get me wrong the hotel is immaculate but there is nothing to it. No buzz, no noise, no fun for anyone unless you find going to bed at midnight a good laugh.

This will be the last year I fly with TC as it is a complete rip off. Globespan and Direct holidays are beter.

If you decide to go to this hotel make sure you get a pool view, otherwise you will have no balcony.

Dicey Reillys best place and O`Connors too. The wee guy that runs O`Connors went to my school so that was good.

Off to Barcelona next year. Done Santa Ponsa. Love the place. Time for a Change.

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : dave and lynn walls-stoke-on-trent   [65, 51]

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Absolutely fantastic hotel.Immaculately clean. Towels and bath mat changed every day. Bathroom, balcony and room cleaned daily. Public rooms and reception spotless.We had room 411 on second floor which had the biggest balcony we have ever seen, about 12 feet square. Balcony had great views over pool, mountains and sea. Fabulous. We enjoyed the food which is a buffet and you can have as much as you liked but some people said if you didn't eat until late, there wasn't much choice of sweet left.Every evening, there is a pasta dish, fish dish and meat dish.Staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble.We asked for extra pillows and within 5 minutes, they were there.Our rep was Viv Hamilton who was the best rep we've ever had.She was in  the hotel twice a day and always with a smile and friendly chat.

Don't go to "Rovers Return" pub just up the road from hotel, barman is so rude and unfriendly. He just snatched money off us without even a thank you.Lots of good bars in resort but we liked Toms bar and so it seemed did others as there were always plenty of people in. The only downside of the holiday was the fiesta which went on for 3 days and nights! And dit it go on!!!Spanish music and singing went on from about 4oclock in the afternoon until 4oclock in the morning!! Apparently, this happens every year during the second weekend of June so we won't be going at this time again. 

Would definitely go back to Casablanca and Santa Ponsa again.

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Leonard Fraser & Margaret Fraser highlands(46,44).

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have stayed at the Casablanca twice before,and are booked there again this July.

The staff are really friendly and helpful.The food is plentiful and varied.Each day lying by the pool we would wonder what we would be having that night.Having read previous comments about the food"its a 3 star hotel not the Ritz".One customer complained that there was no chips one night for his child for goodness sake.The owner said to us,all he had to do was ask and we would have made him some.The location of the hotel really suited us,as each night after dinner(by the way did i mention that the food was really good)we would walk up the promenade going into all the shops,and then up to the Square where there is outdoor entertainment every night.There are a lot of bars with music for all tastes.Our favourites being Durty Nellys for irish music and The Royal garden with Mark Ritchie singing anything from Garth Brooks to Neil Diamond.Something for the more mature holidaymaker,Margo at the Caledonian bar.

All in all you cant beat Santa Ponsa for relaxing,eating and entertainment.

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: October 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : G. & H. Swan Scotland

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had our local travel agent put a package together for us which saved us quite a bit so we took a taxi to the resort. This cost around £25. The Hotel  staff were most welcoming , very friendly and happy to help with our attempts to speak in Spanish!

The buffet meals were tasty and varied, the desserts being a delight every night. We thought that any child would find something in the large selection to please. We were allocated a table in the dining room for the duration of our stay but were dismayed when we came down one night to find we were sharing it with two strangers. This is the custom in the hotel but a word at reception sorted it out. After a disatsrous holiday in July we had wanted a quiet holiday on our own.

The rooms were simple, no tv, but spotlessly clean. The pool at that time of year was Baltic cold but we braved it , and the weather was sunny and warm, enough to tan nicely. The pool bar was open and served snacks , drinks and good coffee.

The resort has plenty of shops and bars to suit all tastes. If you go at the start of your stay there's a shop to the left of the Irish area where you can have a leather jacket made for you.

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: globspan - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Lorna Morrison - Glasgow (57, 32, 2)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Santa Ponsa was a big dissapointment. If a car park is for Cars then this was a Hotel Park. We had hired a car for the 2 weeks so were able to get away. I suppose it depends what you want and from that point of view we were badly advised by the tour operators i.e. Barrhead travel. 

Had it not been for a torrential down pour on the day before we arrived causing a transfere to the Casablanca from the Plaza due to a leak in the roof, I am sure there would have been no saving grace. This may well be unfair on the Plaza but it is on a corner of a very busy roundabout, the pool is small by any standards, and there is no air conditioning. It may suit young folk who are out all night in the near by Disco's but it would have been a dreadful venue for us.

However the Casablanca was a lovely, clean hotel with a delightful and friendly staff, from the front desk to the room maids, via the bar and restaurant. The pools were lovely for us and the hotel was near enough to the sea and yet away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Air conditioning is a must in July .... owner turned it off at night but when we complained it came on again.

Food was buffet style, but a bit of a disappontment e.g we saw lovely fish in the local supermarket which did not make it to our table, also poor menu for reluctant toddler.
No entertainment at this hotel for children, no area designated for children..... I don't believe they are encouraged to come here, although there were alot of families with young ones in tow.

Entertainment at night at the hotel was surreal, on one night we had a group of very enthusiastic samba dancers and the other a couple who sang, with only one 10 minute break for the best part of 3.5 hours!

Santa Ponsa is very clean when I was up at 6 in the morning you could see the clean up operation going on from the previous night, we Brits are a very dirty lot, what is it that we have to throw are rubbish over the ground!

We would not go back to Santa Ponca again but it would be a great place if you were young and liked to 1. lie on the beach 2. dance and drink. We preferred the north and Porto de Polensa. Probably an age thing!

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Hotel Casablanca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Stephen, Susan, Brenda, Walter, Paul & Karen (41,26,63,64,40,38)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at the Hotel CasaBlanca at midnight unaware of our surroundings as this was our first visit to Santa Ponsa. On awaking the next morning we were taken by the view from our balcony of the pool and surrounding areas (no high rise buildings).

A short walk to the beach down a slight incline where there are numerous shops, bars and restaurants some of which you can sit outside overlooking the beach and watch the sunset.

The hotel overall was excellent from the daily maid service to the friendly reception staff who spoke fluent English. The meals where acceptable - hot and cold buffet for breakfast and evening meal however were repetetive from week to week. The waiting staff were well organised and after our initial introduction to a table this was ours for the duration of our stay.

After mornings out and about we were pleasantly surprised to return to the hotel pool and find that there were sufficient room and sunbeds still available.

Santa Ponsa overall we found to be excellent as there are choices for all ages from the quiet Marina, beach to livelier bars and square with live nightly entertainment.

We have already booked to return to the Hotel CasaBlanca in Sept this year, however we decided to book direct with the hotel and fly with Easyjet which will save us approx £400 - £500. We expect taxi transfer to take 15 - 20 mins whereas coach transfer took 1hr - 1hr30.

Well worth a visit!

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Casablanca Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook  August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Darlington - 46 ,42,13

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After a long journey from the airport dropping off in Magaluf and Palma Nova we arrived late to find there was no air conditioning. When I checked out the kitchen found it very basic more like 2star, no toaster just fridge,  microwave and 2 ring hob. 

The hotel itsself was very quiet one pool table in the lounge area and one near the pool. The pools were a good size, always plenty of sunbeds although if you wanted a parasol you had to be quick as there were only a few. Our daughter who is 13 found it very boring as there was nothing to do. There was a t.v. in the lounge area which was always on the olympics channel in German. I think the brochure was misleading when it says the hotel is on a slite incline I would describe it more of a steep incline. The twice a week entertainment wasnt up to much either. Basically if your a deaf fit pensioner who likes repetitive food and likes to be kept nice and warm this is the place for you, anyone else give it a miss.  

All the staff are lovely and friendly and the rooms are kept very clean. But we wont be back.  The resort itself is very hilly and you have to walk a long way to the livlier end of the bay.   

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Casablanca Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Dawn McNeil (43,40,11

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Superb apartments, very clean, booked half board on last minute booking basis.  Arrived on a Saturday just in time for 'Gala Night'.  Food was excellent.
Recommend the rock night in The Dubliner.
Rock band Gazoline well worth watching.  Our 11 year old requested to back on our second night! Guys in band make the evening one to remember.

Santa Ponsa has plenty to offer without venturing into nearby Magalluf.

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Casablanca Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Hugh, Lynn, Alan - Clydebank (44, 44, 16)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have holidayed in Santa Ponsa many times and love the resort with it's lovely sandy beach. The hire of the two sunbeds and a parasol on the beach at e7.50 per day(£5)is a must as the sand gets very hot in the peak summer months and is difficult to walk on never mind lie and sun bathe on. The town centre is very much geared up for the Irish and Scots although this year we noticed a big increase in the number of English holidaymakers who must have been bemused by the sight of the many Celtic and GAA Footbal strips on show. 

We usually stay in the Jutlandia but were slow to book this time and could not get availabilty and therefore we opted for the Casablanca Appartments just over the road from the Jutlandia. Beware that although in an excellent location only 400 yards or so from the beach, and much less to retuarants and bars, in the quieter golf course area of the resort, there is a steep climb up a hill for the last 150 yards or so and in the piercing heat it leaves you exhausted.

Our first impressions were that the appartments were very spacious and bright and we had superb views over the bay and part of the sea. They were very clean and the maids were in regularly to clean and change the bedding and towels. 

There are a couple of things though that left us dissapointed. First of all there is no air conditioning which is an absolute must in August (the Casablanca Hotel bedrooms next door have it but not the appartments). Secondly all of the bedrooms face into a open square and the noise from other guests coming in and out is unbearable as is the maids who arrive on each landing every morning at 8.00am with their trolleys rattling along. If you are looking for a long lie or an early night forget it. 

On a more positive note the staff are all very friendly apart from the Spanish girl on reception one night who kept us and others waiting for 20 minutes whilst she spoke to her family in Alicante. There are some nice restaurants within five minutes walk, Palermos does the best Pizzas in town and next door in Wok Wok you will get a lovely Chinese meal. Beware though if you are in a hurry you should go elsewhere because you can wait for anything up to an hour mainly because the food is cooked fresh to order. 

Will we go back, to Santa Ponsa definately, to the Casblanca Appartments no chance unless they install air conditioning and sound proofing but we would go to the Hotel.

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Casa Vida Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independant Traveller - Aug 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Roberts & Holloway (45,45,44,44,16,15,12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Casa Vida Apartments are part of the Delfin Hotels group. They are located in the quieter side of Santa Ponsa.
Apartments are vey large , we had an excellent view overlooking the small pool & town/bay. Just a pool and a snack bar for facilities ( but you can use the Delfin Mar hotel over the road ). Quiet & clean , which suited us fine.
Lots of good resturants on the "Southside" including Crocodillos & Wok Wok. Portofino is ok for a snack.
The Santa Ponsa beach is great, get down there early though to get a good sun bed.
The "Square" is good place for a cheesy night out with bands on each night, although it is a long walk from Casa Vida.
We avoided the so called Irish Quarter as after 11.00pm this was full of drunks and yobbos. There is a real danger of this area being promoted as the Irish Falaraki , this would be a great shame as Santa Ponsa is really a family orientated place.
Take the bus into Palma its cheap and frequent ( make sure you take the direct route ).
Make sure you climb the "steps" for a stunning view over the bay & take a walk to the marina for some peace & quiet!
Will definatly return to Santa Ponsa

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Casa Vida Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Stein Travel May 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Wicklow (33,31,9 Months)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just arrived back from the Casa Vida apartments in Santa Ponsa. 

The apartments are located just off the sea front up past the main roundabout and only about 5 mins from the centre of things. We had booked a 1 bed apartment but were pleasantly surprised when we were given a 2 bed apartment. The apartment was clean and comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped and had the bonus of having a microwave. One of the bedrooms had double doors that opened out onto a balcony, which was quite nice.

The maid service was excellent with towels and bed linen changed everyday. These apartments are part of the Delfin group and the Delfin Mar hotel is located just across the road. This is where you check-in and rent the safe keys. You also have full use of all the facilities in the Delfin Mar which included a Gym, Sauna and an indoor heated swimming pool. Unfortunately the weather was not warm enough to bring a 9-month-old baby into the outdoor pool so it was great being able to go for swim in the indoor pool.

The facilities at the Casa Vida are limited. There is a small snack bar at the poolside serving drinks and limited food and is only open pool hours. However there is entertainment each evening across the road in the Delfin Mar.
The resort of Santa Ponsa is lovely out of high season. However it is very quiet at the start of May and there were very few singles. The resort was mainly young couples with buggies and OAPS probably on their last holiday!

There are loads of bars in Santa ponsa. Personally I prefer to stay away from those places as I can do that at home any night.
There are few places I would recommend to eat. Wok Wok is a very nice Chinese located just up from the big roundabout and Dutchie right in the centre of Santa Ponsa is a great place to eat. Try their mixed meat kebab. A good place for breakfast is Rickies, which is on the left at the bottom of road when you leave the apartments. They do 3 types of breakfast, English Irish and Scottish.
I've read a few reviews recommending Mrs. Murphy's kitchen. It may be under new management or changed head chef but I certainly wouldn't recommend it and also spoke to others who had a similar view. The food was terrible. I had pork Wellington and it tasted just like that, Pork out of old boot!

Overall I would definitely recommend the Casa Vida apartments to a young family like ourselves looking for a comfortable quiet holiday but close enough to the resort.

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Club Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Seguro - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : T Watson - Coatbridge (56,47,26,5)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was my first time All Inclusive and I was to find out later in my holiday that this was also the first time this hotel had done All Inclusive. There was some minor problems like supplies of things running out (lager), entertainment was only on for 3 days the first week, queues at the bar were terrible and the staff were rude but after some consultation with the rep I found out that all these things were being passed to the management and they were going to be improved.

The second week saw all of these things improving the entertainment was getting better and they had put a 2 drink limit on people going to the bar which kept queues down a little.
The food was typical Spanish and english orientated but there was a lack of choice for kids, they didnt do any kiddie choices.

The kids club was really good and the entertainers did their best with the kids, my 5 year old loved it.
The pool is a great size with a seperate kids section and there is always a lifeguard on duty. If you want a sunlounger then you'll need to be an early riser as I was there for 2 weeks and never got one once even though I was up at 9 nearly every day. The tables and area around the pool can become messy as the staff are not too enthusiastic about cleaning up, and several times we got a cloth ourselves and cleaned the tables.
THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING which is a must when going to santa ponsa in june/july as it is really warm, we couldnt leave our balcony door open as it lead out onto the roof of the bar and several times people were seen climbing up onto it, so it was not very safe to leave it open. We were on the first floor at the pool side.

The beaches in the resort are fantastic always clean and theres loads of sunloungers, the locals are always very friendly and there is also a first aid station at the beach which was a big help when my kid cut her foot. Big thanks goes to the policeman who helped me find the first aid place where he stood and waited to make sure I got her seen to ok.

There is fish in the water which come really close to the edge and these provided much entertainment as my 5 year old would spend all day trying to catch them,it was very funny.

A good place we went to eat and have a drink a couple of times was Scottish Corner,turn left at the main road and head round to the right and you will see it, they do square sausage (heaven) and typical scottish stuff plus they have a free bouncy castle which keeps the kids happy they also have a playstation2 which the kids can play free.
We went into Magalluf for the day and it cost us 8 euros in a taxi it was an ok day but I found Magalluf dirty and messy and preferred Santa Ponsa.

We also went to marineland in Costa d'en blanes,it cost us 9 euros in a taxi and we had a great time. The dolphin and seal show is fantastic so is the parrots and there is a little beach at the back of the park which is only for those in the park so it is very quiet. If you plan on going here though go to McDonlads first as you get tickets to get the kids in free when you buy a happy meal, could save you a lot of money if you have several kids.

We never went to the water park as my kid got burnt playing in the pool with factor 45 on and I didnt want to risk it as some other people in the hotel had told me that they do not allow the kids to wear T-shirts on the slides and stuff and it is a sun trap, one little boy was very badly burned after going.

The best place for entertainment is the square which you have to visit if you go to Santa Ponsa, they have tribute acts like WestLive, abba,Whitney houston,fourtops and they keep the kids entertained with face painting and a mini disco.It only costs 4 euros for a taxi which I would get if your going there as it's uphill and about a 25 min walk from the hotel.

I would definitely return to Santa Ponsa but not to this hotel, it would have to get air conditioning and have kids choices in the restaurant for me to return here.

If you've booked your holiday then you will have a good time, it'll just be very warm at night!

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Club Santa Ponsa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: booked direct Jan 07

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Ron Smith, Tyne & Wear, 2

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed from 15 Jan 07 to 22 Jan 07, all inclusive, which was great value for money.The accommodation had excellent views of the bay, it was spotlessly clean, of generous size and in very good decorative order.

The hotel staff were friendly and efficient and having booked with them diect, I had dealings with them on the run up to our stay.

The food, breakfast, lunch and evening menu, was varied and nutritional with plenty of salads, main courses choice of fish, pork and one other, plus varied deserts, all self service and you could have as much or a little as you wanted.

Within the price there was a free bar that allowed you to have beer which I found to be fine, or wine, which my wife found to be varied, or non branded spirits, which I couldn't comment upon as I don't drink them. 

The hotel has 2 pools one heated and I was able to swim - in mid January. Its to the hotels credit that they keep it in such a good usable condition throughout the year. They also have a gym although I didn't get around to using it.

The hotel put on entertainment most nights, a quiz, bingo and of all things a parrot show - not really my cup of tea so wouldn't comment. The TV in our room only had 3 English channels, BBC World, Sky News and Eurosports, so would have preferred some more choice and maybe SKY sports in the bar. 

The hotel is situated away from the centre of Santa Ponsa on the top of a hill. If you have looked at this type of web site before you will quite probably here moans about it being perched on the top of a hill. It is a real climb either taking the direct route consisting of hundreds of steps or the longer walk up and around the bank, but if your fit its not a problem, it can also be mitigated by using the hotels hourly shuttle bus, or by using the local bus service. The location of the hotel and the views that it affords, in my book, more than compensates for this aspect.

Finally, the estimated taxi fare from the airport was around 35 Euros each way and we found it cheaper to hire a car for the 5 days, so keep that in mind.

All in all I give the Club Santa Ponsa top marks and would certainly return, although given the actual resort itself, probably out of season.

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Club Santa Ponsa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: You 2 can travel (teletext) 11th Nov 2006

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : 45,43,43

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Cost £256 for all inclusive off the teletext for a girls week away. The hotel was much better than we expected for the amount of money we paid.  The weather was also better than expected, warm enough to sunbathe considering the time of year.

There was not much entertainment, one night a singer, another night a parrot show then the rest of the entertainment for the week consisted of various quizes snd bingo which was run by the hotels entertainment person Martin (a very nice helpful lad from Holland)he also did the daily entertainment programme.

The food although not a lot of choice was nice (although could have been a bit hotter). The staff at the hotel were really helpful and pleasant no restrictions regarding the amount of drinks you were served at any one time.

The resort itself in high season would be buzzing, but we were there very much at the end of the season so a lot of the bars were closed, the same with the shops.  The bars were mostly Irish.  When we were out and about we tended to frequent Tom's Irish bar, pleasant staff and a good pint (we tended to sit outside and watch the world go by. 

So overall for the time of year, hotel and resort we were very surprised and would not hesitate to go again either to the hotel or resort. We had no complaints at all.

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Club Santa Ponsa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: fleetway november 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : joe sharon mid 40's

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

went here for a long weekend all inclusive booked through teletext. arrived to sunshine took taxi to hotel 38 euros from airport. 

room not ready but booked us in and we sat in the sun and had a few drinks . rooms were all over complex had to cart suitcase down 7 separate lots of steps . room large for 2 with kitchenette and fridge . food in restaurant eatable but if you went at end of meal times they didnt refresh empty trays and food was stale and cold especially eggs and beans at breakfast .the juices were empty and coffee machines ran out of milk. 

1st night in room got chilly through the night there were central heaters in the room but they were not on and the clothes smelt and felt damp and there was condensation on all windows. the hotel was on a hill walked down to the town but not a lot open . didnt eat tea in hotel again went to khans indian and then to the auld triangle pub good night there irish singer on for hours. went by taxi to magaluf and palma nova only 3 miles away cost 6 euros through day and 10 euros at night . 

found a great friendly bar near the beach in magaluf called sospan fach  run by sue and andy near to tom browns very cheap to drink there and a mine of information for bargain shops and the best buys. spent the last night in toms pub in santa ponsa and having a meal at el ceibo would definately recommend a meal there although even though there wasnt a lot open in santa ponsa we still had to book a table to eat there ..the bars in santa ponsa cater for children ..in one bar they had playstations for kids and another had an x box so the kids could be kept occupied while you had a drink. wouldnt recommend the hotel at this time of year pool was supposed to be partly covered but they didnt do this till the day we were leaving. bar staff were friendly but very punctual about closing the bar as midnight . then made you take your drinks onto the terrace. food veal and rabbit  and loads of chips and plenty of fish wouldnt have liked to take the kids there as they wouldnt have eaten anything . no english tour operators go here mainly germans in hotel so maybe food catered more for them than english

possibly better in summer . when all shops in town open and more going on in the hotel.

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Club Santa Ponsa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: November 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Lee,Lisa,Amber+Josh- Notts (37,32,9,12)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

If you like walking or maybe I should say climbing then this hotel is for you. We were allocated a room at the bottom of  the hill which is where this hotel is located. 77 steps just to get to the bar and then a further 12 steps to the food hall(cant call it a resturant as resturants serve food for human consumption)and this was definately not. My partner was ill for three days out of the seven we were there.Hotel denied they had a problem with the food but loads of people wre complaining.(brussel sprouts for breakfast need I say more. 

Very little entertainment mostly for the kids but I will say something in the defence of the girl who ran it - sandra she was left on her own the week before,by the entertainment group. Luckily our daughter who is a dancer saved the day by helping put a dance routine on stage. We went out most days due to the lack of things to do in the hotel. But be warned there is not alot of things to do in Majorca in November most of it closes down for the winter. Santa Ponsa is nice and very quiet the beach is good but to cold to stay on for any lenth of time.

I am sorry to say but I would not recomend this hotel to anybody.(see my report for the President Alcudia a totally different experience}

the resort location is close to the airport,palma,magaluf and marineland/aquacity in season.

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Club Santa Ponsa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha-beds.com - November 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Ann Secular - Reading (44,27)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I booked this Holiday which was all Inclusive through The internet and was a little worried as I knew that the English tour operators did not go there.
The complex is up the hill so not great for anyone with walking problems. however, if you don't mind a few step's (100 from my apartment to the dinning room) then I can really say this place was great - The german tour operators go there so expect to be the minority, but saying that - you are made very welcome, the food was fantastic - this is a 3 start - I have been to a 4 star that did not dish up the good food these did. you had every thing from meat and veg (brussels aswell) to fish, pasta, salad, chips ect - the lunch was as good as the evening meal - you even had fried eggs at breakfast!. being all inclusive I expected there to be a limitation on the drinks avaliable - not at all what ever your fancy it was there.

I only went with my friend for 3 days we got a cheap flight and the taxi from the airport was 30 euros. I will be returning for at least a week next time!!!!!

To pool's and lots of activities - the down fall - evening entertainmeant was not good but I was happy listening to the music and drinking my malibu and coke whilst having a laugh with the other guests. reception were very friendly and the room's were large and very clean. wht not give it a go - the all inclusive plus accomodation only cost £87 and that was for upto 4 people NOT per person.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha Rooms - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Michael - Belfast

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Well after a big build up to our holiday, the excitement had us jumping on the plane. We did a lot of research on the Deya itself before going and we were pleased to find it in decent condition. 

Our apartment was in great nick, pretty much as we expected - dated and basic. When I read the reviews talking about basic, they weren't lying - no kettle, no toaster, no oven, two hobs, 4 cups, 4 plates, 4 chairs and just hardly comfortable sofas/beds. The Balcony was great, looked onto the main street, able to see Green Hills and Dicey Reillys from above. It was extremely loud from below, which was expected, below us was the Shamrock, but were Irish ourselves and got used to it. Air Conditioning had a charge as well, it was good apart from it defrosting sometimes, fantastic coming home to a cold apartment, felt like home and cooled us all down. 

Sleeping arrangements were grand, the pull out bed under the sofa was however very uncomfortable as was the Sofa itself, the maids did a fantastic job coming in 3/4 times, they were pleasant and changed our sheets/towels regularly. We kept the apartment in good condition and so the maids were only in a few times for cleaning (once we can recollect). One annoying thing was, we were in the third block of Apartments, pretty stupid having no access to the Pool from that area; instead we had to get the Elevator to the 1st floor, walk around the second and first, past the gym and out the main doors, can't understand why there was no access from the third block. 

The position of the Deya was nothing short of brilliant, the best location for absolutely everything, bars, clubs, shops, restaurants, beach and pretty much anything you can think of. Whilst we were there, the gym wasn't the best, only a few of the machines were working the whole time, Pool bar was desperate - you couldn't bring your own food or drink to it and they are very strict about it, nearly died of dehydration when they put their hands out looking ?2.50 for practically a mouthful of coke and almost lost the lid when one of the Spaniard's working on the Bar lifted up my bag searching for water, when finding it; took it up to the bar and left it without saying anything - that is ridiculous. Some of the doors were damaged, on the first day we were offered to move rooms due to the door falling apart.

Santa Ponsa for the second time did not disappoint, loved it.

In short, we all enjoyed the holiday, we made the most of the beach/pool/gym whilst we were there, obviously we knew about the noise before we went back to Santa Ponsa however we had a warm reception at the Deya, the room was fine, the location was great and everything went accordingly. Would recommend it to young adults, people looking a lively holiday or people who could sleep heavily!!!

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Barrhead Travel - June2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Graham and Lorraine -  Glasgow (46,48)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from a weeks holiday to Santa Ponsa, which is a great place for a holiday. Unfortunately we were staying at the Deya apartments, which to be fair to them were ok. The main problem with them is that they are situated directly above a disco and are surrounded by numerous bars which don't close to the early hours of the morning, so trying to get a decent sleep with all the noise that is constantly going on is impossible. It got so bad that after 3 nights we moved out and booked into a hotel just down the road. Don't get me wrong, if you are young and looking for apartments that are right in the heart of all the action, then the Deya will suit you right down to the ground.

As for Santa Ponsa itself I would highly reccomend it. It has a great beach, fantastic restaraunts and nightlife. A couple of restaraunts I would reccomend are El Ciebo which does brilliant steaks and Jackies Pizzeria whih does the best Pizzas ever. As for bars, try MacTavishes which has a great Irish entertainer or If you are looking for a really lively night out, then look no further than The Shamrock.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globspan--april 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Vera and Derek   McCaib --Morpeth  (49,52)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our first attempt at S/C. Loved it, extra space,air con, eat where and when you like.
Deya apts well equipped for what we paid,great having fridge(unlike many hotel rooms)air con etc everything for basic meals. We only had breakfast in apts, evening meals at one of the many rests. Apt immaculate when we arrived. great location approx 120yds from super beach.Apts have money x change and other good features.Great place for hols.

BUT We Wont Be Back---SCAMMED by touts working for an "internet travel agent".
Give out scratch cards--You just won a free holiday!!!wow. This was the start of a 4 hour long degrading nightmare,which cost us £1000s.Tried to cancel contract before we left but no joy.tried trading standards at home --no joy. Tried citizens advice--put onto = in Madrid- still waiting for reply. Been told by workmate to contact company in Isle of Man, Monarch Management.They have contact to outfit in Santa Ponsa, and will help get refund.
Put in hands of solicitor. Just have to wait and see. If you go to Ponsa, dont even speak to these people ,but if caught out like us--DONT ADMIT YOU Are carrying PLASTIC and dont sighn Anything.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Flyglobespan - April 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Gemmell - Elderslie [51,49,15,2]

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

We booked 2 nights as a last-minute, [2 days before departure] deal just to get away from the rain and cold at home. All done on the Flyglobespan website. The total cost was only £170 for the 4 of us.
 No problems or delays and we arrived at Palma around 6.30 pm. I'd read about the Globespan transfer bus taking 2 hours to drop folks off at their hotels so we went for the [very slightly] dearer option of catching a taxi to the hotel. Cost was about 35 Euros.

Check in was no problem and we were given a room on the 3rd floor. Previous reviews have mentioned that the Apartamentos Deya needs upgrading. No doubt, this is true but what do some folk expect from a 2 star hotel ? I've been in MUCH worse. There WERE problems with the 2 ring electric cooker. It took an hour to boil a kettle of water... but at least it HAD a cooker. Nothing worse than being unable to make a cup of tea or coffee first thing in the morning ! Otherwise, the apartment was clean if basic. Two single beds in the bedroom and a pull-out drawer under the settee allowed two more beds. Plenty of clean sheets, blankets and towels. Hot water on demand and the shower worked fine.

The Deya is right on the 'main strip' and only about 100 yards from the clean beach so no problems keeping the kids amused. PLENTY of bars and restaurants at hand and a large supermarket straight across the road. Lots of souvenir and 'designer' clothes shops are nearby too.

The hotel has a large swimming pool and had many, many [unused] sunbeds around it. We were fortunate in that the weather had taken a drstic turn for the better and was beatiful. Apparently, the 4 weeks before we went it had been very wet and cold.

A free luggage room with a shower is available for after checking-out [12 midday] which was another bonus when comparing it to some places I've stayed in.

Overall ? As a short-break destination, I'd go back. I think even a week, and especially in high-season, would be too much here as Santa Ponsa is quite a small resort with not much to see or do.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independant - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : 36,38,12,10

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Resort very lively, plenty of varied restaurants to dine in from Mexican to Chinese to good old Grannies Kitchen for homemade Lemon Meringue Pie.  Lovely beach and very clean resort.

There is entertaiment on every night at the spanish square which caters for children.
 
Accomodation very poor and dated needing a much needed facelift.  Apartments are above the disco inferno therefore in high season you will get no sleep if you are in the lower apartments.  All pubs and clubs are in this area. Swimming pool clean and bar at pool ok.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: september 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : wendy, pat,julie,bev 40,47,44, 43

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

arrived at deya were given appt on 7th floor it was basic but clean and the veiw was brilliant balcony overlooked the main strip with greenhills niteclub opposite but couldnt here it when balcony doors were shut great veiw of the beach. santa ponsa has loads of irish and scottish pubs we found everyone to be very freindly wherever we went.reception staff at deya were freindly spoke very good english, pool area was good with large long pool and a bar which served snacks which were not expensive. plenty of good eating places with for all tastes. 

all in all we had a brill week there and will definatly go back without hesitation.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: med hotels-sept 12th 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : laura clark +shell dunno aged 42 an d 38

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we did our holiday seperate as always do , med hotels and sky sc anner for flights .add god flight out arrived at hotel , thought oh my god how noisey we checked in excellent. straight to our room on 8th floor once u shut doors we could not hear any thing,,room very spacious , and big we add brill sea view .over looking all the pubs, the best roast dinner was duke of york on the hill of where we stayed to the ritehead to the square full of shops and bars grteat nite out,,,get a book free of santa pon sa  it will tell u where and wat and not to do..wen booking at deya ask for top floor u get more room and lifts always work ,not slow either ,people were complaining on 2nd an d 3 rd floor thougvh , but we heard nothing we was on 8th floor ,

u m ust go to watch the sunset thats is fantastic , thats in  santa ponsa , oppisite side to deya we walked , b ut take cardie as bit cool at nite ,beautiful , ,or get taxi dont miss it its amazing ,dont bother with buses , get a taxi san ta ponsa to magaluf 10 euros , buses r horrid ,, i add a bit of accident on holiday womens stuff , but the chA\MBER MAIDS WERE BRILL , WE LEFT THEM STUFF FOR HELPING US OUT WE WERE VERY GRATEFUL ,

steps is good place to go for nite out , but make sure u get lots of drinks in b4 happy hour is finish drinks go well up ,,,karoke from 1am very good if u can last that long ,,the beaches r amazing .but 9 euros for 2 beds everyday ,, get a lilo for 6 euros for the week alot cheaper and comfy , then just leave it there for sum 1 else to use..santa ponsa brill place to go really enjoyed it , and <Deya hotel> yes would go back defo, in near future  very clean , and very central, quite b ig pool very nice ,a gym if u want to  , too hot for m e though ,very nice bar if u dont want to venture out and nex door a kebab place 490 euros for it and beautiful , very nice with lots of garlic though ,the best tabbacco shop is further up main strip of santa ponsa , main island then up on left of road , very cheap, , cheap ha\NDBAGS , SHOES, LEATHER , COATS ,, AN D DRINK ,,

love santa ponsa and loved deya hotel an d yes would give it 10/10 love it , beaches , weather, appartment, sea sea veiw . the people .keep a eye on ya purses , a posh lady too dress up for sun in day with boy , they pinched so b careful near phone boxes , just take out enough for day and night and get a safe 15 euros for week and 3 euros back at end of hol ,,other wise we felt quite comfy , to sum of places police r always around too xx

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Booked Independently - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Andrew Forlow - Rotherham (68,40,38,14,12)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at the apartments and were sorted out with our key by the very friendly reception staff within minutes.  We were on the top floor - 8th floor.  We had booked a 2 bedroomed appartment for the 5 of us.

On arrival in our appartment we were very pleasantly surprised.  It was huge.  We had a large bathroom with bath, shower, sink etc.  Clean fresh towels were in there ready for us to use.  The 2nd smaller bedroom had 2 single beds and a bedside cabinet in there.  There was no air con in this room.  The wardrobe was just outside the bedroom door and was large enough for 2 people to use.  The kitchen area was nice clean.  The only downside to the kitchen area was there being no oven to use.  All we had were two small rings and the heat controls on them had been rubbed off so we had little control over the temperature of them.  Plenty of crockery and cutlery to use.  The kettle was a boil on the ring one but we had taken our own electric one which was much better.  A kettle and toaster were available to hire for 12 Euros each per week.  A microwave was also availabe for hire for 35 Euros per week.  We didnt bother.  The living and dining area was large and plenty big enough for the 5 of us.  The 1st main bedroom was huge.  It had 2 single beds, beside cabinets and a large walk in wardrobe.  The security safe was located in the bottom of the wardrobe and was 15 Euros for the week.  3 of which were refunded on return of the key at the end of the holiday.  The large bedroom had patio doors out onto the largest balcony I have ever seen.  The living area also had patio doors out onto the balcony.

The reception staff we found to be very helpful at all times and spoke very good English. 
The pool was large  but the sunbed area around the pool wasnt very big although there were 3 separate areas off the pool for sunbathing.  There was a poolside bar which also served snacks.  Get down early for a sunbed.  As soon as the pool was unlocked at 8am the sunbeds were taken.

The resort itself has changed drastically since we were last there 11 years ago.  Its more a younger persons place and the area we stayed in was very Irish orientated.  The majority of bars were Irish bars.
The beach was lovely.  Sunbeds were 3 Euros each per day and 3 Euros for use of the umbrellas.  Be very careful of the man coming round selling slices of melon and pineapple.  He tried charging us 15 Euros for two very small pieces of melon.

Food is reasonably priced but shop around for the best places to eat.  We found the Fish & Chip shop which was just across the road from the apartments and down a small walkway.  The owner was very friendly and the breakfast for 8 Euros was huge.  One place I wouldnt recommend for meals is Scotts which is directly opposite the apartments.  We went one night and the food tasted as if a whole salt pot had fallen into it.  Very very salty.
Make a point of going up to the square up the hill. Its a long walk but the entertainment up there is great for the kids and adults alike.  It only cost us 5 Euros for a taxi back to the apartments which was much better than having to walk all the way back.

Taxis are reasonably priced but we had to have 2 each time we travelled as there is only one 7 seater taxi in the whole of the resort and we tried to book it but was unable to.  It cost us 7.50 Euros for a taxi into Magalluf and 22 Euros for a taxi into Palma.

Overall, we would recommend these apartments for families and young people alike.  If you are on a low floor then it can be very noisy but we were on the 8th floor so the noise didnt bother us.  We would use them again if we did decide to go back to Santa Ponsa in the future.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by :  Gordon Maxton- Cheshire (45, 50)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from Santa Ponsa which has a lovely beach,9 euro's to hire two sun beds and parasol, timed it well for the huge carnival, featuring forty live acts  and the most fantastic fire works display we have ever seen, staged on the beach.

The Deya Appartments are brill IF you are in your late teens, early twenties. It's very dated and in desperate need of a refurbishment, nice long swimming pool though.

It is situated in the middle of the activities, Brits are definitely in the minority,if your Irish or Scottish you've cracked it.

We stayed on the sixth floor and the sea view was amazing,but never got much sleep, even with large amounts of cotton wool stuffed in our ears,with the constant beat from the Diso situated directly beneath the Deya and the nightclub (Greenhills) directly opposite( these go on untill 6 am and the street below is buzzing with young revellers all night long), had to resort to large drinks( two pints of coctails for five euro's at Strings bar)etc.

The Canny Lad watering hole was brilliant and does do the coldest drinks. Crocodillo's was the best place to eat    but be prpared to queue.

Doubt we will go back to Santa Ponsa.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Fly Globespan - June 2006

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Jen - Scotland (all 18)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked the holidays to go out and join a large group of our friends who were staying at the Sunbeach apartments.  The Deya apartments were the only accomodation that we could get nearby. 

On arrival these apartments are rather old and run down in appearance however they were very centrally located, right in the heart of the nightlife.  The reception was very small and again the furniture and surroundings were old, dark and dusty.  Our rooms weren't too bad, all we were looking for was somewhere to get washed and on the odd occasion, rest our heads. 

As for the swimming pool, well i was just glad we had friends in other apartments.  Although the pool was massive, there wasn't enough sunloungers for the amount of guests.  The opening hours were the strangest i have ever seen, opened at half past 10 and closed at 6 SHARP! i.e you were getting chased out of the pool at 10 to 6.  The pool bar was disgusting and the staff around the pool were extremely unfriendly.
The hotel staff in general were pretty unhelpful with the exception of two of the reception staff, an older man and a young guy who was particularly nice.  One major issue with The Deya is that security is practically non-existant.  Although the doors and windows in the rooms all have secure locks, all it takes is for someone to go into reception and ask for your room key because no questions were asked by the staff.  It was so easy to get someone elses room key.
Another few bad points: There was no entertainment or even a bar within the hotel, the corridors were pitch black at night(not good if yur a girl on your own), the lifts take an enternity and you have to rent a kettle(40 euro per week + 15 euro deposit).

As for the resort, it was pretty quiet at the start of June.  This didn't matter much to us as there was about 70 of us in total.  The streets were really clean, the beach was really nice and the people were friendly.  The nightlife was ok, not much of a choice though.

All in all, i enjoyed Santa Ponsa and would definetley go back.  However i won't be returning to the Deya apartments as i would not recommend them to anyone.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos-JUNE 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : DAWN CARLIN-GLASGOW(2 ADULTS+2 KIDS 6+10 YRS OLD

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Loved Santa Ponsa and Deya apts were right in the irish quarter.Staff here were very friendly and willing to help solve any problems.Although the maids were quite unpleasant.When we arrived we were allocated a room on the 4th floor although I had requested a lower floor due to having 2 boisterous boys.They moved us immediately to the 2nd floor which turned out to be ideal.

The apts do have air conditioning but for a returnable deposit of 10 euros.The safety deposit boxes are also very cheap and are in your apt which is very handy.Although these apartments are superbly situated the area is very noisy as the clubs dont close to about 5.30-6am.Santa Ponsa is really cheap to eat out and the alcohol is about the same price as the rest of Spain,but there is a lot of Cocktail offers eg 2 pints of cocktails for 5 euros.I loved my holiday and have booked for next year although to different apts but only because I have 2 young kids.

These apts are ideal if you dont mind noise and if you are looking for a real bargain.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - Sept 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Mick & Mary - Stanley (51,54)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Found staff to be very pleasant.  The appartment (5th floor) was large and very clean. Towels were changed 3 times in a week and bed linen twice.  The best watering hole we found was STEPPS, which is situated in the basement of the new precinct opposite the Deya, Live music every night with Cheryl and Dave (who does a wicked Elton John impersonation).  Service at the bar is exceptionally prompt. Only downside is the Paddies who walk along the balconies singing the worst 'Sweet Caroline' I've ever heard in my life.  It does get very noisy at around about 6.00 am when the bars kick out, thiugh this only lasts for around 20 mins. 

Overall Santa Ponsa, and the Deya  Apps. are recomended.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos  August  2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Ste, Karen, Laura - Liverpool  (40,38,13)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

APARTMENT
These apartments are directly above one night club (Disco inferno) and directly opposite another one (Greenhills) that stays open till six in the morning. We arived at 5am to find Disco inferno was letting in. The noise from Greenhills made it impossible to sleep at night and i saw people with younger children reduced to tears. Every half hour glass bottles are smashed into a bin the noise would wake the dead.The apartments were clean on arrival and towels were changed three times a week during our stay, the apartments are spacious but dated the only modernization we could see were new doors on the kitchen cupboards.Facilities do not include microwave,toaster or kettle and the cooker itself was useless. 

The aircon was fine (just 10 euro returnable deposit for the remote needed to use it} the safety deposit box cost 12 euro per week but is worth the peace of mind.  The staff at Deya were friendly, pool opens at ten and closes at eight prompt.The pool was quite large and clean and getting a sunbed was not too much of a problem. Guests are not allowed to take there own food or drink to the pool area as there is a pool bar that also sells snacks, the barman makes sure you abide by the rules.

RESORT
The beach is really nice and is cleaned every morning, it is only 100 metres from the Deya,turn left at the fountain.Beach activities include all the usual water craft, banana boats,donuts,pedaloes etc.Boat trips around the neighbhouring bays were good (great scenery) and a chance to see the millionaires yachts bobbing about. magaluf costs just 8 euro in a taxi.Days out included Western water park great fun but very busy when we went (you gotta ride the beast 30 metre high freefall) not for the faint hearted. The caves of Drach (16 euros per person) were really nice to see but no photographs are allowed in the caves, also this trip should be half a day but gets dragged out by visiting a glass blowing factory (boring), pearl factory (girlie)and a wood shop that sold every piece of tat you could possibly make out of wood.Also the agent who we booked our trip through failed to tell us the price of the trip did not include entry to the caves themselves another 8 euros per person. A must night out for all families is Pirates show it is excellent, slightiy expensive but if you enter into the spirit you wont be disapointed.

NIGHTLIFE
There are lots and lots of bars and eating places to choose from but none are family orientated. The resort caters 95% for Irish or Scottish people and is full of Magalufs teenage overspill, any other nationalities are in the minority.  Bar to visit is Rugby Club (opposite the Deya)run by Craig and his wife, he makes you feel welcome in his own weird way, lots of soaps on telly for the girls and all the sports for the boys. All the other bars we saw are just full of Irish people (who I have no problem with,I have many good Irish friends)but all day drinking and singing are not my idea of a holiday. The square is the main family venue were tribute acts can be found each night until midnight, arcades and bars surround the area around the square, but choose your bars carefully as one I went into had a jukebox playing sectarian songs and i did not feel very welcome (hasty retreat)

FOOD
Mrs Murphys did a great breakfast at a reasonable price and Scots Family bar,upstairs on the same level as Greenhills did a great English menu,food was superb. Nearer to the square the Himalaya Indian restraunt was expensive but the food was fantastic.

VERDICT
This is not a family resort. Bars do not offer any entertaiment for children apart from pool tables. Too many gangs of drunk teenagers and to noisy to sleep at night needless to say we will not be going back.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: July 2005 Cosmos

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by :

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Don't go to this part of Santa Ponca with kids, unless you like the idea of keeping them awake all night while you get drunk in the Irish and Scottish bars. Then when you get back to you rooms you have to be blotto to sleep through all the noise of group chanting, 'singing', swearing and drunkenness generaly, even from the top floor!!

Oh, and don't look out over the rear balcony unless you want to see the pr*stitutes at work, which isn't pretty at 6am after the last of the pub/clubs are letting out. Yeuch!!

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos july 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Jean & Colin 52 &48

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the deya which is right in the middle of the Irish quarter, and at times found that the English are not that welcome,2 bars inparticular are the shammrock and Dicy rieleys,the songs that were sang about the English soliders I found to be offensive.There are plenty of bar/cafe's if you want pie and chips but the best restaurants to  go to are The Pepper Pot owned by Keith,Julie & Christina, Xaloc who do the most amazing steaks,and Amadeus which is a bit of a walk to the right of "the square" but well worth a visit.It is owned by an Austrian family and has been there since 1980.Mrs Murphy's Kitchen does a very good breakfast."the square" has entertainment on every night which are mostly tribute artists,so if you want to see westlife,Robbie Williams,Tina Turner,Abba,it is good to visit and it has loads of pubs round it.

The Beach is very good, it is cleaned every morning,and it costs ?7.50 for 2 beds and sunshade for the day.
We went on a few trips but I reconmend that if you see one that has a blanket trip attached to it ...stay away,we were at this for an hour and half and it made the trip into a full day, which could have easely been made half day...Also the trip to caves of drach,(which are well worth a visit)there is so many extras added onto it,eg-trip to pearl shop,glass blowing and a very exspensive jewellery outlet,which when you go they are really pushy to buy something...

As for the Deya app we found them to be really big with a good kitchen in and plenty storage space in,the towels were changed 4 times in 2 weeks and you had to pay e10 as a deposit to get the remote control for the a/c but you get it back, the view that we had from the balcony was brill as we looked right over the bay...and with being on the 7th floor we did not hear the disco below us,but when Greenhills pub closed at 6am it was a tad noisey (this is right accross the road from the deya)The swimming pool is really big and there was no need to rush on a morning to get a sunbed as there were plenty.

All in all we would go back to Santa Ponsa but maybe to a quieter hotel.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Med hotels - June 05

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Jerriane - ( 22, 32)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

Me and my partner were very worried about this holiday after reading some of the reviews, we can honestly say we had a fantastic time . 

we went to visit our good friend Martin who works over there and he took us to the best places which we totally recommend. Cheekos is a fun bar with lots of good music which you can party too till very late ( ask for a fat frog they blow your head off), If you fancy something more after then Disco Inferno is round the corner as is Green Hills and Fama night club. Appy days is a good family bar with quiz's and karioke and the Dubliner is down the road which has a brilliant live band on called Gasoline who can sing anything you ask for.  The places for food South wind does gorgeous shish kebabs and Grannys or Scotts do the best full breakfasts . 

The beaches are gorgeous but do watch out for the fruit men as they will charge you 10 euro for a piece of melon but they wait till you have taken a bite. The Deya Apartments were great we stayed a week and our towels were changed twice , we had a top floor room at the front which has a gorgeous view ( ask for a sea view )and the pool was lovely too.     

We will most certainly be going back very soon . Holiday over all FANTASTIC

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha Rooms - June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Lorraine - Newcastle upon Tyne

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Deya Apartments the first week in June 2005.  After reading the reviews on Holidays Uncovered we were to say the least, apprehensive regarding the Deya Apartments.

We arrived late on Saturday night and were immediately impressed by our apartment.  The apartment was large with a separate kitchen.  There was plenty of storage space (more than enough for 3 women who do not travel light).

The rooms were cleaned 3 times over a period of a week.  The bed linen was changed once and the towels changed 3 times.  The pool area was large and also clean.  All the staff we met were helpful, friendly and polite.

I would definitely recommend the Deya Apartments.  They are ideally situated in the centre of Santa Ponsa and only a couple of minutes walk to the beach.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: MedHotels - June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Steve Leggett - Stevenage (34,41)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at the Deya Apartments at about 2am and to say it is a tad noisy would be understatement of the year! Having said that, the apartments are fairly spacious and the pool is massive, so if you don't mind a bit of noise at night and your towels changed once a week then book here.

Santa Ponsa has bars for all tastes, but if you want a nice friendly British Pub atmosphere then definitely head for the Canny Lad - Matt and Jackie who run it are genuinely sound people and they really do serve the coolest beer in Majorca! And if you want a real treat, try a pint of 'Turkish Delight' - delicious...
Other good bars are the Rugby Klub (formerly called Mickeys) - you will always get service with a smile from Craig, Dawn and Kelly who work there, and Churchills bar which is just the other side of the bay (and owned by Arsenal fans so they have impeccable taste!)
And the best breakfast in Santa Ponsa is served up in Chimes...

And don't pay more than about 2 euros for the 'flashing fish' that the Senegalese traders sell cos they will only last for about 20 minutes.....

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: April 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Kristy Gilby - Grimsby (23, 18)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading some of the reviews on this site I was a little nervous about my holiday to Santa Ponsa but we actually had a really good time. We went in April so unfortunately it was pretty quiet and the weather wasn't brilliant but we still managed to enjoy ourselves.
The hotel was clean and staff were pleasant, no complaints here. Also the pool looked amazing, unfortunately it was just too cold to go in there in April!

We spent most of our time in 'The Canny Lad' where we were made to feel very welcome and their other customers agree with some of the reviews which say they have 'the coldest beer in Majorca'. It's a nice bar with a good, friendly atmosphere, also ask to try a 'cola bottle' shot, they're gorgeous! Another bar that made us feel welcome was 'Mickey's' (soon to be known as 'The Rugby Tavern') with a quiz every night and it's right outside the hotel so not far to stumble back. A new bar has recently opened called 'Shockers' which is worth a try, it's a bit different to a lot of the family orientated places in the resort.

There's loads of places to eat. The Duke of Wellington does a good deal on 3 course meals and there's quite a few Chinese restaurants with buffet offers. One place I definately wouldn't eat again is the 'Sun Kebab' shop near the roundabout as on the first night both my friend and I became rather ill after one of their kebabs (and I'm sure it was nothing to do with the alcohol!)

On the whole it was a pretty quiet but relaxing holiday and I would definately go again, especially back to 'The Canny Lad' and 'Mickey's' but probably further into summer when it's a bit warmer.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Holiday Index - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Frank Robinson - Berkshire

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

If you are looking for a clean but sometimes noisy accomodation then the Deya is for you. Sandwiched between Santa Ponsa's main club and a park that catered for late night women workers it may not be suited to everybodies tastes.

However the staff were friendly and the pool was excellant

Santa Ponsa itself is a nice friendly resort, and seems to be popular with holiday makers from all over Europe, from Britain to the Czech Republic. However the majority seemed to be from Scotland and Ireland. The English were definitely in the minority and at some places were made to feel so. For a warm hospitable English welcome try the "Canny Lad" and ask for one of their delicious Bacon Baps. Just the thing to get you going in the morning.

Magaluf and the attractions this town brings was only a short 10 min taxi ride away. ALthough their were plenty of buses too.

All in all Santa Ponsa would be best suited to families (the beach is very good) or those wanting to use it as a base to visit Magaluf. Don't go there expecting wild nights out. However, do pop in to Fama and experince their foam parties - not to be missed (and remember to ask for a hat!)

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Holiday Index - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Mark Mackenzie - Wiltshire

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Apartment clean on eventual arrival (although the taxi driver dropped us off 1/2 a mile up the road) and was cleaned three times during the week while we were sleeping.

All apartment amenities very clean, and the pool was very nice.

Be prepared for noisy evenings from young groups as we encoutered one night with the group next to us dancing on the balcony at 7pm in their pants with their music blaring.

Also, the park adjecent to the apartments appears to attract the attention of the local working girls!

Santa Ponsa is a very nice resort, but not ideal for groups of young English men/women. The resort is rammed with Irish and Scottish bars, and the clientel made it quite obvious that we were not welcome. Try the Disco Inferno or our favourite, the foam party in Fama.

A taxi into Magaluf was only 8 euros and we found it much more welcoming. Definitely try the club BCM 14 euros all you can drink.

Overall an enjoyable holiday, but would return to Majorca only to go to Magaluf.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Holiday Index - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Graham Mellington - Gloucester (44, 42,16,)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As long as you are not English the resort would be perfect, as it has a lovely sandy beach and a great choice of shops.

We found that being English we were not welcome, which surprised me as we were not a group of lads etc.

On our holiday we spent a lot of time at "the hatchet" which is a lovely bar, selling top quality food and great beer. We also enjoyed the "Canny Lad" which served the coldest beer in Majorca.

As for the Deya, I felt very let down, don't get me wrong the staff were great, even pre-booking us a taxi for the bingo night in Palma. But we had working girls knocking on our bedroom door in an afternoon, and also the room maids would enter the rooms without knocking and just clean up around us, which we found very rude. There were also lots of ants and the noise from the downstairs club was unreal. The room would vibrate at night, even our bed was rocking at one stage, I had to check underneath as I thought someone was hid underneath hammering at the springs (and we were on the 3rd floor).

My daughter Mel would like to add that the foam party at "Fama" was brilliant on the night that she went. Hence we stayed out and I managed to break my wrist on the boxing arcade machine.

All in all, we would go back to Majorca although we would probably stay in Palma

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson (flights) Broadway Travel (accomadation) - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Robert Charles

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Resort

Just back from santa ponca, this was my first time there but my second time in majorca (magaluf last year).

Santa ponca is a great place for both adults and children, there is also plenty of good irish and scottish bars if thats what your into, there is not a lot of other bars so will not suit everyone (I am scottish an love it) the food in the resturants was not as good as magaluf and was a little more expensive - overall santa ponca is a great place and I would certainly go back.

Accomadation

The Deya apartments where the worst place I have stayed so far these where booked with broadway travel and where rated 3keys but for a self catering apartment the cooking facilitys where terrible as where the amount of crockery, no microwave, air conditioning did not work properly, was only cleaned once in 11 nights (all though it was clean when we arrived) there is no tv in these apartments and no option to have one.

The reception staff where friendly enough, but there is no complex entertainment what so ever and the pool and gym faciliys close far to early.

Also worth pointing out is that these apartments are mostly used buy nordic nations (of whom where very friendly people but not many spoke english) which made it difficult for the kids to make friends. this is something i felt broadway travel may have pointed out, also all the information that was left for us was in a different language I will not be returning to these apartments.

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Deya Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: 2004

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Deya apartments are the worst i have stayed in.

They were cleaned only once in the two weeks we were there.The day time staff were friendly enough,but not very helpful when we complained about poor state of room.I can honestly say the only good thing about Deya apartments is that it is still standing.

The rest of resort is very nice and met some really nice people,would go back but avoid Deya

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Winter Sunshine Holidays - July-Aug 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Hill - Cheshire 45,38,12

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Hotel was very clean and the apartment was big enough for a family of 3.  Our room was on the 5th floor and the view was fantastic.  A little bit noisey late at night, but not too bad. The sunbed situation is a joke.  The doors to the pool area open at approx. 8am and people literally run to get the best spot, but if you want a sunbed then you have to join them!! The staff at the hotel were friendly, and very happy to help. 
It cost 2.40 euros to travel by bus to Palma, you can get the 102, 103, or 104 from the bus stop by the roundabout just past the beach.
Western Water Park and Pirates are worth a visit too.
We enjoyed going to the square.  Drinks are expensive as its waiter service.  Its cheaper if you drink in the pubs around the outside of the square.
The best place to eat was El Jardin, just round the corner from the hotel, and for a lovely breakfast go to Teazers, down the hill on the left.

All in all a nice holiday, but will not be returning to Santa Ponsa.

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: budget travel july 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : 29,30,9,7

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We as a young family have went on quite a few holidays all with kids clubs to keep the children entertained we chose this hotel because it avertised that it had day and evening entertainment yes there was something!!!!! there but was very badly organised we were there for two weeks and it was half way into the second week before we seen the entertainers.

The hotel was very clean and the towel were changed most days it was very central close to everything.The poolside bar was very dear but the food was nice.As for the sunbeds that was a joke it was like a rat race at 8am when the door to the pool opened there was not enough beds to cover half the guest in the hotel although the beach was to far away

We never had a bad meal for the 14 days that we were there in fact there was one resturant we returned to 3 times its called PACO'S SPECIAL it a family run bussiness and they make you feel very welcome the mussels in the white wine sauce and the grilled lamb chops are to die for please go and try for yourself.

If your planning any nights out the night to the pirates show is well worth a visit it's quite dear but the show is amazing and the food was quite good just beware you could spend a fortune when you get there with photo's,head bands swords etc also they give you all you can drink but it only mineral,wine and sangari every thing else is extra 2 jugs of beer was ?9.

Finally enjoyed my holiday would not recommend this to familys with small children that enjoy kids clubs.

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Stephen F - Cork (19,18)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned fron a week in the Jardin del Mar in Santa Ponsa. If you want the perfect holiday in a perfect location then this is the place to be.

The apartments are located in an ideal location in the resort.They are spotless and have the most incredible views over the entire bay. Make sure you book a sea-view when booking,its well worth it and request 4th or 5th floor to avoid obstruction from the palm trees.The most amazing view in Santa Ponsa in my opinion.The pool is brilliant with plenty of sun-loungers and shaded areas if the heat gets to much but get your towels down early,there won't be any left after 9am!!!They is also a cove in front of the complex if you perfer the salt-water but it is rocky,total sun-trap.There's also a great poolside bar which serves pizza,chips,burgers all day.

They are within short walkin distance of the Spanish Square which has bars,live nightly entertainment on a stage in the centre and is pefect for both families and couples.On the other hand,it is also only a 10 minute walk from the more lively "strip" of bars nd disco's. This lively section is only really 70 yards long and contains all Irish bars,The Shamrock is a must visit (just for the craic).I could name them all but Irish bars are all alike anyway.

If you follow the U shape of the resort around and head over to the opposite side,you will find a variety of restaurants (try Fat Sams-amazing food) and lots of shops with all the tax-free cigs etc....There is some very good street entertainment in this area also.

The main beach is Santa Ponsa is fantastic.The water is clear,blue and warm along with amazing views (its a very safe beach). Along the rocky U shaped coast-line,there are laoads of quiet bays which are pwefect if you don't wish to go to the main beach which can be very busy in July/August. Plenty going on here,with loads of water-sports etc...

Santa Ponsa is only 10-15 minutes from the Aqualand waterpark which is worth a visit and only 20 minutes from Palma city (taxis and buses are everywhere and are cheap) which is great for people who want to see laods of cruise liners and the boats of the rich and sometimes famous. You'll never get bored anyway, I guarantee it!!

Overall, I would suggest a stay in the Jardin del Mar to anybody who wants amazing views in a perfect location with all facilities on the door-step. There are no young groups of teenagers stayin here. You are guaranted a good nights sleep. Its all families and couples.

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Thompson - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Kevin/Maria/ Darren Gallagher. 47.46.24.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at the Jardin Del Mar in Santa Ponsa for the second Time in two years, and again we was not dissapointed.
On arrival the Guy on reception, the tallest one of the two welcomed us and gave us our Deposit boxes and remote control as normal, we went to our room with a sea view, fantastic view over the bay, the room was out of this world, I wont say the room number, it would give it away.
Outside..

We went for some food over the Supermarket, very good indeed, well worth a visit. the supermarket nearbye don't trust anyone, they ask you leave bags at the till, and stop you going in with a half bottle of water, I brought a little wheelie fold up truck with me for the beach, towels and drinks/mp3 players and books etc, and went down to the big supermarket with it Capbro, like a Tesco, it saved me a fortune, sod the local Supermarket.

Entertainment/ Shopping..

For about 7 Euros you can visit Magaluf/Palma Nova and peguaro in a taxi, great shopping day outs there.
The Spanish Square is only two minutes away from the jardin Del Mar, kids disco at 8.00 o clock followed by face painting the tribute bands get under way about 9-30pm, Abba, Rod Stewart, Robbie Willams, Westlife and many more, the pubs nearbye goes in to the night later with Leapy Lee( Little Arrows from the 60s) and Irelands number 1 singer Margo.
Back to the Jardin Very Clean rooms, towels changed every day, the little fella at reception was very helpful as was the spanish girl with glasses and her hair tied back.
They have internet access in reception, the landings was quite at night, you could sleep.

Staff...
All the staff were very good at the Jardin Del Mar. the maids tried there best to help dispite there little English.
There was one woman on reception, I think she was English, she was the most friendliest and helpful person I came across, she would do anything for you, its just that some holiday makers don't listen to what they say, 

I will be back (booked Already next August 08) I would recommend this place by a long shot, and you can get BBC 1 on the TV there till it gets switched off around 8.00pm, not by the hotel, it just looses the signal when dark falls.
The only thing I would like to see in this Hotel is some Weighing Scales in reception next year, the luggage is been cut by operators to 15 kilos next year.

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: low cost beds june 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : gillian ancrum 42 11 8

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

please be aware these apartments are swarming with ants they were everywhere on beds on tables you name it they were there went to reception and made a complaint but was told i could not move room they came and sprayed ant killer but it never worked 

the only good thing about this hotel is its location its close to all bars restaurant and the square the hotel had no entertainment at a night time if you just fancied a night in hotel we went to tbe square but be warned the prices are very high 5 euros for a vodka and coke not english vodka either cheap vodka from spain also when you have children with you there is so many machines and shps it costs a fortune for a night at the square 

if you do go to this hotel make sure you book a full sea view i had a side sea view and we looked on to a brick wall and loads of trees no sun got on balcony it was terrible i just put it down to a bad experiance i would never return even for free

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: July 06

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Angela Dunleavy 40s, 30s, 20s, 10

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

In Majorca for a week had this planned for almost a year for mothers birthday.

Hotel very nice had o wait for rooms as they had been double booked and receptionist had to organise other rooms a minor set back.

You will need to have your running shoes on if you require a sun bed as people are waiting for doors to open at 8.00am to put towels on beds and they run out the door. I am not a fast runner so missed out quite a few times. There is a sign but the hotel policy is if you see a towel on bed then remove it and argue with the people yourself.

The pool was abit warm and kids eye were stinging much of the day.

The man at the bar needs to put a smile on his face and treat the holiday makers with abit of respect.

Other than this a great time was had by hall would definately go back to Santa Ponsa but not this hotel.

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: internet booking, april 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : alan and pauline freeman,stockport. 62 and ?

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

very clean and comfortable hotel (maid service 5 times a week).in great location. we paid extra for front sea view and was worth every penny, with suberb views over the bay. very good outdoor pool and smaller heated indoor pool.would recommend self catering option due to the large number of good restraunts nearby,i.e the duke of york just 5mins. stroll, good menu,large portions and friendly staff. we couldnt cope with the special 3 course menu @ 9.5 euros. i would return to this hotel and would recommend it to anybody who was looking for a good 3 star hotel. i have stayed in 4 star that was not as good as this!

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Hotel Jardin Del Mar - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: JWT - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Michelle & Paddy - Dublin (24,30)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we arrived at first there was a bit of confusion,we had booked in a budget travel shop, but they went throught JWT, we were wondering why the holiday was so expensive and the girls in the shop said that was because we were guaranteed a sea view, so we were delighted as the hotel is on the edge of the sea. 

When we arrived it was a different story, we were facing a car park, they were very friendly at reception specialy pedro the reservations manager, he showed us what the travel agent had sent, they had booked a side sea view, which means if you bend over your balcony you night be able to see a bit of water, anyway pedro moved us and it was much better, its a fabulous hotel but a sea veiw is a must.

The pool area is luvley with a bar serving snacks all day, although its a rush for a sunbed, the pool opens at 8am, so i recomend you get up and put your towels down.The rooms were luvly allways kept nice and clean.

The food and drink is very cheap in the resort,its a 5 min walk down to the town were all the night life is. For breakfast, the Wembley cafe which is owned by Fran & Mike is across from the hotel, they do a luvley fry up. For dinner, El Jardin around the corner from the hotel is fabulous, try the chiken breast in pepper sauce, or Mrs Murphys Kitchen down in the town is really nice aswell.

The beach is luvly, thats were we spent most of our time, its easier to sunbathe at the beach as there's a luvly breaze, to hot at the pool.

We had an excellant holiday in Santa Ponsa, will def be going back to Jadin del mar.

Just make sure when booking with your travel agent, that they book you a sea view and not side sea view

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independant - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Moira & Willie  (52, 49)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from a week at the Golf Beach Hotel.Last year i stumbled across this 2* hotel  which turned out to be great,so i booked it again. All the staff were excellent the hotel was spotless.Everyone we met have returned many times, and so will we. Many great eating places Jackies,Mrs Murphys Kitchen and a new one up on the Avenue Reye Jaine Called Sherazade {FAB}

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globespan Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jim, Tracy 34, 33

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First time staying at the Golf Beach and found it very average.
If you are a light sleeper avoid this place like the plague, doors seem to be constantly slammed all night. The hotel was very clean and in a not bad location,except if you were in a room at the front, you would be as well sleeping next to a motorway.

Santa Ponsa itself is a good place.

Try Crocodillos for food, probably the best place in the resort to eat, although you may have to book a table.

Avoid Khans Indian restaurant which is opposite the square. Very bland food at a high price. Tasted like a microwavable curry.

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date:GLOBESPAN - AUG 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Peebs  and co (8 females aged 30-46)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were only there for a 3 day jolly so we didn't get to see lots of the resort but what we did see was ok,i probably wouldn't take the kids there.
Apartments were just what we were looking for, central, spotlessly clean and an informal atmosphere.  The pool was smallish but was never very busy anyway as the beach is a 5 minute walk away. The pool didn't have a kids area just a not so deep part.

I would dfinately recommend this place to couples and groups of friends.

However i wouldn't be so quick to recommend the resort. We went through to Magaluf for a night and i was very surprised that i thought instantly that i wouldn't hesitate in talking small kids there. My preconceptions of this place were, drunken teenagers and lots of clubs with naked dancers. I did see evidence of this but i saw a whole lot more besides. 

I will definately return to this resort with the family.

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Flyglobespan - july 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Stuart Webster-Falkirk (26,24)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I went to the Hotel Golf Beach for 10 days.The hotel is very clean,with sky digital in the bar area.The hotel was quiet for the first 7 days, but for the rest of our holiday i think people were having a contest to see who could slam their doors the loudest!.Peter who works afternoon/evenings in the bar was very friendly.The hotel is only 2-3 mins from the beach,the hotel pool was small but never busy. There is a supermarket across the road where we went to get water,juice and the newspapers.A good place for breakfast was rickies or scots corner,A good restaurant was Tauro which was about a 5 min walk away(walk to the beach turn left at the rounabout,then your first right and it is behind a shop).
The nightlife was quite good but a lot of the bands/singers sang the same songs everynight what can get boring.Went to the dubliner bar were a 8 year old boy was up singing about getting the british army out of ireland with the band,so we soon left.

I would go back to the Golf Beach it is a very nice small hotel with only 3 floors with 36 rooms. 

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: easy jet - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : kev chrissy and kids Newcastle 45,43,16,12,11.

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just returned from santa Ponsa in july which was really a bit too hot for us we normally go in early june.It was difficult sleeping at nights as the rooms are nor air conditioned .

Golf Beach is spotlessly clean with wonderfull staff the manager Peter and his staff really could not do more for you.

The resort is ok but the sea is not as clear and nice as Magaluff or other resorts.

We found tye taxis good value for trips to the waterparks 7 euros frm Santa P

Hotel is nicely placed for resteraunts (crocodillos the best but v busy)but a long walk from the square 1 mile plus up hill !!

The resort has very few authentic spanish resteraunts and a whole host of Irish bars complete with touts encouraging you to go in !

We enjoyed a 10 day break which was really made by Peter and his staff( Marijana ( night  guy )but would probably go to Soller or Puerto Pollensa to avoid the Irish bars and Brit Bars next time .    

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globespan. April,2006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Judge family. (46.46 and 12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just home from a great holiday at the Golf beach hotel. Tony and Peter went out of their way to make our holiday a very enjoyable one, The hotel is spotless and is in a very good location. We will definately be back for more holidays at the Golf beach in Santa Ponsa.

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independant - 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Roland Ellis  66,61

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Although budget-priced, the Golf is actually very good. It is spotlessly clean, all facilities you could reasonably expect, very convenient location near the beach, shops etc, and the staff are very friendly.

Two minor moans: the breakfast is advertised as "continental" and is just that with no frills. don't change cheques etc. in the hotel. They charge 5%, whereas two minute walk will cut that to 2%.

After reading other reviews we tried Crocodillos and found it very overrated. The best restaurants we found were Kellys (one minute further on from Crocodillos), Maison del Mer (a further one minute on opposite side), and El Jardin almost at the Square.

I also read on the site a recommendation for using Janerbus for the transfer from the airport, and this recommendation is spot on. They are excellent. Private taxi both ways, spot on time, and 66E all in, much cheaper than other quotes. Book on line at their website.

We used Alpharooms to book the hotel, very efficient and a good price. Flight out with BMIbaby, also very good. Flight back with Air Berlin, who provide a very good service, i.e. budget price but with frills. Beware however, the flight for Manchester goes via Stansted, and you have to get off, go through immigration, and security and then get back on the same plane with same staff. Unbelievable stupidity!

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Flyglobspan - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Mary Brenda Blair (43) Brandon(4)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from the Golf Beach Hotel and my son and I had a wonderful time. The resort is fantastic and the hotel was great. Before I went I was a little worried to go to a 2* hotel but it was the cleanest hotel I have stayed at ever. My brother was staying elsewhere and found the Golf Beach cleaner, than his and the staff were excellent,they peferred mine to theirs and were able to use the facilities and plan to go back there next year.The pool was very quiet and you were able to get a sunbed even thogh we were there in high season. As a single parent I was worried to be on my own but the staff especially Peter made it very personnel for us and everyone was friendly. The food was of a high standard especilly Peters chips, the breakfast was basic but nice. I was able to hire a fridge which was very useful in the heat to have cool drinks in the room. There is a selection of items that you are able to hire kettle ect. Great location for the beach which was not overcrowded. 

On the whole we had the best holiday ever thanks to hotel staff and my son and I will be back.

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: april 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : sheila - glasgow 42,13,11

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We are just back after a 9 day break in this hotel, everybody there came with flyglobespan, no thomas cook at all.The staff are great,and very child friendly!The weather was not very good but the kids and i thoroughly enjoyed our stay.We met lots of people in the hotel and everybody mixed well with the kids and adults.Peter and tony are very nice and helpful and also the night man Alex.This hotel has a 24 hour license and you can get food at all times.We will definately go back and stay here.

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Flyglobepan - 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : John Greenock 42 40  2

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just like to say that Golf beach was a Great Hotel to Stay,The Staff were very friendly,(Peter Tony and Alex) and they are children friendly,the Hotel is very clean and so are the surrounding areas of the Hotel Pool etc...This was my fourth time at Santa ponsa and I will be back,couple places for Kids and parents,
Burlington berties is a great all round pub,you can back the horses have a drink and the kids can go into a creche and are very well looked after,(soft play Bouncy castle playstations and all other equipment)
If you are looking for a good Breakfast you have to try Scpttish corner is is just down the street from the Jaggy Thistle. 

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Self Book (Again) - 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Robert & Sose (Scotland)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Yet again a visit to Santa Ponsa and Golf Beach. Once more the holiday was made by Peter and Tony (the staff).  Their good humour just makes the difference as does the quiet efficiency of the place.

A real 'home from home' for many who go back year after year just like we do.

Fantastic hotel but dont book we want to keep it for ourselves :)

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Hotel Golf Beach - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: self booked - 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Ernie and Sheila both 49 Bradford

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Here we are again  5 years at the same hotel  ,but with one or two changes of opinion, First of all we booked the holiday over the net,flights transfers and hotel all booked in minutes ,10 glorious june days all for less than £500 in total. however the Hotel was full .all 36 rooms and this made for noisy sleeping as the doors were banged shut throughout the nights, ,we shall return next year but it will be in mid May. The Entertainment up in "the square" was nearly always excellent, but one or two of thr Tribute bands/singers were shall we say,not very good,

My wife and I tried out some new Restaurants and we found the "Oeste"  to be of a very high Standard, and also Kelly's Corner, both these Establishments are on the Avenue Reye Jaime ,up the left side of the bay.

We had a day out in nearby Palma Nova and Magaluf ,taxi fares cost around 8 Euro's there and return, its impossible to walk to these places so do not try, we also had a lovely cliff and sand walk round to the nearby resort of Paquera ,alas we never reached our destination, my wife was to hot,,, so on our return on the roads we found the Dew drop inn and had a lovely meal and drink before returning to S.P.

Being from Bradford we love our Curry's so we ventured up to Khaans Restaurant near the square and we met Errol from Bradford the Restaurant owner, what a wonderful meal his staff put on ,plus its in lovely surroundings,

Our two favourite English bars are the Crown in the square and The Oak up the left of the Bay, Mark,Kelly and Karen are great hosts in the Crown while, Steve,Karen and Ian run a great Oak's bar, Jim runs quiz nights at both these bars and its great fun sahowing off your General Knowledge...or lack of it. you hear so many people complaining about the Resort of Santa Ponsa being for the  Scottish or Irish visitors but heyyyyy what great folks they are, remember we are all Brits out on holiday, get out there and Enjoy it.

For families with young kids seek out the Electric beach bar, Ian and Jenny will look after the kids while the parents can have a drink knowing the kids are safe.and just remember to help make a good holiday into a great one pick up the free magazine "Santa Ponsa Scene" it can be found in most bars.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Panorama - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Laura - (38, 37, 9)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Stayed at these apartments for the first two weeks in July. Having read reviews we were unsure what to expect.

Our experience of these apartments were that they were clean (no maid service Sunday and Tuesday), towels changed (if you leave them by the side of the bath), beds made, bins emptied etc.  The pool area was cleaned every day also and the pool checked and maintained regularly. Any problems were quickly dealt with by the excellent reception staff (Elvira in particular is great and very friendly).

The manager took the towels off unoccupied sunbeds in the morning so no need to get up at dawn to "reserve your space".

Food in restaurant at apartments was basic (toasties, chips, sandwiches, pork chops etc.)and they do serve big portions.

We mainly ate out at night (tried many places, Mrs Murphy's Kitchen (up in the Irish Centre), Crocadillos, the Trattoria at the bottom of the street were amongst the best meals (Mrs Murphy's Kitchen my particular favourite the Banoffee pie is lovely).

Mary the childrens entertainer is great - she leaves no-one out and coaxes your kids to join in so they make friends easily. Daytime entertainment for the children (apart from the kids club for the toddlers) is t-shirt painting, water bingo, treasure hunts etc.

Evening entertainment was really a "hit or a miss". Mary done the kids disco then a couple of kids games and then bingo. Whilst we were there the later entertainment was a Clown (okay), hypnotist (good), film quiz (terrible), Karaoke (okay), a Rod Stewart evening (good), Mr Santa Ponsa (good fun involving those staying at the apartments - you certainly cannot be shy).

We also went to "The Square" and the entertainment there was the same "hit or a miss".  Basically if you go out with the intention of having fun and enjoying yourself you can and will.

Lots of Irish people in apartments and in Santa Ponsa, a few Scottish but hardly any English.

We had a great time and would most definately go back there.  Our daughter met the nicest friends and had an absolute ball playing with them and with Mary and constantly scoffing slushes and pringles!!!!!

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Sunworld - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Eamonn - Waterford (28,25)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I've done a few of these reviews in the past few years, and had nothing but praise for the apartments / hotels and resorts. However I have very little good to say about this place.

There's only one word to describe this resort - tacky, and that's after being to Gran Canaria , Tenerife and Crete. We went to Magaluff one night. This is even worse that Santa Ponsa. Went to Palma Nova another night. This was a bit nicer but not enough to return.

We weren't helped by the fact that the Sunworld rep didn't bother turning up at the apartments in the 2 weeks we were there. Even on our departure there was no rep. Booked our excursions with the other reps, who had little good to say about the Sunworld rep. Booked the island tour up the road from the apartments for ?16. It cost ?60 with the reps in the apartment. Would definitely recommend the Pirates night - excellent.

We requested a room away from the main road. We were put in a room by the main road and overlooking the bar. We had noise from both sides of the apartment. Got barely any sleep from the noise on the road. There was no rep to complain to. I was surprised at Sunworld as we've got great service from them on a number of trips to Turkey.
Would not recommend this resort if you look forward to going out for dinner at night. The restaurants here are very disappointing as they all seem to do a bit of everything and not very well. We went to Crocadilos four nights, not because it was anything special but because there was little alternative.
The pubs were as bad, all playing the same music at the same times every night. Wouldn't recommend any as they're all the same.

All in all there are some nice parts in Majorca, but don't think I'll return, definitely not to Santa Ponsa!

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: First Choice-July/Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : (29,26,7,5)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from Santa Ponsa Appts.  I rate it pretty average to be honest.  Apartments very basic and slightly cramped, slept in front room with my daughter.. 

Maid service I thought quite bad, only came in and made beds, didnt sweep or even clean toilet.  General cleanliness of hotel not great either.  Pool area good but main part of pool had straight drop from childs end into 2metre pool, I saw at least 10 people go under and the lifeguard not even there!  Sorry but have to be honest ..... For the good parts though entertainment with Mary the hotel entertainer very good, general nightime shows good and kids club ok if kids need break from the sun.  Very large irish presence throughtout resort but met a few people from England too.  Found bar prices quite expensive but as I read previously just pop to supermarker across the road for cans and crisps etc for very cheap.  Beach nearby and very nice, clean and safe for kids, lovely winding paths with birds singing in the trees above.  Restaurants and bars ok lots of english food, Mcdonalds and chips. 

Probably wont return to Majorca for couple of years now but am glad I went and saw.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: first choice -july 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Darren-theresa Derbyshire (38,36,10&6)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

ON arrival you are greeted by very friendly staff ,the rooms are all facing the pool if a little basic (only 4 coats hangers and not enough space for your clothes) take a travel kettle the ones provided are rubbish and be careful with the hob hard to work out ,cant tell which rings are on ,air con definetly a plus.The maids are good plenty of clean towels.

The pool is the biggest one we have had yet, and its the first time ive actually seen the manager take towels off sunbeds, its very amusing watching them all scurry down to keep there beds,daily life guard an excellent idea .
The snack bar was a little expensive but the staff are really friendly (but a little slow at times forgetting us altogether twice but havin said that they are very busy)there is a cheap supermarket across the road .

The resort centre is just a 5 min walk with plenty of lovely shops ,bars,restaraunts and a beautiful beach.
Crocodillios and jackies are good but be prerared to book or have a long wait at the popular places .
We took a trip to Marinelnd very cheep trip,really good sealion and dolphin shows, but we got a taxi 10 euros as the free bus that goes there never turned up,also a bus excursion to coves del drach ,the caves are a wonderful sight (lots of steps not ideal if your unsteady on your feet )also little children tend to stepped on as everyone is packed in like sardines and all looking up.
I hope this has been of some help lovely apts ,pool and resort would definetly
go back and stay here again.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Nicola Dobie - Wishaw (34, 32, 15)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the second time we have been to the Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments and yet again we weren't dissapointed.  What can i say about these apartments; they are basic but very clean the cooking facilities are limited but we rarely used them anyway, on the plus side you do get a microwave and a toaster which many other apartments charge you for.

The pool is lovely and is always clean as is the rest of the hotel.  All the staff are very friendly especially Mari who works endlessly to make sure the kids have a great holiday. 

My son was 15 whilst on holiday and he had a great time, there was plenty for him to do in the resort.

My partner also had a great time visiting as many of the Irish Bars as possible in the two weeks there (lots of hangovers!!!)

All in all we had a great time and will definitely be booking up again next year!

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 41,39,11,9

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We hadn't been abroad for fifteen years prior to this holiday, so we were avid readers of this site, trying to glean as much info as possible on the apartments and the resort.

We were definately NOT disappointed.
We had an absolute ball at the GSP. The apartment was basic but very clean and comfortable. Cooking facilities ARE limited but as we ate out quite a lot, it didn't matter.
Our children were kept fully entertained by the wonderful Mari, who not only runs the kids club, but does the night time entertainment as well. What a gal!
The pool was absolutely fantastic, with LOADS of sunbeds, and a lifeguard on duty every day.
Most staff were extremely helpful, with one exception who shall remain nameless. Elvira on the reception desk was a darling.

Bar prices EXTORTIONATE.....go to Eroski supermarket over the road. Cans of beer 26c!!!!!!!
Great pubs and restaurants. We thoroughly recommend Crocodillos. Lovely staff...lovely grub! Scottish Corner family pub great as well. PS2 for the kids, games machines, bouncy castle etc...
Do visit Western Water Park if u take kids (or even if u don't!!). A great day out.

What else can I say??? Can't wait to book again for next year!!

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Linda Faulkner-49, 45, 10

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just returned from a week at gran santa ponsa apartments in June 06, first time in santa ponsa.

Apartments were quite small, but staff were friendly, most of guests were irish,with a small percentage of scots and english.

Pool was nice, plenty of sun loungers and paraasols for hire-1.5 euro, there is a  bar and pool table near the pool, service in bar was good and friendly, you could also roder snack type meals.

As for the resort, it is a small bay, with the Irish quarter one one side and the Scots and Engish bars on the other side, it helps too blend in on the irish side if you wear a celtic shirt.

On the Irish side there is a square up the hill with live entertainment and seating in the middle of the square, with bars all round the square and shops and arcades to keep the kids entertained, it was just my luck to be a jackson five tribute band on the night we were at the square, funny how it seemed to clear the families!

On the road leading down from Gran santa Ponsa apartments there are some good bars and restuarants opposite the beach, mentions for the watering hole for their breakfasts, crocodilo's for their meals and scottish corner for kids entertainment-free bouncy castle and free play stations to keep the kids entertained whilst you partake in the generous scottish measures and cold san miguels.

If you get bored with snata ponsa, it is a short cheap bus ride to magaluf/palma nova-1.2 euros for the water parks and golf fantasia or Pirates, and the bus goes to Palma if you fancy sme serious shopping/sightseeing.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Falcon - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Sheedy, 34 ,31

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our holiday was on the 13th September 2005. Our accommodation was spotless and we could not fault it. The receptionists were always very helpful and friendly.  The air conditioning was very good, but it was only in the living room area, but did not need it at night at this time of year anyhow.  The maid service was 5 times a week and they did their job very well.  The pool area was lovely and clean with three different sections to it.  Cannot comment on in house entertainment as we went out all the time. Food there was not great.  Just lots of chips and this service we found to be slow.  It was also quite expensive compared with eating outside of the complex.  It rained for 2 of the 7 days  that and in this respect a TV would have been very handy.  There is a supermarket right across the road from the apartments and a much bigger one if you turn right when you come out of the apartments and walk for 5 mins called Caparho.

The resort itself is very Irish orientated, just the same as Magaluf is very English orientated.  There are lots of Irish Pubs, the Dubliner, the Shamrock, Dicey Rileys, Durty Nellies, you get the picture.  The atmosphere in all these pubs was very nice and friendly but after a week is enough of listening to The Fields of Athenry. Also they could do with swapping the bands around the different pubs, the same bands played in the same pubs, played the same songs at the same times every night. 

The beach is lovely and clean and the water is not too cold. 

As for eating, we mostly ate out at niught. Really enjoyed Crocodillos, but do book if you want to go there after 8pm - even in September.  Mrs Murphy's Kitchen is also nice. 

All in all a good holiday apart from 2 days rain but I do think it would help a great deal if you were Irish.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Shane Simmons - Kent ( 46, 45, 15)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel - Basic but adequate. Living room was small, but ok. Not much hanging space. Pool snack bar good with a life guard on duty every day. All rooms face the pool and we had air con in our room.

Location - excellent, quite a busy street but away from the noisy bars and pubs.

Beach - was in a bay, so was very calm with hardly no waves at all. Water was also very clear. Bakers oppisite the beach do very nice cakes and baguettes.

Restaurants - Mistys, grannys, mrs murphys are all english/irish very friendly. Portifinos and Tonys on roundabout were good food value. The irish quarter is very lively with bars, more restaurants and clubs.

Entertainment - hotel had bingo and scheduled show for every night but saturday. Bit hit and miss. The Square had free live entertainment every night, with Robbie Williams, Abba and the four tops (tribute artists) Worth the walk up the hill!!

Found this website (holidays- uncovered.co.uk) very useful, but also santaponsa.com has a list of top restaurants, bars and entertainers to see, with a handy street map of the resort. Get a free booklet 'Santa Ponsa scene' from all english restaurants.
Look up at the trees near the bay for parakeets (green parrots). You will definitely hear them!
Overall, a fantastic holiday in Majorca and would recommend this to anyone. Will definitely be going back.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - October 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Ian & Penny - Milton Keynes [51, 50]

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I have been to Santa Ponsa many times [parents lived there for over 10 years so I know it well], but this was my first time going as a 'tourist'!!

Gran Santa Ponsa appts were pretty basic...I suppose you get what you pay for. I wouldnt recommend trying to cook a 4 course meal, but toast and coffee in the morning no problem. It seemed that the maids came in every day, although brochures said 2 days off. Room kept very clean. Bit small, but as it was only for sleeping, who cares! Word of warning here....only single beds, so 'snuggling' a bit of an adventure!
Facilities were adequate....no restaurant, but the bar did serve snacks. Typical english 'cafe' menu, so dont expect Paella!! Chips with everything...
Bar prices good....pint of draught 2.70 Euro's, but forget the cocktails - all out of instant bottles and a bit over-priced.
Pool fantastic, although we didnt venture in as it seemed a bit cold! Spotlessly clean, and enough sun beds for half an army.
All staff seemed freindly, and a couple of words in Spanish go a long way to breaking the ice. Entertainment every day, as well as a quiz and bingo in the evening before 'proper' entertainment. Cannot comment here as we didnt stay in to watch! Supermarket across the street, plus one just up the road [much bigger, but seemed to be more expensive]

Resort itself has changed over the years, but still basically the same. Cannot say anything about the 'disco' end of the main street, but would recommend the 'Golf' bar [upstairs near the main roundabout] as well as the 'watering hole' up the other way. For local food, try 'Meson del Rey' or 'Meson del Mar'....1st one just one block away from the appts, the other one towards the left hand hill as you look at the beach....blind paella excellent [no bones or shells]...both very reasonable - meson del Mar has a great location and we were charged ?56 for the 2 of us....3 courses, with the wine at ?13! Meson del Rey saw 4 of us have 3 courses each with wine and coffee for under ?100. Also know that 'Casa Miguels' is very good...

Rep at the hotel not too bad, but if she had said "done and dusted" one more time I think I would have screamed! Very quick to flog the trips, but not too helpful if what you wanted wasnt listed.....dont bother using them for the caves...easier [and cheaper] to try it on your own....1 hour in the caves and more time being force fed pearls at manacor or really expensive jewellery somewhere else. Inca market good fun, but be prepared to walk, and haggle. Plenty of bars to wet the whistle, but if you see a table, grab it!

Plenty of souvenir shops in the area, but explore a bit first....may find the same thing cheaper a couple of doors down! Suss out what you want, look for it, find it and then buy at the cheapest location!
Overall a good time was had by all....it was meant as a cheap and cheerful trip, and it did more than meet our needs.

Wouldnt hesitate to recommend it, and would definitely go back again.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Stan & Sheila Jones -Cambridge 56,49

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Resort was excellent with plenty of bars, restaurants & entertainment. The Square was extremely good for superm free entertainment. Alex Duval the hypnostist at Jardin de Luz was another highlight. The marina was superb. The boat trips are recommended as a break from the momotony of sun bathing. Would recommend Kellys on the Corner for food. Excellent. 

The apartments were clean and maintained by cheerful staff. The reception was first class. Only downside was the reserving of the best sun beds at 8.30 each morning. Some times 12 beds 'reserved' and only occupied late afternoon. Senseless.Entertainment at the Gran Santa Ponsa ranged from very poor to quite good. 'Rod Stewart', female singer, magician & hypnotist were good but the rest of the entertainment was poor.Still, plenty to do off site. Hidden treasures is a good excursion to go on. 

All in all a very good holiday and would recommend the site & resort to all.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Stein - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : Thomas - Ireland 24, 22

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Santa Ponsa is a lovely place.  I couldn't believe how clean it was.  Nitelife is great loads of bars and resturants.  Drink and food were very cheap.  A lot of bars have offers where you can get 2 drinks for ?5.  The apartments were great they were also very clean and and towels and bed linen were changed reguraly.  One problem was there was no air conditioning in the bedroom so it was very hot at night time.  There is a supermarket across the road and a bigger one just up the road towards the round about.  I would go back to santa ponsa again and would have no problem staying in these apartments( 3-4 to lovely beach and 10 mins to pubs and clubs)

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: PANARAMA- JULY 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : PHILIPS- LIMERICK, EIRE (44, 40, 16, 14)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from Santa Ponsa and really enjoyed it. 

Had been a little apprehensive as had heard bad reports about the resort. Apartments were lovely very spacious and all had a pool view, plentiful supply of sunbeds and the staff actually do remove towels from beds not being used.Some noise from the road at night and in the morning but got used to it. Supermarket across the road and a larger one on the left a little up from the apartments. A self service laundrette across the road. Staff pleasant and helpful plentiful supply of towels available. 

Entertainment fairly good in the apartments. Mary excellent with the children although our two a bit old for it much to their disappointment. Lovely restaurants in resort Kelly on the Corner, Jackie's and Mrs Murphy's Kitchen very good and reasonably priced. Plenty of Irish pubs concentrating on Celtic and Rebel type songs got a bit boring after a while. Not very impressed with the Square thought the sound was poor and the acts not great but others loved it.

Overall would recommend resort and apartments

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Falcon May 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Two adults, 1 child 44, 38, 3 - Dublin

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Gran Santa Ponsa are well located close to the beach (400m) and supermarkets - SVP across the road Caprabo about 100m.  We were in an apartment on the road side and traffic noise can be a problem although not too serious - request either of the wings - the pool is great for children - 3 sections at various depths with lifeguard.  

For children there are 2 nice public playgrounds in Santa Ponsa - roughly behind McDonalds on either side of the dry riverbed.  The staff on reception are very friendly and helpful particularly Elvira who has great knowledge of the local area.  

reat restaurants around Meson del Ray, Meson del Mar, Miguels, El Olivo.  Also if you wish to travel slightly further there are nice restaurants in Calvia village (taxi about e8) and Son Ferrer (taxi again about e7-8).  Palma definetly worth a visit but get a map beforehand and download the walking tour from the tourist site - direct public bus from Santa Ponsa (102 I think).  Marineland (tickets from reception) also worth a visit - again public bus from outside Caprabo - at time of writing 9.05am.  Kids under 3 are free into Marineland - don't pay if they look anything under 3! 

Caves of Drac in Porto Cristo are also well worth visiting - hire a car and do it yourself - much cheaper - but go early - it takes about 1 and a half hours from Santa Ponsa.  Apartments we found comfortable and the AC can be great with small kids - cleaning staff were good and seemed to be in every day.  

If you want to hire a car - the rates at reception are very good - in particular if you are only doing short trips around the local area the 3 days for e52 for a Panda (not a new car!!) is very good.  Traffic is a problem in Majorca at present - road works everywhere so leave plenty of time.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: stein travel - Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Richard Nevin .  Ireland

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

These were the most helpful staff we ever encountered on holiday.  The apt. was well equipped (but no TV).  Needed a lick of paint as it was end of season (end Oct 2004). Entertainment every night - some better than others. Excellent supermarket right across the road, and hypermarket about 150 yds.  Must have a pizza at 'Simsalabim' across the road.  3/4 miles from the main  resort.(taxi 3.50).

Very disabled friendly building. As all the shops, restaurants were nearby I as one who has difficulty walking, found it very easy to get around.

Stein travel reps were excellent.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August/September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Julie Thompson - Altrincham 35, 39, 7, 3

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from Santa Ponsa and had a brilliant time. Weather was hot, approx. 31C.

APARTMENTS: They were one of the nicest apartments I have ever been to.  All rooms were overlooking the pool.  Apartments were'nt massive and lounge area was quite small.  There wasn't any worktop space in the kitchen and if you made some toast, you had to put the toaster on the kitchen drainer, however, it was fine for what we needed. The apartments were very clean and maids came in quite regular.  

The pool was fantastic and the kids loved it. A life guard was on duty every day. There were plenty of sunbeds so even if you did'nt get up till 3.00p.m, you would still get one.  The staff were very welcoming and helpful and nothing was too much for them. There is a supermarket across the road, but there is an even bigger one if you turn right out of the apartments and walk to the top near the roundabout.  Only found this out when we were coming home on the coach.

BEACH:  It was a lovely man made beach, appox. 10 min walk.  It was really clean and the water was so clear.  Look out for the odd jelly fish though!  They are small brown things, not like the ones we have over here.

RESORT:  Approx. 10 mins walk.  This again was lovely.  It was quite lively with lots of restaurants and bars.  I've never seen so many Irish people, it's full of them and up the hill at the top end were loads of Irish bars.  It was a really nice atmosphere.  

If the kids are bored, take them to Burlington Berties.  They have 2 bouncy castles and the staff look after and entertain the kids while you sit back and relax.  The bar next to Berties is Electric Beach.  That's also good for kids but watch out, they try to rip you off with the price of drinks, so we did'nt go back there again.  Eating out was Ok but there was only one restaurant which we thought did nicer meals than anywhere else and that was the President Bar which is next to the beach.  Try the Paella, it's gorgeous.

All in all we had a fantastic holiday in a fantastic resort. I would not hesitate in coming back to the Gran Santa Apartments, they were brilliant.   

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: falcon august 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : daniel hillary galway (45,16,12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

jackies restaurant food first class.
shamrock bar great craic.
palma must see. bus every 30 minutes. 2.20 per person. le carte ingles mall great. cathedral great. mallorca great!!!

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Discounts) Panorama, 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Cambridgeshire (39, 38, 9, 5)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What we liked: the price, very easy internet booking, tickets received immediatelly, absolutely hassle-free, very friendly reception staff (five-star!)- they moved us to a quiet apartment, helped with all the repairs of the equipment, etc.

Swimming pool that could be used until late (actually until almost 9 pm, event though the lifeguard stayed there only until 7 pm) - extremely useful if you come back from the beach and the kids still want a splash, or if you want to have a proper swim in the empty pool. No problems with sunbeds - there were always several available. Individually controlled air-condition.

What we did not like: apparently no-one had informed us that there is a limit of baggage weight 32kg per piece - we had to re-pack our bags at the airport (if there was any information on this in the ticket or other documents, we could not find it).

The apartment we were first given was very noisy - it was on the street side of the hotel, and in the morning we had lorries and motorbikes roaring inside our heads. But when we asked at the reception, they immediately moved us to a quite room. The apartments are small, especially the living room, there is very little furniture and little space for cooking your own meal. 

Cleaning of the rooms was rather "symbolic" - during the two-week stay we never had the floor properly hoovered & mopped. There were often problems with clean towels (they did not have enough to give us 4 big + 4 small towels?).

The pool area was becoming very littered during the day and stayed like that until the next morning. No-one seemed to care about the fact that the kids were throwing their cups, wrappers, etc. everywhere - neither the parents, nor the staff, perhaps this is someone's idea of great holidays? The pool itself had a layer of papers and other rubbish on the bottom. My son said that many kids behaved in a "violent" manner and he had problems making friends (which mormally is not a problem at all). 

The selection of bar meals and drinks was very basic. In the whole resort of Santa Ponsa everything is modern and aimed at tourists and it is very difficult to find any local food & climate. The hotel entertainment for children was poor, our kids never wanted to play anything, dance at mini-discos, etc (and this came as a big surprise after 2003 holidays when they loved all such activities). The night shows were sometimes poor, sometimes good, sometimes excellent. We liked the hypnotist very much, but it was completely inappropriate for children due to explicit sexual contents and no warings on this had been given so many kids (and parents...) seemed to have been surprised. Some other shows were perhaps a bit too spicy for kids as well.

We cannot comment on airport transfers as we were not using them. The beach in Santa Ponsa is small, we preferred driving to the other end of the island to the Alcudia Bay (approx 1 hour drive) to enjoy the excellent beaches & sea. We had an excellent afternoon see diving, first time in our life, with the local Zoea diving centre - perfectly organised, highly recommended.

Of course if you like eating out & bars there are lots of places in Santa Ponsa, but we cannot comment on any restaurants - for us, eating out is not what tigers like best.

Magaluf is very close with its Aqualand (excellent), Western Water Park (very good), Nemo Submarine (we had bad luck as it was cancelled due to bad weather) and Pirates (the Panorama rep was not able to get tickets for us, but we bought them just on the door on the last day of our stay, so our advice is not to give up when you hear it is all booked). And there are fantastic mountains very close in the North, if you like a thrill of driving on hairpin roads (I love it), the views are spectacular.

Generally, if you can get a good deal and can save several houndred pounds, it is probably a good place to go, but do not expect to be pampered.

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Gran Santa Ponsa Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Lawrenson- 36,36,10,7

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The apartments are in a good location, about a 5-10 min walk to the resturants and bars. The apartments on the whole were good though a little basic. Lifeguard at the pool was fantastic.
Good system at apts where the pool cleaner removes any towels that are left unatended in the morning, so when we went to the pool at 10 ish we could always get beds and even in the afternoon there was still some free. What a refreshing change.
On the whole a good holiday.

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Hotel Hesperia - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: hotel.com - june 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Bev & John Barnsley ( 49, 47 )

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

stayed at the hesperia, for one week on half board, the hotel was lovely, very clean. our room overlooked the side road but it was fine, the food in the hotel was very nice, plenty to choose from. The swimming pool was a good size with plenty of sunbeds, the two entertaiment girls were brilliant, they kept everyone amused, santa ponsa is a lovely place, there are alot of hen parties and stag dos, we went to the square (shananagans)a lovely couple from barnsley run it, also applebees on the strip is a quieter pub, but a lovely welcome awaits, 

hope you enjoy it, i will im going back in september

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Direct holidays - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Frances and stuart Donnelly (44,38):

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from santa ponsa, good resort, if you have children the scottish corner is very good,fun family nights,owners excellent with the children, also excellent food,

The Hesperia is a lovely clean hotel, nice food with plenty choice as usual I heard people complaining about the food but as usual the same people sitting with 3 starters four main courses and 5 sweets.  maybe they think they have to eat everything on offer and not consider that they are trying to cater for other nationalities, there is entertainment on every night which is good for families.  The staff are very friendly and will go out there way to ensure yoy enjoy your stay. 

I will definetely be going back to this hotel.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Sandra, Paul & Michael (42, 44, 5)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Stayed in hotel at the end of May 2007 and was pleasant surprised by the cleaniness and friendlyness of all the staff.  Room was a bit small but adequate for our stay.  Room was cleaned every day.  Had pool and sea view and over looked the entertainment area but this finished at midnight (on the dot).  No problem with getting a sunbed with brolly.

Entertainment during the day was excellent - plenty to do for adults and children and entertainment acts in the evening were varied.  If you are looking for a fun time see Martha, small in size but massive in fun and energy.  Absolutely brilliant - she made our holiday.

Food was great, spoilt for choice even our 5 year old was catered for.

Location was brill, right across the road from a beautiful sandy beach.  Beware of the parrots.

Best family holiday we have had for a long time.  The Pirates show was fantastic - 5 years and above if your thinking about it.

Enjoyed it so much we are going back in August.  A big, big thank you to Martha and all the staff.  

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours may 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : sylvia & kevin 52 & 58

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we have just returned from a week at this hotel, we were staying hb. The food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from, the hotel was very clean & the staff couldnt do enough for you. It is situated across the road from a lovely sandy beach & there are a variety of bars a short stroll away, this resort is very popular with the irish & scotch. We would certainly go there again, we booked last september having read all the rewviews on this site,If you like your cuppa in the morning i would recomend bringing your own kettle as there are no tea making facilities provided.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama Sept 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Chandler - Manchester (25,28,4)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Holiday resort was very nice but I was very disappointed with the hotel's lack of entertainment and activities for children.  I travelled slightly out of season and I was told the kids club was closed and entertainment was slowing down due to the time of year.  (I was not told this in the brochure - Panorama)
I would not book through them again! 
Hotel staff very nice and pool was nice.  Location good but food and hotel was not really for children and familys but for the over 50's.

I would most certaninly not stay at this hotel again and I would not recomend this hotel to anyone with children or anyone under the age of 50!!

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Direct August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Barbara Coulthard- Liverpool (46,48)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just returned from an excellent stay at Hesperia.Hotel was very clean and staff friendly and helpful. The entertainments officer, Wim, was exceptionally friendly, a real bonus if you have kids with you.
The food was good with a wide range of choice to suit all palletes.
Pool area clean and safe. Water was not too deep; again a boost for kids.
The hotel near to beach for those who prefer it to pool. We had some lovely walks along the promenade.
Entertainment in hotel was varied some good, some not so good; although it is free so you can't complain!
plenty of other options available in the reosrt; lively bars to the right and quieter bars and restaurants to the left from the main road outside the hotel.
We will certainly return.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Keith / Carol  40 something

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First class Hotel maid service everyday.rooms have a double bed an a queen size bed.Some food cooked in front of you,very good choice. Right on beach, pool a good size. Entertainment bit naff.but kids seamed to enjoy it.Lots of different nationalaties at this Hotel so lots of good manners. Staff very helpful. Would highly reccomend this one.the resort is Great for all ages there is the quiet part turn left out of the Hotel and the Irish bars are to the right 

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Lynn,Graham& Tony (37,34,10)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just returned from hotel in Santa Ponsa.Excellent hotel in beach front location,right in centre of resort.Shops,bars and discos all in walking distance.10 min uphill walk to the square where free entertainment takes place.Meals in hotel excellent,clean dining room and friendly helpfull staff.Entertainment team (Wim and Caroline) great fun kids loved them.Rooms on the small side but spotlessly clean.Overall great hotel in a great resort(loads of Irish) would definatly return.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama Holidays June 29, 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Manchester 48 & 45

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: No rating

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As mentioned in earlier post, no holiday at this hotel. Panorama called us 2 days before to say 6 people overbooked but offered us Pioneero Hotel which is very poor and had nothing else to offer.  Had a lot of hassle retrieving money paid and took one month for refund.  Please if you want to go to this hotel would not recommend PANORAMA or as its otherwise known MYTRAVEL as you may end up bitterly disappointed with no holiday.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : 22 of us got moved as over booked

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

everyone who booked into this hotel with my travel ie direct holidays got moved from this hotel with next to no notice to the hotel next door the marina rey don jamie on 24/06/06. so if you have booked this hotel chances are you will be moved. we got told this has been an ongoing problem for years. but dont worry if you get moved to the marina rey don jamie its great.. 

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Panorama Direct) Panorama - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Elaine White - Leeds  aged 40, ages within part (50,2 1/2,67,66,31,30,3 & 10 months)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went to this hotel in June 2005 and had such a good time that we booked again for June 2006.  The weather was not as good this year but we still a fantastic holiday.

The hotel is very clean although some of the rooms can be a bit on the small side (for 3 sharing).  The food is excellent with something for everyone and a different choice every day/night.  The staff are very friendly and the entertainment was suitable for all tastes/ages. The pool area is lovely, relaxing and clean and you could always get a sun lounger. The hotel is situated right opposite the beautiful white sandy beach - perfect!  

Santa Ponsa is only about a 45 min bus ride from the airport which is fantastic if you have young children in your party as they get bored after the flight etc.  Just be aware of the uneven footpaths.  My dad had the misfortune of tripping over one night and breaking his arm which needed to be operated on.  So, this did spoil the end of our holiday but don't let it put you off - just be careful where you step!  There are plenty of bars /restaurants and the square is only about a 15 min walk away which has really good entertainment.  Our kids loved Scottish Corner as they had a bouncy castle, racing cars, merry-go-round, TV & video games - very friendly staff.  They also liked Berties Club.  If you go the first 2 weeks in June, there is a carnival/fair which the kids also loved.  

All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone whatever your age.  I will go back one day but it is a big world out there and will try other places first!

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Jo Merseyside (41, 35,1)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from a week at the Hesperia and I cannot think of anything bad to say about it.  It was spotless and the maid came and cleaned every day.

The food was excellent so much choice both at breakffast and Dinner.  Our little girl who is 16 months old had a ball all the staff could not do enough for her.

The pool area was great you could even get a bed at 2pm there were no towles out in the morning which was good to see.

If you don't feel like much for lunch you must have a made to measure baguette from DOn Pepe the supermarket on the front next to the hotel.  You can have any mixture of fillings and they are made while you wait and excelelnt value at 2.90 euros.

Santa ponsa has something to offer all age groups and your night can be as quiet or as lively as you want it to be as there are loads of bars to choose from as well as the Square.

Would definetely go back

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Sean Bonnar - London (20 and 18)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel was excellent. I am hoping that it soon gets it's rating upped from 3 stars as it certainly deserved more. We stayed on a half-board basis and found that choice for food was excellent both at breakfast and at dinner. We were on the second floor and got a view of a construction site which wasn't great but they were nowhere near as noisy as we were expecting and they were all gone from about 6:30PM.

We were told that the resort was quiet and that Magaluf might have suited us better as younger travellers but I must say that we were completely entertained for the entire week. We went on three trips. One was called "Discover Majorca" and we suggest you go on this one. We got taken on a coach to Palma, a train up the mountains along orange and lemon tree groves which was beautiful, then on the coach on the other side, taken to a tram, taken to a boat, taken to a small village that only seemed accessible by boat and boy, if this wasn't the best part of the day! There were gorgeous waters although the sea was full of jellyfish so we weren't able to swim, that is, until we found the path through the mountains that led to a small cove where there was a stone beach and nice cool water to swim in as well as a huge canyon to explore. From there we got on a coach and were shown that the village WAS accessible from the road...as we were taken on a trip up the mountains. I think at one point we were 1,100 meters up but there were stunning views. Then it was down to the market town of Inca and then we went home.

The next trip we went on was to the "Pirates" show and that far exceeded expectations. Seriously, if you're in Majorca at all, go and see it. It was a great night out, the meal was included and there was free-flowing White Wine, Sangria and fizzy drinks too.

Try and go on a boat trip as well. We went on a 5 hour trip which included lunch and a trip to "Isla Dragonera" or Dragon Island. Worth a visit for sure.

We couldn't believe how much there was to do in a resort which was supposedly "quiet" and the Hesperia was literally across the road from the beach. We'd definitely go again and we have already recommended it to everyone we know.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays  June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Mark Shuttleworth - Lancashire(42, 43, 24, 19, 18,17)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from an excellent holiday in Santa Ponsa, the hotel was brilliant, very clean, good choice of food, lovely bright dining room and friendly staff. Wim the entertainments manager does an excellent job and we enjoyed staying in the hotel in the evenings, this hotel would probably be rated a 4 star if they had extras like hairdryers & fridges in the room, but these can be hired. The resort is lovely not to busy but with plenty of shops & bars. The beach is just across a quiet road and the walk is through pine trees were wild parakeets live. We would definately return to Santa Ponsa & the Hesperia.  

The only thing that spoilt a lovely relaxing holiday was that Direct Holidays were trying a new flight carrier Air Class and it was awful, the plane on the flight out was old and tatty with no hot drinks or meals available & no in-flight entertainment, we complained to our rep: and she told us that most people had complained, on our return journey we had a 14 hour delay so we just hope direct holidays carry on using My travel planes.

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Hotel Hesperia - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: MAY  2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : JOHN 60 BRENDA 57  MARK CLAIRE  35  RACHEL  7 AND ALEX 3 YEARS

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just back from a great holiday,at hesperia  come out of the hotel  and your right on the beach 10-15 minute walk to the centre square where all the entertainment was just starting up  .you must go to the pub  the auld triangle  after 9 30 great singer on  really friendly and makes you feel welcome  and always remember you when u go back .good entertainment on night time  at hotel ,really good with the kids as well games through the day. good room for kids to play colour in etc  slides  sand pit .nice meals as well  freshly cooked as u wait .

def  recommend this hotel  .enjoy and book this hotel x

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: panarama

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : ROB & SUE 41& 45  TEESSIDE

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel excellent,very clean staff always very friendly & helpfull.Wim was brill with all the kids young and old.
For pubs & entertainment you cant fault the place try untitled, mickeys & just about all the irish bar. The square for young & old is agood night out loads of bars. For food you couldnt find better  than the Duke of York,Scotts & Mrs Murphys. if you pick up a guide book from one of the bars you cant go wrong, full of good bits of info. ENJOY! 

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Caroline and Rob  - Coventry (both 50's)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were really disappointed in this hotel.  Having stayed at another Hesperia Hotel (in Lanzarote) twice earlier this year, the Playas de Mallorca was nowhere near as good even allowing for the fact it was a star rating lower. 

The position is great, opposite the lovely beach, the rooms are fine, ours overlooked the pool but was not in a good position (first floor just above the bar) so we never felt we could sit out.  The pool looked ok but for our first 2 days all of the approx 200 sunbeds were "reserved" all day by towels despite a note in the hotel information to say they shouldn't be. Only about 20 of them were actually being used. 

The food was quite varied but always luke warm, dirty plates left on tables throughout the meal. The bar was always nearly empty, no atmosphere at all. We found the bar staff very unfriendly, they never smiled, ashtrays were not emptied, drinks weren't brought to the tables.It seemed to shut at about 12 p.m. so not a place to have a nightcap! In general the hotel seemed understaffed and not well managed.  We would certainly not choose to to that hotel again.  

Santa Ponsa is a lovely place.  The Hotel is at the quieter end which we liked.  There are loads of places to eat, The german-type bar, The Old Wein has good food and beer, good prices and very nice staff. (Turn left as you face the beach , pass the cigarette shop and it's along a bit on the left.) and a couple of great shops for filled baguette and other snacks.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - Sept 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : pam bott-lincolnshire(55,52 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

my husband and i have just got back yesterday from the hesperia santa ponsa. it was a beautiful holiday, the hotel its self was superb,everything about it was top class .i would recomend to everyone.good clean rooms ,plenty of food, the staff were top class. our airtours rep was also very helpful if we asked a question. alround a first class hotel and were it was situated was great straight across the road from the beach

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Sheila, Margaret, Liz. Tommy, Eddie and Alisdair (47- 58)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel was of a very high standard. Spotless and very well kept by the very friendly staff. Food was also of a high standard with plenty of choice. Pool area was large and there was never a problem getting a lounger at any time of the day. The pool area was also very clean. The hotel had good entertainment and was also within walking distance to the lively square where there was lots of entertainment Would recommend this hotel for families or couples. The hotel is just accross the road from the huge Santa Ponsa beach.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Debbie Parker - East Yorkshire (19,50,54)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

Just got back from a brilliant stay at the Hesperia in Santa Ponsa.

The hotel was really excellent, a lot better than i expected from a 3*! The rooms were very well furnished,although slightly on the small side for 3 people sharing.

If possible try and get a room on the third or fourth floor then you are guaranteed a view of sea. Some rooms on the ground floor are facing right onto the street, which i imagine could get quite noisy on a night.

We stayed on a half board basis, and were really impressed by the food. There was plenty of choice at both breakfast and dinner with something to suit everyones tastes. The choice that was available on a night changed every day, so there was always someting different to try.

The evening entertainment changed nightly, and varied from average (the magic show) to brilliant (flamenco). The hotel bar shut at 12 so if you're looking entertainment that goes on later head to the Spanish Square ,about  15 minute walk from the hotel. This is full of bars and has a different tribute act on every night, from Abba to Robbie Williams. It fills up pretty quick so get there early for a good seat.

Santa Ponsa itself is a lot smaller than its neighbours Magaluf and Palma Nova, but there is still plenty to do. The hotel has a decent sized pool with plenty of sun loungers, or the beach is acroos the road from the hotel. The bus stop is just up the road from the hotel with buses into Palma and all the other resorst along that coast. But the buses are a bit hit and miss and don't go at the times stated on the time table, so its just a case of taking a chance with them!!

Someting to be aware of is the english people handing out scratch cards with the chance to win holidays and money, STAY AWAY!! You will more than likely be told that you have won a big prize then be taken back to their offices and have to listen to a 2 hour presentation where they try and get you to be come members of a holiday club (bit like timeshares). Our rep didn't warn us about this and some people got caught out.

However, overall a great holiday and i would certanly go back!

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Katherine & Richard - Yorkshire (37 & 42)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel is right opposite the beach in the centre of the resort so could not be better placed. The rooms were spacious & cleaned to a very high standard each day. The meals in the hotel were very nice and the menu varied although pork dishes did seem to feature each day!!
There were plenty of sunbeds around the pool & you didn't have to reserve them at 8.00am to get one (which makes a change).

Santa Ponsa beach is lovely and big enough for everyone to fit on without ever being too cramped.

Santa Ponsa nightlife can be as busy or quiet as you wish as there is a good variety of bars to choose from.

This hotel & resort would suit people of all ages & families as their is something there for every taste.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Kelly 30,Kevin 42, Jenny 52, Neil 53, 

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel was brilliant, food/rooms/pool/entertainment and staff were all exceptional. From arriving to leaving ( which was 12 days )the standard never faultered. Entertainment for adults and children was great,  Wim and Caroline  made everyone feel very relaxed and you wanted to join in the fun.

A short walk from the hotel, you could visit 'The Square' in the evening. Entertainment was live and free and the bands were very good.

Would recomment this hotel to anyone who are looking for high standard and a very relaxing holiday, young and old alike.

Santa Ponsa is an enjoyable place for fun, sun and a great holiday. With a good location for sight seeing.

I would have no problem booking this hotel in the future.     

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Lauren, Louise (21,21)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were really pleased with the hotel.
The location is excellent, situated just over the road from the beach.
The room was quite spacious and was very clean, the maid cleaned it perfectly every day.

Breakfast (when we made it down!!) was lovely with a good choice of your "english fry up" (which i opted for every time!!) or continental.
Dinner was buffet style and was fantastic with a good choice of different things every night, there was also a section where a chef was cooking up fresh steaks, burgers etc.. in front of you.
Also, every night towards the end of the dinner serving times the chefs would come out and get their own dinner from the buffett, which i think is a very good sign!

The ref was great and was really helpful.

The resort itself was a bit quiet for us, we went out in santa ponsa the first couple of nights and there is some really good bars and we ended up in "Fama" nightclub at the end of the night which was a laugh, but after a few nights we headed to Magaluf for some more bars!!

The beach was gorgeous, except from the sewage smell that seemed to waft over every now and then, (there looks like it has some kind of tunnel thing where sewage comes in?)

We also went to the wet 'n' wild (think that was the name) waterpark in Magaluf which i would definetly recommend for a good day out.
All in all, a brilliant holiday and am looking to go back next year!!

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Paul, Jane, Neve 46,36,3

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Hotel is centrally located and overlooks the beach. It is clean and modern with a nice pool area and bars and a large restaurant/dining room.
The rooms are well laid out, with air conditioning and TV. The maid service was excellent, and the hotel is kept spotless.
The staff were genuinely friendly, and were always smiling.
The food was above average, a self service buffet, with a large choice of different dishes at each mealtime.

The Hotel provides daytime activities, and nightly entertainment, which varied from reasonable to excellent.
Santa Ponsa is probably the cleanest resort we have been to. It is ideal for families, and offers the usual mix of shops and bars. One thing that we noticed was the lack of street sellers and timeshare touts, we assume there must be some local bylaws to prevent them.

The beach is well maintained and was ideal for us with a small child, with safe swimming, pedaloes etc and lifeguards.
We would recommend the Hotel and the resort, and would definately consider returning.

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Hotel Hesperia Playas de Mallorca - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Frances, Steven (20,21)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We are just back from one of the best holidays we have had! We stayed in santa ponsa at the Playa de Mallorca and it was first class.We could not fault it. 

The hotel was spotless and very friendly.All hotel staff made the effort to chat away to guests when possible.The entertainment in the hotel was of high standard and there was a full programme of things to do throughout the day to keep every1 occupied.The 2 entertainers were excellent, especially Wim!He was the life and soul of the hotel! 

We were half board and we were not disappointed- the food was very good. There was such a large selection and a chef cooks fresh food in front of you. We could have easily ate in the hotel every night.

The location of the hotel was brilliant, right across from the gorgeous beach and on the main road leading to the strip of bars and restaurants-handy for everything.There is lots of irish pubs and disco bars. The 2 we visited most often was Manhattans and Greenhills. There is a part called "the square" which is another good area for family entertainment.Santa Ponsa has loads of good restaurants.You must try Kelly's Corner, Mrs Murphy's Kitchen and Jackies Restaurant-all superb food and cheap.

From start to finish our stay in santa ponsa was fantastic and I definitely recommend this hotel. We're booking up for next year again !!!

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Holiday Garden Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: september 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : heather little  leicestershire

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the apartments were very basic,the noise in the evening 1am-6am was dreadful lets put it this way a girl had a knife to the througt of her boyfriend on our 2nd night people swimming in the pool alnight . felix and jasmin were great .go to scotts for breakfast its brill

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: freedom direct - June 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Bill 38, Lou 35, Rachel 9

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

No issues with the apartment, we were really lucky and got a room right beside the pool.  The number of stairs in this complex would pose serious problems for any one with mobility issues (santa ponsa is built on hills!!) The room was very clean and spacious, basic items provided. My only bug bear is the no drinking or eating food at the pool bought from outside the complex, seems silly on a self catering holiday. The staff are great really nice and Paul the compare is cool at showing you new drinking games!!! Best advice is to ask for a low floor when booking and just join in on the fun at the pool. Drink at the pool however is too expensive, unless happy hour. 

This could be an awesome family hotel but they do take booking from large groups of younger travelers and they can be a bit noisy. Head for the square at night cheaper drinks and family entertainment thrown in too. Bar code 7 on a Sunday have a Beatles tribute group on at 12pm they were awesome, catch them if you can! Eating out we really enjoyed the Xaloc resturant which had really good Spanish food and grills. 

The beach is lovely but save yourself some money and buy a beach umbrella for 8 euros from the shops, saving 9 euros a day for the beach umbrella and sun bed. 

As with every thing, read this site before you go but arvive with an open mind - you might be very pleasently surprised.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Winter Sunshine Travel May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : V Killoh Inverurie, Scotland 32, 30, 2, 5

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived late at night to a warm welcome at reception. Checked in very quickly and found our room right away a very spacious one bedroom apartment as requested. Bright and exceptionally clean. Read the A4 sheet of rules and regulations! As I have 2 young children was glad to see the entertainment stopped at 12am. Says not to take your own food and drink to pool but hey we did. No-one said a thing. The apartments were just a short stroll to beach however we were never away from the pool. No need as the main pool was huge and there are 2 kiddies pools. They were cleaned, hoovered and tested daily which I have never seen before! 

The bar staff were friendly the entertainment guy Paul was so funny. A typical geordie! From morning to night he kept us laughing. My 5 year old son is still mocking him yet. At 10am all you heard was 'Wakey wakey if I'm up you are up now get up!' He called us all by our names which was great even when we met him down town. Very impressed. The bingo dragged on and on and we never did see a kiddies disco as advertised. The food at the bar was served until 9pm and was excellent and very reasonably priced. We did eat at The Dubliner just across the road twice it was good but very expensive. 

The Holiday Park apartments I highly recommend and we are definitely going to return. Ignore any negative comments made by others as some people can't help but moan. Believe me I am the worlds worst and I found nothing to moan about here. As for Santa Ponsa itself I couldn't help but notice how clean it was. Men powerwashed the pavements every day eventhough there are signs everywhere saying save water! We were never bothered with lookie lookies either which is a first. My kids were so upset when it was time to go but the week was enough as just as we were leaving we were bombarded with ignorant holiday makers. Oh my god the were only in 5 mins and took over! At least 20 in the pary. 

We had the best holiday ever!!!

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Mark Painter - Cannock, Staffs (33,30,28,26,26,25,25,25,22)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

It is the 25th May 2007 and I have just returned from my four day Stag Holiday at the Holiday Park Apartments and wanted to get my opinions on the place down in writing as soon as possible.
This was my third trip to Santa Ponsa as a desitination and all my holidays there have been different. Myself and my girlfriend, a large family holiday and last but not least my stag do.  There is something for everyone.   The first thing I will do when the flights and accomodation become available is re-book for next year.  Every member of my party was thrilled with the resort.

There are restaurants a plenty,bars,fun pubs,family pubs,sports bars the list goes on although some bars and restuarants only open during peak times and if you go out of season may find the choices reduced a little.  You can spend as much or as little as you want within reason of course.

The accomodation it's self is situated in the rowdy area of Irish town infact it felt just like being in Dublin only the weather was better, but with most of the bars and clubs ushering people inside after midnight the noise levels are less than you would expect.  You may find it hard to walk past all the bars without being tempted in by all the PR staff on the streets.  The staff at the apartments were very friendly and welcoming and the rooms were very basic but adequate.  Very good value for money in my opinion.  The poolside bar served a decent range of food at reasonable prices although you are forbidden to consume your own food and drink there even if purchased from the reception area.  The bar prices were more expensive than in town but not really more expensive than back in the UK.  Although we were a stag do and there was a also a large hen party we were also accompanied my families and couples on holiday so obviously different types of holiday makers can holiday in tandem at this accommodation, infact there is a ever present night watchman who ensures you dont step out of line and keep the noise down on returning to your apartments.  Although I will be checking back on this site to see if the other holiday makers with us have the same opinion.  The only thing I would warn you against is the STEPS these are very unforgiving but a small price to pay for what I consider to have been a great Stag Holiday.

Hats off to Santa Ponsa and the Holiday Park Apartments for making this a pleasurable holiday cant wait to return soon.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Seguro Holidays  - April 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Anne Taylor - East Lothian (55,52,10,10

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back, having spent possibly the worst week of my entire life.  I know there's no guarantees with the weather, but we arrived in the rain and we left in the rain, with rain,rain,rain in between.
We had some difficulty getting booked up due to the fact it was right in the middle of the Easter holidays,but I couldn't believe it when we got there, the majority of places were closed. Santa Ponsa was deserted and there was nothing for the kids to do, I'm sure the tour Operators bump up the prices at this time of year.  They make you think that there is limited availablilty.  Don't believe it.  I can assure you that the vast majority of hotels/Apartment blocks and restaurants were closed.  We found ourselves eating at the same 2 over and over again.  Although must say that Mrs Murphy's kitchen was very good and the waiters were very friendly.

The apartments were right in the middle of the Irish Centre which was quite central, but they were very basic and crampted. Must be a nightmare in the Summer (Now I know what it feels like in prison.)  Reception area was like a walk through hall, ie empty.  Not wellcoming at all,  although the reception staff were quite pleasant.  The apartment was never cleaned, they would walk in, see us sitting, leave clean towels and say they would come back.  They never did.
Pool area was OK,it was clean, but due to the weather the kids couldn't use it.  We felt that the supermarkets were a rip off ,as were the Pubs.  A new sewer pipe was being installed opposite the beach, and the place stank.   All in all , not a pleasant experience. Maybe the place would look better if the sun has shone. It was just as well the company was good.
I'm sure there are nice areas of Santa Ponsa, it's just that we didn't find them.  It will be a long time before I would be tempted back

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Your Holidays/Thomson Holidays - 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Bowman-Angel - 50,57

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the worst ever holiday the worst ever apartment and the noisest ever.  

We booked a high quiet room.  Were stuck over the bar which people hung around singing etc until 3am. Also the stink from the cooking was disgusting, it was hot during the night but couldn't open a window a) because it may have fallen out and b) because of the noise. Arrived on the Thursday and had to ask for a clean on the Sunday for the Monday as we were leaving on the Thursday we never had another clean. There were no T/towels or dish cloths. Appauling. The apartment was so disgusting too much to state but I have see better garden sheds.  Santa Ponsa in the mornings was a disgrace, you had to walk round puddles of sick and rubbish.  

Never never again.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Internet booking ... Sept/Oct 06

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Maureen and Bonnie, (48 and 16)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My daughter and I booked this holiday on-line before reading the reviews ... after seeing the comments on here about the Holiday Park Apartments I was worried ... but everything turned out just fine ... the  complex is beautiful ... white-washed Spanish style hacidenda/flats with teracotta roofs and wooden doors ... built around the swimming pool which looks lovely lit up at night ... if possible take a mini- kettle with you to save having to hire one ... it seems a bit mean that kettles, toasters and microwaves are not supplied as standard as they usually are in most other Spanish apartments we've stayed in ... reception staff are English ... but doesn't take away from the fact that air-con needs to be paid for ... we went at the end of Sept when it was cooler at night, but I imagine you'd be forced to cough up during the hot summer months if you want a comfortable sleep. Our flat was one flight up from the pool level, perfect location ... any higher than that you'd need to be quite fit to climb all those stairs ... especially after a few bevvies ;)

Santa Ponsa is a brilliant resort!  the Holiday Park is on a busy road with loads of pubs and Irish bars, great for us Celtic fans ... Durty Nellie's was our favourite, live music great craic every night !
Plenty of good resturants and lovely shops to suit every budget ... beach has those thatched wooden umbrella's for hire along with sunbeds ... feels safe enough despite the fruit sellers and guys punting cheap watches ...
Too many folks complain about the bar prices ... when it's simple to buy a cheap bottle from the shop across the road ... chill it in the fridge along with the mixer and have a few drinks while you're getting ready to go out at night.

We had a fabulous time ... really enjoyed ourselves ... I'd go back to Santa Ponsa's anytime ... if there weren't so many other places I want to see ... if you haven't been there I would definitely recommend it ... the Holiday Park ain't the Ritz ... but it's clean and that's the main thing.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS :)

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Stein Travel - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Emma(18) Tara (18) Shelly (19) Ailbhe (19) - Dublin

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived on 8th September and between the 4 of us we had two one-bedroom apartments which suited us great. Steps were a bit of a pain but the apartments were clean and basic which was all we needed! Pool was great and getting beds was never a problem. The place is right in the middle of everything - all the shops and bars and restaurants are right on you doorstep which is great when ur coming home after dancing and drinking all night! Staff are all quite helpful as well and we had no problems with noise at all. Couldn't really find anything to complain about.

Santa Ponsa was great craic for the bunch of us loads of Irish pubs around so we never felt homesick! Prices of meals and drink were brilliant - 2 pints of cocktails for a fiver! Green Hills was the best club the others were all empty really this was always really lively. The Shamrock is great for live music but make sure you know the words for The Fields of Athenry cause you'll sing it about 15 times! Treat yourself to a giant Santa Ponsa cocktail one night and you won't regret it.

Reading the other reviews you'd think this place was a kip but we have to say we think it was great and would definitely go back!

Our recommendations: Strings (for cocktails), Green Hills (for dancing), Daniels Corner, The Shamrock, El Ceibo (best meal of the hols)

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Icon travel - Sept 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Lisa, Danny (19, 26)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had a lovely holiday in santa ponsa. its good for families and couples but i wouldnt recommend it for young group holidays as not loads of bars but was only 7euros to magaluf. The beech is lovely and many shops. Holiday park apts is definatly not a 3* accomadation! it was very very basic but was clean. I was disapointed with the maids only coming on the 1st 2days and the clean bed sheets they put on had cigaret burns on! One day however we saw loads of ants coming out of a gap in the floor but soon went after we swept them away & didnt return. They were the only creepy crawlys we saw. We had a pool view but was on level 4 and there isnt a lift! We got friendly with some other people staying there and went to their room which was up about 8floors and had no view with bars on there windows which wasnt nice at all!

Entertainment is ridiculas! just one irratating man whos on the microphone from 10am until midnight he empted the pool bar!
The one bar was very very expensive almost doubling other places and food was disgusting and expensive so we only ate there once!
Reception staff however were very nice and friendly and best of all English!
The safety deposit boxes are kept in a small roon near reception and have just enough room for passports & tickets!
The pool was of reasonable sixe however i tended to keep out of it as wasnt very clean.

i give it a 2 out of 5 and wouldnt return to holiday park apartments but i would consider santa ponsa.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: booked independently - aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : lisa scott - newcastle (15,36,43)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the holiday park apartments is a good resort apart from the irish and the noise of them on a night time other than this its a good resort but we have been told its going to be a family resort next year and have the biggest kids club onthe island.
The rooms are basic you have to hire most things air con,kettles,toasters but we only slept in the rooms we never cooked so all we hired was the air con.

The barside pool is expensive for spain but its about the same as uk prices and the entertainment is wicked with paul the fellow geordie! you can win a free weeks accomdation in august ifyou win the quiz.
Places to go:
the canny lad is really good if your a geordie orevenif your not they will make you feel like your at home.
made italy which is just across the street is lovely.
the scotts bar this is quite cheap and really nice.

Overall we are booking up to come here next year.p.s hiya to paul,kieth and the lady on thereception at night.
Bev,kev and lisa

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: FlyGlobespan - July 06

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : David Hamilton / Glasgow (13,11,53,49)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked up to go to the holiday park hotel on a cheap deal. When you arrive their is the Holiday Park and right across the road is the Holiday Center. 

The rooms are very small and are very basic, run down and it has a lot of electricity sockets that are a health hazard. Down at the pool bar they rip you off, it is so expensive, and u are not allowed to eat or drink your own stuff round the pool. But their is a few bars around that are great. A-Ha is the best, it is mega cheap. It does get very loud at night although their is a strong no noise limit after midnight. Their is a smalll games room but you must not have a pacemaker you constintly get electric shocks. One bonus is that their is internet acsess in reception. 

The rooms and the hotel are clean but it does get warm so u can hire air con. Genaraly it is not bad but only go for a week if u can help it. And it is no way 3stars. 

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: budget travel july 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : jean hannigan 47 45 12

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

verygood enterment day and night

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : aimee n kate 19

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

I think from what I experienced recent reviews of these apartments overate them.  Although the rooms were clean (which is the most important thing) ours was falling apart.  3 out of 7 lights did not work and whilst there we had to have our fridge replaced, also the toilet seat was chipped.  There was only one mirror in the whole apartments and this was situated in the bathroom making it very difficult for two girls getting ready!  Also there is lots of noise throughout the night, in our experience until 8am!  To be fair though I think because we were two young girls we were shoved in the 'reject block' where they put all the young people (this is the block at the back of the pool up all the steps).

Although the beach was nice I found that the beaches at Magalluf and Palma Nove were nicer.  The resort of Santa Ponsa itself has plenty bars and places to eat, however I found there were not many 'traditional' restauraunts.  To be fair I dont feel qualified to report on the resort because we spent most of our time in Magalluf, which is absolutly brill for young and lively people, i would reccommend The red lion and Boomerangs!

I would return to Magaluf on a girlie hol but personally would not return to Santa Ponsa.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Linra July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : B.Kelly (39,37,11)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I went to holiday park apts. 9th July 05. On arrival we were given a floor on the fourth floor with no lift & about eighty stairs to climb. I had requested a low floor as i have had my hip replaced.Complained, eventually got moved 4 days later. 

We were backed on to Fitzgeralds pub which on our first night was very noisy, then they empty the bins!It was central & at tne end with all the Irish pubs(does everyone have to wear celtic tops?) I have Irish parents but celtic overload or what. 

The apts. were basic but clean you have to hire a toaster & kettle this should be as standard. I have been on loads of package holidays but this year we missed the bus we had been sitting waiting for it for an hour. I will never travel with libra hols. again not very proffesional had to spend  25 quid to get to airport. Santa ponsa is a nice resort, with nice beach but price of drinks expensive.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Sunnymajorca - May 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Chrissie/Mark/Chloe/Kane Leeds ( 39,44,11,6)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having family in Santa ponsa we just wanted some where to lie our heads, we had read up on the many steps but my main concern was that it was clean. We have been to santa ponsa many times, but this was are first stay in the Holiday Park, and it will definitely be the first of many. 

The rooms were spotless. You have the basic's like pots, pans, 2 ring frige we hired a toaster,but we dont do much cooking only snacks as theres lots of places to eat on the strip for main meals. There was enough space for a family of 4 and the shower over the bath was great for blasting away the days suncream.

The rooms were cleaned and towels were changed every other day even on sundays, bedding change twice. The pool was cleaned every morning, sunbeds were no problem either.Our kids made lots of friends and spent most of the time at the small park,in the pool or with Gary the rep and Felix behind the bar. We usually have them moaning! what can we do now? but besides hearing there fits of laughter we did't see them that much. The prices at the bar are alittle bit more than some main strip pubs but we saved not passing the many shops, where the kids were can we have etc every other shop. On a night we played the usual pub games with felix and gary and chilled out talking to the friendly holiday makers. We have been 5 star in greece and 4 star in cyprus but this has been the best for total relaxing, chilling and laughter.

Santa ponsa has a fair share of Irish pubs but they dont way out the rest. Maybe we dont notice as variety just makes the world go round to us. Its alovely place having been going to see family over 10 years we still like to go back. 

The beech is clean and good for kids, the shops are the normal bric and brac. There lots to eat, our favourite is the South wind, but not really had a bad meal yet anywhere. At the top of the strip there is the sqaure, shaped like a big horse shoe, with lots of pubs surrounding the area and a stage in the middle that does shows etc. Waterparks are all good, we went to western waterpark this time it has shows on, great day, though the other one is brill as well, Dolphin show at marineland is good too. About 7/10 euros to get there in a taxi.

I hope your stay at the Holiday Park is as wounderful as ours was and to all the staff there have a brill year. Special thanks to Felix Gary Angie and jasmine xxxxxxx

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: August 2004 - Alpha Beds

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Louise Liverpool (34, 34, 14,11)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were in apartment number 476 which is right at the front of the comples overlooking the road. The aprtment was simply furnished, basic but clean and spacious. Our balcony was HUGE. Room for 4 sunbeds, table and chairs, and the various inflatables the kids pick up over the holiday. The view over the street was great and we could see the beach and watch the sunrise and set in the hills - lovely.  Most of the other apartments appeared to have quite small balconies so we thought how lucky we were...until 6am on the first morning when we realsied the disadavantages of being adjacent to the small but lively nightlife...we learnt all the latest irish footie chants as the bars closed every morning. Followed by the crashes and bangs as the dustbim lorries arrived to empty the full nights bottles...then the closing of the shutters. It was impossible to sleep through! No air conditionig in the rooms either so it was far too hot, I needed a week's sleep when I came home!

The pool and bar were small but ok. One annoyance was that you were not allowd to bring your own food and drink to the poolside, and the bar was not cheap. 5 euros for a vodka and coke, 3 euros for a local beer, 2 euros for a soft drink. It soon adds up.

Santa Ponsa is a nice enough place, the beach was excellent with all the ususal pedeloes etc and a platform you can swim out to. I did find there was a lack of decent eveing entertainment if you have kids with you, the end by the holdiay park is definately geared towards young single people. We did enjoy the entertainment at the square but it was a bit of a trek every night.

If you have kids the two waterparks in Magaluf are great and only a five minute taxi ride away. We booked the tickets form the ticket kiosk opposite the apartments and they gave us a free child ticket.

Finally, I was amazed at how expensive everything was, having not visited Majorca for three years. The prices of food and drink was the same as you might pay in the UK, and the quality of the food wasfine but nothing special. We spent a lot more than we had expected to.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra Holidays - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Brian - Scotland (48,48,19,14)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Booked this on the net at the last minute,apartments were fine if a bit on the small side. Sunbeds no problem as they dont unlock them till 09:30. Pool very clean as were the rooms. Celtic strips everywhere so if that bothers you, dont go to Santa Ponsa. Plenty of good eating places and pubs. 

All in all a good holiday and we would go back. Only problem was flight out with Excel airways, plane at Glasgow broke down so they had to fly one up from Manchester, eventually left 3 hrs late and they waited till we were in the air before Announcing that there were no meal or bar facilities on the flight. to load this stuff on would have delayed us further so fair enough but they could have told us before we boarded. Long flight with nothing to eat or drink

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Tired - Hertfordshire (51, 49, 16, 14)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Though the apartments are quite basic, fridge, two cooking rings, no oven you can hire a toaster and fan from reception.  Although i do believe it is cheaper to get them outside the complex.  The rooms were clean and the towels and sheets got change about 3 times a week.  The pool is not overly large but big enough to cool off in. The staff were all very friendly

Do not book these appartments if you have any walking problems, there is only one lift and that takes you only as far as the pool area.  If you are lucky enough to get a room on this level all well and good, if not, you have a lot of stairs to walk up.  We got our room changed from the top floor down to the first, but it took over a week to do it. Also if you need to change money it is cheaper over the road at the exchange shop, where you can also book trips and hire a car.

The write up about the appartments mentions TV in the rooms.  We didn't find any, there wans't one in the bar either.

There are loads of bars around the area (most of them are Irish) but thats not a problem.  Also there is penty of choice where to eat out.  Jackies is very good also the Duke of York.

The beach is good and clean with ample areas for sitting on beds/umbrellas, there is also a large area at the back of the beach if you want to play with a ball.

Overall we enjoyed our holiday and would go back if we could be sure of getting a room on pool level.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget Travel - June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : (43, 19, 13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When i read some of the comments about the Holiday Centre i was quite worried. But i found they were excellent.

The actual apartments I thought were well equiped. They were a nice size and very comfortable. We had a lovely view. The swimming pool was very clean. There was a supermarket right next door that sold everthing. The complex is very close to all the bars, shops and restaurants. I would advise anyone to go to Mrs.Murphys Kitchen a lovely restaurant close by. A great pub to go to would be The Dubliner (if your Irish). It has a great atmosphere and the music was fantastic. 

We went to the Son Amar show which was fantastic a must see if your in Majorca. There was a lot of entertainment in the Holiday Centre Apartments. There is karoke every Monday night which is always a great laugh.

I was very impressed by the Holiday Centre and will be returning there very soon.

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Holiday Park / Centre Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra holidays   may 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : laura cisse. scarborough  23,2,23,20,49,49,5,27

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

One of the best holidays we have been on,ideal for the kids burlington berties bokkies and kids club was great on a nite doing activites for the kids giving the grown ups some time to relax.A lovely beach and plenty of nice places to eat and drink.also good nite life.
our apartments were rite in the center of it all,and oppisite a great english run chip shop called oh my cod lovely for supper.

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Holiday Park Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: ALPHA BEDS - Auhust 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : SUE- BIRMINGHAM (47,37,34,34,16,9,6 & 6)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Accomodation basic, but on arrival clean, but it dont get cleaned again.The stairs leading up to each and every apt are never brushed down, so theres fags and rubbish even toe nails disgusting!!!! Booked with alpha beds never gain (have previously booked with broadway travel when arranging accom and flights) 

As a party of 8 arriving in majorca on sat 7th august we booked from sat 7th until sat 14th Aug (even though we would be leaving on fri 13). Checked in at 6am on the 7th with no prob, only to be told by the manager get out of your room or pay me 89 euros (it was only £253 for a week) now !!! and this was fri 13th (our accom vouchers stated the 14th) we duly paid as he was threatening all sorts.

Felix in the bar does everything poor guy runs about daft.  If you do go here beware do not except a room on the front you dont stand a chance of a nights sleep. and as there is no security every body and his dog comes in for a mid night/ until 7am swim and a swing of the swings leaving there bottles of beer in the sand and there knickers by the side of the pool (which stay there until the guests clear up)it is a one man band operation. would never go to the place again!!!!!

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Holiday Park Apartments - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Direct Booking - 2004

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Holiday Park 3 years ago, but we never expected this big change in 2004. They have spent lot´s of money to make this place nicer than ever before. We have stayed in Santa Ponsa 11 times in the past 9 years and I can tell you that this place is the greatest place to stay at within Santa Ponsa. Oh, things have changed in Santa Ponsa, because now you see 30% Irish, and the rest of tourists are Dutch, English, Danish, Scottish and Germans.

The hotel satff are really nice and very helpful and we recommend it highly.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Thomson - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : 44,43,14,11

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The room we got in the hotel was of a good size and had a lovely view across the bay at Santa Ponsa. The room was clean and had air conditioning. The staff at the hotel were rude and unhelpful.The hotel requires to provide additional sunbeds for guests. The rush to book sunbeds at 8a.m can only be likened to the start of a race at the Olympics. The entertainment at the Square, about 2 mins walk from the hotel, is quite good and varied.There was no entertainment provided by the hotel. The food in the hotel was okay without being outstanding.The pizzeria to the left of the hotel entrance is always good for a tasty pizza.The supermarket Aprop just along the road is very handy for wine supplies.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Winter Sunshine Holidays - July 07

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Craig Coutts - Glasgow (31,31,5,2)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Had an excellent holiday at the Jardin Del Mar in Santa Ponsa. Only bad points about the accommodation were the noise levels at night (if your a light sleeper I would go elsewhere) and the sunbed situation (all beds gone by 8am), apart from that I found the apartments clean and spacious enough. The kids loved the pool, small play park and the sand on the volleyball court. 

We had booked a sea view and from the 3rd floor the view was fantastic. The beach is a bit of a walk as you cannot go the quickest way (as it is not buggy friendly), takes the best part of 20 mins (downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back). Best places to eat that we found were El Jardin, The Pepper Pot, Duke of York (large portions) and the Chinese on the sea, down all the stairs (can't remember the name). The Hungry Horace breakfast at Scottish Corner is fantastic! In the evening with kids we enjoyed sitting at The Square or going to Scottish Corner, Bar Code 7 or of course Burlington Berties (bar staff are cheeky but can't be beaten for keeping the kids happy). For a quiet pint without the kids you can't beat The Glasgow (best pint in Santa Ponsa) the frozen pint glass is a must after a sunny day! Weather was great with 14 days sunshine, however was starting to get a little warm for the kids towards the middle of the month.

Would like to go back to Santa Ponsa and would not rule out going back to the Jardin Del Mar.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: indepentant - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : jackie hughes (49 32 38 34 46 300

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from a short break,o;k; the hotel rooms was clean, but the staff was rude and not hopeful at all even the reps they could do with a smile. pool well if you found a bed at 8am you was lucky only ones left was in the shade all day. ,and for small children well i give this hotel a miss. i have travel alot with and without my granchildren but this hotel i would not take the youngs ones nor myself.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: holiday brokers - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Vickie Harrison- Yorkshire ( 23,21,2)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just come back from an 11 night holiday in Santa Ponsa, and must admit i am quite glad to be back!

The Hotel

The hotel was clean and tidy, with towels changed nearly every day, but the hotel staff are extremely rude and unhelpful.
 The hotel has a major problem with room by the pool. We went at a fairly quite time of year, but we still managed to miss out on a sunbed. I woke up at 6am one morning to find that there was over 10 towels already placed on the sunbeds, and when i mentioned it to the staff, their response was tuff!!!

The Resort

Dont get me wrong, the place is very pretty, but its not the most friendly resort, and we didnt find much in the way of things to do.
Nearly all the places to eat are burger style bars, nothing outstanding. I was told about a place called el ciebos, which was a nice steakhouse, but i the service was rubbish!! They brought out my main course while i was still eating my starter!!!

On a positive note, Grannys did a fab breakfast! We also found a place called Burlington Berties, which is fab if you have children. It has a bouncy castle and loads of toys.
And on an evening we went to rehab bar, the girls here are fantastic!

Finally

All in all ok holiday but that was only down to us making the most of a bad situation. Wouldnt go again!

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Kim Vary - Coleraine (32, 31, 1)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were wary about travelling with a young baby so picked Majorca for the short flight. We shouldnt have worried the resort was fantastic for families and young children.  Our hotel was lovely very clean and a good size room for the 3 of us, it may have been a bit of a squeeze with older children.  The outdoor pool was freezing but the hotel have a lovely heated indoor pool which was great for our son who by the end of the week couldn't wait to get in the water!  Lots of sunbeds for everyone but best to be out by 11am as the towels start filling up around then.  The area is totally cleaned every night and the whole hotel and grounds looked spotless the whole time we were there.  If you decide to go for this hotel opt for a sea view it's definately worth it, the views over the bay are beautiful.  All the rooms back onto the pool area so it's very quiet at night.  The spanish square is 2 minutes round the corner with different acts on Monday to Friday.  It was quite quiet in May so there were plenty of seats to chose from and you didn't have to wait to get a drink.  There is a small playground in the centre and it was always shady and cool plus a large supermarket just on the corner.  We ate at El Jardin 3 times it's just on the hill as you head for the beach and the food was beautiful each night.  

I would recommend this area of Santa Ponsa to  families with young children looking for a quieter, cleaner and nicer area of the resort with the main bars and restaurants (and the ever present McDonalds) only 10 minutes down the road.  We got a taxi to Palma airport it takes about 25 minutes and was 35 euros if you don't want to wait for the coach

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha Rooms- July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Adams -  Nuneaton(42,38,14,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just got back from 12 days at santa ponsa. Arrived at 10.30 we got in the apartment pretty quick with a view of the sea if your booking make sure you ring the hotel prior to visit and request floor 4 or 5 and FULL sea view as it is really worth it.The apartment was small but adequat as you only sleep in it. the maid service wasnt great and sheets didnt get changed the whole stay.The lady receptionist has got yo be one of the most miserable people. The pool was nice and deep and really lovely. the problem with the towels on sunbeds really drove me mad as there are signs everywhere people queued up at 7.30am for the doors to open at 8 it was like sale day at harrods!!!!

If you want to go to aqualand do what we did went on the online site and printed off free child places and got the free bus outside the supermarket by the apartment at 9.45am then paid at the door only cost for me and hubby e38 then got a taxi home e9 so cheap day out. The square was worth a visit we went every night the entertainment was ace the bars charge a lot for drinks but at The Crown (which has two of the nicest blokes in the resort) the drinks were half the price and very freindly. Make the best sangria!!!!! 

The beach is lovely which has lots of sunbeds,pedlos ,banana boat,donuts so plent to do macdonalds is right on the beach so kids were happy.Some really nice rstuarants. we found Zigies just around the courner very small (next door to Maxwells) the best in santa ponsa real home cooked food and the royal oak further down the road did the best sunday dinner. On the whole this was a great family holiday with good food good drink and met some lovely people.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Neil & Jo - Milton Keynes (19, 16)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After arriving in our room we realised that we didnt recieve the sea view that we had asked for, insted we had a view of a car park. We had read on Holdays - Uncovered that someone was able to change their room with no problems and free of charge so we assumed it wouldn't be a problem for us to do so. I went down stairs and asked why we hadn't got a sea view as requested and he said that on our reciept it said "SV", apparently this means "Side View" not sea view. some how we found this hard 2 beleive as we couldn't quite understand who would request a side view of the appartments. They offered for us to change rooms for 8 euros a day, which we thought wasn't acceptable, so we declined this offer. So our advice would be to make sure your travel agent types our "Sea View" and not "SV" because the hotel seems to be confused about what the initials mean.

On our 2nd day we went to the restaurant called "Liberty", with the attraction of low prices and lots of people we thought it was a good choice of restaurant. I ordered eggs and chips at the price of 2.80 euros and soon regretted this choice. The eggs came out extremly uncooked but being the sort of guest who doesnt like to make a fuss, i made the mistake of eating them anyway. i was then ill for the next three days. So make sure to steer very clear of "Liberty" and its low low prices.

Two restaurants that we do recommend are "La Pergola" and "La solana" both very near to the appartment. Our favourite was "La Solana", the prices were low, the food was always of a high standard, it was seconds away from the appartment and the staff were friendly. 

However apart from these 2 minor set backs we had an absolutly brillant time. The appartments were kept clean, the pool was kept to a quality standard as was the surronding areas. The doors to the pool open at 8am and it is important to put ur towel on a sunbed straight away because they go like hot cakes. Its a bit stupid that the guest have to get up before 8am every morning baring in mind there is a "No reserving sun beds" policy, but what can you do?

Over all the holidays was brillant, we diffinatly recommend going to 'the square' in the evening because of the fabulous shows and great cocktails :)! If you do anything we recommended this holiday it should be to visit "La Solana"! We probably wont be re-visiting the area but that is not because of the stay we had but because we like a change! Have fun :)!

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: alpha rooms - 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : clare - Northants (43, 37, 11)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Found barcelo jardin del mar very easy to find even in the middle of the night.  A large apart-hotel situated on a rocky headland overlooking the sea.  We were allocated a room on the fouth floor with the biggest most impressive sun terrace ever.  For three of us it was enough for eight people.  

The apartment was very clean and spacious with TV and well equipt kitchen.  Lovely pool area and small cove below hotel which was excellent for all ages although a little stoney to walk into.  Opted for half board and food wasnt brilliant but for a weeks stay was adequate, although found it a bit rude that the waiting staff cleared plates before everyone had finished the meal.  Waitress could have smiled a bit more!  Very nice beach and plenty of shops without being rowdy at night.  

All round a lovely holiday in a great family resort.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpharooms-August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Lynne & Tony Smith ( 37 & 39 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Lovely hotel.Clean rooms and well maintained throughout the whole hotel.Rooms were big enough for two adults and one child. There is a fridge, a two ring hob, a hob kettle, cutlery, plates etc. There is not an oven or a grill. You can upgrade to bed & breakfast or half board when you get there, but there are loads of restaurants and cafes right beside the hotel.There is also a big supermarket just around the corner. There are plenty of activities going on around the pool for all ages, if you want a sunbed be up at 8am cause they go fast!! The views are lovely from the seaview rooms, there are lots of watersports around the bay. 

The resort itself has plenty to do for young and old and has a wonderful beach. The 'square ' is two minute walk and has many tribute bands, and further up, there are lots of pubs and discos for the younger ones. We really enjoyed ourselves here and will be back a.s.a.p.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : kevin maria and darren from hulme manchester 45 43 21

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the barcello jardin del mar in aug 2005, execellent appartments clean tidy, maid service every second day, not sunday or thursday, we had a sea view with a stunning scene, one tip never take room 112,212,312, 412, 512 612,712,the cleaners room is at the back of it, all you here in the morning at 7 am is yap yap yap yap, also the lift shaft is at the back of these rooms, all night till 3-00am you here the lifts stop and start,and 6-00am in the morning when the english/irish are inpersonating the germans putting towels on the sunbeds that early, the lifts are going daft at that hour, other than that i cannnot fault the place, (end of rant).

The beach.
if you get down to the beach about 10-00am you can have the pick of the beds, nobody there at that time, dont buy the fruit of the sellers on the beach, they are illegal, the police were forever chasing them and giving them tickets, plus they rip you of,near the chemist on the beach there is a supermarket, you get lovley pizzas and cheese flan in there for your dinner on the beach 1 euros 50 cents each. or a mc donalds opp the beach.
 
Eating places .
take your pick, all about the same , its whatever you fancy.  
 
Entertainment.
Got to be the square at night, something for everyone, kids get faces painted at 8-00pm. 8-30pm a mini disco with carolyn, the the tribute night starts, beatles, robbie willams. abba, blues bros, westlife, el divo, four tops,etc etc,
booked for alcudia next year(mistake) going back to santa ponsa in 2007, cert.
 
Trips.
Get a taxi places to go magaluf, 8-euros
palma nova 6-euros, peguara 6- euros, palma city 20 euros about £14 -00, sod the reps and there trips, or andtrax market 10- euros.
go yourself exsplore the island. you cannot be more central. good luck

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independent ly booked on internet- June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Jennie, Gareth, Lozzie & Joe Davies (45,41,14,12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this holiday solely on the comments of this site (which we have done before for other destinations and you have not let us down yet!!) and we were more than pleased with the apartments when we arrived.  

Although rather small for four of us, (Joe had a z bed which we folded down in the daytime) the room was spotlessly clean and the sheets/towels were changed 5 days out of 7.  Lovely bathroom, twin bedroom with large double mirrored wardrobes,lounge (tv, with large single sofa bed) leading to balcony,   small kitchen area with full sized fridge but only two hob rings, so although its advertised as self catering its not for anyone who REALLY does want to cook.....but its so cheap to eat out .... & who wants to cook on holiday!!  We had a lovely sea view (floor 6)which because we booked it via the internet we didnt pay the extra 8euros a day that Skytours were charging... in fact our whole holiday was less than half the brochure price!!

The pool area was spotless and although there is a 'no towel on the sunbed policy' I woke one night at 5am, looked out of the balcony and there were already towels down...how sad!!! Saying that it was not difficult to find a spot by the pool which was lovely and warm(but deep if you have small children/non swimmers). 

There was daytime sports entertainment provided by 'Lionel' who was great...so layed back he was horizontal!! Our kids enjoyed the waterpolo, table tennis, darts, archery and shooting competitions but there was no 'kids club' but there was a nice safe playground area in the shade for small kiddies. There was evening entertainment which ranged from bingo to magic shows etc......but it was not very busy in the bar possibly due to the entertainment in the 'square'close by, which was great!! We also found a good resturant 'California'(above the supermarket) the food was excellent!!

The walk into Santa Ponca/beach was downhill and took about 20mins but there were loads of shops on the way so it usually took much longer!!  Although the apartments were on the outskirts of the town I felt this was a bonus as this area seemed nicer.

We went to Aqualand which was a great day out and only 10mins by taxi from the apartments.....also a good tip is if you buy the tickets from the taxi driver (for face value) you get the taxi ride free!!

All in all we had a great time the weather was fab and we met some great Irish friends and I would not hesitate to recommend these apartments especially if your party is only 2/3 people.....but enusre you get a sea view!!

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: travel counsellors - 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Jean Molloy - Essex (47, 39, 17,16

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

A good time was had by us all in Jardin Del Mar and Santa Ponsa. Apartments very good and lovely and clean.  We had a lovely view over the sea. These apartments situated in quieter end of Santa Ponsa, but only approx 10 mins walk to noisier end with loads of bars and clubs, some being open till 6.00am! My 2 teenage girls loved this area.  Santa Ponsa absolutely saturated with irish people, but his was not a problem, most of the bars being run by irish also. Really need a car if your'e going to this part of majorca as public transport not very good and we waited an hour for a taxi to take us to the waterpark.  

The waterpark (western) was very good and a good time was had by all.  The square has good entertainment with tribute bands (abba, robbie williams, the drifters etc) with bars around - all free.  Jardin Del Mar has a very good buffet restaurant - all you can eat for 11 euros (about £7.00).  The good thing about the pool area is that there was no rushing to get towel on sunbeds as there were always plenty even at 1.00pm!  The Royal Garden restaurant does a really great breakfast and also nice evening meals. Absolutely loads of gift shops and some very good buys in handbags available here.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Budget- July + September 2004

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Quinn, Tipperary [32,8,55,56]

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel is realy lovely and very clean and the maid service is excellent. The hotel restaurant is very cheap with a wide range of food to suit everyone, also The Duke of York down the hill does great food as do Xaloc and Jackies which is opposite the beach. The bars are great and The Square is also very good. The staff at the hotel are all very friendly and speak good English as do most of the locals.

Overall, Santa Ponsa is a great place for everyone and there is load's to do for all ages. 

I'm already booked to go back in the summer, this will be my 4th time there in the last 12 months and i'd recommend it to anyone it's a brillant place.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Anne Freeman/ L Bracher (36,36,35,33,6,4)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Booked for Jardin del Mar for 25/9 to 9/10/04.  Knew this would be towards the end of season and weather may be unsettled.  Apart from a morning of overcast sky and rain on the first Monday morning, which quickly cleared up, we had glorious blue sky and hot weather for the whole two weeks.

Self catering apartments were lovely and clean.  My apartment was a bit on the small side, it was fine for two adults, but if you had a child sleeping on the sofa then it would be a little cramped, but seeing as you are only sleeping at night, it is managable.  My sister also had a one bed apartment and it was HUGE. 

When we booked the holiday, we booked by 'splitting' the kids so we got a free child place for both of them.  When we got to the hotel, they were quite happy for us to throw the two kids in my sister's apartment together, and they also provided an additional camp bed.  The travel agents and hotel do seem to think that 2 kids under age 12 can sleep on the sofa (which is the size of a single bed) but it is not practical.  The hotel staff are quite keen to accommodate your needs tho.

All staff are very helpful and speak good english.  David (who is from Manchester and has been there for years) is really helpful.  The hotel do charge for safety deposit box keys and rental of toasters.

Be warned tho, the hotel laundrette facilities consist of one washing machine and one tumble dryer for the whole hotel.  Don't bother with the washing - we gave up (after putting in tokens which cost 3euro each and found the machines worked without them anyway!)

Pool area was lovely and clean and maintained everyday.  Francisco, the pool barman was really funny and friendly.  Hauker (not sure how his name is spelt), was the hotel entertainer.  The hotel does not have an official kids club, so if you need this, dont expect it.  However, Hauker did some brilliant games with the kids, including colouring and making face masks etc...  My sister's two kids still rave about him.  Also Houlio, who took over from Hauker at the end of season, was also brilliant with the kids.  The kids mini-disco at 8.30pm was an absolute must and the kids held us to ransom to take them each night. 

Whilst the hotel evening entertainment was nothing to rave about, it was certainly better than nothing and the entertainers certainly gave it 110%.

Outside of the hotel, it took about 15 mins to walk to the beach depending if you walked along the street, past all the shops, or if you went out the back of the hotel and used the sea front walk way.  This is a must.  You are walking 2 feet away from the sea and the amount of fish in only inches of water is amazing.  Beware for young children tho cos it can be quite slippery.  Also would not be suitable for prams/buggies.

We found some amazing restaurants and bars on our way to the beach using this walkway.  One in particular is the Pagoda.  You must meet John (pronounced Waan in Spanish - make an effort cos he loves it).  Waan was really good with the kids, gave them lollipops and stuff and even let them wash the dishes one night.  for a 4 and 6 year old, they were in their element with aprons on.  We made a point of stopping for a drink with Waan and his workmates each time we walked back from the beach.  Recommend the Pina Colada here and definitely the Sangria.  The Sangria cam in a massive glass full of fresh fruit and straw and spoon.  My sister was quite wobbly after only one.

The food at the Pagoda was also really good.  Mainly chinese food.  Their 3 delicacy rice is a must.  It is egg fried rice with ham, spring onion and other stuff in it - yummy.  Also their sweet/sour chicken is with a garlic flavoured source and I have never had anything like it before. 

Also recommend the El Jardin - the Steak in Rouquefort sauce was really good.  It is not always easy to accommodate 4 adults and 2 kids (especially when the kids have ants in their pants) but all the restaurants that we ate in were really good with the kids and nothing was too much trouble.  We had one bad meal tho and that was at the Royal Gardens, the chicken was seriously pink inside and not cooked right through.

In all, we found for 4 adults and 2 kids, our meal bills were averaging 70-80 euros a night and that was including all our drinks (and my many pina colada's which were expensive) and sometimes a desert.

We spent most of our fortnight either at the hotel pool or on the beach.  The men did take the kids to 2 different water parks and the kids loved it.  It is cheaper to book your tickets for attractions at the ticket shop just up the road from the El Jardin.  It will cost you a lot less then thru your travel rep.  Thomsons would have charged us 30+ euro per adult for the water park and then charged for the kids, the ticket shop was nearly half of this.

There are numerous shops to look at, most do sell the same stuff, but nice to look at.

The square which is literally 1 min walk from the hotel does loads of entertainment during high season and always starts with kids stuff at about 8pm, then goes onto the adults stuff.

The Royal Gardens has a regular singer who does Country.  Dont confuse this with Country and Western as I did as you get a graphical description of the difference!  The singer is Mark Ritchie and he does Neil Diamond shows and Garth Brooks shows.  They are really very good and he is quite funny in between songs.  I am not into Country music, but this was very enjoyable and they welcome kids there, which is just as well as we let ours sleep on the chairs while we listened.

There are some street sellers around selling watches and wooden ornaments, dont be afraid to seriously haggle with them, they do expect it and are polite and friendly, but hold onto your bag cos you never know who is behind you.

I have to comment on the beach, it is marvellous.  You stand in the water (which is warmer than the hotel pool) up to your ankles and there are loads of fish swimming around your feet.  I learnt to snorkel and it was brilliant to see all these fish so close.  There are some jelly fish, as my youngest niece found out.  They are very small, only about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and are transparent apart from little brown veins.  When you see them in the water, it looks like a bit of brown stuff under the surface, like a bit of grass almost.  They do sting, but not badly.  My niece got stung on her foot and she had a very small red rash.  The lifeguards on the beach came running over when they heard her crying and looked at it and said the rash would be gone in 20 mins which it was. 

There are loads of lifeguards on the beach, regularly walking up and down.  The beach is very clean.

You should be aware that if you throw a fag end away on the beach or street, you can be fined up to 300 euro!  Didnt seem to stop some people tho.

I went on the 5 hour boat cruise which cost 22 euro and it was the best money I spent.  Went to several different coastal resorts (forgotten the names) and also to Draconeo Island which used to be a smugglers cove.  You can see all the lizards there.  It does cost an additional 1 euro to go onto the Island which helps to preserve it.  We chose instead to swim off the back of the boat (which had slides on the back!) and snorkel.  That was amazing.  All the different fish and different types of jellyfish on the sea bed had to be seen.

All in all, this was a brilliant holiday and we cant wait to go back there to the same hotel next year.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: AIR EUROPA- SEPTEMBER 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : DARRELL & JOSEPHINE- HAMPSHIRE 57,57

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from far too short a stay at this excellent hotel. It was our first time self catering and we will certainly return.

The Hotel was all we could wish for. Clean friendly excellent pool area and views stunning. Unfortunately we could not upgrade to a sea view as the hotel was not surprisingly full. We will make sure we book one next time.
The weather was very hot so did not venture far so made full use of snack bar and area. We did not use the Hotel Restaurant although it did seem extremely nice.

As the evenings were so warm we chose to eat out at pavement and waterside Restaurants.
Ones not to be missed are across the road from the hotel the Restaurante Miami their Paella is absolutely fabulous as is their garlic bread. Next door the Pizzeria is well worth a visit. Ten minutes walk down towards the town brings you to the Pagoda Chinese/Cantonese the location on the waterfront is breathtaking and so is the food. All food & wine very reasonable everywhere. Entertainment in the square near the Hotel every evening is worth a visit. Paticularly ABBA & Robby Williams (Sound alikes)

The hotel is very quiet sand relaxing. David on reception is very informative. Taxi rank opposite with prices displayed 35 euros to airport. Very near Hotel is first class reasonably priced supermarket with everything you need.
Can't wait to return.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson  july 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : John macintosh  (38,35,12)    aberdeen

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

WELL,what a holiday,when the wife said mallorca,then she said santa ponsa ,i died.thats for teenagers  i said ,but what a surprise...sun,sea,food,friendly people,bars,restraunts,keith the thomson rep,it had it all!!!!!!!!!!!!

the jardin del mar is amongst one of the best holiday hotels that i have ever stayed in.
first impressions count with me,and its true,david the receptionist was friendly,informative and a bit of a comic well done david (and pedro,who,if your scottish will love you to bits)

Then there was Keith the rep,my impression of reps has now changed,keith was 33 (ish)no a stupid wee lassie as normally are,and he knew his stuff,HONEST,informative,very witty and worked well in the presence of a lot of ignorant,demanding people.
well done keith and hope to see you next year.

one tip do not book your car with thomson go to the reception,they are far cheaper(45%)and the cars are the same standard if not better,with better service

the resort,one word EXCELLENT.
"The Square" is nearby where nightly entertainment for all the family is fab,bars,cafes spoilt for choice..especially the wee local just round the corner run by paco and pepe,cold refreshing beer and the chickens..mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
next year its the algarve,maybe the caribean   NOT
SANTA PONSA HERE WE COME

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Stein Travel - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Hugh Bonner - Donegal, Ireland (37,37,12,2,11 months)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Hotel is positioned close to the square at the quiet end of Santa Ponsa.

This area is suitable for families and the hotel is quiet and friendly.

I would recommend El Paso as by far the best place to eat. El Jardin in my opinion is overrated. I also liked the Royal Garden.
The Wembly is good for breakfast and snacks.

The pool at the hotel is not suitable for small children as it's too deep, but the playground is a help. The main beach is lovely and clean. We also found Electric Beach good for kids and Western Water park a very good day out as it has shows and water slides.

The far end of the resort (near beach) is very lively at night and not a place for peace and quiet. Only one night was there a lot of nosie in our hotel and it was dealt with quickly by the staff who I must praise as very helpful when our wee lad got sick.The cleaning ladies were great and leave a tip if you can.

The entertainment in the Square was very good and its a safe place to let the kids loose, but beware of pickpockets as we had a mobile stolen.

The Xerox and Roobie Williams shows were the best. I would recommend Santa Ponsa as it caters for all ages and tastes and it really is a small part of Ireland in the sun.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: First Call - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Cameron Family (35, 33, 6, 4) - Livingston

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had high expectations as the reviews about the Jardin Del Mar were very good.  We were slightly disappointed :

the pool was a good size, but the children's section was very small and the kids were all crammed in, the staff were not very friendly or helpful and there was no children's club.  One day when it rained all day we asked for a children's film to be shown in the family room, but the staff just shook their heads.  We asked to pay to get extra channels on TV in our room (only English speaking channels were CNN or Sky News - not particularly suitable for children) - again this was met with a shake of the head.  

The rooms were VERY small and the kitchen had only 2 rings on the cooker (no oven, toaster etc so eating in was really not possible). The children's activities consisted of a game of water polo or volleyball (if it was sunny) or a game of connect 4 or playing cards if it rained - not very impressive for a 4 year old.

The restaurant in the hotel was empty the whole time we were there and the bar was pretty empty at night. Some of the entertainment was good (the Flamenco dancers) but there were only about 15 people in the bar which spoiled the atmosphere. 

On the positive side, the apartments were clean and had air-conditioning, and the view from our second floor pool-side balcony was quite spectacular.

Santa Ponsa is a nice, family resort, with mostly Irish and Scottish holiday-makers. We tried the restaurants recommended on this site and found El Jardin to be below average, but found Granny's to be good value with friedly, English-spoken staff. Wembley's (across the road from the hotel) did a really good breakfast.
The beach was great and the beach-side cafe was a big hit with the whole family.
Jardin Del Mar is about a twenty minute walk (down-hill) to the beach, but the climb back at night can seem a lot further! 

I would go back to Santa Ponsa, but not to the Jardin Del Mar - nothing really wrong with it, I've just been to much better for the same money.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globespan - June/July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : The Wilson Family - Edinburgh (44, 37, 13, 9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The apartments were very clean and tidy.  Will sleep 4 although it was a bit cramped, this was okay as we only really slept in it.  The pool was clean, average sized with a small pool for children.  The shallow end was still 1.5m so small children need supervised.  Pool bar was very good serving snacks for lunch.  Sun beds go quickly so you may need to get up early!  Staff very friendly and helpful.  There was entertainment during the day at the pool and also most nights.

The resort was very friendly and family orientated.  Mostly visited by the Irish and there were lots of Irish Bars.  We met alot of very friendly Irish families and all nationalities seemed to get on well.

Eating out - we found 2 places with good food that were also good value for money.  The El Paso was at the entrance to the square which was 50m along from the hotel.  Also The South Wind which was on the way to the main part of the town.  There were plenty of other good places.

The Square has lots of bars to choose from and there was live entertainment every night.  There was also amusements for the children.  The Tartan Bunnet was a very friendly bar.

Trips - The Pirate Show was very good for families and there was also an adult show later in the evening.  The food was basic (chicken, sausage, beans, potato wedges, nuggets for the kids) unlimited sangria and juice.  The show itself was excellent, and really got everyone involved.  The Western Waterpark was very good.  There was a couple of side shows as well as the usual water rides.  A good day out.  The Catamaran which leaves from Magaluf or Palma Nova.  This is a very relaxing day out.  It lasted 3/4 hrs.  You get a welcome drink and a snack at lunch time which was a sandwich, crisps, salad and spanish omlette, with melon after.  A very good day out and all the family enjoyed themselves.

A good holiday, we would go back again.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson- june 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : peter stewart-newcastle    40,38,12

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived on a late deal expecting the usual "pits" of a hotel on the late deal thing,but what a surprise!!
the hotel was fab,first impressions  brilliant,clean  beyond belief.
the reception staff all spoke perfect english,and were extremly friendly especially David.
And keith the rep ,,what a boy!!!cheery,very informative,and worked very hard under a lot of pressure ,best rep that we have ever had..well done keith and keep up the good work.thomson should be proud.

The rooms were ok, we  really only slept in it as santa ponsa had so much to offer we were never in.
the hotel is situated 2 mins fro THE SQUARE where we saw robbie,abba,queen christine agulera ,and 5 mins to a wide aray of bars,A must try is the GRANADA a local bar with cooked chickens to die for.....
the food in the hotel was excellent,wide variety,mallorcan,spanish,british,you name it and it was all very tasty,and not expensive,a WULLY the waiter ,very friendly and real mallorca daft.
booked already for next year.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: JWT - May 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Edel, Vincent & Annie (29, 34, 10 months)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were traveling for the first time with our 10 month old daughter so we were a bit nervous. A friend had recommended the appartments to me from her visit last year. We were amazed at how clean the whole place was expecially the apartments. There is a playground for the younger visitors with a playhouse, slides, swings etc. The inside pool was great as the outside pool was just a little cold for our baby.  We love to eat out and 'El Jardin' certainly lived up to it's reputation. 

The food in the hotel was also good - buffet, eat all you can for e9.60. 'Mrs Murphy's Kitchen' in the centre of Santa Ponsa was also very good. We though that because the appartments are 700m from the centre of Santa Ponsa that we may be out of town a little but there were loads of shops and a big supermarket just beside the appartments. The entertainment in the hotel at night was also very good. They really seemed to make an effort. 

We hired a car for 4 days and travelled the Island. We really did not take advantage of the activities during the day but there seemed to be a lot going on in the hotel for younger children.  We would definatly go back to Santa Ponsa and the 'Barcelo Jardin del Mar'.

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - May 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Tia Ferrigno/Lewis McAndrew (43, 27, 09)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived at Palma on 11th May.  

It was raining!  How disappointing.  Had booked a car on internet and was taken by coach to Hiper in Palma where we collected a car far better than the one we'd paid for!  Just 15 minutes later we were at the Barcelo.  A beautiful hotel - very clean with very friendly staff.  Didn't bother to go to the Welcome meeting as knew we would probably find it unnecessary (having been to these before we all know that any excursions are going to be cheaper if booked privately anyway) Anyway, first night we went to Crocodillos - I'd been looking at their web site and fancied a visit.  Disappointing but maybe that's because we both felt that when in Spain, etc etc.  

The following day, we took the car and explored the west coast.  If you do nothing else when in SP, you really must hire a car for the day and take to the mountains.  They are, quite literally, breathtaking.  We took coffee on top of one of the mountains and ate at a terrific restaurant called Es Parc in Selva (highly recommended)  My son (9) ate snails and squid and we ate traditional Spanish fod.  Not cheap but certainly not extortionate. Infact cheaper than the fast food at Crocodillos. 

If you are looking for paradise, find Ses Covetes at the south of the island near Colona de Saint Jordi.  Would also highly recommend Sa Teressa in Santa Ponsa.  Claudia is mexican and her husband mallorcan - a terrific mix and it works.  For a traditional Paella, this is THE place to eat.  Another recommendation for a meal is the Hong Kong Chinese ( we just fancied something different!) in Andratx.  Try Deya for another unspoilt beach.  

The weather just got better and better and we can honestly say, we've had the time of our lives.  800 miles in one week and with a diesel car, we only spent the equivalent of £17 to fill her up!!!  For a superb fry up, visit Fran and Mike at the Wembley (just opposite the Barcelo) Good prices and friendly people.  The resort is teeming with Irish but who cares, they're lovely people. 

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Jardin Del Mar Hotel - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha Beds - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Andy Gubby & Katy Cook

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our second trip to Santa Ponsa, and enjoyed it more than the first.  After our super smooth landing, we were met by our pre booked chauffer who led us to an immaculate Mercedes C Class (Top of range) and drove us from the airport to the front door of the hotel (See www  majorca-airport-transfers  com). 

We stayed in the Barcelo Jardin Del Mar and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The first thing we noticed was how clean the place was.  In our room we discovered more than ample space for two, a neat little kitchenette, nice size bathroom and a good size TV!  The view of the car park wasn't bad either - especially after a few San Miguel's on the balcony!  The bar is extremely clean and bar staff very friendly (try to speak a little Spanish, as people appreciate it - you are in Spain after all! Ivan the barman taught us a few phrases whilst we were there - top chap.) The evening entertainment was superb, with a dj on a couple of nights playing some rare tunes. (Note for parents - Bastien who is the dj also runs the kids club and can speak about 2000 different languages, and is amazing at English - no he's not English.)
The pool was clean but the water was too cold to get in but that's probably just me being a wuss. So on a whole the Hotel was excellent and will recommend it to anyone.

On a final note, I have to mention "Granny's." It is a Restaurant located on the main strip and has THE best food in any restaurant in Majorca, of which we have visited a few. On a number of occasions we visited "Granny's" for breakfast.  This consisted of Bacon, Eggs, Sausages, Fried Bread, Toast Beans, Mushroom, Tomatoes, Cup of Tea, and Glass of Orange ...etc..etc.
All of the above are English bar the Glass of Orange which actually tastes better than English OJ.  On one evening I had a Shepherds pie which was absolutely beautiful, just like granny makes! I can't remember what my fiancé ate as I was so absorbed in the quality of the food that lay before me.  Our hosts, Karen and Paul are two of the friendliest people we have ever met, they are welcoming, approachable, friendly, and courteous and seem ... well just generally happy, which is really nice to see. The other lady who worked at Granny's (I'm sorry but I have forgotten her name and now feel really bad after this glowing report) also showed all of the aforementioned attributes and only contributed to our pleasant experience on the island. "Granny's" was like our hotel and many other places on the island in that it was amazingly clean - spotless.
Just make sure that you don't fall in to the trap of going to the restaurant next door that masquerades as being part of "Granny's" as it not the same restaurant!!
Enjoy Majorca,
Regards.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: flightline  April 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : 37, 26, 6, 3

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at Jardin de Playa after an early morning flight to find that no rooms were available, we had to wait 2.5 hours, the receptionist however  was friendly and helpful.  Once allocated into our room, it was in need of some minor updating.......kitchen cupboardds broken, small windows cracked!.  Apart from these minor bits, the accomodation was adequate and clean.  The only thing I will say about the position of the room, it was very very noisy in the evenings (Midnight plus) with children playing football and table tennis, our room looked over a tiled space for children to run about in.  If you can avoid rooms on level 1, do so.
The pool area, and beach were great, if we could have used them, we didn't have good enough weather, but the pool was very inviting, and clean.
Many nice walks to go on, and the resort would be one that i would return to in a few years time.
The food at the hotel was not that good, nothing was labelled, so it was guess work when eating some of the evening meals, and it was either pasta or chips with everything.
Breakfast was the same everyday, it would have been nice to have some fresh fruit, and yogurts, but it was fried everything, except for the pastries, and cooked meats.  If you are not a fussy eater, then you can get through a week, wouldn't want to do a fortnight there.
All in all I would not return to this accomodation, but would go back to the resort. 

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpha rooms - 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Ian Stokes, Great sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the second time we have been to this holel and on both occasions have had no room due to over booking! The manager just schrugged his shoulders and said they were fully booked and nothing he could do even though we booked six months prior to travel. We were traveling as a family group and once again got split up from the rest of our party. 

The alternate accomodation was the smallest, grottiest room with no balcony or view, which we had to stay in for two days and nights until a room was available. No compensation was offered or recieved. It seems to be a first come first served basis here so if you are on a late flight coming here be prepared to not get a room. This is the last time i will ever use this hotel as customer support is zero and booking means nothing. The rooms are also starting to look shabby.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independent - Summer 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Michelle - Coventry (41, 38, 8, 4)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We returned to this hotel following a great holiday there last summer, see my review from last years holiday. This year we were dissapointed to find some things had changed. This was mainly due to the hotel now offering all inclusive packages to German guests, who were not at the hotel last year. This hotel is really only suited to half board and we found we had to queue at the bar for drinks alongside german all inclusive guests for long periods of time. The poolside snack bar was not open due to the fact the hotel did not have enough staff to cope. We met many people who had been there last year when we were and we all said how it had changed for the worst! Evening entertainment was in german, so if we wanted to stay in the hotel we would have been very isolated. The pool area is now packed and the race for sunbeds has made its way to this hotel!!! 

This year the hotel has employed life guards for the pool area, I presume to meet the German requirements, but the inconsistency of what activities could be done in the pool caused much distress to guests and the poor life guards who all seemed to interpret rules in different ways. The hotel rooms were fine and cleaned regularly. The hotel receptionists were polite and helpful. One even expressed to me her feelings on the German clientelle and the all inclusive system. If the hotel returns to half board only and caters for ALL of its international guests we would probably return there, however, until then we will be trying something new next year.  

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Independent Alpharooms Easyjet

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : R. French A French 54,53,14.

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from 7 day stay at Santa Ponsa Playa Del Jardin, the hotel was clean & tidy but towels changed only twice all week bed once nice pool plenty sun loungers the main beach is 15 mins walk steep bank to return to hotel entertainment in square quite good but some of the bar staff are very rude Brasil Bar especially cant repeat what one said because we were slow ordering drinks If you do go there drink bottles as draught lager will give you the bends that much water! 

I wont be going back to Santa Ponsa as i found it expensive for drink & food only good restaurant we found was Miami Will try portugal next hol as spaniards tend to take us for granted.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Alpharooms/Jet2 - April 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Carol - Pontefract (35,38,14 +11)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed in these appartments over the easter holidays, they were a bit dated but clean and tidy and we had plenty of clean towels, even on the days when the room wasn't cleaned.The pool was very nice and clean and there were plenty of sunbeds. The great thing about going on holiday at easter is that you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn for a sunbed! The hotel staff were very friendly and helpfull.
The appartments are about a 10 to 15 mins walk from the main resort, turn left when you go out of the complex and go up the steps over the road, this will bring you into the spanish square.
Santa Ponsa is a great resort for a self catering holiday, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. We ate at Oeste, Granny's, Duke of York (3 times), El Jardin and crocodillos, all were very nice and reasonably priced.
We had a great holiday and would recomend Santa Ponsa for families.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - april 2006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Tracey, Rich, Dan -  London (32,37,9)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just had a week at the Jardin de Playa.  Reception staff are a bit miserable but were helpful enough.  Our apartment had a bit of a sea view and was a good size. It was however, not very clean and in need of some basic maintenance.  We arrived Saturday afternoon and the towels were changed on tues and thurs and the beds were made but sheets were not changed and room not swept or cleaned at all the whole week, there were ants on the worktops in the kitchenette too. 

Walls were paper thin and lots of noise from chairs moving and people just going about their business next door and upstairs. All the communal areas leading to apartments were not cleaned at all either. Pool was freezing but inside pool was nice and warm but very chlorined. I felt sorry for the poor cow doing the entertainment - she did'nt speak fantastic english and couldnt get anyone to play "cocktail game" (win a cocktail) or volleyball, she sadly lacked enthusiasm. Evening entertainment was dire and we gave the food at the hotel a miss after we ate only one buffet breakfast, that was dire too.

There are plenty of good places to eat.  Katies Kitchen in the square and the Duke of York halfway down the hill deserve a mention but we found the best place by far was Pacos's which is just before the Duke of York. Excellent set menu and run by spanish which was unusual. Bars in the square were quiet but we were told the entertainment starts in May - we liked Shennanigans and the owners were very friendly, 9 year old loved the childrens champagne!!!  Seen some good reviews for Grannys but we waited so long for our starter and then our main course took over an hour to arrive, the waitress apologised and said everything was cooked to order but we were the only customers in the restaurant!!!! It dont take an hour to cook a steak and chips!!!! very dissapointing.
Pirates is fab and worth every penny.  The beach at Santa Ponsa is nice but we had bad weather that day and 9 yr old preferred pool anyway.

Only got collered once by a girl trying to flog whatever on the scratchcard. But after reading the reviews here and being a cynical Londoner we never took her up on the offer of 200 fags etc etc if you come with me now. See a few muppets who were getting herded into cabs and driven god knows where to get the hard sell.

Weather was good thou seeing as it was first week of april and didnt find it  expensive to eat and drink. People are friendly and some nice shops on the way to the beach.  But I hope the Jardin get their finger out before the hoards start arriving as it was quiet there when we were there.I would hate to see the state of the place in peak season.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Easyjet-Feb 2006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Michelle Laing 76,33,11,7.

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went to the jardin del playa for a five night break travelling with easyjet.It was the first time I had booked both accomodation and flights with them but we had no problems with either.I booked a self catering apartment for myself,my mother and my two children although the apartments have a resturant where you can book half board or a separate breakfast or evening meal.We tried the food which wasn't bad and it was fairly cheap although there is a big supermarket a five minute walk away.

On arrival we were given our room key but no leaflet on the hotel services. We arrived in our room which was basic but clean.It had a kitchen area with two electric rings but no oven,a kettle but no toaster.A dining table and chairs,a sofa bed with a pull out for one child on the top half and  another underneath.A separate bedroom with two single beds.It was adequate for what we needed and a cheap getaway as the holiday was less than £300 for accomodation and flights!Entertainment was very low key in the hotel although the bar staff were friendly and polite. Had a walk around Santa Ponsa and soon realised that two thirds or the bars and resturants were closed with it being the winter season.

I think if I was to go back I would go in the summer as I think it would be a great resort when it's up and running.Santa Ponsa probably wasn't the flatest of resorts it is a bit hilly so bear this in mind if you have walking difficultys.We spent most of the holiday in Palma Nova and Magaluff which the shops were more open and was easily accessible by bus or taxi.Visit Golf Fantasia which is fab if you like mini golf it's open nearly all year.Marineland was closed so the kid's missed out on the dolphins but it is a great day out when it opens in the summer as we have been there a few times before.

Had a good time in Majorca and I am sure we will return in the future.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globespan - October 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Maureen - Glasgow (35,9,9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went in the October week to Santa Ponsa, the resort was very quiet, but that was good. The hotel was great, very empty, but good at the pool as you could have your pick of the sunbeds.  The water was freezing, we used the indoor pool mostly which was warm but it stank of chlorine. 

Alot of the bars and cafe were closed, but still plenty to choose from. The best place to eat was Grannies Pantry and the best pub for kids was Floozies, both were very friendly and reasonably priced.  The girl who owns Floozies was brillant with the kids, she played games with them and gave them prizes when they won.  The kids loved the X Box as well.

Went to the Western Water Park which was the only one opened.  It was great fun and the shows were brillant.

Santa Ponsa is a lovely resort, very clean, and very friendly, most people said hello to you. Would go back in a minute.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: June 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : staffs-43, 41, 17,17, 15,15

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

when we first arrived in santa ponsa the weather wasnt too good, cloudy and breezy for the first 2 days.(we were told by a shop owner in maguluf though that it usually was in the 1st week in june?!?!) my mom was worrying abit but we just took it in our stride and the weather soon picked up. 

the hotel was really nice, and the rooms were spacious and clean. the pool was also really good and a nice size and we could always get sunbeds. its true there is no beach by the hotel but its no big deal, the view from the pool bar is still lovely and we just clambered dwn the rocks for a swim, it was really peaceful. DONT turn right out of apartments, we did this on 1st day and it took us 20mins 2 get 2 the square where all the entertainment was. but we soon found out that if you turn left abit then up steps straight ahead, it wil take u rite into the square.

all the meals we had were lovely and tasty, sorry i cant remember wat the restaurants were called! nite life is good too, with the main bars and nightclubs being tooked away behind the roundabout just before you get to the beach. stay away from clubs on fridays and saturdays though because they are full of locals!! the beach was ok,, but ive been 2 better, (eg cala d'or) and we went to palma nova and magaluf one day 2 have a nose and i preferred it there,, the beaches were better. (maybe this is because im young????) 

anyway, santa ponsa is really nice and out of all the hotels i saw ours was the best!

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Globespan-June 05

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Tracie 32, Joe 31, Josh 5, Dylan 3

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had a great holiday here, the pool was big with lots of Loungers and umbrellas ect

The Apartments were very clean maid came 3 times in a week, never cooked in the room though - I don't go on holiday to slave over a cooker, we ate out every night.

Apartments are right accross the street from the 'Square' beware the drinks are 2 euros dearer if you sit in the square for the entertainment rather than in the pubs. There is a different Stars in your eyes act on every night, make sure you see Madonna she was fantastic!

Not impressed with the beach in Santa Ponsa, the apartment is a good 20 minute walk from the beach & is small.

Went to Magaluf's Western Water park this was ideal for younger children.

The weather was great 1 cloudy day out of 7.

Never felt the neeed for a rep while we were there, flight left on time both ways no complaints.

Would go back to this resort again, but would mention that the place is crawling with Irish pubs & Celtic supporters never saw a Rangers top the whole time we were there so not everyones cup of tea.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - june 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : James McLoughlin 38,35,14,6

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This accommodation is in a great area for families. just across the road (through a celtic bar) is the spanish square, which provides free entertainment for all ages in a safe environment. the beach advertised in the brochure however is not only a joke but is dangerous as it is covered with broken glass.
the pool at the appartments, although of a great size, had the tiles at the bottom broken which cut my childrens feet, and when we complained all we got was a uninterested shrug!
apart from this the resort is typical of spanish costas with a great beach and is well suited to families, 

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: globespan - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : James McKeown-47,46,21,18

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read the mixed reviews about the hotel we were unsure what we were going to.

However we found the hotel to be clean,the towels were changed every second day and the toilet was cleaned at the same time. Sheets were not changed the week we were there, also the air-conditioning is dire.Pool was clean and never busy and the pool bar was great for lunch. if you follow the path round the coast you come to a bathing platform where you can dive/jump into the sea, also great for snorkling or if you carry on the path you come to a great beach.The square is right across the road from the hotel( cross road and up stairs ) where the entertainment is great,we saw abba, the beatles,the drifters, robbie williams . different acts on every night. Ate a few times in The Royal Gardens and it was delicious, also The Glasgow where good scottish fare was plentiful. the chinese restaurant just next to the glasgow was also good. 

The resort has lots to offer and we really enjoyed ourselves, would go again but would stay away at the busy times.The hotel staff were very nice and helpful and the rooms are a good size. We booked the holiday on the internet and everthing went smoothly from check in to the flight to the bus and same for the return journey, would book with globespan again the price was great.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Hotelopia - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Chris Park (34, 35)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Excellent hotel with self catering option. Pool is excellent with views over the bay. Only a few minutes walk from the Square though very quiet. Very clean and lots for kids to do, thoroughly recommended.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Hotelopia June 05

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Sandra - Birmingham 43 43

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Apartment very clean. Kitchen with gas cooker which had an oven and 3 rings.
Air conditioning not brilliant but better than nothing.

Duke of york excellent for service and quality of food, as is Granny's.  Pepper pot great food but if you are limited for time don't bother as we waited an hour for the starter to arrive, then another 30 mins for main course.

Scrumpy Jo's is a family run pub providing very good quality snacks and Perry, Jo, Ian and Karen are extremely friendly and welcoming to everyone - give it a try.

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Steintravel - May/June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Irish couple 24, 25

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read alot of the reviews about jardin de playa i was quite sceptical as to what we were to get... having arrived at 8pm an been dropped to our accomodation, we were very pleasantly surprised at how clean, tidy an welcoming jardin de playa actually was.. 

upon arrival we were given our card to our room which was on the ground floor.. this we werent to happy about as we were looking out on to dark bushey area and didnt feel to safe, how ever we were moved to the 4th floor with a stunning view over the pool an sea first thing the next morning with out any problem at all and reception staff were only to happy to help. the hotel it self was absoloutly fabulous, having a great atmosphere, suitable to all types, couples, families etc. with entertainment all day & night for the children and the pool always bustling, it was great... there was in fact a little cove a short walk along a path with sun loungers etc. very nice. the hotel was exceptionally tidy and clean, maids coming every second day (although not to friendly).. 

'The Royal Garden' has to be mentioned, the best breakfasts in santa ponsa!! if like myself you miss the sausages you can get at home while on holiday, this is a must stop place!! santa ponsa, lovely place, bit quiet while we were there but very nice... 

over all not a bad thing to say about resort/accomodation and we will certainly be returning in the future!!!

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Jardin del Playa - Santa Ponsa

Operator and Date: Stein Travel May 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Helena Scannell Kerry 24,21

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from a week in the Jardin De Playa, and was very happy with everything, the lobby is nice fairly big and airy, welcomed by a friendly spanish qug who gave us our key and told us where to go, we were on the fourth floor and when we got to our apartment we were very happy with what we got, nice spacious sitting room, dining area with table and chairs, and a nice big bed room, Kitchen was well equipped, 2 ring hob, good size fridge, saucepans, frying pan, chopping board, knives forks etc, and a kettle, (not electric though) other things like microwave etc could be rented from reception.

Next morning, woke to fabulous sunshine, out onto the balcony and had a nice side view of the sea, took a walk down to the pool and when you first walk around the corner and sea the coastline just beyond the pool it really is gorgeous, the "cove" is not great, there is no sand there only a really stoney path way, you definetly couldn't lie out there and sin bath, but its nice to walk down there, only one down side to having the cove, you do get a fair bit of a breeze from the coast, bu if you find a sheltered part of the pool its fine, pool is nice and big and nice to cool off in it. 

The Bar is nice staff friendly, pool table and air hockey out side, drinks aren't too expensive, we ate lunch there one day had a pizza chips and weren't very impressed, we decided to have the buffet one night, after our lunch we weren't expecting much, but for Euro 8.50 we had to give it a go, and we were plesantly surprised, good choice, soup, salads, steak, fish, pasta, spaghetti, potatoes, veg and chips, and dessert,fruit and ice-cream and different cakes, so we were glad we gave it a go, we only ate there one night but it was very nice.

Cleaners came 3 times during the week, staff were all friendly, bar staff very friendly and the girl that does the kids club is great with the kids, we didn't have any with us, but watching her do the mini disco one night, she def loves her job. She e