We loved Orquidea Aparthotel for the 2 weeks that we was there in May 2005. The entertainers were brilliant with the kids all day long and even had activities for the adults. The rooms were very basic but was adequte. they even had a telephone in the room for you to use. The hotel overall was excellent. The restuarant was very repetative but the food was lovely and the kids loved it. There is quite a lot to do in Ibiza and the surrounding areas which are easily accessable by boat,taxi or bus. I would definately recommend the hotel we are thinking of going back again later this year. We was originally self catering but upgraded to half board. One thing I dont agree with is having to pay for a sea view/pool view room, although we was lucky becuase we payed for a pool view room but becuase we was in a room near the end of the hotel we could also see the sea clearly. The First Choice Representive we had was great, she even joined in with the eveining activities. I have some very good memories of our holiday and would recommend it to anyone.

We had read on another internet site that when you arrive at Orquidea Aparthotel you are asked to pay a supplement for a pool or sea view. They said see what you get first as you may not want to change. We arrived at 10pm and did this but found that although the apartment was very nice we were on the second floor and a very small balcony was overlooking a house that was being renovated. We decided to pay the extra 6euro a night for a sea veiw. We were delighted with the apartment they gave us on the top floor which had great views of the sea, fortified church and hills from a large terrace which had 2 sunbeds 5 chairs a small table and twice as much room as well! However after spending the night in it we realised that the hotel ventilation shaft was right beside our apartment and came out on the roof above our head and it was noisy enough to keep us awake. We asked to move rooms again and got the room below which had the same views and large terrace. However the people that had this apartment after us didn't find it a problem. We were self catering so didn't use the restaurant in the hotel though other guests said it was good. We didn't use the pool or area around it as we had the terrace for sunbathing and the beach was a stone's through away. We loved the resort. It was quite classy with its marina and there were plenty of good restaurants, shops and walks. There were challenging coastal walks which we thoroughly enjoyed and took ferries and buses to other resorts and Ibiza. There was plenty to do without hiring a car for our two week stay. The hotel reception staff were very helpful. The maid service excellent. Unfortunately my husband and son got food poisoning the last couple of days of the holiday. The hotel found a doctor for us and they were treated at a clinic. Beware of undercooked chicken or ice-cream! We paid for an extension on our room for 6 hrs, normally if you have a sea view you would have to move to another room for this extension but because they were ill the hotel manager waived this. I would definitely return to this hotel if I could book a room with a terrace again as the location and resort were terrific

Over-all Rating - Far from relaxing, wouldn't go back or recommend the Orquidea Aparthotel!!!!

Rooms
From the outside the resort looks impressive, but as soon as you step through the front door you are inflicted with a very disgruntled receptionist. Our room was clean and functional, with a very small balcony (only suitable as a washing line), overlooking waste land. The room was situated opposite the entertainment stage, so at night the noise level was very loud until around midnight. We did ask the lovely receptionist if we could swap rooms, to which she stated we were not opposite the stage (what she says goes). She did give us a key to another room on the quiet side, but by the kitchen and it stunk, I'm not sure if it was of rotting food or drains, but we stayed in the original room.

Swimming Pool
In the morning at 9.30 we decided to sit by the swimming pool, but unfortunately there was no where to sit. Having spoken to another guest I found out that the sun beds are all stacked up at night and locked. In the morning at 8am they are unlocked to a crowd of aggressive guests who stampede grabbing up to eight at time, they lay them out around the pool in a space where another family member has waited so no one else can pinch their spot, and then they mark their territory by putting their towels on them. The next day I was there at 8am, but still only managed to get 1 chair for the 3 of us, and didn't have any chance of getting an umbrella. The swimming pools were packed; even the children's' pool had adults in it playing ball games over the divide from the adult's pool, with no regarding for the young children's safety. Guests dive bombed constantly and most days you could not see the water for inflatables' and the noise level was horrendous.

Food
Once you have arrived you can upgrade and have breakfast and dinner included, which is what we did. It was very good value but basic, the kids loved it.

Entertainment
The two entertainers were excellent and great with kids. The entertainment started around 10pm in the evening, it was very tacky and repetitive. Every night they start with bingo, followed by a kids' disco, which had the same music with songs like the Birdie Song, followed by a competition. We experienced the kids talents contest one night and Miss Orquidea another. If you went with Thompson their reps were fantastic and really encouraged all the children to join in.

First Choice Representative
He could often be found relaxing in the reclining position with his hands behind his head and legs out-stretched. We did disturb him one day to ask him where the town hall was, he said he didn't know he didn't live here. So we asked for a map, to which he replied he didn't have one.


Check-Out
We had previously arranged to have a late check out, when I went down to confirm the exact departure time, the receptionist said our room was no longer available, but we could use the courtesy room for 30mins at 12.30 (6 hours before our departure time), or pay the same £30approx, but move to another room. I told I was unhappy as I already confirmed the late check-out in our room, she said I don't like your attitude we are doing you a favour and nothing is available now, leave at 12.00. I spoke to the First Choice Rep who's only input was, well the receptionist may re-consider if you apologise. I hadn't been rude or aggressive and was very disappointed with the reps lack of support. We did apologise to her, then we received a lot of abuse from her and a key to a room with no running cold water in the kitchen and no kettle and it still cost us £30.
Beware of the wrath of the receptionist!!!