Barcelo Palma Nova Aparthotel

Brilliant holiday got to do lots of activities. We went at the end of the season so there was no party people in our hotel, we went as a family of 8 with a young child and 2 rooms was a perfect amount. I would recommend you eating at a restaurant half way down the hill called lirah (opposite florida). Your holiday will not be complete if you do not go to pirates it's amazing, and I would also recommend you going to the western water park rather than aqua world (across the road from it) as it is better value and there's more slides, no rental charge on rings and free shows. The beaches were stunning and very clean one problem on our last day there were jelly fish so be careful!! The shops had great staff and were reasonable prices :) enjoy your holiday :)

I had a brilliant time in Palma Nova, and the Barcelo Apartments were absolutely gorgeous. Spacious rooms with a balcony and great views. The hotel is marble from head to foot and staff were friendly and helpful. The Pool is great with a tennis court, indoor pool, park and downstairs bar. The shops and restaurants are just down the hill. The hill isn't steep, although obviously, it is not flat! There is a supermarket next door to the Barcelo, and it was a great advantage. There's a lovely little cafe just down from the Barcelo with outdoor tables overlooking the sea, which is a must at breakfast time! It is a 5 minute walk to Magaluf, which is great for clubs, but also for quiet pubs and restaurants. The Happy House in Magaluf is definitely worth visiting. The shops are lovely, and Palma Nova is so lovely. I would highly recommend it.

Background

We already had flights to Palma arranged from the local airport so we were looking for something not too far away from St Joan and decided on (preferably) Palma Nova. Following an internet search of accommodation in the area, a list was made based on the price, the write-ups in the tour operators brochures and other folks comments, a list was made. The Barcel was the 1st hotel on the list with the dates available - about 8th on our list of preferences.

Environment

The Barcel is located in the grey area between manic Magaluf and 'posher' Palma Nova - on the cliff top of Torrenova. So pushchairs etc are OK going into the town but quite a climb returning. Magaluf is approx 400 ms, P Nova approx 600 ms from the hotel. The hotel is more a series of self-catering apartments that most people seem to be doing during our stay. Our room was OK for size - 2 single beds plus sofa bed plus furniture that left ample room for the bits and pieces and pushchair we had. The bathroom was also ample in size and well lit. However the fixtures and fittings had seen a season or two and weren't the most comfortable. The maids did visit the room. I would write more, but apart from one occasion when we terminated out bed linen by dumping it outside, I couldn't definitely say it was changed. External bed covers were pulled up over the bed so it looked 'made', but the sheets were crumpled underneath. The maid did no cleaning what so ever.

Facilities

We were board so sampled the cuisine on almost every night. The food was average and was soon 'boring'. It was a menu similar (but smaller scale) to what would be seen in a larger hotel restaurant facility. Except the bread in the evenings was the morning's bread - just harder. The staff in the restaurant were extremely efficient. In fact if THEY thought you had finished (or should have finished) your plate, dish or coffee was hijacked. The facility was small, without 'aircon' and in the evenings the glass windows mad sure that food and guests were toasted. I believe the staff saw the restaurant as a chore and just wanted to get it over with. By the by - the gym was non existent.

Comment

Up until midday-ish it was families around the pool. Then the singles groups arrived (mostly Brits) down from their 'pits'. The rest you can guess. Their ages didn't explain their immaturity including throwing glass bottles around the pool area and other rather stupid acts. Despite complaints to the 'management', very little was done to curb the over exuberant behaviour. That said the stupidity wasn't a daily event although the loud music etc was. (By loud I mean you could not hear the hotel PA system unless you were within 3 metres of it)

Conclusion

We got a good deal - internet booked hotel and pre-booked fights (at sale time) so money wise, no complaints. Some there were paying top brochure prices, and even those that had 'negotiated' a deal were ripped off - once they started talking prices with each other. But when you go away and it states families then you expect a bit more calm and a little less yobishness. Our holiday was OK, we didn't feel rested and relaxed but overall I would say 6/10 for the accommodation, its position and the youth content. I wouldn't return but it would be a good base if you were 18 to 20-ish.

We visited the Barcelo Palma Nova Aparthotel in October 2004 and there were eight of us 4 adults and 4 children. The apartments are situated half way up a steep hill but not a major problem; they are clean fairly spacious and equipped with the basics. Entertainment was average although we were at the end of the season. Pools were good, all cleaned daily although no lifeguards we present. Did not use the restaurant but snack bar was good. Weather was fantastic, did not have a problem with any loud partygoers even though you're on the edge of magaluf. Spar next to reception and huge selection of shops and clubs bars etc within minutes of apartments. Free soft drinks and snacks at bar for kids. Everything you need for a great family holiday although would not like to go in July or august because of the nightlife, could be a bit too loud for most. Gets busy towards the weekend with lots of teens to twenties flying in for a couple of nights partying. Enjoyed it very much and will plan to go back to same hotel in a couple of years.