Ciudadela, Esmeralda Hotel

We went for Two weeks with Archers Direct. When we first arrived on the 15th of October the weather was nice and the hotel looked really nice. The staff were friendly at the Reception, and the rooms were superb and clean, except the view of the other apartments. The first week was amazing, it was full to the brim and we had a really good time, especially the all inclusive bar! However after that week it was the English half term so it was full of little kids breaking things, but because it was the last week for the hotel to be open until next May food was not ordered so it was re used, entertainment was down to a minimum and everybody was bored, we all just wanted to leave and the hotel received 43 official complaints about this. However if you go in season even though it is expensive it will be worth it, but avoid out of season.

The staff were great except some bar staff as they were very moody but so would I doing a 14 hour shift everyday and night. Reception and entertainment staff spoke excellent English and the doctor was available anytime but travel insurance was needed or pay a fee, cannot use E111 forms. The town was brilliant caked in history and shops and at night the harbour is spectacular. The hotel was right on the coast near an old fortress and cliff which used to be apart of it (some dungeons still remain) however you are allowed to walk on them but be careful can be very dangerous. However the walk can be amazing. The Spanish teenagers do tend to hang around the fortress on Friday nights and can be boistress but just as long you don't aggravate them you should be alright however they do leave smashed bottles around so you need to be careful the following morning.

The hotel does offer internet facilities but are very dear, if you walk down the road for a few minutes there is a cheap internet cafe there, for all you MSN lovers. Ciudadella town centre is about a 10 - 20 minute walk away depending if you take the scenic route or not. There is a spar, supermarkets, shops, chemist, English information shop and many other things however siesta is from 1 - 5pm do I recommend everything in the morning.

The language over there is Minorquin a form of Catalan, however if you do know Spanish a lot of people do know it so don't worry about the language barrier. Menorca is generally a quite island but if you use the free shuttle bus ( the don't tell you this but the free tickets to the beach can be used all over the west part of the island l-07 and these buses can be caught from the town centre, they are comfy but all have steps however they do have air conditioning and curtains and run like clock work, and it tells you on a screen which is the next stop so don't worry about where you need to get off) They are several 'tourist towns' such as Cal'n Bosh and and Cal'n Forcat, full of shops but very touristy. If you would like to go to a beach the best one is at Cal'n Bosh, clean and beautiful, the small beach in Ciudadella is dirty, small and dangerous, glass and other objects.

My main advice is if you have a family I recommend going in season when there are more things to do (for example water parks) and the weather is nicer too. Out of season be warned about the food (in season food is great and plentiful) and lack of entertainment unless they change there ways after all our complaints. On the whole nice hotel and area but try and get a sea view it will be worth it. I hope this helps, but have a look for yourself: www.mac-hotels.com LIKE I SAID IF YOU GO IN SEASON OR BEFORE SEASON YOU SHOULD BE ALRIGHT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME I RECOMMEND AVOIDING OCTOBER!

Ben

Esmeralda Hotel overlooks the harbour, lovely views at night. It is a safe place to walk around at night. There is a big hypermarket 10 mins walk away. All inclusive deal offers snacks in-between meals. Staff gave advice on where to buy things, cleaners told me where to find nearest big beach and when buses come etc. Lots of fantastic entertainment in daytime and evening.