| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Joanne Kelly from Newcastle Upon Tyne travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: First time self catering and was wary about coming having read other reviews pleased i took no notice. Had some meals at the hotel which had plenty of choice others ate there at times too. The staff were very friendly and great with the kids always happy to help and the maintanence staff were cheerful too. The location of the hotel is perfect easy access to the beach which is 2 minutes down the road, the square of restaurants and shops is just to the left when you leave the hotel it is in prime location. It only costs you 2 euro at the hotel to change travellers cheques some places charge 9. They stopped doing entertainment as not many people came but i think they should definately start again. i would stay here again dont know what others have complained for its brilliant.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Steve from Marlow travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Med Hotelks
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We took a risk at this hotel. Prior to departure Med Hotels had overbooked a 4 star we wanted and gave a refund. I learnt a lesson there - you're never guaranteed a booking until you actually get in the room!! The words 'Booking confirmation' still means they'll move you if they seem fit.
Anyway, after struggling to find anything suitable/available we found ourselves in the Sol Cala D'or - not expecting too much. Pleasantly surprised. Location good, room OK - just like any other for the price range.
We didn't experience any noise problems but then again we always stopped off at the Karaoke on the way back from a night out with our 5 yr old to watch the last bits of 'singing' before turning in. You probably would hear it if you had an apartment near the bar but who goes to bed and sleeps before midnight on holiday!! Our room was away from the pool so that didn't effect us either.
Didn't use the pool - we preferred the sea to fighting for a sunbed which you will have to here.
Didn't see any hotel entertainment - there's a whole load of stuff to do in a very busy Cala D'or.
Tip: Hire a car. For 90 Euros we saved oh transfer fees and had freedom to explore hidden lagoonish coves. No fighting for beach space for us! The car also kept all beach clobber in it too.
Staff were very friendly to us! I heard no one else having any complaints too.
If you want a hotel in a good location for a reasonable cost then I'd recommend.
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James from Redditch travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Travel Republic
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Sol Cala D'or? What a joke of a hotel. I've been to Cala D'or three times now and this is the worst hotel I've stayed in on the Island, and infact anywhere in the world.
They claim It's a 3 star hotel, but don't be fooled by this. I have never stayed in such a poor complex. I'd give it 2 stars at best.
When we arrived our first impression, from the outside, was a good one. The hotel seemed quite modern looking. However, we were greeted by an older gentleman, who didn't even seem mildly interested in showing some form of customer service. Just a few grunts here and there, wave of the hand and a bit of pointing.
When we entered our room we were first shocked to see how dated the decor was. It's was a flash back from the 80's. Seriously, this room hadn't been updated for 20 years, and they have the cheek to call it modern? And the decorating they had done was to such a poor standard a small child could of done a better job. The walls, tiles, floor, finishing etc looked like it'd been done by a builder who'd been off his face on San Mageal. It was very small, and the bathroom had room for only person, which became quite awkward. The facilities were poor. The oven didn't even work properly. We found a bare socket with bare wires poking out of it. The mattress had stains on it, and there were cracks in the bathroom tiles and floor tiles.
Once we'd stomached the room we were then introduced to the incredible noise of the hotel. I'm not joking here - shut a door and the whole hotel wil hear it. And trying to get an early night(11-12) was not possible. Music, entertainment(which surrounds the hotel) goes indoors by midnight, but the hotel bar stays open until the last few go to bed. We had a 1st floor pool view room, and the slightest noise from the bar or someone walking past blasted through the flimsy 'doll house' doors and windows. Then we had to compete with the air-con.. It's 'quiet mode' made a noise so loud it was more comfortable turning it off and sleeping in the blistering heat. And then to top it off at 8am(after only a few hours sleep) the sunbed man comes out and slams down each bed which woke us up every morning. And get this - you have to stand and wait by an area, he comes over to you SLAMS down however many beds you want and then CHARGES you 2 euros each. We slept very little during our stay, and I know this sounds a bit daft but both myself and my girlfriend had nightmares every night. I'm sure this hotel was built on a pet cematary or something.
The bar staff were rude, and for some bizarre reason also slammed down everything. They spoke broke English and often sniggered and laughed in spanish, which I felt was quite often pointed at people around the bar. Asking for a beer etc seemed to be a hindrance to them. We were treated like pests.
It's a good job Cala D'or is a beautiful place, as we spent every minute we could away from the hotel. Walshies was quite good, and plenty of nice places to eat and drink. The sea is gorgeous!
In summary this hotel is nowhere near a 3 star, and don't be duped by the other reviews, I swear they've been put there by a third party trying to give the hotel a better reputation. Infact, I read all of the reviews on this site for this hotel and there were some bad ones which mirrored what I've said, but they seem to have dissapeared? I wished I'd have listened to them and went elsewhere.
This hotel was full of chavvy type families, and we're not snobs by any means, but it felt like we were in minehead during the day around the pool. Not exaclty the kind of escapism we were looking for..
The food was terrible, had a few meals there, and could've sworn they were frozen meals just heated in the microwave.
When we checked out we weren't even asked if we'd enjoyed our stay. Not even a goodbye. Just handed the key over and she carreid on typing away. We weren't really surprised as this was the general theme of the hotel.
I will never return to the Sol Cala D'or. They should be shut down for the trade descriptions act. How they managed to pull of a 3 star rating is beyond me. Incredible.
If you're thinking about booking with this hotel I strongly urge you not to make the mistake we did. Book else where, the hotel is disgrace and it's description is, in our eyes. a complete and utter lie.
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Jackie from Aldridge travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
DIY
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Had a fantastic holiday - first time DIY. Check-in was fast, had requested upper floor room but got given ground floor but had no problem with it. Very secure. Little gate at front of patio so children can't escape towards the pool without you noticing! Apartment was very clean, little on the small side but was fine as we only slept there. Beds quite hard! Didn't have any problems with noise from neighbours, walls seemed quite thick. Storage was a bit limited but think it was on par with most apartments I have been too. Pool area was fab, cleaned every day. Sun followed round pool all day. Had to get up for 8.30 to get beds - 3 euros each, brollies free. But there was no charge for the aircon so it equalled itself out really. Only ate breakfast at restaurant which was nice but preferred Walshies just up the road. Staff were very friendly. Didn't use kids club so can't comment but the girl who ran it seemed lovely and she was great with the other children. Location was pretty central, near the beach and the town centre but never had any problem with noise. The nearby kareoke bar closed at 12 which wasn't a problem. No entertainment except for a couple of pool tables and ping pong table round the rear of the hotel next to kids play park.
Ate at our usual restaurant the Acuarius at the marina every night - we just love it there. Did try the Botavera on the other side but didn't think it was as good as the Acuarius.
Cala Gran beach was lovely. Cocktail bars were great! Little resort train can get a little crowded on cloudy days but note that it is 3 euros return, not one way.
Shall hopefully be returning next year!!
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marshall from croydon travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
direct holdays
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Faultless. Good location, friendly staff, restaurant cheaper than and as good as any in resort and there’s loads to choose from. Karaoke bars nearby, but they stop on the stoke of midnight as does all outside noise, maybe it’s a bylaw, anyway we slept soundly every night. We prefer the beach, and there’s a choice of two nearby, but getting sun beds wouldn’t have been a problem and the hotel was full.
No one tried to force a scratch card on us or tried to drag us into a bar or restaurant the entire week and we didn’t miss the stag / hen parties and drunks that you see elsewhere on the island. All in all a great resort for couples or those with toddlers looking to relax, but not so good for families with teenagers and far too grownup for single sex groups.
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g ward from Liverpool travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
jmc
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived on the Saturday morning just in time for the football. Didn't have a problem finding a place to watch it. The Hollywood bar is right outside.
The hotel itself was fine.
The staff were always helpful, only problem, no entertainment.
The first 3 days we stayed at the pool, getting up at 8 o'clock to reserve are beds [2 euros x 5] nice at first but too quiet. As the week went on we ended up crossing the road to the Tropical Gardens hotel[D'Or] kids and adult entertainment and free sunbeds. Tried the beach a couple of times,nice but packed.
We went out every night for something to eat. You were spoilt for choice. I'd recommend the Aqua Marine for steaks[quality] the kids loved it. We always ended up back in the Tropical Gardens, they had a different group every night and the usual get your parents up time, were they make a show of you.
All in all it was a dear week. Being honest I would go back to Sol Cala D'or but only if they got poolside entertainment
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Howard from north wales travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
THOMSONS
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Stayed at the Sol Cala Dor Apts for the second year.As last year Hotel was spotless and all staff were friendly and polite.
Food from the snack bar was good,can't really comment on the restaurant as we ate out every night.Only bad point was the lack of entertainment ,last year this was organised by Fausto with water polo,darts,pool comps etc,this year there was no entertainer at all.
There is a magic show on tuesday nights for the kids which is quite good and a "FOSFI" (???) show on thursdays which is so bad it really is entertaining.
Overall we had an excellent holiday and would come again.
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adam from hull travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
jmc
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Good location with in easy walking distance of the resort centre and even closer to the beach.
Hotel staff friendly and helpful, particularly on reception.
Rooms were of a good standard and very clean as the maids came in regulary. We had a studio which was a good size.
The only problem being we was on the top floor so the roof was sloped and becomes quite low but I soon learned after banging my head.
Didn't eat in the hotel as we chose to sample the endless selection of restuarants nearby.
Would recommend staying here so much we are going back next summer, can't wait!
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Peter Mclean from Huddersfield travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
My Travel
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed in Sol cala D or on first floor room 211 after about a One hour transfer.Could not knock apartment it was fine was good size, air con in bedroom and living room fully adjustable.
Staff on site including cleaners all friendly etc. Only used resort for meals a couple of dinner times while by pool and was good.
Had to get up earlier on holiday than at home to get beds 07:55 around pool but moaned first couple of times but then became a social event. Beach was far too busy to relax prefered pool which was of good size.
Entertainment on an evening was poor except for the magic show, every magic show we have seen on holidays all over have been good and the one here was good for kids and adults.
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paul g from durham travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
thomson
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Got back yesterday and had a great time, (6 weeks ago I was in a 5 star hotel in Benidorm so this had a lot to beat).
Very clean, corridors open air, fault with hot water-boiler changed within the hour, plenty shops and cafe`s around, a breakfast 5 to 6 euros but they open at 9am. Go to pool at 8 to 8:15am and grab a chair and parasol the beds start getting unchained then 2 euro each and sit in front of apartments 155 and 116 and you will always get one. They are unlocked and handed out clockwise the first half of the week then anticlockwise the rest.
Compared to others I met in Majorca this system worked well, try Fawlty Towers litte bar and cafe 4pm till 12 2 drinks alcoholic for the price of one (3euru for 2 pints).
Hollywood bar opposite saw Shane on x -factor now he is going to be a star, he even wiped out the international coloured singer, awesome vocal range good luck to him.
Would I go back yes my 14yr old and 9 yr old loved it. Dont hire tv remote telly all Spanish apart from sky news, hire safe as its the cheapest Ive come across.
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Gaynor Mellor from Crewe travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Own Arrangements
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Last year was the 4th year we had stayed at the Sol Cala D'or Apartments and we are due to go again in June this year, therefore I think that statement alone says it all.
The hotel is perfectly situated, staff incredibly helpful and polite, apartments are clean and cleaning staff friendly.
I cannot really comment on the entertainment as we tend to go out most evenings, not because we don't want to stay in the hotel but we enjoy to have a wander around and see the evening sights. It is a perfect place to stay with children and my daughter who is now 10 absolutely adores the place.
Each year we get a Christmas card from the hotel and this year my husband also got a birthday card. Last year because we had stayed there 4 times we had champagne in the apartment and were treated to a meal at their 5 star sister hotel just up the road, which was fantastic.
My only comment would be that you have to pay for your sunbeds which I feel is a bit unfair and you do have to get up early to get one but to be honest it's a small price to pay for being able to stay somewhere you feel safe and comfortable. There is a beach just down the road if you prefer not to stay around the pool.
The bars and restaurants are everywhere and you will be spoilt for choice.
A good nights entertainment can be found at the Tropical Gardens just across the road from the hotel (but out of noise distance) where they have various acts one each evening, however the drinks can be expensive but they do lay on entertainment for the kids also which is great for us parents. Would recommend this hotel to anyone. Can't wait until June!!!!!
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Rob Wray from Folkestone travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Sky Tours
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived on the Friday afternoon from a one and half hour transfer to our hotel the Sol Cala D'or . When we arrived the rooms were unfortunately not ready for us due to the late departure of the last occupants; this was however rectified with a nice free drink of your choice; mine was a nice pint of the local beer.
The staff was friendly and polite, however there was only one downside; trying to locate our room from a fire plan without room numbers was very interesting but we found it all the same.
The room was excellent for what we had planned for our weeks stay. It was situated on the top floor over looking the pool and also had a slight view onto the front of the hotel overlooking the evening entertainment of other night spots. (Tropical Gardens for one). Another slight problem was the thinness of the walls and floors; we heard all soughts! A couple of tiffs, along with pots and pans being prepared for breakfast.
The cooker is electric and there are a wide variety of utensils and crockery to see you through the week; we only used the kettle (heated by the cooker hob, an electrical kettle would have been better) for hot drinks. There is the availability to hire a microwave oven although I think that should have been part of the furniture. Beds were comfortable and the rooms cleaned every two days.
There were plenty of Spar shops to provide you with your goodies including fresh milk as the restaurants only seemed to have UHT milk. (Only a minor observation)
The pool was just large enough, and you required hiring your sun bed for 2 euros. (To me this was a good thing; it stopped that throwing your towel on the bed for the best spot thing).
Hotel entertainment was extremely limited to every Wednesday a singer with a BBQ which you required to book in advance, on the Thursday a magician. There was however lots of entertainment in other locations; Tropical Gardens which was a matter of 100 yds from the hotel provided live acts every night.
The first night in the hotel room at 23:15 we were a bit concerned about the ambient noise from other outside entertainments; the karaoke specials, but on the dot of 23:59 it stopped.
Food in the hotel was never put to the test but other guests were very impressed. Us well we spent each day at a different restaurant to test their wares. There are some very good places to eat out there! The only down side was the staff, touting for your trade and treating you as though you were incapable of reading a menu. Then there were the staff that treated you with courtesy and got our trade.
The beach is a matter of a 5 minute walk with excellent white sand and inviting water. Cold to start off with but then you got used to it.
I snorkelled each day and was impressed with the amount of fish of all sizes that are so close into the shore; remember to take some bread to feed them, you are garaunteed to have them swimming around you. For those who are interested in diving there is a Padi Diving centre there, as well as doing intro dives to venturing out on various boat dives. Just remember to take your certificate with you it does help as I found out (left at home:( ).
This location is really suited for your lazy days by the pool or sea, and you will need a car to travel to any where of interest.
There are lots of small bays situated around the place as the word "Cala" represents the word "Bay". So for all you laid back people who want to watch the world go by; this is the place for you.
We will go back but with the Mini Meees in tow, it seemed very child friendly.
Happy holidays!
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Norma Hutchinson from Sunderland travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Air Tours
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is our third visit to these apartments. We've found them excellent. Just 5 minutes from Cala Gran beach and 7-8 minutes from the centre of the resort, we always enjoy our stay.
We use the apartments as a base, eating in some days and also eating at the many restaurants in the Centre and at the lovely Marina, about 15 minutes walk.
The staff are very friendly, the studios and apartments very clean and the sofabeds are really comfortable.
Just one downside - the sunbeds are locked away each evening and you are woken up next morning quite early to the noise of the sunbeds being put out.
We've already booked to return next September.
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John from Barrow-in-Furness travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Airtours
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Visited the Sol Cala d'or at the end of July for two weeks, and had such a good time that we have booked to go back next year. Although the apartment was quite small it was big enough for the four of us. We were on the top floor overlooking the pool, so no problem with potential clog dancers in the floor above. It was great of an evening, sitting on the balcony with a bottle of chilled white and being able to keep an eye on what the kids were doing.
Apartment had a/c in the bedroom and the living room. Unfortunately it broke in the living room during the second week, however reception sent the maintenance guys straight away and they had the unit replaced the next day.
All the staff in the complex were very friendly and helpful. Special mention for Julia who worked in the grill/pizza snack bar - she chatted away with the children all the time.
Fausto was the resident entertainment guy - starting with aqua aerobics at 10.30, followed by kids games (pool, basketball, boules etc.,) and then adult competitions. During the afternoon water polo was played in the pool. Of an evening there was the usual entertainment round the pool. Fausto worked reallly hard all day and certainly made the holiday for our two boys.
The complex was very clean with paintwork being touched up all the time.
Ideally located - just two minutes from Cala Gran beach and the pedestrian area.
One problem there is with the apartments is that there is not a great amount of space around the pool. Loungers are locked up at night and people started waiting for them at 8am and they didn't get unlocked until 9am. They also cost 2E a day - a bit of a rip off when you think what you pay for your holiday. Could you imagine if they charged you for using your beds in your apartment. Any how there are plenty of loungers, just not a lot of space to put them. This didn't spoil the holiday, it just meant you got to know the other guests a bit quicker.
Felt we were in the best located apartments. The ground floor apartments didn't have a lot of privacy and some of the other apartments looked out over Hollywood Bar or a busyish road.
Would certainly recommend these apartments for a family holiday.
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Mark and Kathy from Leeds travelled to Sol Cala D Or Apartments with
Thomson
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Sol Cala D Or Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have visited the Sol Cala D'or twice now and would happily go back again.
We found the apartments to be of a very high standard and always very clean.
The staff are friendly and always helpful.
The location is perfect for getting to all parts of Cala d'Or including the centre and all the beaches.
The hotel restaurant provided very nice food although with the number of places to eat in the resort we have only used it once or twice.
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