All Inclusive in Spain/Balearics...?

Beaker99

f4phixeruk wrote: »

Got to agree about the Zafiro/Viva hotels. Went to the then Viva Can Picafort with daughter and grandson, who is a very fussy eater, and drinker [8 YO]. He was amazed at all the food on offer, and at the swim up bar which did kids mocktails.

The Viva Ca'n Picafort is our regular. We normally go self catering now though. Great, impeccably kept hotel.

davidso

These are the three on our shortlist, largely thanks to all your recommendations. Please chime in if you have anything else to add - going with a one year old and a four year old.

INSOTEL PUNTA PRIMA - MENORCA
479 rooms, sounds large, less keen on lots of people but I maybe fine. Also '10 min stroll' to beach actually sounds quite far. Anyone know if this is down lots of steps.

VIVA CALA MESQUIDA RESORT & SPA - MAJORCA
Tui doesn't mention 'selection club' rooms. Do you know if these are only available direct with hotel?

APARTHOTEL PLAYA MAR - MAJORCA
No availability through Tui so would have to book direct with hotel. If I booked room/flights/transfer what else would I need to be on a par with a package hol? Just travel insurance? Also, what's the best way to make sure you don't become a victim of overbooking or getting a bad room. Is it to 'pay up front' or to take the 'pay at end of holiday' option?

NoodleDoodleMan

Since I'm the only drinker in the four of us I'm wondering whether Full Board rather than AI - or even Half Board - are better options.

Many of the hotels we've visited will allow HB/FB bookings to upgrade to AI for an additional payment on arrival.

Might be worth asking your chosen hotel in advance if they would allow the kids on AI.

The may insist on the whole party upgrading of course - but worth asking ?

Beaker99

davidso wrote: »

These are the three on our shortlist, largely thanks to all your recommendations. Please chime in if you have anything else to add - going with a one year old and a four year old.

INSOTEL PUNTA PRIMA - MENORCA
479 rooms, sounds large, less keen on lots of people but I maybe fine. Also '10 min stroll' to beach actually sounds quite far. Anyone know if this is down lots of steps.

VIVA CALA MESQUIDA RESORT & SPA - MAJORCA
Tui doesn't mention 'selection club' rooms. Do you know if these are only available direct with hotel?

APARTHOTEL PLAYA MAR - MAJORCA
No availability through Tui so would have to book direct with hotel. If I booked room/flights/transfer what else would I need to be on a par with a package hol? Just travel insurance? Also, what's the best way to make sure you don't become a victim of overbooking or getting a bad room. Is it to 'pay up front' or to take the 'pay at end of holiday' option?

Sorry for the delay in replying. Yes, the selection club rooms are direct with hotel. We've always got a hire car and booked everything ourselves.

We did do a insotel hotel, and whilst ok, didn't find it as good as viva

Most hotels will take a deposit if you book direct and you pay the balance on leaving, but some cheaper hotels will want money on arrival. If you book direct with the hotel, you can also talk to them direct and ask for specific rooms. I've always felt I'm treated a lot, lot better as a direct customer.

ronmiel

I have just seen this post, so sorry for the late reply. May I suggest you try the Gavimar La Mirada Hotel in Cala d'or. They do have two bedroomed apartments.
I have stayed there a few times and have always found the food to be very good with plenty of choices. The inclusive drinks are fine, with wine, beer, sangria and soft drinks on tap to help yourself. Other drinks, such as spirits are served at the bar.
There is entertainment every evening including a junior disco, although some nights are better than others, but on the whole we enjoyed the choice.

davidso

Thank you, everybody. We have decided on the Aparthotel Playa Mar in Puerto Pollensa and we've booked direct.

Pennylane

davidso wrote: »

Hello, OP here.

I'm a pretty good cook and make most meals from scratch so I get a bit sneery about food, perhaps more than most people. But, y'know, I've got kids so I know what it means to compromise. I've been to Center Parcs. When I said 'really good' food I just wanted raise the bar and knock out just 'OK' food recommendations.

Since I'm the only drinker in the four of us I'm wondering whether Full Board rather than AI - or even Half Board - are better options.

Pennylane - if that place you've been back to is in Spain/Balearics/Portugal then do let me know. Thanks.

Sorry I missed this!

We stayed at the Piscis Hotel in Alcudia and the AI food was great.

This year we stayed at the Dunas Maspalomas Bungalows on Gran Canaria and that was very good too.

Ganga

Pennylane wrote: »

Sorry I missed this!

We stayed at the Piscis Hotel in Alcudia and the AI food was great.

This year we stayed at the Dunas Maspalomas Bungalows on Gran Canaria and that was very good too.

You do know this post is 8 months old!

PompeyPete

Think outside of 'The Box', have a look at somewhere like Transylvania. Easy to reach by Tarom Air to Bucharest, then a 90 minute transfer to one of the Winter Ski Resorts near Brasov, or even in Brasov Quieter in Summer, but all the facilities for a summer holiday.

No need for AI, you won't go broke, the food and accommodation are excellent, inexpensive, suitable for a UK palate, and while you'll see a few Brits, they'll be the ones who've also thought out of The Box.

Somewhere else to think about is Lake Ohrid in Macedonia.