Estellenchs is in the western part of the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca. It's an incredibly beautiful and peaceful small town, housing fewer than 400 inhabitants. It is a small maze of tiny stone streets surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery. It has 3 small hotels, 3 restaurants and a couple of bars. Two of the restaurants spill out onto the steps opposite the local church of St John the Baptist. It was good fun eating while balancing on stone steps! The town seems to appeal to walkers as there are many signposts giving walking distances and times, (anything over 10 minutes and I'm in the car!) There were many people out at the crack of dawn with their walking poles and back packs, but I came for a nice peaceful break and that is exactly what we got. The other attraction is Estellenchs beach, not quite what most people expect as it is rocky and surrounded by cliffs held up with netting. The cove is great for snorkelling and boating and there is a small bar set in to the rocks. However the trip comes
with a warning…. Walk and it takes 40 minutes, drive the car at your peril! The road gets narrower and narrower you pray there is nothing coming the other way, but there is and you have a choice: Wall or shear drop! A ten minute car ride has never lasted so long! I wouldn't do it again, it was worse on the way back up, part of the road was so steep we kept wheel spinning. Anyway enough about the town lets get on to the hotel.
Why did I choose this hotel? Well I have stayed at the Armadams Hotel in Palma, which just happens to be the sister hotel of the Maristel, the facilities looked similar and I found good reviews on the internet. (Clever idea putting reviews on the internet!)
How did I book? Hmm I took a bit of a risk and booked through Alpha rooms as the prices were way lower than other sites that I have used. Stupidly I didn't look up reviews of Alpha rooms until after I had booked and I have to admit I was worried, however, everything was great.
Price? £224.82 for two nights B & B, three people in a junior suite.
When did I go? July 2008
First Impressions: The hotel stands just above the town, it is split into two main buildings. We were lucky to find a parking space next to the hotel as there seems to be only 7 parking spaces in the whole of the town! The first thing I noticed was the hotel terrace with a fantastic view.
Reception: Light and airy, huge settees dotted around. Check in was easy and quick and the receptionist could not have been more helpful. We decided to pay for hotel parking in their garage as we thought if we moved the car we might never find a car park space again! At 12euros a night it was a bit steep but the car was locked away and kept cool.
Room: Fab, Fab and Fab again! Firstly 'grumpy' (yes he still comes with us!) had his own room, with a bed settee and a flat screen TV so he was over the moon. Our bedroom was huge; you could have had a game of football in it. In fact we struggled to see the TV from the bed. Two double French doors opened onto a large furnished balcony with a view to die for. I admit to standing with my mouth wide open just looking out to the sea. It was stunning, see pics. Plenty of storage in the wardrobes, a safe & extra pillows too. Oh and air-conditioning, we needed it as the temp was well into the thirties.
Bathroom: Large, clean with a full size bath and shower and a double sink. A basket full of the usual freebies plus a shaving kit and spare toothbrushes. Very thoughtful.
Facilities: Where do I start? Indoor pool with water jets and fountains surrounded by sun beds and plants. A sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a strange little room that you enter and pull a chain….. Don't it's a large bucket of freezing water that tips straight over your head. Large outdoor pool, again with plenty of sun beds and brollys and an outdoor Jacuzzi. But best of all by the pool was the view and the silence. They also provide free use of computers and free internet but even 'grumpy' stayed off 'myface' or whatever, preferring to relax and swim. (There is a first time for everything). There is a decent size lift up to the rooms and ramps around the hotel for wheelchair users and buggies.
Breakfast: On the terrace, with that view! Good sized hot and cold buffet with lots of choice. Waiter service for tea and coffee. I really couldn't find fault. The food was freshly prepared and well laid out, the staff were attentive and the place was spotless. We didn't have any other meals there, preferring to eat out but the menu looked good.
Would I recommend this hotel? Quite simply yes! For a walking holiday, a relaxing break, or even an overnight stop. I intend to go back when I am frazzled and ready for a break (about now should do!)
Extra bits: Refurbished in 2005 4 Lounges 1 bar 1 restaurant 9 single rooms 43 double rooms 5 junior suites
Check it out on www.hotelmaristel.com, www.alpharooms.com,
Thanks for reading. Jean X
Pictures of Hotel Maristel, Estellenchs
The view from my room!
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The Hotel Maristel is a four floor hotel situated in a hilltop coastal village in a valley ... more
of the Serra de Tramuntana, 24 kilometres west of Palma. The 53 air conditioned guestrooms have neutral decor with warm pastel fabrics and oak wood furniture. A...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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