I realise that I am in the minority here on Ciao but I actually had an excellent holiday with JMC! I thought I’d share my experience with you in order to even up the score a little....

The very next day we were at the airport, it was a local departure too, very convenient. I should mention that there was one slight drawback with the booking, probably due to it being so last minute - we did not return to the same airport, but another local one. I must point out that this was not a mistake on JMC's part - we were informed before the booking process began and accepted it. Anyway, back to the airport. I was slightly apprehensive that we would not be on the list having booked only the day before but no such difficulties. We picked up our tickets at the desk and checked in with no problems at all, JMC's airport staff were very helpful and friendly. There was no delay at all and in no time we were settling into our seats on the plane. I was worried that we would not be able to sit together having booked so late but again, no problems - we even got a window seat! The cabin crew were again, very helpful and friendly. The plane was just as good as other tour operator planes (such as Britannia), if not a bit cleaner. The food was satisfactory - you can never say it is excellent! You did have to pay for your drinks from the bar trolley but this was a cheap holiday flight, not BA, and the prices were OK - £2.00 for a small bottle of wine, cheaper than some of the bars I go in! The flight went very smoothly and before we knew it we were at Palma airport.

Our hotel was the Delfin Verde Marina, which is a JMC exclusive hotel. Our room was very clean, well equipped and very comfortable. We had a nice large bathroom with Bath, Shower, Basin, Toilet and Bidet - and lots of towels. There was a large balcony with clothes drying facilities and a table and chairs. We did not overlook the pool but I didn't really expect to with such a late booking. It was much quieter too! In the room was all the info we needed on how the hotel operated - mealtimes, entertainment etc.

I know this is backtracking a bit but the morning after our arrival we had our welcome meeting. This was very informative and we were all given a guidebook to the island. The meeting was fun and friendly with lots of opportunity to get involved if you wished. Four people even walked out with a bottle of bubbly just for sitting in the right seat! As usual we were told about all the trips and the reps came round to talk to us individually afterwards. There was no hard sell and you didn't feel obliged to go on them. We decided to go on a trip to the Inca Market and Palma (more about that later) and decided to think about another.

I can't really comment thoroughly on the children's clubs as we didn't take a child but from the outside it seemed excellent. There was three clubs for different age groups and each child was given a goody bag on the first morning containing T-shirts, hats, playthings etc. There was a children’s disco every evening and games throughout the day. Each day the winners of the day’s activities were presented with medals and certificates (this happened wit the adults too).

Unfortunately after a few days I became ill - a stomach flu, nothing to do with the Hotel, JMC or the food - just unfortunate. This is where I cannot praise the Reps enough. They arranged for the doctor to visit. When she arrived, a JMC medical rep accompanied her. We were given a prescription and immediately given the necessary forms to reclaim expenses on our return to the UK. We were also given help obtaining the prescription. We had in the meantime booked another excursion - a cruise, which we were unable to take. The rep immediately offered a refund as were unable to take it and we received our refund very promptly.

Although it didn't apply to us I think I should add that JMC seemed to cater well for disabled holiday makers. Wheelchair usere and the elderly were given priority for boarding and seating and lots of help was available from friendly staff. Complimentary wheelchairs were also on offer. The hotel had ample facilities also with a ramp entrance and lifts to all floors. In the bar area and the restaurant there was plenty of space between seating to allow passage for wheelchairs.

I hope I haven't bored you all to death with this (very) long account and for those of you still reading I hope this has been of some help. I found holidaying with JMC to be a friendly and all round enjoyable experience, especially good for family travel. I realise that we were probably very lucky to experience no problems at all and that not everyone will find such a good deal, but bear this in mind - Don't dismiss JMC out of hand next time as I nearly did - you may regret it!