After living in Menorca for two years I made a decision I would like to return and visit the resort of Cala n Bosch. After extensive searches on the internet to find cheap accomodation but at a nice hotel we found the Valentin Star.
After we had selected the hotel we then did a massive search around the web and some of the differences were bewteen £150. We were only going for four nights and eventually we got the room for a very reasonable price (the cheapest) with Holiday Nights, which we never heard of. We took the gamble!
On arrival we made our way to the resort of Cala n Bosch and the Valentin Star and on arrival I was very surprised to see where it was. After living there I had got it confused with another next to the beach!!! However, I was more so surprised that the hotel I was talking about used to look in a poor state of health.
It seems the hotel under went a refurbishment in 2005, and what a splendid
job the difference had made. The hotel was stunning and far from that it also was at the heart of Cala n Bosch and its marina.
As we made way into the reception a very chirpy receptionist took our names and checked us into our room on the upper floor. This settled my ease, because for some company I have never heard of had sent the reservation and everything was ready for our arrival.
The reception area was packed with information boards to help you make the most of your stay and tour reps information books if you wanted to go out on any excursions etc.
Just to the side of reception stood the bar, although very quiet, all the time it was not surprising because when you walk out from reception you have more bars to choose from along with a whole selection of restaurants.
The room was air conditioned and had sky tv (CNN, BBC WORLD etc) and the twin beds were comfortable and relaxing. Inside the fitted wardrobe was a safety deposit box which was about €2 a day and a deposit of €10 which is refunded at the end of your stay. The bathroom was spacious with a toilet, bath, shower and bum cleaner (not sure on Bidé, Biday...). As you walk into the bathroom soft music is played and a selection of radio channels can be changed from the control panel above the toilet, or it can be switched off.
The terrace outside looks over the marina or the back of the hotel, they offer a large area with a rail to hang any towels or swimming shorts that need drying in the Menorcan sunshine. The only problem we did encounter was the patio door did not lock and this was raised with reception which in the end didnt come and fix it. However, it didnt stop us from enjoying ourseleves because we were on the second floor, had a safety deposit box and no-one could get into the room other than through the front door.
Some rooms are situated on the ground floor and unless your at the back of the hotel you should expect it to be noisey. The other thing I would mention is that during peak summer times all resorts on the island and all hotels are targets for theifs who will break into rooms and take valuables, so I would make sure you get an upper floor, I wouldn't feel safe on the ground floor.
In the middle of the complex is a large swimming pool which is deeper at one end and gradually decreases in depth to the other. It is large enough for all of the residents and sunbeds are spaced out around the pool. A childrens small pool is at the further end and should keep small kids pleasently happy.
The sunbeds are new and are the new style ones which are much nicer to look at and relax on. The pool bar is a small hut with tables and chairs around it up by the kids pool, it offers a selection of snack such as pringles, baguettes etc which are expensive. The drinks come in plastic cups and these are expensive also.
Entertainment can be found on the outdoor stage by the kids pool, and although entertainers can be seen wandering around we only ever saw them do a mini disco for the kids, of which only 3 or 4 took part.
A large terrace with comfy sofas, chairs and tables overlooks the stunning pool area and is where everyone sits and chills out in the evenings and watched the local entertainment provided. The bar beside reception is opened out to the terrace area in the evenings.
The on-site restaurant offers Full-Board, Half Board and Bed and Breakfast. To be honest the staff dont check your cards they welcome you and seat you at a table. They are very helpful though and your waiter/waitress will be the same throughout your meal. The tables are layed out nicely with clean cutlery and sheets. A drinks menu is provided and bottles of wine can be expensive but most other drinks are not to badly priced.
The selection of salads is tempting and the hot food although very pleasant and delicious doesnt leave much to choose from. A chef stands cooking away at the meat and fish of the day which is then picked from the tray just in front of where it is cooked. Deserts are layed out seperate and their is a vast choice of deserts to choose from including ice cream, cakes, pastries and more.
The complex is not huge and you can get around it in minutes, we only suffered problems getting a sunbed beause we always went out the night before and didnt get up till 11am. But we managed to find a spare two every day during our stay.
The hotel offers great customer service and if you get a good price you are well away, the hotel is bang in the resort centre, with everything right outside the reception door. Kids are more than entertained at various outlets around the marina and the hotel is suitable for all people, kids, families and couples.
Its location and the food are just some of its best points but I will leave you to find out the rest!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Rooms: 143 rooms with ensuite bathroom, telephone, air conditioning, satellite tv, safe ... more
and balcony. facilities: restaurant, snack bar with terrace and views over the coastline, children\'s play area, child-minding service, swimming pool for adults and...
very helpful by (50%):
helpful by (50%):
