Colon Costa Ballena Hotel

“ The hotel is rated as 4star but is not up to this standard, more like a 2/3star! There is no proper bar area just a too brightly lit cafe, the entertainment area is very odd in that there are no tables with chairs around for groups to sit at, rather the chairs are arranged in rows at the very back of the room. The stage area is a long way from the rows of chairs and this arrangement does not lend itself to family/friendship groups sitting together and enjoying a drink and or chatting whilst watching the entertainment. There is no comfortable lounge area to relax in only another strange circular seating arrangement in the reception area. The swimming pool does not open until 11a.m. which is rather late especially if you want to enjoy a morning swim. The food in the restaurant is very repetitive especially the breakfasts. Food from the tables was often left to clients had vacated their tables before being removed which meant tables were often stacked up with used plates and utensils. On the plus side, our room was very nicely decorated with good quiet air conditioning and was very clean. The staff were friendly and helpful. What makes this hotel is the stunning coast line and beautiful park nearby. We did lots of cycling and the area is perfect for this and the nearby beaches are superb. If you like the outdoors and outdoor pursuits this is a lovely spot to be based but the hotel needs to improve its bar, lounge and outdoor drinking areas. There is only one small outdoor terrace to enjoy a drink or two but this is woefully inadequate for the amount of guests at the hotel and has no atmosphere whatsoever

“ THE HOTEL WAS VERY CLEAN BUT THE FOOD LEFT SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED NO TASTE NO MEAT ONLY FISH LOVELY AREA' IF YOU ARE TEATOTAL GREAT, ONLY A COUPLE OF BARS WHICH SHUT EARLY EVEN THE SPANISH WERE COMPLAINING WENT FOR THE MOTO GP IN JEREZ WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO THIS AREA

“ Nice hotel with good facilities in resonable price. Indoor swimming pool in need of refubrishment. We had a nice holiday. Excellent food. About ten minutes walk to the beach. I would stay again.

“ Top Tip: Go to Marocco from Tarifa with frs.es, one day trip with a guider in Tangier and lunch, ferry in both ways for 55euro. Visit also Cadiz, Sevilla(amazing city), Jerez de la frontiera.

“ Hotel very clean, value for money as food was good. Entertainment on eventing i.e disco, bingo

“ Top Tip: Excellent beach 5 min walk. Walk along beach to Chipiona which is old spanish town lots of beach bars on walk, open in april and some in feb onwards. Lots of restaurants and bars and great tapas in port. Lighthouse to visit and old castle.