Cala Bona-Mar Blava Hotel

“ For the price I paid via Travel Republic this was surely the best value hotel I have ever stayed in. The first floor rooms in the Cala Bona building in which my sister and I stayed had the advantage of individual balconies overlooking the sea which caught the late afternoon/early evening sun. Both the individual rooms and public areas were very clean, bright and cheerful (if a few too many faded pictures on the walls), with very comfortable beds and more than sufficient storage space. The staff were attentive, helpful and efficient, particularly when running the buffet breakfast, which was more than adequate and again in a great location at the water's edge.

“ We stayed at Cala Bona (the quieter building with the balconies) for a week and were very happy with most things.

GOOD THINGS: nice room with a great view and balcony overlooking the cala (inlet); room cleaned every day by friendly cleaner; small fridge (a nice surprise, not all hotels have them); working telly (didn't use it much, but watched Cheers for five minutes dubbed in Spanish!); comfortable mattresses and pillows; free safe!; the all-you-can eat continental buffet breakfast on the terrace, again overlooking the cala, at the Mar Blava building, was an absolute treat for us; staff (waiters who doubled up as receptionists when breakfast was over) were very efficient and friendly. We got cracking suggestions for places to eat from one of them (eg Ca'n Lluis, Cas Marino, Ca'n Bep); the whole place had a friendly, relaxed, continental feel. Another great thing was that we were a 10 minute walk from the old town of Ciutadella, and a literal jump from the sea in Mar Blava and a 1 minute walk across the road to the sea from Cala Bona!

NOT SO GOOD THINGS: The whole place could do a lick of paint and our room could have done with new curtains as they were torn in one place (they did keep the light out though as they were full length and black-out). Noise in these rooms travels very easily, so we wouldn’t go and stay in the high season. And finally, we got a mild jolt of electricity through the shower controls and shower head the second time we used it!!! We were told it was caused by the electric boiler, but the hotel staff got it seen to as soon as they could.

All in all, we would love to go back, in June or September, and we would ask for a room with a view and balcony in Cala Bona.

“ The location of these 2 hotels is great. The view along the cala is pretty and the walk into the town along the harbour is very pleasant. The hotels are old and a bit tired, but were kept exceptionally clean and the rooms were spacious. The one star rating reflects this, but they represent good value for money if you can accept you will not be staying in luxury. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in Menorca and would have no qualms about recommending the Cala Bona for an economy stay.

“ Top Tip: We found the bus service to be very reliable and went to Cala Galdana for the day. Well worth the trip. The Mirimar car hire firm over the road from the hotel were also good value and very helpful.

“ This hotel is so quirky!I've never stayed anywhere that's painted pink & lime green before!The building is extremely tired but very clean and adequate for the price we paid.The beds were very comfortable and our stay was incredibly restful.We were the only people around the pool which was great but the area was small & would seem very crowded with even a dozen people.The poolside furniture was quite dangerous with nails sticking out.If the owners spent money on it, this hotel could be a little gem.It's in a fab position and swimming from the bathing platform was lovely.A little more atmosphere needed though.The old guy who seemed to be the manager might try to crack a smile occasionally!!