Sol Beach House Menorca is an upscale, adults-only hotel featuring an enviable seafront setting in the small Minorcan resort of Santo Tomas. An update in 2015 gave this '60s-era property a fresh, millennial-chic vibe throughout, adding to the already sunny open-plan public areas and tidy gardens. Most of the 171 rooms open to sea-view balconies, with some adding perks such his and hers robes and Nespresso machines. An excellent free breakfast, large swimming pool, and sunset-view Bali beds are some highlights, though lack of spa facilities feel like an oversight. Another upscale, child-free option along the coast is the Artiem Audax, which also features a fabulous rooftop pool and deluxe spa.
Sol Beach House Menorca is an upscale, adults-only hotel featuring an enviable seafront setting in the small Minorcan resort of Santo Tomas. An update in 2015 gave this '60s-era property a fresh, millennial-chic vibe throughout, adding to the already sunny open-plan public areas and tidy gardens. Most of the 171 rooms open to sea-view balconies, with some adding perks such his and hers robes and Nespresso machines. An excellent free breakfast, large swimming pool, and sunset-view Bali beds are some highlights, though lack of spa facilities feel like an oversight. Another upscale, child-free option along the coast is the Artiem Audax, which also features a fabulous rooftop pool and deluxe spa.
Sol Milanos Pinguinos is a super child-friendly, mid-range hotel occupying a 600-room seventies-era property. Its identical twin towers are positioned overlooking the gorgeous Son Bou beach while the resort itself is quiet and small. Rooms are undeniably dated, though most bathrooms have been spruced up and nearly all balconies feature sea views, some all along the coast. Activities are mostly kid-focused with two summer mini-clubs, evening mini-discos, and a cool play zone and games room. Most guests agree there's room for improvement in the buffet dining, especially with the variety of food. Highlights are a huge lagoon pool and smaller activity pool that are rarely full thanks to the neighboring beach. Another option is the all-inclusive Smartline Cala'n Bosch up the coast, which has direct beach access and updated guest rooms (albeit views don't quite compete).
Sol Milanos Pinguinos is a super child-friendly, mid-range hotel occupying a 600-room seventies-era property. Its identical twin towers are positioned overlooking the gorgeous Son Bou beach while the resort itself is quiet and small. Rooms are undeniably dated, though most bathrooms have been spruced up and nearly all balconies feature sea views, some all along the coast. Activities are mostly kid-focused with two summer mini-clubs, evening mini-discos, and a cool play zone and games room. Most guests agree there's room for improvement in the buffet dining, especially with the variety of food. Highlights are a huge lagoon pool and smaller activity pool that are rarely full thanks to the neighboring beach. Another option is the all-inclusive Smartline Cala'n Bosch up the coast, which has direct beach access and updated guest rooms (albeit views don't quite compete).
The three-and-a-half-pearl HG Jardín de Menorca is a secluded, all-suite complex set in lovely gardens on the outskirt of Son Bou resort. The quiet setting means there's little in the immediate area and the beach is a 20-minute walk (or free shuttle bus) away. While much of the property looks tired with signs of wear, some of the 144 apartment-style guest rooms have been updated with smart, contemporary decor. Units are spacious and come with kitchenettes, though in-room Wi-Fi costs extra. There's also plenty of space in and round the outdoor swimming pools, plus another indoor pool. The buffet is generally good though a la carte options are limited to the poolside bar. Ultimately, this is a good pick for those seeking a quiet break with a remote, semi-rustic vibe; for a livelier atmosphere closer to the resort center, check out the beachfront Sol Milanos Pinguinos.
The three-and-a-half-pearl HG Jardín de Menorca is a secluded, all-suite complex set in lovely gardens on the outskirt of Son Bou resort. The quiet setting means there's little in the immediate area and the beach is a 20-minute walk (or free shuttle bus) away. While much of the property looks tired with signs of wear, some of the 144 apartment-style guest rooms have been updated with smart, contemporary decor. Units are spacious and come with kitchenettes, though in-room Wi-Fi costs extra. There's also plenty of space in and round the outdoor swimming pools, plus another indoor pool. The buffet is generally good though a la carte options are limited to the poolside bar. Ultimately, this is a good pick for those seeking a quiet break with a remote, semi-rustic vibe; for a livelier atmosphere closer to the resort center, check out the beachfront Sol Milanos Pinguinos.
The Valentin Son Bou is an upper-middle-range chain hotel offering both standard rooms and one-bedroom apartments a 15-minute stroll from Minorca's longest beach of Son Bou. However, the property is set on a steep hill away from the area's resort center, so few brave the walk back. Thankfully, a frequent shuttle service runs free of charge. While spotlessly clean, interiors feel pretty dated through most of the property, including accommodations. Most balconies and terraces overlook the hotel's pretty gardens with some treated to partial sea views. A large lagoon pool, decent buffet dining, and summer kids' clubs keep most guests happy, though beach-lovers will likely prefer the nearby Sol Milanos Pinguinos, which directly overlooks the sea.
The Valentin Son Bou is an upper-middle-range chain hotel offering both standard rooms and one-bedroom apartments a 15-minute stroll from Minorca's longest beach of Son Bou. However, the property is set on a steep hill away from the area's resort center, so few brave the walk back. Thankfully, a frequent shuttle service runs free of charge. While spotlessly clean, interiors feel pretty dated through most of the property, including accommodations. Most balconies and terraces overlook the hotel's pretty gardens with some treated to partial sea views. A large lagoon pool, decent buffet dining, and summer kids' clubs keep most guests happy, though beach-lovers will likely prefer the nearby Sol Milanos Pinguinos, which directly overlooks the sea.
The three-pearl Carema Garden Village is one side of a traditional village-style apartment complex located on the north coast of Minorca. While there's direct access to a pretty stretch of sandy beach, there's little else in the surrounding area. A wealth of on-site facilities -- shared with the Carema Club Resort -- mean this is not an issue for most guests. These include two swimming pools, a waterpark, kids' clubs, and three restaurants that serve decent food. The 82 apartments don't have AC and they're basic, but all have been modernized and most overlook a relatively quiet pool area. An optional all-inclusive plan, lively animation, and a watersports center complete an impressive package; those after a little more local nightlife should consider the Hotel Playa Azul in Cala en Porter, though there's less for the little ones and the beach is a stroll away.
The three-pearl Carema Garden Village is one side of a traditional village-style apartment complex located on the north coast of Minorca. While there's direct access to a pretty stretch of sandy beach, there's little else in the surrounding area. A wealth of on-site facilities -- shared with the Carema Club Resort -- mean this is not an issue for most guests. These include two swimming pools, a waterpark, kids' clubs, and three restaurants that serve decent food. The 82 apartments don't have AC and they're basic, but all have been modernized and most overlook a relatively quiet pool area. An optional all-inclusive plan, lively animation, and a watersports center complete an impressive package; those after a little more local nightlife should consider the Hotel Playa Azul in Cala en Porter, though there's less for the little ones and the beach is a stroll away.
The three-pearl Tramontana Park Aparthotel is a smallish complex that overlooks the picturesque Bay of Tirant on Minorca's northern coast. Arranged like a whitewashed Minorcan village, it has a quaint and traditional feel, though the property looks more weathered than rustic. Only some of its 86 units have benefitted from an update and air-conditioning doesn't come as standard, but many apartments offer superb sea views. Facilities are little beyond a pool (which is prone to shade), a buffet restaurant, and a couple bars, but for most guests the quiet and scenic setting is more than enough. Families looking for direct beach access and more amenities should consider the nearby Carema Garden Village.
The three-pearl Tramontana Park Aparthotel is a smallish complex that overlooks the picturesque Bay of Tirant on Minorca's northern coast. Arranged like a whitewashed Minorcan village, it has a quaint and traditional feel, though the property looks more weathered than rustic. Only some of its 86 units have benefitted from an update and air-conditioning doesn't come as standard, but many apartments offer superb sea views. Facilities are little beyond a pool (which is prone to shade), a buffet restaurant, and a couple bars, but for most guests the quiet and scenic setting is more than enough. Families looking for direct beach access and more amenities should consider the nearby Carema Garden Village.
The Isla Paraiso is a mid-range, family-friendly apartment hotel complex located in a purpose-built development in the quiet town of Arenal d'en Castell. The main draw to the area is the resort's beautiful sweeping sandy bay, which is a five-minute walk downhill from the complex. The 114 apartments are split between those with older and rather dated interiors, and those modernized in 2016, though all have kitchenettes and balconies or terraces. There are two good-size pools and plenty of extra sun terrace space when the property gets busy, plus lots of organized activities and splash pools for kids. Dining generally scores high on quality and variety. Ultimately, it's a good-value, low-frills option likely to appeal to families on a budget with little ones. Those seeking the full-on resort experience, however, will prefer the huge Club Hotel Aguamarina across the bay.
The Isla Paraiso is a mid-range, family-friendly apartment hotel complex located in a purpose-built development in the quiet town of Arenal d'en Castell. The main draw to the area is the resort's beautiful sweeping sandy bay, which is a five-minute walk downhill from the complex. The 114 apartments are split between those with older and rather dated interiors, and those modernized in 2016, though all have kitchenettes and balconies or terraces. There are two good-size pools and plenty of extra sun terrace space when the property gets busy, plus lots of organized activities and splash pools for kids. Dining generally scores high on quality and variety. Ultimately, it's a good-value, low-frills option likely to appeal to families on a budget with little ones. Those seeking the full-on resort experience, however, will prefer the huge Club Hotel Aguamarina across the bay.
The Club Hotel Aguamarina is a big, mid-range resort-style hotel with enough leisure facilities to keep the average budget-oriented vacationing family happy. While the 70s-era property itself is a bit of an eyesore, the setting is quite the opposite, with beautiful views over the sweeping bay of Arenal d'en Castell. There are five pools, including one that's adults-only and another with waterslides, plus a range of mini-clubs for kids of all ages. Its 549 guest rooms are small and short on amenities, though lots feature bay-view balconies. Food is not a highlight, but it's passable with an optional all-inclusive plan. For better quality dining, compare with the Carema Garden Village apartment complex along the coast, which also has a waterpark and direct beach access.
The Club Hotel Aguamarina is a big, mid-range resort-style hotel with enough leisure facilities to keep the average budget-oriented vacationing family happy. While the 70s-era property itself is a bit of an eyesore, the setting is quite the opposite, with beautiful views over the sweeping bay of Arenal d'en Castell. There are five pools, including one that's adults-only and another with waterslides, plus a range of mini-clubs for kids of all ages. Its 549 guest rooms are small and short on amenities, though lots feature bay-view balconies. Food is not a highlight, but it's passable with an optional all-inclusive plan. For better quality dining, compare with the Carema Garden Village apartment complex along the coast, which also has a waterpark and direct beach access.
The all-inclusive Marina Parc is a mid-range, village-like complex spread over three large zones in a purpose-built development close to Minorca's northern coast. The immediate surrounds are pretty underwhelming, though the spectacular beach of Arenal d'en Castell is just about within walking distance. A waterpark is the hotel's highlight, with free entry to a good choice of slides, plus each zone has a swimming pool. With just one buffet restaurant and poor-to-average food quality, dining is certainly not a forte. Its 184 rooms, apartments, and villas had a makeover in 2016, but are otherwise functional with simple amenities. For a similar all-inclusive experience directly overlooking the lovely bay, travelers could consider Club Hotel Aguamarina, which also has a waterpark, albeit smaller.
The all-inclusive Marina Parc is a mid-range, village-like complex spread over three large zones in a purpose-built development close to Minorca's northern coast. The immediate surrounds are pretty underwhelming, though the spectacular beach of Arenal d'en Castell is just about within walking distance. A waterpark is the hotel's highlight, with free entry to a good choice of slides, plus each zone has a swimming pool. With just one buffet restaurant and poor-to-average food quality, dining is certainly not a forte. Its 184 rooms, apartments, and villas had a makeover in 2016, but are otherwise functional with simple amenities. For a similar all-inclusive experience directly overlooking the lovely bay, travelers could consider Club Hotel Aguamarina, which also has a waterpark, albeit smaller.
The Mix Colombo (formerly Catalonia Colombo) is a lower-middle-range hotel set on the south end of a sandy beach in the quiet resort of S'illot. Its 148 guest rooms are of the last century, as are the amenities, though some open to pleasant balconies with partial sea views. While there are a sea-view restaurant and two bars on-site, the quality of food is mediocre at best. The pool is also on the small side with just a few sunbeds, though the nearby beach makes this less of a problem. Rated are undeniably low, though you'll also find good deals -- plus better dining and an indoor pool -- at the beachfront Universal Hotel Perla.
The Mix Colombo (formerly Catalonia Colombo) is a lower-middle-range hotel set on the south end of a sandy beach in the quiet resort of S'illot. Its 148 guest rooms are of the last century, as are the amenities, though some open to pleasant balconies with partial sea views. While there are a sea-view restaurant and two bars on-site, the quality of food is mediocre at best. The pool is also on the small side with just a few sunbeds, though the nearby beach makes this less of a problem. Rated are undeniably low, though you'll also find good deals -- plus better dining and an indoor pool -- at the beachfront Universal Hotel Perla.