Prinsotel Alba - Cala D'Or, Spain 

Families with young children will value this review. We stayed for 11 nights at the Prinsotel Alba, Cala D’or in June’08. 2 adults & 2 children. We have two daughters one aged 18 months and the other aged 3 years old. We used the reviews from many internet sites before deciding to book the Alba, most reviews were fairly positive. Overall, our view is also very positive and that we would stay at the Alba again. The apartments were clean and average size. Kitchen was very basic, electric hob, toaster and kettle, fridge. Most places these days have Microwaves, so that was a little disappointing but not a huge issue. The shower over the bath was powerful and no issues with hot water. The balconies were small and therefore it was not possible to fit a table and chairs on the balcony to eat your lunch or evening meal – this was probably the only disappointing thing as we like to sit on the balcony and relax whilst on holiday. The two pools were excellent, the water was also very warm. Evening entertainment for the kids was good. The kids disco lasts for about an hour, with the first 30 minutes being a disco playing the same songs all week with the entertainers teaching the kids the dance routines. The remaining 30 minutes involves a game like musical statues etc. Kids club was OK. Kids play area was not really suited to children under four, unfortunately for us. There was a nice little park at the top of the hill near the hotel which was good for an afternoon stroll with the kids to get out of the heat. This walk also takes you down to Cala Esmeralda beach which is beautiful. I recommend you visit this beach and also take a dip in the many pools at the Esmeralda Gardens complex on the front. The good thing about this aparthotel was the fact that it was a real mix of nationalities, there was no dominant nationality with a good level of English families which was good for our girls to make friends. We stayed self catering and mixed up eating in and out throughout our stay. The food in the hotel was very good, 10 euros per person for as much as you like. If you’re after good food at reasonable value there is a small Spanish bar on the corner down the hill outside the hotel heading towards the Cala Gran beach. The Spanish family who own and run the bar/restaurant are very friendly and good fun. Location of hotel is really good, literally a couple of minutes walk to Cala Gran beach, which is lovely – although it gets very crowded, so recommend if you have small children go to the beach early morning i.e. 9-11am, quieter and cooler. It’s also only 5-10 minute walk into the main town area with many bars and restaurants. I hope this review helps.

i booked prinsotel through t. cook, 2 adults, 2 children, requesting ground floor (due to 3 yr old absailer) with pool view. On arrival we were given a 3rd floor appartment with a huge tree TOTALLY blocking the view, actually hanging into the balcony, my son beelined straight for the tree and ive been on century duty ever since, its a real concern! They did give us another room on the first night, ground floor, next to what sounded like 20 18 to 30 lads blasting gangsta rap, my son learnt some interesting new words in those short moments, the bedroom STANK like a gym and the balcony door locks were broke, so.... we ended up back on the top floor again. My sister booked 4 adults in one room, on arrival, they set it up for 2 adults with a cot, no bed setees either. When my sister flagged this up on the first night, reception told her they could give her sheets but she would have to make do! The prinsotel has nice manicured walk ways (the gardener keeps them clean every morning at 8am with his petrol leaf blower) there is one main block overlooking the pool and around 6 other appartment blocks scattered around. There is a nice kids play ground with plenty of shade next to block 31...The rooms are basic, with 2 SINGLE beds in EVERY room...no doubles. there is a simple kitchen with essentials. Pool is o.k and there is ongoing entertainment throughout the day. there are a lot of Germans on this complex but no towel wars (plenty of loungers). This is my first time in Cala D Or and we wondered about last night, its a beautiful place, its the nicest family place ive ever been and will certainly return, lots of lovely narrow, hidden away streets with plenty of bars. The bays are brill with plenty of fish to view whilst snorkelling around. I will certainly be back to cala but not to the Prinsotel,always seems to be someone in reception complaining (shower not working..smelly room..) if you can get it dirt cheap, and your not fussy, you should be o.k