Hovima Jardín Caleta Hotel

For a budget-friendly stay, this is a good hotel, and the staff were all lovely. Amanda was especially fabulous with the kids during daytime entertainment. The place was very clean, the location was nice, and the sunset on the walk along the beach was beautiful. The main shops and bars are a fair walk away, at least half an hour. The room was quite dated, and there’s no air conditioning, which was a definite downside. The sofa bed was just a couch, and my son found it very uncomfortable, though we did get a mattress topper. The food was nice enough, but not hot, and I do think you get what you pay for. Getting a drink could also take a while, since I only ever saw one person serving. It’s a lovely hotel, but I’d give it three stars.

Our room has a lovely setting, a side view of the sea, and a balcony with a great outlook. Everyone has been welcoming and attentive. Anna and the reception team are friendly and professional, and Sabina and another staff member whose name I can’t remember helped me get to the room without hesitation. Amanda is enthusiastic and approachable with her activities. We’ve been very happy with the food, despite some reviews I’d read. My only suggestion is to put caster cups under the beds to stop them moving.

Jolie at reception was very nice, and we were pleasantly surprised that she speaks Romanian. Sebastian, the Romanian bartender, was lovely too. The hotel itself is okay, with large, spacious, clean rooms, but there’s no air conditioning and the internet connection is poor. The restaurant food is good, though it could offer more variety and options.

We came as part of a college trip and all enjoyed the resort, which has a nice view from most rooms. There are good restaurants nearby, and the shop next to the building was useful. The local area is pleasant, though it takes a long walk to reach a decent white-sand beach. The nearby black-sand beach is also very nice. The staff were nice, but when my friend got a bad cut at the pool, some of them didn’t seem to know how to help or care much until our teachers spoke to them. Be careful around the pool.