Hotel Bella Mar

There are plenty of restaurants and pubs within walking distance, though there isn’t much to do inside the hotel in the evening. The hotel seems more geared toward a German audience. I booked two rooms expecting them to be next to each other, or at least on the same floor, but my son ended up on the 6th floor and I was on the 2nd. Wi-Fi kept cutting out, and breakfast was okay but got busy very quickly, with food more suited to European tastes.

The location was a real plus, about a minute’s walk from the harbour area and roughly 10 minutes either way from a beautiful beach. We stayed in the annex overlooking the square, where it could be noisy, though things quieted down around midnight. The rooms were basic but very clean, and breakfast was the usual continental spread with a good variety. I’d been doubtful after reading some reviews, despite looking into the hotel before booking, but our stay was absolutely fine. We didn’t use the pool, though it looked inviting.

The friendly check-in was about the only good start. Once we got to the room, the problems began: it was very small and old, and we could hear everything, from people next door and footsteps to the clubs outside. Breakfast was poor, with food that wasn’t very tasty and many items gone. There weren’t even bowls or spoons for cereal. After the room was cleaned, some of our belongings seemed to have been moved from where we’d left them. If your budget allows, book somewhere more expensive to avoid a holiday like this.

Bella mar felt like a 4-star hotel to me, without hesitation. The service to the rooms each day, the cleanliness, breakfast, and the whole welcome at the entrance were all incredible. I’d absolutely come back if I’m in the area. There’s no tea or coffee station or fridge in the room, which mattered to me, so next time I’d come prepared. I also loved the mirror in the lobby for getting ready and taking a picture on the way out. You can buy water and ice cream late at night too.