Apartamentos Balcã³N de Europa

The main disappointment was the evening food. We went half board because B&B wasn’t available, and the dinners followed a theme each night, Indian on Monday, Chinese on Tuesday, barbecue Wednesday, then international. It sounded promising, but the meals were bland, repetitive and not very imaginative. We stopped eating there after Wednesday and found food elsewhere in town. Breakfast, on the other hand, was excellent, with lots of good choices, tasty English breakfast options, and really good coffee and juice. The staff were very helpful, the hotel was spotless and the location was magnificent. We had a great experience and are glad we went, though I wish the food had been better.

The room itself was gloomy and dated, with a single bed oddly placed in the entrance area, and the air conditioning didn’t work. I was told the cooling was disabled for winter, but the explanations came across as cost-saving excuses rather than real operational limits. When I spoke to management, two managers were defensive and confrontational, didn’t say who they were, and offered a nearly identical room that didn’t fix anything. I asked for a refund and left. The problems started at arrival. My room wasn’t ready until 14:00, which I understand, but reception made no effort to help with my bags and seemed to expect me to manage them myself. There was no luggage help when I returned later either. I also ate at the sea-view restaurant. The setting was attractive, but a “gourmet” burger costing almost €20 was an overcooked, very thin patty that clearly wasn’t Angus beef, with frozen mass-produced fries. The replacement after I sent it back was only a little better, and I ate it because I needed food. Given the reputation, prices and location, I expected much better service, food and professionalism. The whole stay felt indifferent at best and dismissive at worst. They should look at how they handle guests and check restaurant quality and advertised room amenities. The current approach risks the reputation of what should be a prime destination property.

We’ve just had five days at the Balcon Hotel with Jet2, and I can’t think of a single negative thing to say. The hotel is right on the Balcony and has spectacular views. It was spotlessly clean, and every staff member we met was friendly and helpful, whatever their role. Breakfast was good and served until 10.30am. The bar food and beach restaurant meals were delicious, with very competitive prices. You can walk everywhere easily, with no need for taxis, and there are loads of bars, restaurants and cafes with a view. I’d come back without hesitation.

We’ve just spent three nights here and loved it. On arrival we were surprised and delighted that our sea-view room had been upgraded to a Junior Suite. It was really comfortable with an amazing view. Breakfast was buffet style with plenty of choice, and all the staff were friendly and helpful. We’ll definitely return.