Zafiro Palmanova

We spent six days in a room where the balcony opened straight onto the swimming pool. The staff were attentive and we had a pleasant stay, though the food was just okay and the menu seemed to repeat a lot from day to day. There were ants on the lower floors, and events and concerts carried on late into the evening.

The kids had a brilliant time switching between the kids pool and the big blue bubble pool. The main pool isn't heated, but after the first shock it was manageable even this time of year. The kids pool, another outdoor pool, and the indoor pool are heated, though they still feel a bit chilly rather than warm. The kids club and activities were great fun, with an energetic, enthusiastic team leading every session. The buffet had plenty of options, even for fussy eaters, and the food was excellent. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and the whole hotel was spotless. Every staff member we met, from reception to the pool bar and dining hall, was wonderful during our six-night all-inclusive stay. Our first room faced the outdoor stage on the 2st floor, and the noise was so loud it felt like the party was in our room. Music runs until 22:30, so keep that in mind if you want young children in bed earlier and are making a room request. They moved us the next day without any hassle. The second room, at the far end of the hotel, was much quieter. Rooms facing inward look over the pool and get the noise, while rooms on the outside are quieter but look onto a rather unattractive street. We just got home and would all love to return.

The indoor pool and jets are great, but the water was freezing even though the pool is supposed to be heated. I've never been in a cold jacuzzi before. It really needs to be warmer to feel like a spa. The outdoor pool was stone cold too. Even so, we really enjoyed our stay and would come back. The hotel was clean, the staff very friendly, and the location excellent. We tried the buffet one evening and liked the selection.

A lovely family holiday, especially if you have younger kids. There are plenty of pools and loungers, the place is spotless, and all the staff gave amazing service. I only wish the kids' mini disco had more dancing. It was just one or two songs, while at most hotels there's a full hour of dances and fun. The evening entertainment was short too, ending by 10 or 10:30 pm, which is handy if you like an early night, I suppose.