Gran Sol

We’ve stayed here several times before, but this visit felt like a letdown, and we won’t book with TUI again. The hotel is no longer what it was since becoming a TUI hotel. Breakfast was disappointing: there were some good cold options and breads, but the fried eggs were brown, the scrambled eggs overcooked, and the omelettes had raw onion and were overcooked too. Room cleaning also fell below standard, and the tea tray was topped up only now and then. The room mix-up made for a poor start. We’d booked a superior twin with a sea view through TUI, based on website photos showing twin beds, but were given a tiny ground-floor room with a small double and barely any sea view. Reception said we’d booked a single with an extra bed and showed us TUI’s booking details. They offered to make up the sofa bed, but who pays over £300 a night to sleep on that? After first being told there were no other rooms, they eventually found the superior twin sea-view room we’d actually ordered. It was sorted after a loud conversation between the receptionist and a manager in an office. The manager never came out to speak to us. There are good things here too: the location is lovely, upper floors have open sea views, reception and bar staff were pleasant, and the lunchtime food was nice. We didn’t eat dinner here, so can’t comment on it.

Karen at reception deserves a special mention. She’s extremely helpful and goes out of her way to make sure the holiday meets your expectations from beginning to end. The staff generally are so helpful and go above and beyond. We’ve been visiting for many years and have always found the hotel first class. Its location is amazing, right in the middle of what Cala Bona has to offer. There’s plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner, and the restaurant food is first class. We look forward to coming back, and would rate it above the four stars Tui has given it.

We liked it so much that we’re already planning a return in September. I don’t usually go back to the same holiday hotel, but Gran Sol is worth revisiting. It’s a small place, just 58 rooms, with a relaxed, chilled feel, and everything was spotless. My friend and I have just come home after a great stay. The staff were lovely, friendly and always cheerful, and the food choice was brilliant, all fresh and satisfying. A big thank you to everyone at Gran Sol.

We’ve booked again for next year. This is the only hotel we’d stay at, and we’ve been seven times now. It’s calm and comfortable, the staff across all areas are wonderful, and Maria deserves a special mention. Half board is essential for us because the food is so good, there’s no need to eat elsewhere.