Hotel Palia Maria Eugenia

Just back and had a lovely time . Hotel was spotlessly clean and all the staff right across the hotel were very friendly and helpful. THE ROOMS , were a decent size very clean , there were tea/ coffee facilities and a small fridge .bathrooms were really nice . Could do with a set of draws and plug socket in front of dressing table mirror but for me that’s a minor issue . We were on the road side so had quite a bit of noise which kept some of us awake FOOD , overall pretty good, some of my family are fussy eaters but always found something they liked . Snacks were also available most of the day . Meat could be a bit tough and I think an omelette station would be a great addition to breakfast AREA , there is a small complex opposite with shops and restaurants which we tried , food and entertainment was good and a small amusement area for kids . Certainly not for someone looking for nightlife though . Beautiful beach cove 10 minutes walk away . A shop opposite with a very helpful lady selling excursions. We went on glass bottom boat to Porto Cristo and Caves of Drach a lovely day but journeys back was very choppy , could have been the tide but several people where sick POOL AREA, we didn’t pay premium but found sun beds every day no problem and you can hire towels from reception for a refundable deposit My main issue which people have talked about in detail in previous posts I think the pool itself is a worry and possibly the only reason we wouldn’t return to an otherwise lovely hotel . My youngest granddaughter is 8 and can swim but not super confident. They children’s area is too packed because it’s the safest place and as someone else pointed out it’s used by animation team several times a day leaving less room . The main pool is really deep and even for adults and doesn’t gradually increase in depth. We were on edge after seeing a little boy being rescued by the lifeguard Overall a lovely hotel would definitely return if the pool was safer

Excellent family holiday! Great for kids and adults. Fantastic evening entertainment. Hotel was awesome, large rooms and bathroom. Very clean and tidy. Pools also great. About 10 mins walk to the beach. Amazing views. Food was good, never been hungry, also good choice for kids. We had a premium option which was worth the price. Transfer to the hotel by TUI bus around 1h during the night. On way back in the morning 1h30. Definitely will be back next year but unfortunately can not book it yet through the website. Just waiting when it will be available to book for next year.

Rooms: Booked 2 rooms (standard sea view on 4th floor) for family of four. Travelling with teenagers who were given room next to lifts & staircase so were woken up frequently by other guests arriving/returning in early hours making noise. We were woken up one night by some teenagers talking very loudly on the first floor premium bar at 1am & one night by two large beetles on our balcony making a high pitched noise like an alarm. Room decor was fine and kept very clean by our wonderful cleaner Antonia. However: not enough hangers (only 6 each) only 1 shelf in wardrobe & 2 open shelves above coffee maker so needs a chest of drawers for clean underwear/swimwear. Mirror needed above console table for ladies to sit & do make up/hair (as socket underneath is too far away from full length mirror near wardrobe). Hotel only provides a shampoo/shower gel dispenser in bathroom & tiny slivers of packet handsoap (soap dispenser would be easier like in the public area toilets). The bath towels are way too small - need some the same size as pool towels. Pools: Pool area kept clean (just needs some work on replacing missing pool tiles) & we could usually find sunbeds. However never saw any pool cleaning taking place. Description of pools need clarifying - considering this is a 'family friendly' hotel - 2 pools are adult only & 2 are only for those upgrading to premium & there are 2 paddling pools for babies/toddlers. As mentioned in other reviews, the main pool has an area with slides for younger children with a very shallow part to the left and a slightly deeper section to the right which is also used for aqua aerobics & volleyball. The biggest problem is in front of this area the depth changes suddenly to 1.2meters, then 2.4m & 2.9m in the deepest part (I'm 5ft 4 & not a strong swimmer & couldn't touch the bottom in any of this!). I mentioned this to the Lifeguard so he got me a pool noodle from the kids play area (humiliating). This is the main reason I wouldn't return as I couldn't fully enjoy the pool (& didn't want to go to the adult pool as we'd come as a family to chill out together). Also think it is dangerous for young children. There is a lifeguard on duty but they tend to sit/ stand away from the pool & only one wore a t shirt stating he was a Lifeguard so it's not obvious where to find them if needed. Restaurant: There were plenty of options but a lot of food is repeated at lunch & dinner- especially pork & chicken which was often full of bones & pink in the centre. Unless you get to the restaurant at the start, food can be lukewarm & not replaced frequently enough. The waiting staff work hard to try & clear tables quickly & are very polite. Bar staff were also very friendly & helpful. Frustrating that even though it's all inclusive you have to pay extra for international brand spirits & some cocktails just came from a machine so didn't taste anything like they should. There is one pool table & ice hockey game table indoors along with 2-3 arcade game machines for kids. Entertainment team were all French (as we were told 60% guests are French), but they also spoke English. They didn't push you if you didn't want to participate in daily activities. Evening entertainment was mixed - some good, some a bit cringe worthy. Reception staff polite & very helpful. Charges : You have to pay a daily rate for the safe & just get a €10 deposit back when returned. The charge for the pool towels is refunded at the end of your stay. Don't forget the tourist tax charge per night for adults! There is a beach approx a 10min walk from the hotel and across the road from the hotel is a small shopping area (small supermarkets, souvenirs & some better quality clothes & jewellery) with a few bars & cafes. We had already visited the Caves of Drach on a previous holiday but you can get a bus there near the hotel (receptionists can provide timetables). We took the air conditioned bus to Porto Cristo (pay by tapping your bank card when you get on & off) - there is a clothing/craft market Sundays & Thursdays by the harbour & some nice shops/bars/cafes around the town. Overall, while we enjoyed our stay, not sure we'd return because of the main pool depth & quality of some food.