Decent Stay, But Not Worth Returning
We have previously stayed at the Ferrera Blanca and Paradise Club hotels and had wonderful family holidays. This time, we chose Rosa del Mar for its short transfer times and our trust in the brand.
· *Water Policy Disappointment:** While we opted for full board, we were charged for water at dinner. Though juices, coffee, and water are available during breakfast, the lack of complimentary water with dinner is not mentioned on their website, which we found unacceptable. A meal without at least water seems incomplete, and this alone would deter us from returning.
· *Friendly Staff and Cleanliness:** The staff were cheerful, always greeting us with smiles. The animation team was great with the kids, and the hotel itself was clean. Rooms are serviced every two days, but ours were cleaned only twice in our 10-day stay, as we stayed in during the hottest part of the day when housekeeping came around.
· *Amenities and Pool:** There were plenty of sunbeds, all with parasols, but it’s best to secure one early. The staff enforced a policy to remove towels left before 10, which was appreciated. You can use the sunbeds from 9 after they’re cleaned. A special mention goes to the young lifeguard with a goatee—always friendly and attentive around the pool. The pools were clean, with decent space and inflatables allowed unless it got too crowded. Our kids (11 and 10) enjoyed the slides, but older children might find them small. The spa pool was a hit with the kids, who could use it for a couple of hours in the morning.
· *Food Experience:** The food was acceptable but not remarkable—more canteen-style than restaurant-quality. Breakfast was standard, while dinner had limited options. The salad bar was disappointing, and desserts were repetitive and underwhelming. The small size of the hotel might explain the lack of variety. While indoor dining had air conditioning, the atmosphere felt more like a cafeteria. The outdoor seating was preferable.
· *Pricing and Drinks:** The snack bar and drinks weren't too overpriced but also not cheap. Soft drinks at the pool, though, felt particularly costly—€2.90 for a small cup, which likely costs very little to produce. It’s a matter of perspective, but we felt prices generally leaned higher. Some guests opted for pizza from outlets near the hotel, as outside food or drinks by the pool were permitted.
· *Plastic Bottles and Convenience Stores:** Oddly enough, there were no water fountains in the hotel, pushing guests to rely on plastic bottles—even as locals protest environmental damage. Water at the hotel cost €2.50, compared to €1 elsewhere. Drinks were also available at reception during the day, though we didn’t try these. Convenient stores nearby, like the tiny shop outside the hotel, often had better prices than the bigger Spar across the road. Aldi, just a five-minute walk away, was impressively cheap for own-brand items.
· *Location and Rooms:** The location was ideal, close to the beach and offering pleasant evening strolls toward Palma Nova. However, turning in the opposite direction leads quickly to "gentlemen’s" clubs and less family-friendly bars—so it’s best to stay left. Our room was satisfactory, but the glass décor (doors and sink) seemed more stylish than practical. The shower, however, was excellent. The air conditioning was adequate, though capped at 26 degrees due to local regulations—hardly super cool. Also, paying a daily fee for a key-operated safe felt outdated and inconvenient.
Overall, Rosa del Mar is a perfectly acceptable hotel for its category, but there’s nothing compelling enough to make us want to return.