Barceló Costa Ballena Golf & Spa

If the very helpful Concha had not been at this hotel then the stay would have had a minus figure for a review. Concha’s hard work and conscientiousness was limited by the people around her. The reception desk was mostly helpful but some not: 1. On enquiry about the semi-inclusive option Nadia told me it was available only to group bookings. A later enquiry directed at another clerk explained the daily rate and minimum requirement of a 7 night subscription. 2. We had repeated issues with vegetarian meals - Nadia was short and unhelpful. Daily restaurant issues - unsuitable for vegetarian All standard options were for non-veg. I had to make a request every morning. 1. Some days I had just a salad. 2. Given a plate of uncooked bland tofu. 3. plant-based burger and other plant-based items with a few veg. 4. wraps with roasted vegetables and bland tofu but no seasoning whatsoever. 5. One day reception told me that it was not possible to cater for a vegetarian. 6. One good meal - lasagne It was very much a a luck of the draw on who was at reception and who was in the kitchen. Hotel Room -AC did not work (fixed on day 2) but very ineffective. The room was warm; no option to adjust the AC controls. Suitability for families? Kids club is seasonal. nothing for young children to do. If you have a car you could find activities; without a car you could easily spend Euro100 per day on taxi alone. Restaurant opens at 7.30pm - too late for young children.

Resort like hotel in a golf community proximal to the beach. Staff was helpful, parking is ample and easy.

There was no live entertainment at all.

Disappointed that pools were closed. Needs some exterior maintenance. But all in all would refer to a friend

Average

The overall experience was great. Dinner costs were much cheaper if added as part of the initial reservation and I wish I had done that since dining options were limited because of seasonal closures.

This was a break from our normal Hotels, so, it was a bit different in terms of experience. All we can say is there was nothing intrinsically wrong with this hotel but nothing that made us say, wow! One thing that we did like was the Spa as the facilities were great and the service second to none. We are not used to buffet evening meals and the experience didn't enthuse us to go back, or, take that type of option in the future.

Great hotel, good location. Perfect for an excellent beach and a good golf course. Staff exceptionally good.

I stayed for 8 nights. I will start with the positives: 1. Extremely clean, everywhere. 2. Both Pool areas are great. Private, tranquil. 3. Restaurants are very nice, breakfast is very good. 4. Spa area is very nice. 5. Beds are extremely comfortable. 6. Showers are hot. Not so good: 1. Rooms are tired - need updates. Uncomfortable chairs and stained grout in the floor tiles. 2. It is extremely noisy in the rooms. You can hear everyone in the hallway, outside the balcony, above you and next to you. I was near the entrance of the building and heard the door slamming all day. 3. The gym is in need of an update. The elliptical had duct taped handles and the rest of the machines were also worn. 4. Although there is ample parking available on sight, they charge you 15€ to use it. Most people opt to park on the street. A nuisance fee for guests. 5. Two of the three employees I interacted with at the front desk were rude and unhelpful - actually rather disinterested. 6. The air conditioning unit in the room was worthless. The room was mostly humid and damp, and the AC did not keep it cool. The thermostat looked like it was 20 years old. There are no fans and the front desk, when I said the AC wasn’t working replied - do you really want someone to check it? I love the Barceló brand and use it frequently. Sadly, this location has made me want to look elsewhere. Maybe because it was August and they are busy regardless.

The housekeepers talked outside of my room every morning. It was so loud I didn't sleep in much.

The hotel was very nice and clean! The food inside the hotel restaurants was amazing and at a decent price. However, the room became very hot at night time. The golf course view from the room was amazing. Playing the course was decently priced as well. Plenty of parking and in a very quiet location. The only complaint would be the a/c not working at night.

The air conditioner was not working. I Gad to sleep with the balcony sliding door open

It was wonderful, definitely will back there again

The pool hours could have been longer. The air conditioners in the rooms were not cool enough for the Aug heat.

It has been a great experience and the jacuzzi at the balcony was a wonderful addition to the already very satisfying short trip. And then the golf course was so near. Just needed less than two hour to finish the 9 holes of par 3. A five star memorable stay over there.

Excellent hotel. The staff were very helpful. The room was very nice. Wonderful breakfast buffet was complimentary. The dinner buffet was good but over-priced. Pool was nice. I couldn't get into the fitness center, but we did go before the summer season really got under way. The surrounding shops were not yet open. Hours of operation for shops and restaurants took some getting used to for Americans, but that's the way Europe operates.

Beautifully clean. Helpful staff & in a lovely and peaceful area. Would recommend to others!

Lovely stay good nice clean hotel fantastic staff, Theresa the main customer care agent was so so helpful it made everything for myself and the group of friends absolutely perfect i would recommend it

Awesome place to stay! Staff was always courteous and accomodating!

Lovely and clean very comfortable fantastic staff been looked after nicely