Bon Sol - Calvià

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay at the Bon Sol. The hotel itself is extremely well run and the attention to detail is remarkable. It really is marvelous how the hotel buildings span from high on the side of the hill right down to the sea and the system of lifts and tunnels make it easy to get around. The extensive grounds are almost like a tropical garden and provide lots of different spots to sit or lie and relax. The staff were all fantastic and couldn't have been more helpful. The only downside was the restaurant food which could have been so much better. Breakfasts were brilliant and I couldn't have asked for more. But lunch and dinner were a bit bland and there was nothing really Spanish about the meals. Most guests seem to be on half board and there is no doubt that it is great value. We decided not to take the half board option and were glad. There aren't many restaurants within walking distance but it is so easy and cheap to get the bus from outside the hotel into the centre of Palma.

First off the good our room was incredible. Amazing views off of the larger than expected balcony (we chose a Junior suite). The pool/ocean area was relaxing and a nice way to spend the day in the sun. The bad and the reason for the low rating the food. The breakfast is fine, nothing to write home about but not expecting much there. Dinner on the other hand was just not good at all. There is very fancy presentation, but the food is just not good. The first night, we got in late and had the meal in the main hotel area. We were starving from a full day of travel so you would think anything would taste amazing, but the food was pretty bland. The second day, we figured it had to be better, but it was worse. The soup was palpable and the pasta was easy to eat doused in Parmesan, but then the steak came out and was just completely raw in the middle. When I brought it up, the waiter looked at it and was visibly shocked that it was so undercooked but then nothing was done about it. The meal was just taken away and then we were asked to sign for the drinks a few minutes later and left. This prompted us to cancel the half board and will be enjoying the food that Palma has to offer the rest of the trip.

We enjoyed our meal. The burger was good, the chicken breast was very tender and the sangria was great!

The hotel is outstanding, a beautiful stately home atmosphere full of decorative furnishings, ornaments and antiques. Plenty of areas to sit and read, or play the piano and a nice bar area. The hotel is run by a friendly family who have built the business up over 70 years. All staff were helpful and hard working, the owner was on site often and introduced himself to everyone. There are various outdoor terrace areas and pools, all well kept and with plenty of sunbeds. (although the chairs in some areas were 'reserved ' by early risers). The food was excellent (best value is to stay half board) a formal dining room and more relaxed beach restaurant with entertainment fitting to the ambience. There is a large gym, squash court, table tennis area, spa and massage suite and crazy golf course. Accommodation is varied, some with larger balconies and sunbeds, our room was perfect and would try get the same next time. There is a small private beach area and a decent public beach about 10 mins walk away. Also a small mini market next door, otherwise not a lot more around. Palma is a 15min (20euro) taxi ride (or bus ride). Reception will book a taxi for you.

The Bon Sol is on a hilly slope over three buildings with a good lift system for the less mobile. There are not many external bars and restaurants in the immediate area. The hotel has two nice bar areas, one by the pool and one in the top, main building. It has a formal restaurant and an informal coast restaurant. The coast bay is very small and private. Neither hotel restaurant was great for vegetarians and there is no offer to do something special. The only Pizza for us was Margarita. We asked for vegetables on it but everything is standard with no offer to adapt. The formal restaurant was just ‘take off the meat and fish and have what is left.’ Ie salmon and melon “we can remove the salmon for you.” There is a buffet salad bar but often the bowls were empty when we got there around 8.30 9pm. No one offering to replenish. The food we did have in the hotel was quite nice. Breakfast was busy and again things had often got low with no replenishment. There are two lovely external, coastal restaurants nearby. Just a medium walk around to the next bay. Not much else in the way of bars and restaurants in walking distance from the hotel The staff were mostly friendly and helpful. They can’t order you a taxi anywhere unless you are going to the airport. Not sure why this is. They can’t order you one for a specific time. They said it was hard to get through on the phone and one would come when it felt like it but not for a specific time. The hotel is celebrating 70 years. It’s a nice old building. There is some beautiful art work on the walls. They have lots of returning guests. We paid extra for a large suite. We had most things we needed. They don’t supply drinking water for the room, after the first bottle. We bought from a local supermarket. The shaded swimming pool is cold. The smaller heated pool has a few always full sun beds around it but no nearby bar. The evening bar staff are lovely. And good at cocktails. Thank you gentlemen!!! Xx Overall, older people seemed to love this hotel and it has an old fashioned air about it. This is a quirky and characterful hotel. Thank you for a nice stay.