Dawn, the new hotel is coming along very well but won't be ready for a few months yet looking at it. I'm sure I've read somewhere on here they were hoping to do test runs in it at the end of the year?
The footpath still not complete, you would probably be ok with a buggy on the wasteland during the day but I wouldn't like to try it after dark as it isn't well lit. I wouldn't have thought the building work would affect your stay as it was just far enough out of the way I would say.
When we left there this aug (we also stayed at Barcelo) they were busy doing the beach area near to the Elba Sara, so they are making progress with the promenade but its not anywhere near joined up yet.
If you want to know anything else just ask.

Hi Marie, thanks very much for such a quick reply. It is difficult knowing which to go for, we absolutely loved the Barcelo and would love to return without a shadow of a doubt. We are saving over £500 on a family of four and to me that it is quite a lot when i suppose most of the time we would be round the pool anyway. Still don't know what to do as the Barcelo is in such a great spot and we loved it. I can't remember is the Elba Sara after the Spar complex or before? What do you think and have you heard mabout the Elba Sara?

Dawn, we stayed at the Elba Sara in April and the Barcelo in July (having stayed at the Barcelo a coouple of years ago too).

I'd say the Elba Sara is a marginally better hotel, but the distance from the main drag of Caleta is a problem. In July the prom wasn't quite finished and there is still the 200 yards approx of scrubland to negotiate.

We took a walk up to the Elba Sara (about 25mins) and the whole area is developing nicely up there. The beaches look good and a restaurant/bar has opened up on one of the rock formations that jut out into the sea. The Atlantico centre is pretty good too.

We had already booked the Barcelo for July 2006 but having had a less than 100% good time this year we have changed our booking to the Elba Sara. We managed to get a free child place which has saved us around £500!

Hi Dawn
I haven't stayed at the Elba, and I absolutely loved the Barcelo. I suppose what would make my mind up for me is the fact that we like a walk after dinner every night and I wouldn't like doing that walk in the dark; but if you stay at the hotel of an evening anyway I would think about the £500 saving!
Decisions decisions.......

Brilliant, thanks for your replies, will make a decision today and get it booked. Just been on the internet and got an excellent price on the accommodation with winter sunshine holidays. Don't know if anyone has used them before, they are excellent. For a family of four we are getting 7 nights AI for £452.00. I wouldn't normally do the AI but at that price you can take it or leave it. We wouldn't normally do the AI but I hear the drinks are quite pricey in the Elba Sara so at least it will cover those. If anyone wants the website address let me know.
Thanks for all your info, it really has helped. This website is great yet again!! Kind Regards Dawn

hi Dawn, i have stayed at both hotels and prefered the pools at the elba sara but the entertainment at the barcelo...we also walked into town of an evening when at the elba sara and got a taxi back 2euros...

when are you looking at going, as thats a fantastic price...i just checked on winter sunshine for the may half term and a family room AI was £1559.00

Hi Tracey, Travelling at Easter, kids break up on the Friday and travelling the following Wednesday. Internet price is £491.00 but with loyalty discount that brings it down even more.

I tapped in for the end of May and you're right it completely rockets right up in price. I then tapped in end of July and it's even higher. Seems a big jump? I'm going to book today I think while it is at that price. I mean four 4 of us AI that works out at about £67.00 per day, which is amazing. Thanks for your info, I think that we will do what you said on an evening walk in and taxi back. You should think about booking April too.
Best Wishes, dawn

I've booked the Elba Sara for next year and got a good rate with bookings.net. Breakfast is included (half board for a supplement) although taxes are not. Also, payment is not made until departure at the hotel.
Just hope my room is reserved when I get there.

Can anyone Help Me. I am thinking of booking Elba Sara for hol 2008. I am planning on going all inclusive. Can anyone advise me if they have been all inclusive. Also can anyone let me know if half board and all inclusive guests are treated the same. I am just looking for feedback in general I have 2 kids aged 5 and 11 whether it is a family hotel and also If anyone has booked a suite or family room. Do you need to wear wristband all the time if you are all inclusive.

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

regards

Lorraine

Elba Sara reviews HERE.

Pippy

Hi

we went in june last year so not very recently. But yes you do have wristbands for all inclusive.

We didnt notice any different treatment between half board and all inclusive guests - yes the bar tenders can be a little slow sometimes but there is usually only 1 of them trying to serve everyone and its certainly not a case of they are ignoring all inclusive guests in favour of half board "paying as they go" guests.

I would say go all inclusive as if i remember rightly the drinks are abit expensive - their all inc. also includes things like big packets of crisps from the pool bar (about 5 different sorts to choose from) and things like the slush puppy machines at the pool and lobby bar which you help yourself to are a nice touch.

Hope that helps

fatcodycat

hi all,
am off to caletta 5 th dec for 1 week
we are staying at the elba sara all inc

after i booked this (1 week later) i noticed that the elba carlotta has opened its doors to paying customers ,it looks a better class of hotel all round

now would i be able to use the all inc at this hotel as well ????as its the same group

many thanx

Can anyone help?

Have booked to stay in this hotel in October/November this year for two weeks. We are staying there on a half board basis.

Does anyone know if possible to upgrade to all inclusive when get there for part of the holiday or do you have to book this in advance? We were considering going all inclusive for the last week of the holiday.

Thanks

Andy

I think you can upgrade to AI when you get there - most of the hotels do this. It is cheaper than doing it through your tour company.

as the title says
does anyone know if enrique is still the entertainment bloke at the hotel elba sara????