We stayed for a week in this hotel, and were surprised that it deserved a 4 star ratiing in the brochure - it really was no different to 3 star hotels we have stayed in.

Although we were self catering, we ate in the hotel restaurant one evening, the food was good value but very typical rather uninspiring hotel food. The restaurant had no atmosphere but was very clean and the staff were helpful.

The hotel was mostly very clean, the maids did a reasonable job of our room - but no special effort was made. We had ants on our balcony.

The location was very good, only a 5 minute walk from the harbour where there were lots of shops and nice places to eat.

The entertainment was ok, the staff worked very hard, but it did seem a bit like Butlins - although there was no pressure to participate - just sit at the other end of the pool (although it could be a bit noisy if trying to relax). The evening entertainment was very average - but our 10 year old loved it!

All in all, it was ok but we wouldn't return. Mind you, lots of people said they did!

We have just returned from our best family holiday ever. With a 10 year old daughter and a 8 year old son I couldn't think of a better place to spend our 2 week holiday.

We were self catering, and were spoilt for choice for restraunts between Cala Bona and Cala Millor. Smithy's bar had a good selection as did Janet and Johns, especially for kids. The rope & anchor do a great breakfast and Sunday lunch.

The location of the Bonaire was fine for us, not in the center but only a 2 min walk to the sea front and the start of the pubs and restraunts.

The hotel staff were great, the gardener keeps the grounds looking beautiful, the receptionists were always genuinly friendly and very helpful.

The bar saff work very hard and are always friendly and smiling. At night when the entertainment is on the table service can be a bit slow, but just look at how many people are there and how many staff are on, and if you look at the bar it is usually quite so just go and get your drink from the bar.

The pool side food is really good value and never had a bad meal. We only used the hotel resteraunt once, found it ok, plenty of choice and as much as you like, nice salads and desserts, but we prefer to have a walk to the harbour and try different locations.

The thomsons staff were great but I think there were changes going on when we were there, a new sports coach Chris, Hannah was leaving for a different hotel in Magaluf, Matt was just starting. A couple of times they changed the times and days that sports were on and took a while to find out what was going on, staff days off, staff meetings, but they also work really hard, I think Chris (entertainer) would love to ban water guns and some of the parents could of used a bit of common sense and had a word with there kids about firing water into the shed and into the staffs faces.

The whole complex was immaculate, except by 5:30 when some lazy people can not be bothered to take there days rubbish with them or just put into one of the bins provided. Loads of sun loungers, and plenty of space, but you still get some people who get up silly early to get there favourite spot.

Never had a problem getting a good spot or sun lounger. All ready looking to go back next year but will be watching other reports this summer to see what happens with the entertainment and sports staff.

My kids at the time we went were 6yrs and 9yrs old.

After a few years of disappointing holidays we decided to try out the bonarie.

After renewing our vows this was our second honeymoon.
It was wonderful, fantastic view from our apartment, I believe that it has 5 pools so it has something for all ages.

We never had a problem getting a sun bed and the staff are outstanding.

I find it shocking that people have compaired it to butlins having spent 2 weeks at butlins it is no comparison at all.

This holiday was luxury and we are going back in june.

Cant wait jen.

Our 2nd visit to the Bonaire. Stayed in Block 5, good view of pool. Only ate in restaurant once (evening) food was ok, good selection.

Location was fine, short walk to local harbour or 15 minute walk to Cala Millor.

Hotel staff & Thomson Reps - all fantastic, they work very hard.

Superfamily holiday - great entertainment, keeps children entertained.

Going back next year!

We're just back from a 10 day stay at the wonderful Bonaire Hotel in Cala Bona. It was the best fun we ever had with the least amount of stress!

The reps were FANTASTIC! Especially Chris & Hannah and ALL the kids

Food in hotel was very good - we don't normaly go half board, but in this case it was worth it.

General cleanliness was good.

Location in my opinion was poor, this was mainly because we wanted to go to the beach, we have a 3 year old son who like most children of his age are always falling over etc, around the pool on the concrete was not a good place to keep falling over.

The Spanish staff were really nice, some of the English staff were .....not!

Entertainment was O.K.

As the lady said on an earlier report, if you are O.K with Butlins then you will not mind this. I thought that being a 4* plus hotel that it would be something special, but it really was not.

We were very apprehensive about taking our 2 and 4 yr olds away for a package holiday. We need not have worried, the Bonnaire is an excellent family hotel.

The Thomson staff are first-class, despite them surely having lost some energy at the end of a busy season, it didn't show, they were enthusiastic, understanding and helpful.

We went Room Only and wished we had gone Half-Board. The food is of a high quality and there is a wide variety of choice for the kids.

We have already booked again for next year, this time for 2 weeks.

Well done Thomson and well done the Bonnaire.

We stayed self catering as there are many restaurants to visit particularly if you enjoy a stroll - 20 min and you're in Cala Millor.

The room was regularly cleaned and was a decent size for us (2 adults and a 1 year old in a cot).

The hotel has an excellent creche. Our son had never been to nursery etc but loved this creche (2 hours for

Please take note of this review.
I would hate for other families to be as disappointed as we were.

After a 5 star Cruise aboard the Thomson Spirit, which exceeded every expectation ,to arrive at the Bonaire was a major shock.

We were advised that as my daughter was 10 years old the Bonaire would be suitable for me and my parents , both 60 years old. We arrived to screaming , uncontrollable children, 2nd rate entertainment, a noisy generator over my apartment, leaking balcony, luke warm water and a toilet that only flushed when it felt like it.

My advice is: If you have children who like to misbehave at every opportunity or children under 8 who can join the kids club while you drink yourself into a stupor and stay up shouting and singing till gone 2am every morning then this experience is for you.

If Butlins suits your style you will be in seventh heaven. If however, you are more selective, enjoy spending time with your child and are able to entertain them yourself, enjoy good quality food and entertainment then avoid this like the plague.

The only saving grace for us was that Cala Bona was a sweet resort, close to the harbour, shops and sea front restaurants and bars.

I have advised Lunn Poly to consider removing this form the cruise and stay option immediately. 3 other families joined us and all agreed it was totally unacceptable.

For anyone cruising the first week, prepare yourself for a disappointment, and avoid the Bonaire as much as possible and you may just get through the 7 days. The good thing was, l was singing as l packed to come home- never had l felt so happy to be getting on that flight.

Kim Bircher

Overall Fantastic Holiday!

Cleaness of Rooms:

The maid Service was good but our maid rarely said 'Hola' to us. The rooms get cleaned 5 times a week.

Rooms:

Contain 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds. Theres not much difference in comfort between them. Perfect for family of 4. Kitchen area is not enough to make a full meal as theres no oven. Although there is a microwave, kettle and stove. Theres a TV with Cartoon Network, BBC, A German music Channel, News channel, Sky Sports and some other channels that are in a different language.

Blocks:

The hotel is split up into 5 blocks. Each block contains 4 floors apart from block 1. Best bet is to ask for Block 5 as high up as possible with a Sea view. Top Floor is best bet because theres no rooms above you and we found on floor 1 we could hear the chairs move in the floor above us which because quite annoying when trying to get some sleep.

Day Time Entertainment:

Marky Mark, Wacky Wendy and The Gorgeous Helen all provide good entertainment for the children and Adults round the pool during the day. At 11 o clock one of the entertainers will start the Radio Show. Marky Mark and Gorgeous Helens radio show will keep you giggling on your sunbeds with the fantastic Pool Side Voting. Then at 11.30 its time to splash into the pool for the Water Arobics. During the Water Arobics they do a 'WhirlPool' a 'Jaquizzi' and a 'Wave machine' using only the people in the pool which is really fun. Then theres the daily challenge for adults and children to participate in. Childrens Water Polo is followed then Adults Water Polo is after that. The pool side Quiz is also great fun and is worth participating in because you can win 'A lovely Jubly bottle of Don Perion Type Bubbly!' All you regualars will know what I'm on about. Whilst on our holiday we was lucky enough to win the bubbly and we must say its rather nice!

Night time Entertainment:

3 Times a week theres professinal acts in which are rather good. If there's not a professinal act on then the reps do something to keep you entertained. Night time Entertainment starts with the Mini Kids Disco at 8.00 then followed by Prize Presentation at 9.00 then the main event entertainment is at 10.00.

The Pool Side Bar:

The pool side bar was fantastic. The food and deserts were very nice and there was a wide range on the menu for snaking during 12pm till 3pm. The Bar served many drinks. Also the Pool side Bar staff were very friendly and always cracking jokes. Magelle, Manwell, Osker, Vincentee and PePe were all very friendly and could understand English very well and always had a smile on their faces.

The Reception:

The Receptionists were very helpful and were English which was also helpful.

Local Restaurants:

We definitely reccomend visiting Tonys Bar. The staff were very friendly and the food was lovely. Looking out at the Harbour whilst enjoying a Piella was lovely.


We have already booked for next year because we enjoyed it so much.