78 Reviews
Traveller Rating
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Excellent20
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Very Good45
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Good12
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Average1
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Poor0
Review Overview
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Cleanliness
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Entertainment
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Food
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Service
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Location
19 years 3 months ago
We were very pleased with all aspects of the hotel.
There was plenty for kids to do and the entertainment staff were very approachable and friendly.
The restaurant staff were very efficient even if the food was all a bit similar. Could do with a children's section but apart from that the food was fine.
There was plenty for kids to do and the entertainment staff were very approachable and friendly.
The restaurant staff were very efficient even if the food was all a bit similar. Could do with a children's section but apart from that the food was fine.
Travel operator: Portland
Recommended
19 years 3 months ago
The Cleanliness of this Hotel was Fab as the cleaners came in every day but if you were to have a lie in they still can open the door even if locked from inside but was still very good
The Food was lovely except for some nights when the flavours mixed in with others and you knew exactly one thing that was going to be there CHIPS sometimes they even had them for breakfast but about once in the 14 days we stayed there
There is a derelict building next to you if you have a pool view and a main road if you are the other side and if you have a pool view then there is construction site infront of you but the workers dont work on there in holiday season so there isnt much noise between that time.
The staff was really helpfull as whatever you do the are always kind but there was one problem which shouldnt effect your holiday (so dont worry about it) There was a bomb scare on the last day of our holidays and we had booked our room for late departure (usually 12 noon but we booked until 6) and the bomb scare was notified at 12 noon and we couldnt go in our hotel for 4 hours but they still said to be out by 6 but we think it was because the sister hotel (santa fe) is under new manegment and staff were on strike and was coming up to the hotel to protest but never happened.
The entertainment was fab although people have been saying other
They had a medly show which was hilarious a Horror show and mr and mrs election which we thought was going to be rubbish but turned out brilliant. But for 4 entertaners to do such a show is amazing. These entertainers also do the activities during the day some of the activeties are Water polo Bowling Meddy Game (could win a drink) and many more
I would definitly recommened this hotel
The Food was lovely except for some nights when the flavours mixed in with others and you knew exactly one thing that was going to be there CHIPS sometimes they even had them for breakfast but about once in the 14 days we stayed there
There is a derelict building next to you if you have a pool view and a main road if you are the other side and if you have a pool view then there is construction site infront of you but the workers dont work on there in holiday season so there isnt much noise between that time.
The staff was really helpfull as whatever you do the are always kind but there was one problem which shouldnt effect your holiday (so dont worry about it) There was a bomb scare on the last day of our holidays and we had booked our room for late departure (usually 12 noon but we booked until 6) and the bomb scare was notified at 12 noon and we couldnt go in our hotel for 4 hours but they still said to be out by 6 but we think it was because the sister hotel (santa fe) is under new manegment and staff were on strike and was coming up to the hotel to protest but never happened.
The entertainment was fab although people have been saying other
They had a medly show which was hilarious a Horror show and mr and mrs election which we thought was going to be rubbish but turned out brilliant. But for 4 entertaners to do such a show is amazing. These entertainers also do the activities during the day some of the activeties are Water polo Bowling Meddy Game (could win a drink) and many more
I would definitly recommened this hotel
Travel operator: Thompson
Recommended
19 years 3 months ago
I think Calella is a wonderful place and the beach is fantastic. I would like to come again. The entertainment was brilliant for kids and I thought the Cindarella play was great. (Aged 9)
The hotel was well beyond our expectations and the meals were exceptional, with enough variety to satisfy even the fussiest diner.
The hotel staff were very helpful & pleasent and hotel was kept very clean. The only thing that we felt let the hotel down was the "entertainment" or lack of it.(although our 9 year old seemed to like it as it was very child centered, even til 1am !!)
The most entertainig thing we found about the hotel was watching the Brits race to claim a sunbeds at 8 am.
The only problem we had were with Thompsons. Although one of the reps (Kate) was very informed about the local area etc, the other one knew nothing about anything beyond the Thompsons excurtions.
We had the misfortune to go on the "Taste of a cruise" trip and felt very misleaded as all it turned out to be was an advert for Thompsons cruises at our expense (39 euros each, adults & children alike !!)
One of the highlights of our holiday was the Medieval Knight. If you only go on one excurtion, make sure its this one.
We went on 2 excurtions to Barcelona, with free time included, but unfortunatly the "free time" was only for 2 hours and we were dropped in the same area of Barcelona on both trips (we got to know La Rambla very well).
Barcelona is a huge place and you need at least 2 days to see everything (which we didnt have). The dancing fountains are wonderful and another "must see"
The hotel was well beyond our expectations and the meals were exceptional, with enough variety to satisfy even the fussiest diner.
The hotel staff were very helpful & pleasent and hotel was kept very clean. The only thing that we felt let the hotel down was the "entertainment" or lack of it.(although our 9 year old seemed to like it as it was very child centered, even til 1am !!)
The most entertainig thing we found about the hotel was watching the Brits race to claim a sunbeds at 8 am.
The only problem we had were with Thompsons. Although one of the reps (Kate) was very informed about the local area etc, the other one knew nothing about anything beyond the Thompsons excurtions.
We had the misfortune to go on the "Taste of a cruise" trip and felt very misleaded as all it turned out to be was an advert for Thompsons cruises at our expense (39 euros each, adults & children alike !!)
One of the highlights of our holiday was the Medieval Knight. If you only go on one excurtion, make sure its this one.
We went on 2 excurtions to Barcelona, with free time included, but unfortunatly the "free time" was only for 2 hours and we were dropped in the same area of Barcelona on both trips (we got to know La Rambla very well).
Barcelona is a huge place and you need at least 2 days to see everything (which we didnt have). The dancing fountains are wonderful and another "must see"
Travel operator: skytours
Recommended
19 years 3 months ago
This was the second time we stayed at this hotel, Things have changed, the building project oposite was a spoiler as the view to the beach was halved.
The entertainment depended on the reps, they could have done much better if they had been given some money. However we enjoyed the fun. The food was good hot and plenty, however it was like Spain had just dicovered the english sausage, on the menu every meal time, in any case I ate plenty of it and enjoyed it.
Couldnt fault the staff at all big thumps up to them.
You can walk for miles and shop to you drop, and I mean that, loads of places to eat out and drinkypoos.
Kids loved it. I wouldnt go back simply beacause weve done it now. Book it you will enjoy it.
The entertainment depended on the reps, they could have done much better if they had been given some money. However we enjoyed the fun. The food was good hot and plenty, however it was like Spain had just dicovered the english sausage, on the menu every meal time, in any case I ate plenty of it and enjoyed it.
Couldnt fault the staff at all big thumps up to them.
You can walk for miles and shop to you drop, and I mean that, loads of places to eat out and drinkypoos.
Kids loved it. I wouldnt go back simply beacause weve done it now. Book it you will enjoy it.
Travel operator: Thompson
19 years 3 months ago
This was a first holiday abroad, and we really enjoyed it. Callela has a great atmostphere and you feel safe. We went with our brother and family who had been before. The rooms were clean and comfortable and. The black out curtains were a great idea. The food was plentiful and on the whole very good. A couple of times we struggled but you could always make a toasty with salad and chips and then buy a supper out.
Talking of which....if you want a nice supper 'Casa Carlos' is a must - we called it 'Carlos Chicken'. You can buy a whole chicken for 8 Euros that has been cooked on the open fire and the taste is wonderful.
The hotel is handy for everything and we loved to shop and have a few drinks on the way.
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The Entertainment staff did their best on an obviously limited budget, they worked hard and were friendly. They could do with more Computers that the teenagers could use as there were 2 in the 'Adult Only' bar which never got used and a big queue for the one that was in the main room. We don't usually join in with games but glad that we did as it made the holiday. The water polo can get a bit physical but a laugh all the same. Although I still say I thought I had voluteered to be a judge not a participant of Miss Santa Monica, came last but got to kiss 18 men anyway!!
The excursions to Barcelona, the Medaeval Night Marineworld were excellent. A bit disappointed when the rep annouced that if we weren't on the coach within 15 minutes after the Flamenco Show we would be left at the Medaeval Castle. All well and good for a group of Club 18-30, but not when there are children who think they are going to be left stranded and lost.
We would certainly go again if only for a Roast Chicken!! From Casa Carlos.
Talking of which....if you want a nice supper 'Casa Carlos' is a must - we called it 'Carlos Chicken'. You can buy a whole chicken for 8 Euros that has been cooked on the open fire and the taste is wonderful.
The hotel is handy for everything and we loved to shop and have a few drinks on the way.
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The Entertainment staff did their best on an obviously limited budget, they worked hard and were friendly. They could do with more Computers that the teenagers could use as there were 2 in the 'Adult Only' bar which never got used and a big queue for the one that was in the main room. We don't usually join in with games but glad that we did as it made the holiday. The water polo can get a bit physical but a laugh all the same. Although I still say I thought I had voluteered to be a judge not a participant of Miss Santa Monica, came last but got to kiss 18 men anyway!!
The excursions to Barcelona, the Medaeval Night Marineworld were excellent. A bit disappointed when the rep annouced that if we weren't on the coach within 15 minutes after the Flamenco Show we would be left at the Medaeval Castle. All well and good for a group of Club 18-30, but not when there are children who think they are going to be left stranded and lost.
We would certainly go again if only for a Roast Chicken!! From Casa Carlos.
Travel operator: Thomson
Recommended
19 years 3 months ago
The Santa Monica Hotel is a lovely place to stay in. The pool area was average, plenty of sunbeds, although you had to get up early to get one, but that was not a problem really as if you left it until later in the day, you could mostly get one.
The sun was around the pool for most of the day. Loads of tables and chairs around the pool area too, with a pool bar. My particular room was small, don't know about the others, but hey you only sleep there.
I thought the food was okay, we never starved, and although there is a lot of queueing for your meals, by the time you sat down it was barely hot...no problem they had a microwave so that you could warm it up, again not a problem. There was always plenty of variety, although some things were quite repetitive ie: chips, chips and more chips.
The staff in the hotel were absolutely fantastic, especially Kate on reception, Christian and Elaina were fantastic with the kids and the adults for that matter. They were on hand mostly all day keeping the kids and the adults entertained. Must mention Alison the rep, she was absolutely fantastic, she was brilliant with my daughter when she was ill our first week there.
Location to the beach was just across the road, you go under a subway and then up some steps or a ramp to the beach. The beach was a shingle beach only problem with that is that I found it really hard to walk on, with or without shoes, not a problem though.
The sea shelves quite steeply so if you have any young children, or older children for that matter, be very careful. We found the sea to be quite choppy but had loads of laughs from it, especially when it took your feet from under you!
We went to Marineland which was a good day out, but men be warned you are not allowed to get on the coach minus your shirts! In fact you were not even allowed into a shop minus your shirt, so just a word of warning on that note.
The sun was around the pool for most of the day. Loads of tables and chairs around the pool area too, with a pool bar. My particular room was small, don't know about the others, but hey you only sleep there.
I thought the food was okay, we never starved, and although there is a lot of queueing for your meals, by the time you sat down it was barely hot...no problem they had a microwave so that you could warm it up, again not a problem. There was always plenty of variety, although some things were quite repetitive ie: chips, chips and more chips.
The staff in the hotel were absolutely fantastic, especially Kate on reception, Christian and Elaina were fantastic with the kids and the adults for that matter. They were on hand mostly all day keeping the kids and the adults entertained. Must mention Alison the rep, she was absolutely fantastic, she was brilliant with my daughter when she was ill our first week there.
Location to the beach was just across the road, you go under a subway and then up some steps or a ramp to the beach. The beach was a shingle beach only problem with that is that I found it really hard to walk on, with or without shoes, not a problem though.
The sea shelves quite steeply so if you have any young children, or older children for that matter, be very careful. We found the sea to be quite choppy but had loads of laughs from it, especially when it took your feet from under you!
We went to Marineland which was a good day out, but men be warned you are not allowed to get on the coach minus your shirts! In fact you were not even allowed into a shop minus your shirt, so just a word of warning on that note.
Travel operator: Portland Direct
Recommended
19 years 4 months ago
Hotel is pretty reasonable considering it is 3 stars It is clean and seemingly well run. The staff are helpful and friendly (with the possible exception of one rather dour Scottish lady on reception.) There is a good kids club with good staff, and the kids are always occupied, especially when the weather is bad. The only grumble is that seemingly twice a week they have "staff meetings" which seem to go on most of the day, meaning that club hours are greatly reduced. I had no idea meetings could last that long!!
The food is pretty good considering it is budget mass catering, but there is something for everybody - breakfast is a range of cereals and pastries, fruit, yoghurt, juice, toast, coffee and of course a fry up. One morning bizarrely there was chips! Dinner is good - a choice of 2 soups, salads, a choice of about 3 or 4 hot meals (one fish), chips, potatoes, veg, and then tons of desserts - fruit, cakes, angel delight, cake, etc. You are spoilt for choice and the quality is ok.
The pool is clean but a little small. They could do with policing it better though. There are signs saying no inflatables which everyone just ignores, and no life guard, though one probably isn
The food is pretty good considering it is budget mass catering, but there is something for everybody - breakfast is a range of cereals and pastries, fruit, yoghurt, juice, toast, coffee and of course a fry up. One morning bizarrely there was chips! Dinner is good - a choice of 2 soups, salads, a choice of about 3 or 4 hot meals (one fish), chips, potatoes, veg, and then tons of desserts - fruit, cakes, angel delight, cake, etc. You are spoilt for choice and the quality is ok.
The pool is clean but a little small. They could do with policing it better though. There are signs saying no inflatables which everyone just ignores, and no life guard, though one probably isn
Travel operator: Thomson
19 years 4 months ago
Hotel first class
This is the best holidays of my life, the entertainment team really made our holidays well done
We
This is the best holidays of my life, the entertainment team really made our holidays well done
We
Travel operator: Thomson
Recommended
19 years 4 months ago
We had a very nice holiday at the Santa Monica, all in all the staff are very pleasent and helpful.The rooms were cleaned every day and the linen also, food was good but I alone felt it got a bit predictable.
The entertainment was indeed diabolical so we went out everynight but not to other hotels as most of them are non british and its hard to blend in. You are only a 5 minute walk from the beach which is great and we spent every day there as the pool is to small and crowded.
There is a building site opposite the hotel but not to worry no one actually works there but occasionaly they play a recording of construction noises for 10 minutes one afternoon a week!However the hotel next to the Santa Monica did not reopen this season and it is feared that it will be redeveloped so beware!!
Good basic family hotel
The entertainment was indeed diabolical so we went out everynight but not to other hotels as most of them are non british and its hard to blend in. You are only a 5 minute walk from the beach which is great and we spent every day there as the pool is to small and crowded.
There is a building site opposite the hotel but not to worry no one actually works there but occasionaly they play a recording of construction noises for 10 minutes one afternoon a week!However the hotel next to the Santa Monica did not reopen this season and it is feared that it will be redeveloped so beware!!
Good basic family hotel
Travel operator: Thomson
19 years 5 months ago
Just returned from the Santa Monica, what a lovely surprise. I was a bit apprehensive about staying in a 2 star hotel, but it was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
The rooms were lovely and extremely clean, the maids came every day and always made sure that you had fresh towels. The room was great and even had English telly for when you come in for that boring part of the day in between sunbathing and going out on the town.
The hotel is really well located, about 5 minutes from the beach, this is important as the pool area gets very full very quickly and it's like wacky races for a sunlounger!
The staff were absolutely brilliant, lovely friendly people who went out of their way to help (not that they needed to, because everything was perfect).
We are planning to go back to this hotel again next year, it was the best holiday we have ever had and I can't say enough good things about the place!
The rooms were lovely and extremely clean, the maids came every day and always made sure that you had fresh towels. The room was great and even had English telly for when you come in for that boring part of the day in between sunbathing and going out on the town.
The hotel is really well located, about 5 minutes from the beach, this is important as the pool area gets very full very quickly and it's like wacky races for a sunlounger!
The staff were absolutely brilliant, lovely friendly people who went out of their way to help (not that they needed to, because everything was perfect).
We are planning to go back to this hotel again next year, it was the best holiday we have ever had and I can't say enough good things about the place!
Travel operator: Portland
Recommended
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