Zafiro Palace Palmanova

Probably one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in, and we’ve stayed in other Zafiro hotels including 5-star. This is our second year at this hotel, we came last August. Check-in was seamless, and not only did they give us 2 rooms next door to each other as we’d requested, but they gave us exactly the same rooms as last years, which I doubt was a coincidence. This was a nice touch and it felt like they’d really put the effort it in. I think they put the extra effort in, in a lot of ways, there were a lot of personal touches throughout our stay, the customer service seems to have gone up a small notch in the last 12 months. The meals were great, albeit I’ve always thought the food at 5-star Zafiro hotels to be a bit more ‘4-star’ over the last few years. I remember amazing food displays at Zafiro Alcudia 5 years ago, and we don’t see that any more. I remember half-lobsters available at dinner time, but I haven’t seen a lobster at a Zafiro hotel for a few years now. The bar next to the pool was great, but as a lot of people have commented, sometimes it feels like they need two people behind the bar, particularly when there’s a queue of 7 or 8 people, and each person can take a few minutes or 5 minutes to serve, particularly if they are having cocktails etc. The entertainment at night wasn’t always amazing, but it’s a nice atmosphere sat there at night, and you have the option to sit inside with aircon, or out. Me and my daughter went to what we called the daytime bar every morning, for coffee. We were served most days by Hanna K, who was so friendly and so attentive, such excellent service, remembering what we had the day before, and even telling us off when we didn’t go to see her one day!
The pools are nicely kept, and we didn’t ever struggle for a sunbed. And our favourite bit of the holiday…. You are now allowed inflatables in the pool – last year they were banned, which nearly put us off coming back. That said, some inflatables are not allowed, and the rules are a bit vague and don’t seem to make sense. I think they should just allow all inflatables, I don’t think they should be trying to control people so much, when they’ve paid so much for a holiday. We had a swim up room, whereby you also get your own garden. A lot of money but I’d really recommend if you can afford it. My wife and daughter had a spa treatment, which was great. Reception was great as well, the attitude and the helpfulness of the staff. Just a near-on perfect holiday really, thank you so much to all the staff who made it what it was for us, we are so grateful. Just one more thing – the pool table is SO popular at night, but last year it didn’t work half the time and this year it didn’t work at all. I don’t know why they’re messing about with this, they should just buy a new one, it’s the only thing really that kids can do at night, so please get this fixed or buy a new one, and keep it well maintained. But honestly, to all staff at this hotel, thank you so much. One of our best holidays ever.

We spent a week here in August with our two kids (12 and 17) and it worked really well for all four of us. The 2 rooms (Junior Suite with Pool View) were spacious with a smart layout, a very comfortable bed and a nice balcony.

The location is a strong point too: Palmanova beach is a short walk away, and Palma is around 20 minutes by car, so you can do day trips into the city and still come back to somewhere calm and quiet in the evening.

The staff deserve a special mention — consistently polite, helpful and quick to sort things out.

Highly recommended for families.