Jutlandia Family Resort — Hotel in Calvià

We stayed at Jutlandia for one week at the start of August with a 2 year old and 9 year old, this was our first family holiday abroad and it was just what we wanted!||We arrived late at night and we were given a ground floor apartment with a terrace. We quickly decided we didn’t like being on the ground floor as people walk right past your terrace meaning there was zero privacy so we asked to be moved and the following morning we were given a third floor apartment which we much preferred. We had a pushchair but left this at the bottom of the stairs all holiday and there were no issues doing this, for anyone with mobility issues though there are no lifts and the hotel is on a bit of an incline too.|We had booked a one bedroom apartment with a bed and sofabed in the lounge, we decided to have a cotbed for our 2 year old though instead of using the sofabed and this was quickly provided. The apartment was pleasent enough and clean, a bit basic but we weren’t expecting more than what it was for a 3 star hotel so we were satisifed. Toiletries in the bathroom were a nice touch, no bath but I was aware there might just be a shower so took a small blow up paddling pool for little one so this wasn’t an issue for us. Beds were comfortable, sheets changed every other day, and plenty of clean towels provided and the kitchen area was well equipped. The only one thing I will say is the air con unit was in the bedroom so when you shut the bedroom door this meant there was no air con in the living room, but when we the door was kept open both rooms were lovely and cool. WiFi was good and you could hire things such as a safe and iron from Reception.|The pool area was fantastic! Always clean and well maintained. Kids loved the splash park and the slides, there were shallow and deep pools so something for everyone. No sunbed wars for us, another guest told us to place our towels in a spot around 8.30am, thankfully I’m an early riser so didn’t mind this, and then the sunbeds were unpadlocked at 10am and there seemed to be enough to go around. Other than one day when the lifeguard moved everyones, our towles were always left in place and we even reserved our sunbeds in the morning on one day as we were going off resort and our they were still there later in the afternoon when we came to use them. Also liked the artifical grass around the resort so if kids fell there wasn’t too many tears.|We were all inclusive so ate at the restaurant which is just over the road at sister hotel, the food was lovely with a great variety and something different every day, some options were cooked and served in front of you which was nice. and the fruit was delicious. We ate at the resort bar a few days too, it is fast food like burger and chips but was nice enough. The all inclusive drink options were good although the alcoholic drinks were made with very cheap alcohol that didn’t taste the best. I liked that you had to pay a deposit for a cup so it meant no glasses were left lying around. Had to wait a while a few times at the bar but could see the staff were working hard so couldn’t fault them.|The entertainment on a evening was good, Michael Jackson tribute was brilliant, some of the other acts were a bit samey but entertaining enough. Kids disco on every night except Sunday and staff made balloon swords and animals which the younger kids loved. The bar closed at 11pm which for a family resort I understand but most people would stay longer and sit around the bar area so even till midnight I think would be better for guests as everyone was respectful come a certain time. The local area was nice and quiet too so always got a good nights sleep.|The kids club was good, the staff were great, my daughter enjoyed the t-shirt painting and pizza party. The day activites for all were also fun with things like water polo and bingo on throughout the day. |All staff were great at Jutlandia and the kids club staff at the sister hotel were lovely aswell, bar staff were friendly, house keeping always greeted us with a smile and said good morning and Slyvester on reception went above and beyond to assist us and was a lovely gent!||The local area is pretty with plenty of bars and shops including a handy little supermarket, and the beach just a short walk away. Worth a visit in the evening when there is a traditional market on some nights. The beach is beautiful, nice and wide bay edged with little rocky coves and perfect for kids with lovely soft sand and shallow clear water. We took a boat trip from the jetty with a swim stop one day and you could see lots of fish in the clear water. On the beach you can pay 20euros for a sunbed and parasol but you also get a lockbox to put valuables in so we thought this was worth paying.||Just a couple of things to note:||-Air con needed in the reception area to make arrival and departure comfortable for guests|-Parrott show, whilst entertaining to the kids, I don’t agree with live animal acts so this should be reconsidered in my opinion|-One lifeguard across all the pools not nearly enough, not physically possible for them to see all areas and watch everyone especially all the children|-The play corner in the kids club building needs a real good scrub and some fresh toys, grubby finger marks on lots of the soft seats and toys, otherwise a nice space for little ones|-We are a mixed race family and did feel some tension whilst in Majorca from a couple of the Spanish waitresses and elsewhere such as at the airport and in the local area, we were aware that Spain could be a difficult country to visit for people of colour, but didn’t assume that we would notice a great difference in treatment/service but sadly we did, and it wasn’t subtle, so just something for other non white families to be aware of if visiting Majorca||Overall we had a great holiday and a lovely stay at Jutlandia, it was ideal for our family and provided us with a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. Thank you to everyone at Jutlandia for giving us beautiful memories of our first family...

Good facilities for kids. We made good use of the kids' club, which was great for keeping the kids out of the hot midday sun, and all staff were friendly. We did some of the daytime events for kids but on one day they started pizza making early and wouldn't let my two join in even though we were on time. We enjoyed the evening entertainment & the kids loved the clown act. Pools are very good with splash pad and slides for the kids. I did have to put towels down at 7.30am as, being pregnant and with little ones, we really needed a parasol and there was no chance of getting one if I waited for sunbeds to be unlocked at 10am! I have been in two minds about leaving this review as I did enjoy aspects of the holiday but I think it is important that no one else experiences what we did. On the 4th night, at 1.30am, we discovered adult size bed bugs. At first, because of the size, we thought it was just a one off insect but then we found more on both beds. The mattress had bed bug faeces, eggs and lots of them crawling under. There was one in the pillowcase too. I was astounded that staff hadn't picked up on this as they were so visible especially for anyone changing the sheets. I went to Reception to be asked if I wanted clean sheets and that there were no free rooms. I was quite firm that we would not be staying in those beds especially being pregnant with two small children. We did get moved to a room and told to pack up our stuff but leave our cases for fumigation in the room. (Room 150). We had to be up early to move rooms again. The receptionist gave us a breakfast voucher so the cleaners could get in. Despite being told we would have help with luggage, my husband was left to move everything into another new room by himself. I went back up to the room after 'fumigation' which is spray. Some were still crawling around and some of my photos are actually from then. I whatsapped and emailed the hotel to express my disappointment and try to rectify but was ignored until the guest manager msgd back after a 2nd email two days later on Monday (departing Weds am). He was apologetic with some excuses etc. I did say I would like to be reimbursed as the situation was definitely avoidable had it been checked properly between stays and changing sheets (as the size and number of them indicated they had been there a while) but I was told this was not possible. He asked what I wanted so because there was nothing else I could do at that point with no chance of reimbursement, I asked for an upgrade to all inclusive for a day and a half. He did give me a round of cocktails at their sister bar but I do feel this was a small gesture out of spending around 2.5k on a holiday. They did wash the clothes I gave and sent some back by post as some weren't ready in time. Unfortunately, discovering something like this ruined my holiday. I was paranoid and anxious about bringing them home. I couldn't sleep for the rest of the holiday and I have been put off staying away from home.3 out of 4 of us had been bitten (confirmed by doctor), with my daughter being the worst, so needed antihistamine when we got home as they can take days to emerge and were very itchy. I also had to get wash everything and I washed everything at 60 degrees at industrial washing machines as I was terrified of infesting my own home. Bar prices were reasonable and food was ok all inclusive. Kids enjoyed the slushies and bar snacks. I thought the all inclusive breakfast was of a much better standard than the a.i lunch or evening meal. The location of the hotel is very good and it was easy to book a taxi. Rooms were a bit tired compared to the photos and basic but shower was decent. We used the kitchen facilities to make lunch which was handy. I really hope the bugs were a one off as I would have given a higher rating but I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. With some investment and improvements on checking beds properly and communicating with guests, this hotel has further potential. However, this is the truth about my experience. I'll always check any bed...

Room:

Our room (244) was very clean upon entering with a small coffee table and sofa(bed). The kitchenette had 2 electric hobs (not used), fridge with frozen compartment, microwave (not used), and mugs for hot drinks. There were also 4 large and 4 small plates, small wine glasses and tumblers. There was also a corkscrew and a pair of scissors in the drawer.

The beds were large single beds in our room. Quite un-comfy for our liking and we both kept waking up. Aircon unit in the bedroom.

Wardrobe had a dozen twin hangers and 4 small drawers. Safe is located in the wardrobe.

The safe can be hired along with the TV remote (English channels as well as Spanish and German).

Staff:

Very friendly and very informative. From the moment we checked in to when we left, the staff were brilliant.

• Please note that there are 6 flights of stairs to reach the top floor apartments *

Apartments are accessed through their terrace / balcony and are therefore open to whoever is in the rooms above or at the side. So no nude sunbathing on the balcony!

Pool Area:

Lovely sunny pool area. Sun beds were plentiful. We always went out in the morning and never had an issue getting sunbeds or a parasol upon our return mid afternoon.

The pool area is covered in astro-turf which can get hot in the sun but feels great on your feet.

The pool near the bar area drops quite deep and is unsuitable for non swimmers and small children (in my opinion).

Drinks for the pool area (takeaway as the bar staff call it) are served in plastic beakers. When you check in at reception you are given two (one per person) small coloured plastic discs (tiddlywinks), which you give to the bar staff in exchange for your 1st 2 drinks. For additional drinks you need you to take your plastic beaker back. You can though get tea and coffee in the lounge area in china cups.

Food:

Excellent choice of meat and fish. Vegan option available. Plenty of fruit, salad, and veg. 4 flavours of ice cream each night. Chocolate fountain on as well one night. Different types of bread are available.

Location:

The hotel is in a quiet part of Santa Ponsa, and it is only a 5 minute walk to the beach and shops.

Cafe Mozart, bottom of the hill from the hotel, set back on the right hand side of the roundabout, is a must for 33 types of gin they sell!

Entertainment:

We briefly saw the parrot show as we went out each evening into Santa Ponsa. Can't comment on the rest. But the entertainment seemed to be concluded before 11pm.

Santa Ponsa:

Lovely bay with a wide beach. Shops are plentiful selling the usual tourist souvenirs. There are jewellery shops and my other half's favourite clothes shop called Clover. Located up the stairs from my favourite bar; Cafe Mozart! So i could chill whilst she shopped!

There is a Large Eroski supermarket about 15 min's walk away (down the hill from the hotel, 1st right at the roundabout and about 10 min walk). You can Pay using your bank card but if like my bank (TSB) they do make a % charge on the transaction.

Buses:

The main bus stops are on the roundabout down the hill from the hotel. We caught the buses here for Palmanova, Palma, Pegeuro and Port Andratx.

Palma and Port Andratx took about 30 minutes. Pegeuro and Palmanova about 15 minutes (if that). Buses have USB charge points on them. Please make sure you ring for your stop as the bus will not stop!

Weather:

Excellent. Hardly any cloud cover and 24 to 26 degrees daily. Did drop cool on an evening so a light cardi may help.

Summary:

Good basic clean hotel with excellent food. Set in a quiet location. Not far from the beach and shops....