Hotel Del Almirante

"This hotel is an experience and hotel in one. Quirky doesn't describe it enough, it was at one time the home of Admiral Collingwood and its as much a museum as a hotel, transporting you back in time to that era but also making you feel like you're in the setting of an Agatha Christie novel/TV show. The main part of the hotel is stunning with furniture, paintings and portraits from the Admiral's era, huge living room/gallery area upstairs off which are rooms and a big balcony. We were in this part of the hotel, but there were also single storey rooms around the small swimming pool. Lots of tables and chairs in shady or sunny areas in the grounds. The room in the main part was lovely, big, airy, comfortable, large bathroom, but note no fridge or kettle and note that the bar shuts in the afternoon just when you need it. We only stayed a night as we were finishing the Cami de Cavalls (its right on the route just as you get in to Mao) and it's convenient for the airport (5-10 mins in a cab) so didn't explore the surrounds too much but it was clear there was lots within a 20 min walk in either direction. Also didn't try dinner but the 'bar snacks' turned out to be a fairly full and good value menu, similarly the drinks. The reception gentlemen were very helpful and part of the atmosphere. Hard to do the place justice in writing, look at the pictures."

"This quirky hotel has some wonderful historic features, entrenched in British colonialism - but it's not without faults. On the positive side, it's decent value and and positioned well for walking to local amenities - shops & restaurants, etc. plus there are buses to travel further afield. The staff are outstanding - polite, cheerful and helpful, and the rooms are spacious, with ample storage and reliable wifi, The snacks available in the bar are decent and reasonably priced. The rooms are spacious, clean, and reasonably well-equipped with aircon and ample storage - but see below. On the negative side, there's no tea/coffee or fridge in the rooms - a surprisingly big downer. The beds are hard (personal taste perhaps) and the tiny TV offers ample German/Spanish/French choices, but just a couple of news channels in English, so it's tough to pass the time in bad weather. The compact shower had steep slopes on the floor and was so slippery, almost dangerous. The restaurant offers a decent continental breakfast with the world's slowest toaster, plus, strangely, cooked eggs, bacon, etc. at extra cost! In the evenings they offer pre-booked dinners at E18 with just 2 starters & 2 mains to choose from. The quality was also questionable. It's geared towards the mature-aged, so I wouldn't recommend it to youngsters or those with children."

"Sometimes something special happens and you realise that there are places in the world that stand alone from the crowd and offer a rare experience set apart from the usual hoi polloi of faceless and impersonal holiday accommodation. The Hotel Del Almirante is one such place that once viewed in a brochure or online will begin to entice and enchant the holiday seeker with its vibrancy and sheer magic. Is it the quaint, period architecture that attracts you to to the hotel, as you glimpse the vibrant, red stucco walls and try and peer through the welcoming windows? Or is it Collingwood himself, with his sign swinging above the entrance who is calling you in to spend a relaxing week or two in the glorious Menorcan sun? You will arrive to a very warm and attentive welcome from the very smart gentlemen on reception and by the end of your stay I guarantee you will become friends. We found that nothing was too much trouble for them, willingly providing information on buses, printing off timetables and telling you of some special places to try and visit in the area. The staff do become friends, like Pedro who is the most friendliest waiter of the year and who made every evening meal a delight. So many other faces made the whole experience wonderful and a place to remember. Bravo! Room was basic, but absolutely fine and so clean, with air-con and TV. Our only qualm was the pressure and flow of water in the shower and the beds were not the most comfortable - but hey, there isn't much not to like in this hotel. Will we be back? You bet we will."