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Summary of reviewsPlayaballena emerges as an exemplary destination for tourists, particularly those fond of beachside retreats. Its prime location right next to the beach allows unparalleled access to the sandy shores and breathtaking coastal views, making it an ideal setting for both relaxation and exploration. The hotel is situated in a tranquil area, perfect for family vacations or restful getaways with easy access to nearby attractions such as Cadiz and Jerez.
The facilities at Playaballena are a significant draw, receiving high praise for their cleanliness and maintenance. Guests highlight the well-maintained pools and verdant gardens that enhance the serene atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with amenities like terraces, garden views and even kitchenettes, making them particularly suitable for families.
Playaballena’s dining experiences have mixed reviews, though the breakfast buffet stands out positively. Guests commend its variety and abundant options, despite occasional crowding and specific food items like coffee and juice needing improvement. Similarly, the dinner buffet offers a wide selection of dishes, though its quality and variety received mixed reviews. Some guests find it excellent, while others view it as average or repetitive.
Impeccable cleanliness is another highlight. Guests frequently comment on the spotless rooms and common areas, appreciating the diligent housekeeping staff. The hotel’s friendly and attentive staff further elevate the guest experience with exemplary service across all areas including reception, housekeeping, bar and restaurant services.
Playaballena excels in family-friendly activities, featuring numerous amenities such as water slides, play areas and an engaging animation team. The gym and spa add to the appeal with well-maintained and highly praised facilities ensuring guests have a range of activities to enjoy.
In summary, Playaballena is highly recommended for its beachfront location, excellent facilities, spacious rooms and attentive staff. While some dining experiences and WiFi connectivity presented challenges for a few guests, the overall positive aspects create a memorable and enjoyable holiday experience for families, couples and beach lovers alike. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Hotel
This 4-star hotel, located next to the Costa Ballena Golf Course and a short walk from the beach, offers extensive luxury amenities. It features a comprehensive Senzia Spa & Wellness center with a heated pool, jacuzzis, saunas, and a Turkish bath, along with an outdoor aquapark, mini-golf, and a fitness center. Rooms include balconies for added comfort.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is designed for family vacations, offering spacious accommodations and activities suitable for children. Its location provides easy access to the beach.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel is tagged as pet-friendly.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Playaballena offers a blend of leisure and relaxation with its swimming pool facilities. Its location and amenities make it a solid choice for travelers seeking a well-rounded vacation experience.
Indoor Pool Pool Water Slide Water Park Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Playaballena offers facilities that support both leisure and business, although specific business amenities are not detailed, the hotel's capacity to host various guests suggests adequate service for business travelers.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers a comprehensive accessibility program with wheelchair-accessible rooms, business center, lounge, parking, registration desk, and restaurant.
Hotel with Gym
Playaballena offers gym facilities, allowing guests to engage in regular workouts. This is a valuable amenity for those seeking to combine leisure with fitness.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Located in Roquetas de Mar, this hotel features EV charging stations, making it a suitable choice for travelers with electric vehicles.
4-Star Hotel
This hotel offers an outdoor pool with sun loungers and golf facilities. It is located near other attractions and provides a comfortable stay. The hotel also has spa facilities.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel boasts a spectacular water park and a splash zone with fountains and 9 water slides, offering extensive options for water-based fun. It also features large themed pools with slides, catering to various preferences for guests seeking engaging outdoor pool facilities.
Hotel with Pool Water Slide
Features a thrilling waterpark, a splash park with waterjets and tipping buckets, and a trio of slides for older kids and adults. It's also conveniently located just a five-minute walk from a beautiful beach.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Playaballena offers a comprehensive indoor pool experience within its Senzia Spa. It boasts a heated indoor pool measuring 58.80 m², complemented by a 9.00 m² heated jacuzzi. The hydrotherapy circuit further enhances the facilities with swan jets, an ice cave, a mist shower, saunas, a pool with citrus fruits, and a pebble pool, providing diverse relaxation options.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Spa
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Water Park
Room Types
Single RoomThis spacious room offers satellite TV, a minibar, a rental safe and a balcony or terrace. There is a ceiling fan and either air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Double or Twin Room (2 Adults + 1 Child)This spacious room offers satellite TV, a minibar, a rental safe and a balcony or terrace. There is a ceiling fan and either air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Triple RoomThis spacious room offers satellite TV, a minibar, a rental safe and a balcony or terrace. There is a ceiling fan and either air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Double or Twin RoomThis spacious room offers satellite TV, a minibar, a rental safe and a balcony or terrace. There is a ceiling fan and either air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Twin Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)This spacious room offers satellite TV, a minibar, a rental safe and a balcony or terrace. There is a ceiling fan and either air conditioning or heating, depending on the season. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
Superior Double Room with Two Double BedsThis air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Double Room with Two Double Beds (2 Adults + 1 Child)This air-conditioned twin room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Double Room with Two Double Beds (2 Adults + 2 Children)This air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Twin Room with Garden ViewThis air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Twin Room with Garden View (2 Adults + 1 Child)This air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Twin Room with Garden View (2 Adults + 2 Children)This air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Double RoomThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. This double room features a minibar, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a terrace. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Playaballena is praised for its excellent location, being very close or even right next to the beach, making it highly convenient for beach lovers. The hotel's direct access to the sandy shores is a consistent highlight among guests. The prime beachfront position allows for magnificent views and easy strolls along the coast. Beyond its proximity to the beach, the hotel is situated in a quiet, relaxing area, ideal for family vacations and restful getaways.
The facilities are well-maintained with impressive outdoor amenities such as pools, which are particularly appealing for families with children. Visitors commend the clean and spacious rooms, as well as the friendly and attentive staff, which contribute to an overall positive experience.
Surrounded by verdant gardens, the hotel's setting enhances its tranquil atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for both relaxing stays and exploring the nearby attractions in Costa Ballena and beyond. Accessibility is also a plus with the hotel being suitable for people with reduced mobility and offering easy parking. For those interested in local excursions, the strategic location allows for convenient visits to nearby cities like Cadiz and Jerez.
Overall, Playaballena's proximity to the beach, combined with its serene environment and well-kept facilities, makes it highly attractive for tourists seeking a memorable and pleasant holiday experience.
Breakfast
Playaballena hotel offers a breakfast buffet that guests frequently praise for its variety and volume with numerous options to cater to different tastes. Many highlight that the breakfast is "fantastic," "plentiful," and "quite complete," with some even calling it the best part of their stay. The presence of freshly made items like omelettes is appreciated and the buffet is consistently described as "very good" or "spectacular."
However, not all feedback is positive. Some guests find the breakfast area crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak times. There are also complaints about specific items, such as the coffee and juice, which are repeatedly noted as needing improvement. Several reviewers mention a lack of variety with the fruit selection and pastries being hard. Additionally, concerns are raised about the high price of breakfast in relation to its quality.
Overall, the breakfast at Playaballena is well-regarded for its extensive selection and quality, albeit with a few areas that could be enhanced for a better guest experience.
Dinner
The dining experience at Playaballena receives mixed reviews with many guests highlighting both positive and negative aspects. On the bright side, many guests have praised the quality and variety of the dinner buffets, noting that they found dinner "very good" and the "food is very good." The offerings include a wide selection of dishes such as meat, pasta, fish, vegetables and rice, ensuring there's something for everyone. Some guests noted that the "pasta was very tasteful" and the "dessert was nice," while others appreciated that "the buffet was amazing" and complimented its flexibility in opening and closing hours.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Several reviewers mentioned that the dinner experience could be crowded with mixed opinions on the food variety and quality. Some guests found the food “ordinary," "average," or "medicore," while a few even described it as "very bad" or "poor." There were concerns about "little variety" and "poorly prepared" dishes with some guests encountering repetitive meals that did not meet the standards expected for a 4-star hotel. Specific critiques included "limited variety," "cold food," "little flavor," and "low preparation food."
Adding to the complexity of the experience, the dining services were sometimes described as chaotic with issues such as missing cutlery, tables not being cleared promptly and a need to "beg for spoons at breakfast." The buffet's price-performance ratio was also a point of contention for some, who felt that "the price of the dinner was completely disproportionate" given the variety and quality on offer.
Overall, it seems the dinner experience at Playaballena can be hit or miss, varying from excellent selection and taste to a lackluster and repetitive affair. The spacious and comfortable rooms of the hotel were frequently praised, which might offset the dining drawbacks for some visitors.
Rooms
The rooms at Playaballena have garnered much praise for their spaciousness and comfort. Many guests highlight the large, airy accommodations, complete with comfortable beds and ample space, making them ideal for families. The junior suites and rooms with terraces or garden views are particularly favored for their additional features and the air conditioning and soft bedding add to the overall comfort.
The cleanliness of the rooms is frequently mentioned with guests appreciating the well-maintained spaces. However, some reviews do indicate that parts of the hotel, including the rooms, could benefit from renovation, as a few guests noted older furnishings and occasional maintenance issues like spotted curtains, dated décor and minor cleanliness concerns.
Despite some older aspects, the facilities and rooms are generally well-received with specific praise for the beautiful room designs and functionality. Guests staying in garden rooms find them especially suitable for families with children. The presence of balconies, nice views and even a kitchenette in some rooms adds to the appeal.
In summary, Playaballena's rooms are predominantly praised for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness, though there are areas that could use some updating. Guests overall seem satisfied with the value and the accommodations provided.
Beds
Despite some mixed feedback, the beds at Playaballena generally receive positive remarks from guests for their comfort and spaciousness. Many reviews highlight the comfort of the mattresses and the size of the beds, which are often described as large and roomy. Guests frequently note the comfortable beds and pillows, creating a good sleep experience for many.
However, not all guests share this sentiment. There are some reports of discomfort due to worn-out mattresses and hard or flat pillows. A few guests found the beds to be too soft or complained about squeaky and inconvenient setups, such as two double beds pushed together for larger groups. Some also mentioned issues with the comfort of additional bedding like blankets and sheets.
Overall, while the majority find the accommodations comfortable and spacious, there are occasional grievances regarding the quality and condition of the mattresses and pillows, suggesting a need for occasional updates and improvements.
Cleanliness
The 'Playaballena' hotel offers a remarkable level of cleanliness, consistently impressing guests with its immaculate standards. The rooms are repeatedly described as perfectly clean, very clean and impeccably maintained, underscoring a consistent effort by the cleaning staff. These meticulously clean rooms also highlight a sense of comfort, contributing to a relaxing stay for visitors.
Guests appreciate the thoroughness of the cleaning, noting that both the rooms and bathrooms are kept in pristine condition. The common areas, including the facilities and pools, also receive high marks for cleanliness, despite occasional issues with guest-induced litter. The cleaning team is noted for their diligence, described as professional and attentive, ensuring that the hotel remains spotless throughout the day.
In addition to cleanliness, the hotel boasts a friendly and attentive staff that enhances the overall guest experience. The facilities, designed with families in mind, offer everything needed for a pleasant vacation, contributing further to the positive guest reviews.
Overall, the 'Playaballena' hotel stands out for its impeccable cleanliness, comfortable environment and dedicated staff, making it a recommended choice for travelers seeking a worry-free and hygienic vacation spot.
Staff
At Playaballena, guests consistently praise the hotel's staff, highlighting their friendliness, attentiveness and professionalism across all areas, including reception, housekeeping, bar and restaurant services. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcome and cared for with many reviews noting their exceptional politeness and enthusiasm.
The reception staff, in particular, stands out for their politeness and helpfulness, ensuring a smooth check-in process despite high guest volumes. The animation team also receives accolades for their engaging activities for both kids and adults, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional cleanliness maintained by the housekeeping staff and appreciate the comfortable, well-located rooms. Waitstaff and other service personnel in different areas like the sport bar, pool and restaurants are also recognized for their professionalism and friendly demeanor.
Despite some occasional mentions of overworked or less friendly staff, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with guests appreciating the warm and welcoming environment created by the dedicated team at Playaballena. This consistent high level of service and attention to guest satisfaction makes the hotel an excellent choice for families and tourists looking for a hospitable and enjoyable stay.
Wi-Fi
Guests had mixed experiences with the WiFi at Playaballena. Many found the WiFi to be good, great and even perfect with some praising its excellent speed and adequate coverage. However, a few guests noted specific issues, such as weak coverage in certain rooms and occasional slow speeds. There were also isolated comments regarding poor reception and connectivity problems. Despite these issues, overall feedback indicated that the WiFi generally met expectations with many finding it satisfactory for their needs.
Spa
Nestled in the heart of Playaballena, the spa facilities receive glowing praise from visitors. The well-maintained indoor pool, often highlighted alongside a jacuzzi, is frequently described as wonderful and fantastic. Guests appreciate the soothing atmosphere and the excellent maintenance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
The spa service is notable with many remarks about the very attentive staff contributing positively to the experience. The spa area is well-maintained and many guests found the facilities themselves enjoyable and relaxing, even when the spa is described as small by some. Additionally, the spa treatments are regarded as good, adding to the overall satisfaction.
For those traveling with children, the indoor pool is highlighted as particularly enjoyable, although there's a suggestion that the children's spa could be larger. Seasonal availability is noted with the spa only opening for part of the week during high season and closed at certain times of the year.
Overall, Playaballena offers a delightful spa experience with a variety of praised amenities and attentive service, making it a standout feature of the hotel.
Gym
Playaballena's gym receives high marks from guests for its excellent and well-maintained facilities. Visitors consistently describe the gym as great, amazing and good, highlighting the positive aspects of the fitness area. While there are a few mentions of the gym being small relative to the hotel's size, overall, the feedback underscores the gym's quality and the satisfaction of those who use it.
Pool
Playaballena offers an exceptional pool experience for its guests. The hotel boasts a wide variety of pools that are well-maintained, clean and spacious. These include large outdoor pools, a heated pool and even indoor pools, providing ample options regardless of the weather. Families especially appreciate the child-friendly pools and the exciting water slides that cater to younger guests.
The pool area is the heart of Playaballena, featuring not just pools but also fantastic poolside games and organized activities that keep guests entertained throughout the day. The green surroundings and the hotel's proximity to the beach add to the overall relaxing ambiance.
However, some guests have noted that the outdoor pool water can be quite cold and the heated indoor pool can feel overly warm at times. There are occasional maintenance issues and the absence of lifeguards at certain pools.
Despite these minor concerns, Playaballena's pool area remains a highlight, combining excellent facilities, attentive staff and a range of activities that make it a wonderful destination for both relaxation and family fun.
Family
Playaballena stands out as a top destination for families seeking an engaging and enjoyable vacation, particularly for those traveling with kids. The hotel is frequently praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, providing numerous activities that cater to all ages. From water slides and play areas to a dedicated children's club, the facilities are designed to ensure that children have a great time. The animation team receives high marks for their efforts in keeping the young ones entertained, offering wonderful animation and ample entertainment for both kids and adults.
The hotel's location with direct access to the beach promenade, is another highlight, making it convenient for families to explore the surrounding area. Parents can relax knowing their children are delighted with the variety of activities, from bike services to water parks.
With excellent facilities focused on families, Playaballena delivers a memorable family vacation that combines rest and entertainment in a quiet, comfortable setting. Families consistently recommend it as an ideal spot for spending holidays, ensuring a perfect getaway that caters to the needs of both parents and kids.
4 Star
Playaballena has accumulated mixed reviews, particularly regarding its four-star rating. Despite being classified as a four-star hotel, many guests feel that it falls short of this standard. The primary criticism revolves around its amenities and services, which are deemed insufficient for a hotel of this category. The food quality and variety have been points of contention, along with an overall canteen-like atmosphere in dining areas, which detracts from the expected four-star dining experience.
Additionally, some guests have noted issues with hygiene protocols, specifically an outdated COVID-19 certificate, which raises concerns about the hotel's current health and safety measures. The check-in process has also been described as time-consuming, which is not ideal for a hotel of this supposed caliber.
The quality-price ratio has been another sore point for many visitors, who expected better value given the cost associated with a four-star rating. Complaints about the bedding quality and minimalistic improvements further contribute to the sentiment that the hotel does not meet four-star standards.
On a positive note, the family rooms have received praise for being spacious and comfortable, suggesting that despite the criticisms, there are elements of Playaballena that guests appreciate. Nevertheless, it appears that overall, many visitors believe that the hotel does not quite live up to its advertised four-star classification.
Pool Water Slide
Playaballena boasts fantastic water attractions that cater to both children and adults, offering a memorable experience for all ages. The hotel features a variety of slides that are especially enjoyed by children, making it a great spot for family fun. Guests frequently highlight the quality of the swimming pool and the comprehensive slide facilities, praising the enjoyable and exciting water slide area. The numerous slide activities contribute significantly to the enjoyment of young guests with many reviews noting how much the little ones, in particular, loved them. Overall, Playaballena's excellent water attractions and well-maintained facilities stand out as a key highlight of the hotel.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pools at Playaballena hotel receive high praise from guests, characterized by their cleanliness and excellent maintenance. Visitors highlight the spaciousness of the main pool and the presence of water slides, which add an element of fun for all ages. The pool area is described as very nice with the added benefit of shaded outdoor areas providing comfort. Being near the beach also enhances the overall appeal of the poolside experience. Additionally, the hotel offers indoor pools and heated outdoor pools, catering to different preferences. Overall, the pools are considered great with many guests noting their enjoyment of the facilities.
Indoor Pool
Playaballena offers a variety of indoor pools that guests generally find to be in great condition. Many guests appreciate the heated indoor pool, describing it as very good and enjoyable. The indoor pools serve as a favorite feature for both kids and adults with special mentions of a Jacuzzi for children and another for adults. The indoor pool area also includes a gym and spa services including massages, adding to the overall appeal. However, some guests noted that the heated pool could be cleaner and felt the climate control was excessive, making the area too warm at times. Additionally, the size of the indoor pool was mentioned as being small relative to the hotel's capacity. Despite these points, the indoor water amenities remain a significant highlight for visitors.
Water Park
The water park at Playaballena is a standout feature that has garnered high praise from guests. With a variety of different slides and fantastic pools designed for children, it’s a hit for families looking for fun water activities. The hotel offers many kid-friendly meals, including hot dogs, pizzas, nachos and pancakes with Nutella, which further enhances its appeal for younger guests. Reviewers consistently highlight the water park as a great addition to the hotel's overall wonderful facilities, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both relaxation and entertainment. Whether it's the thrilling water slides or the inviting swimming pools, the water attractions contribute significantly to a memorable stay.
Romantic
Playaballena offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic escape. It is frequently described as perfect for a romantic getaway and an ideal destination for a couple’s trip. Guests have praised the hotel for providing a wonderful place for a honeymoon, highlighting its suitability for a relaxing stay tailored to couples. The romantic ambiance of Playaballena makes it an excellent choice for those in search of a memorable vacation.
Dog Friendly
Playaballena provides a generally welcoming environment for those traveling with pets and many guests have highlighted that the hotel indeed allows pets, which enables travelers to bring their furry friends along without much hassle. The hotel is described as dog-friendly with a warm reception for pets noted by some visitors.
The facilities specifically designed for pets, however, could be improved. While dogs are permitted within the hotel, they are typically restricted to their owner's room. This limitation applies across common areas and there is a noted lack of spaces where guests can comfortably eat or have breakfast with their pets. Additionally, there are mentions of charges for pet stays as well as weight limitations, which might be important for guests to consider.
Some guests enjoyed the pet-friendly garden and it seems that pets are generally accepted, though special accommodations for them are minimal.
In summary, while Playaballena is accessible to those traveling with pets, the extent to which pets can join their owners beyond the room is quite limited. Travelers seeking robust dog-friendly amenities might find the restrictions a bit of a challenge, but overall, the hotel provides the basic warmth and acceptance for pets that can assure a decent stay.
Yes, Playaballena has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Pool Water Slide, Outdoor Pool, Water Park.
Yes, a spa is available at Playaballena.
Yes, Playaballena welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Playaballena.