Aparthotel Bonaire

Went to the Bonaire for the 4th year in a row. As always the apartments and grounds were spotless and well-maintained.

On arrival our air con was broken and we reported it to reception. It was fixed within 30 mins. The pool was very busy and quite noisy so if you like peace and quiet this is not the place for you. Sunbeds were a huge problem as people were reserving them from about 6am. They also took one bed for each child which is not necessary. Perhaps a small daily charge or putting room numbers on beds would help.

The food was disappointing this year. We always go self-catering but use the hotel restaurant a lot. This year the standard of food was quite poor compared to previous years. The all-inclusive option was the worst thing Thomson's could have done to the Bonaire. The greed of some people is unbelievable.

There were also quite a few drunks about which has never happened before. Thankfully these idiots were in a small minority. If you've been to the Bonaire before you may find it has deteriorated but if it's your first time you'll think it great. I wouldn't put anyone off going as it's still an ideal destination.

First time at this aparthotel but it will not be the last. The place was spotless and all the staff very friendly, this place is a must for anyone with children. The entertainment was excellent and the pool area very clean and tidy. But the big plus was the fact that there was no stag or hen parties to spoil other people's enjoyment.

We went self catering so could not comment on the food but there were plenty of good places to eat in Cala Bona, this is the first hotel we have been to where we have decided to come back next year.

Our holiday was in October so we had a bit of rain but most of the time the weather was very good. The only small grumble we had is the beds were very hard. But thanks to everyone at the Bonaire we had a wonderful holiday. Two golden oldies.

We stayed at the Aparthotel Bonaire the second week of September and we liked everything about it.

The hotel is extremely clean, the staff are very helpful, friendly and they have a special desk with information regarding tours around Palma and things to do on the island. We did the original reservation as Self Catering but on arrival we upgraded to Half Board and to our surprise it was cheaper to pay it on arrival than doing through the travel agent in the UK.

The restaurant has a good variety of food, every day the buffet is different, and we enjoyed trying a little bit of everything. They also have a small buffet for children. Our 2 year old enjoyed the children's pool which is designed as a pirate ship with slides, and there's a snack bar on site.

Every night after dinner the hotel offers a lot of activities starting with a children's party, they have this DJ playing the little ones favourite tunes and along with the parents can dance and play games; it was so fun and the girls from Thomson are fantastic running the party together with 'Thomson The Dog'. At night the fun continues as the hotel offer shows and performances for adults plus karaoke nights as well.

The hotel is well located in Cala Bona 40 mins from the airport, the area is quiet, there's a small beach and a beautiful promenade and harbour with yachts, restaurants and shops. Also I would say this hotel is safe for families as it has a proper fence around it and the only way to get in is via the front door. We would definitely go back, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday.

Second visit to the Bonaire and the hotel and resort are still great. Travelled as a single parent with my three daughters, 12 and 9 year old twins and we all had a brilliant holiday. The hotel is in a great location a couple of minutes walk from the sea front and restaurants/shops of Cala Bona which is a small but very friendly resort ideal for families. A few good restaurants, including L'Oliva, Janet and Johns and Smithy's and several others. Bicycles to hire. Pony rides for 5 Euros each (my girls loved them).

The apartment was, first and foremost, clean and had everything you'd need for your stay in the way of cutlery/crockery etc and kitchen comprises microwave, toaster, blender, kettle and 2-ring hob so simple breakfasts/lunches are no problem. Do make use of the pool towel hire which costs 10 Euros per towel refundable when you hand them back. We also paid to use the in-room safe. Staff were always polite and helpful, especially the reception staff.

We booked 2 of Thomson's tours - one to Palma including the cathedral which was lovely and the other to Marineland which is a must for kids, great dolphin/sea lion shows. We also took the local bus (turn right out of the hotel and just past the supermarket you'll come across the stop) to the Caves of Drach at Porto Cristo. Only 25 mins and less than 2 Euros each one way.

Thoroughly recommend the hotel and resort and hope to return again one day. Oh, as we are fairly independent we didn't eat in the hotel at all and were on a self-catering basis as we like to try out different places. We didn't come across any of the problems some people have mentioned with the all inclusive option although I did notice the ice creams in the self-catering fridges were quite low and the AI's fridges weren't!! Plus, the sun lounger issue can be a bit of a pain but there's usually some to be found. This is an issue that maybe the hotel or Thomson's could think about??!

Fabulous for families with young children. Not sure why couples without children went here & seemed annoyed with amount of kids??... it's clear that this is a family club extra hotel so not sure why this would not be expected.

The rooms are fabulous, especially with a young child. It was like a mini studio flat & even if going all inclusive, you had a kitchenette. Having a fridge, microwave, kitchen area, blender (& hairdryer).

The All inclusive was fairly new for the hotel this year, so some things were not clear on what we could have (like taking a picnic out pre-ordered), however I am sure this will get better and more easily communicated with doing a whole season with AI guests. It would be nice to see a jacket potato at the snack bar, but the food was good with lots of variety. The staff were really fantastic and work so hard. They try to help if your child is screaming or playing up. The creche is fantastic!! It costs 13 euro a session, but in my opinion totally worth some free time as the under 3s cannot go in to the kids clubs - I do think there should be some free kids club for these babe's though.. The older kids clubs were again fantastic.

The gorgeous beach was just a 10 min walk away in Cala Millor, but while we were there they were also improving some of the bays by the hotel so I am sure these will be even nicer in the next few weeks and only 2 mins away. The new children's pirate ship/water park is excellent! The pools were lovely. Plenty of sun beds and grass area's which were ideal to go on and safer for the young ones to run around. Only criticism would be the pool's/water was far too cold - especially to take the babe's in. My little girl's lips turned blue after about 10 mins, which was a real shame as it put her off a bit and she LOVES swimming!. I think they should put at least a little bit of warm water in.

The hotel in itself was a lovely size and not over packed. Although I can imagine in the higher season the main room may get a bit busy. The steps in the main room are a bit hazardous if you have a child who likes to run up and down them & not interested in anything else other than when Thomson the Dog comes out! It would be nice if he could make an appearance before the kids show and at the end for the younger ones, so they don't have to wait up if they didn't want to...

I cannot express how pleased I was with this hotel and overall holiday. We will def be going back.

We have been going for many years and we mainly go for what the hotel offers for our family. We need a good pool; this one here is excellent and very big. With depths of over 2m you can certainly get some diving practice (or bombing)!

The room is very spacious and clean. The bedroom is a good size and plenty of wardrobe space. The open plan area has two sofas which convert to beds and these are big enough for teenagers. The kitchen is well equipped although just the 4 rings, toaster and a microwave. The balcony is a good size and accommodates a table and chairs plus space for drying and all the inflatable's you end up getting.

There are lifts in each block and plenty of room on the stairwells.The grounds are quite extensive and include some quiet areas of grass.The usual towel on the sunbed fiasco starts at about 7am for around the pool area, but always loads of availability on the grass (our preference). Parasols - poor availability and could do with double the number. You can get beach towels for a refundable deposit.

The bar area is always well staffed. The entertainment was a great disappointment this year, but we aren't a family that sits down all evening so didn't spoil things.

The food is plentiful but really could do with a re-vamped menu. The open cooking grill did some lovely fish and meat, but it's a typical high volume 'British abroad' buffet I'm afraid. Some local dishes but aimed at a British market. The puddings are also covered in cream all the time and could do with a bit of 'less is more'.

Medical service excellent. We needed a Dr last year and were seen in our apartment within 20 mins and had 2 follow ups. Dr was lovely and brilliant with my young son. 24hr reception with 26 reps available during the day - always someone around if you need them.

We tend to use the Bonaire as a base now the children are older. Will go again but spend some more time off site.

Just got back from Bonaire, can't fault it at all. The staff are great and nothing is too much trouble. The reps are amazing and have so much energy and were great with my 2 kids (aged 6 and 11 months) - Cheeky Charlie and Jazzy John were brill and were promoted during our stay, but Raving Rach and the team were equally as good.

The rooms were a bit basic but had all we needed, we managed to cook spaghetti bolognaise one night and had cooked breakfasts most day, but the weather was so good we were hardly in the room anyway. The TV was great as we had BBC1, 2, ITV1 and Channel 4. Also Sky Sports 1, Cbeebies and CBBC - which was very handy to put on whilst we were getting ready to go out.

The sunbed situation is a bit crazy with most of the beds by the pool side gone by 7am, but I think this is going to happen wherever you go despite the staff asking you not to reserve beds.We didn't eat in the hotel so can't comment on the food but the pizza's at lunchtime always smelt lovely.

Good restaurants we found – London Inn, Chiri's, Los Toucan, Janet and Johns, Meli's and Panestoto. Personally wouldn't recommend Paparazzi as we had such appalling service - we waited 15 mins to be offered a drink and then another 20 mins and still no-one came near us to take the order, so we left and went to Janet and John's.

A word of warning if you have a little one needing a high chair, some of the restaurants don't have chairs like we do, they are literally high chairs, like a bar stool, most did have bars on the front, but no straps, and in the Asia Chinese buffet we were just given a high stool, no good for my wriggly 11 month old who wasn't happy being left strapped in his buggy for tea. The London Inn have proper high chairs (and lovely food) so we ate there a couple of times.

Supermarket - BIP, leave hotel and turn right, about 10 mins walk. Lots of choice and reasonably priced too.

Beach - a little bit of sand but the sea bed is very rocky and not that good for little ones, if you fancy a half hour walk then the beach at Cala Millor is great with inflatable's etc in the sea for the kids to climb on. you can get the land train that stops near BIP, costs about 5 Euros and adult and 3 for kids.

We have been here 4 times and will go again this year. It ticks all the boxes for our family. This year 12 & 15year olds. The Kids clubs are fantastic and provide evening entertainment most nights for a few Euros. The Grid keeps the teenagers happy too.

The buffet meals offer excellent value for money, and there is always something for everyone. The Thomson reps are second to none here, they are just the best. The hotel staff have been there for years and remember you when you return.

The apartment is clean and spacious, having good facilities. The Bonaire is a few minutes walk from Cala Bona sea front, which has now been pedestrianised, and the marina restaurants offer good value.

It's not a noisy hotel as the entertainment always finishes before midnight. Party animals will need to travel to Cala Millor (about 5 miles away)for night clubs.

Local buses and taxis are frequent and reasonably priced.

Stayed here in July this year with my 14 year old daughter, and it was excellent. We stayed half board as I had read the reviews before we went that the food was excellent, and it was. Lots of choice for young kids and great choice for adults, very varied each day.

Room was spacious, you had a kettle and microwave in your room so don't pack a kettle! The entertainment was the very best, awesome Ant was so funny he was just the best, kept me laughing all holiday! Also Loopy Loo and Holly Halfpint were great fun. They keep the kids busy for most of the day. They had lots for younger kids but can't comment too much as my daughter is older!

One gripe unfortunately and don't let this put you off a great complex, but a Spanish guy pushed one of the teenagers into the toilets just outside the restaurant and exposed himself, the hotel staff were reluctant to call the police and they brushed it aside, we never used those toilets of an evening anyway we always went into the hotel ones, so don't let your teenagers go to toilet on their own if they are using those toilets, go in two's. But that aside, it didn't ruin our holiday we had the best time and would definitely go back to the Bonaire again.

Well, were to start. Absolutely loved every minute. I will be booking my hols at the Bonaire next year.

Firstly the reps - awesome Ant, Dizzy Del and Happy Helen....absolute stars. The children's reps were all pleasant enough too. my little 5 year old lad adored Ant, he always had time for him and would never just say hello in passing, he would stop and ask how his day had been etc......they made his birthday very special, singing happy birthday to him when he was on stage then getting 'Thomson the Dog' out as well to give him some presents. If you read this guys, thanks again....you're all doing a great job and I hope your still there next year because it wouldn't be the same without you.

Big hello to "the sweet shop" and "the rope and anchor"......if your after gorgeous ice cream, baguettes or the finest fry-up I've ever tasted, check these places out. Extra special mention to the "Hong Kong" on the front. the 6.95 menu was inexpensive but absolutely beautiful, chicken and corn soup, pork chop suey and ice-cream.............mmmmmm.

The shops were all great, if not a little repetitive....the further you go, the better they get!!!. Met some lovely people......big up to the Welsh crew, lovely people, great company (day and night). Bit of advice, take plenty of Paracetamol etc because they only sell them in chemists and is closed on Sundays (when we needed them!).

We will be going the same time next year (April 28th - may 12th), maybe for 10 days instead of 14. We had fab weather for 10 days. So hi to everyone we met out there. Thanks for making it our best ever holiday and we hope to see you back there next year.

Checked into hotel, initial impression very good. Staff friendly and welcoming. Apartment more than adequate.

Now to the holiday, which I have to say exceeded my expectations. The position of the hotel was good allowing easy access to the Costa Del Pins to the north or the welcoming bays of Cala Bona and Cala Millor to the south. We enjoyed walking to Canyamel along the coast, fantastic scenery including of course the odd stop for a coffee or beer, also walked to Sa Pena ,the walk to the top was well worth it for the view as well as a profusion of wild flowers and butterflies. Having been to Majorca a number of times in the autumn which we always enjoyed, this was the first time we had been in spring, was it worth it ..You bet, I have never seen it so green and flush with flowers, plus the weather was excellent (a bit windy one day but otherwise bright sunny ranging between 15c to 24c averaging about 20c). Took cycles out two days, first cycling to the Punta de n'Amer and walking the area and continuing to Porta Cristo for ice cream and beer. Second time cycled to Arta then on to Canyamel (Arta great place to visit, if you go to Canyamel you must visit the caves of Arta they are truly spectacular). Also visited Palma , good day out.

Back to the hotel, the food was very good, great salads, good variety of hot food everything from chips to paella, sweets delicious, and cheese to die for. Entertainment good for families, kids disco, bingo, visiting cabarets.

Pool area really good. We like to have a dance and there was provision for that but most nights we took a pleasant stroll into town to the hotel Levante where there was plenty of opportunity to dance the night away (adults only).

In conclusion what can I say, Aparthotel Bonaire very good, would I recommend it, most definitely, great situation, great area, something for all the family...I WILL BE BACK

As soon as you enter this hotel, you notice the calm, happy atmosphere - the staff are very happy and enjoying their work.

Gardens and pool area beautiful but too cold to sit outside the week we went in November. Pool bar closed. The rooms are very spacious. Bathroom-marble and tiled with good sized bath and shower. Complimentary shampoo and hand wash, enough for 2 weeks.

Large wardrobes in bedroom and hallway. Kitchen has 2 electric rings,microwave, toaster, blender, fridge with small freezer at top. Pleased with TV channels, BBC1, ITV1, ITV2, Sky Sports1 and many other channels. So you can keep up with the soaps! Nice balcony with furniture. Ask for room 3203 in Block 2 for lovely views of pool and sea.

Now the food. Beautiful dining room with servery. All help yourself; the choice of food is amazing. Chef in charge of one section who cooks steaks, chops, etc fresh to order. The food is first class and dishes topped up straight away when running low. If you are a fussy eater, this is the place for you. Cakes and puddings to die for. Very attentive waiting staff. You order drinks each night at your table and pay on your way out. If you buy wine there and don't finish it, you can bring it in the following night.

Gala night on Thursdays with carvery. We went 23rd November so entertainment evenings only. You could go to the neighbouring Lavante Hotel owned by Thomson's for afternoon dancing. Nothing for kids to do, except the indoor pool. Average age 60 I would say. Bingo each night with good pay out. Followed by one artist each night. This hotel has wheelchair hire, which is 9 Euros per day. Book ahead.

Walk out of the hotel and turn left straight onto the promenade. Very small harbour, surrounded by bars and restaurants. Only 3 bars/cafes open, everywhere closed. English run Rope and Anchor open-had delicious Sunday roast there. Just by harbour down main street is a little shop called 'The Sweet Shop' or known as Julies. Two lovely English ladies run this. They make fresh to order, sandwiches or baguettes for about 2.5 Euros. Home made baking. Nice pies. In the summer they are open until 1 in the morning! A little gem for the British. A lovely 15 minute stroll along the promenade to neighbouring Cala Mellor, where there are lots of shops. Spar shops everywhere. I would certainly return to this hotel, not in winter though. Hotel manager sees off each coach himself. You will even see him helping in the restaurant. Points out of 10, I would give it 10.

This is a fantastic family friendly holiday!! A big thank you to all the Thomson staff. Our children really enjoyed the kid's club thank you all for all your hard work! A big thank you to Groovy Gary it was fab to see you again and you made Jack's holiday!

We had breakfast which we paid for, there what a HUGE choice, really could not fault it. Ate in twice, plenty of choice, fish night fantastic!

Lots of sun beds although children's pool is quite small, not as concern for us as we didn't use it. Plenty to do throughout the day for adults and kids Dan, Ruth and Jo do a brilliant job. Julie and Andrew on Thomson desk very helpful and friendly.

Have to queue for kids club, sign on at 5.45 fairest way to do it (I think anyway) although some people in queue did moan! Plenty of choice on beachfront to eat. Did go to Paparazzi, not overly impressed service quite slow and not very busy when we went, did really the first bar you hit when walking to beach, really laid back with beautiful food.

Cala Bona is friendly and busy enough. Cala Millor very busy lots of shops and a nice walk. Best holiday ever taken with the kids and will definitely return next year.

Just wanted to say what a brilliant time we had at the Bonaire, we are two students who wanted a cheap holiday before going back to university.

We couldn't find any fault with the hotel whatsoever, even though we went out of season, there were a lot of old people there, we had fun joining in the ballroom dances with Stan and Linda and had a few laughs with the older guests.

We can't thank our two FANTASTIC reps Leigh and AJ enough they really made a difference to our holiday, if your ever lucky enough to get them as your reps please go along to their welcome meetings, they don't hard sell like others, they just like to have a laugh!! That seemed to be the opinion of all the guests there. Hope to see them again in the Bonaire in March 2007!