Iberostar Selection Jardin del Sol Suites

We received a nice welcome, first thing we saw from reception was the stunning location overlooking bay.
On arrival we were told we could not use pool until 10am which seemed very late and that towels would be moved if we did!! Next day 7.30am we saw that most beds were taken and after speaking with others we’re told this was the norm There are Not enough sunbeds available for visitiors and 3 days after our arrival hotel staff did remove towels etc if beds were left for longer than 45mins. Pool was warm but still welcome in the heat You can swim in the sea via uneven steps and a rope but ok with care and There is a Ladder down into the sea but it was difficult to pull up from when getting out. Staff do not like you going to the bar for a drink, they ask you to sit down then come to take order, so the wait times can be quite long and we did have some translation issues with them. Restaurant has good variety of food however hot food containers when opened released very hot steam which is unsafe. Not the most relaxing holiday I m afraid due to the above issues would not return.

Returned from a stay at Jardin Del Sol, and can only echo what other positive reviews have to say. On arrival we were taken to the prestige reception offered a glass of cava and checked in efficiently. We had booked to stay in a junior suite with star prestige benefits but were offered a discounted price to upgrade to one of the penthouse suites. After looking at both rooms, there was only one outcome - to take the penthouse! The suite was well proportioned with a separate bedroom at the back with amply storage (safe and clothes steamer in the wardrobe), a nice bathroom suite with walk in shower (however, no privacy screen which may be an issue for some) and a nice lounge area, which led onto the balcony. The all inclusive package included the mini bar which was restocked daily. There was a hairdryer (without a nozzle) and straighteners in the room which were satisfactory - but if you prefer salon standard I would bring your own. The views from this hotel are something else, perfect views of the bay and glorious sunsets. In this penthouse the stairs led up to a private terrace which had an area for sun-lounging and a small plunge pool with Balinese bed. We were there during the recent heatwave which meant this area was extremely hot, and did not have any breeze, some days it was better down by the pool. One issue is that when the roof top window (to access the terrace) was open, the air conditioning in the room stops. This is also the case if the balcony door is open. There is however a ceiling fan in the bedroom. The hotel has two private pools for the prestige guests but we noticed the sun-loungers were all reserved by 9am (despite reception having a notice which said they could not be unattended for more than 45mins). The main pool is much larger and has a nice bar area which is where the live music of an evening was. There is no access to a beach but there are steps into the sea. The beach in Santa Ponca is walking distance either at street level or along a make-shift boardwalk further down the street. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance. The restaurant in the hotel was very good quality we did not need to eat out at all. The breakfast offered a nice spread of fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, and hot food including an omelette station. The lunch also included a nice variety of hot and cold food with particularly delicious salads. One benefit of being all inclusive in the penthouse suite meant there was an alternative to the buffet lunch - dining in the pool bar, which we took advantage of several times. This was table service and felt much more relaxing. We would have preferred more table service options in the evening. In the main buffet hall the evening meals were equally impressive with plenty of variety and themed food which changed daily. The quality of the food was one of the best we’ve experienced. We also booked into the teppanaki restaurant for one evening (as was included) which was overall a positive experience. Being a penthouse guest, there is a separate restaurant area which included three tables on the terrace. This meant we could bypass any queue and head straight in. There was waiter service for drinks but all food was buffet self-service. One notable different about this hotel and others we’ve been to, were the friendliness of the staff. All those we encountered were attentive, considerate and made the overall experience a positive one. Particularly, Petronella, Dominika, and Diana in the prestige bar and Jesus and Julia in the main restaurant. This area had some relaxing comfy chairs elevated over the pool (the only thing missing was some background music). Nico in the teppanaki was also excellent. The reception staff were also very helpful, including Charlotte at check in. They also made booking car hire easy, all was arranged within 24hrs. This hotel is one of the very few that we said we would happily return to and highly recommend to others. If you get a chance book it! Opt for the star prestige package it is worth it.