Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa All Inclusive

I had high expectations for this hotel given the reviews and high prices but was left very disappointed. Holidays are precious and I hate making the wrong choice as I did here. Probably the main issue is that the hotel is massively overcrowded - they are simply too many rooms and guests for the size and number of pools and sunbeds. It's just not good enough to pay over 800 euros for a room and not be able to get a sunbed, at all at any points. A lot of selfish guests who puts their towel down then disappear for the entire day. Who does that? The hotel should be going around and removing towel if the beds are not used after a few hours. The pools are also pretty poor - horrible high ridges, no steps so really not suitable for kids and you will battle with other guests to get in and out. The guests are generally not well mannered and the whole vibe and experience is unpleasant. My local council pool at home is less crowded. One of the main things we like to do on holiday is chill by the pool and that just wasn't possible here. We paid extra for a 'swim-up" room which wasn't worth it. The pool is tiny and shallow, basically like a paddling pool, and is shared by about 15 rooms so packed and looks bit dirty. It also faces the car park and catches the waft of the drains so it really not that pleasant, however there was no sunbeds by the pool so we were forced to hang out here. Also no sunshades and our terrace faced directly into the sun so impossible to sit outside. We had to go out the whole day just to escape the busy, stressful environment and hoards of people. My 7 year old didn't even want to go into the kids pool as it was so packed with inconsiderate, bolshy kids. The beach is close and ok but windy and definitely not one of Majorca's best at all. After 3 nights we were glad to leave and escape to a 3 star aparthotel which was 2 minutes from the beach, with sunbeds a plenty and for 1/3 of the price. If you like a peaceful holiday surrounded by natural beauty and with pleasant people around then don't go to this hotel. The only positives are the rooms were very clean, the staff are lovely and the food is very good. We stay in a lot of AI hotels and this probably the best AI food and drinks we've had. Forget about booking any of the restaurants though - fully booked through our entire stay. Definitely won't be returning.

Amazing experience! Loly from the restaurant is the best! We were so well treated. Will be back next year! Amazing food beautiful people