Hotel Sol Barbados (Magaluf, Spain)

Unlike many hotels, the reality of these rooms matches and exceeds the publicity. Sea-view rooms are particularly impressive and well worth the supplement, if the budget allows for this. The hotel is close to the beach but far enough away from the central ’Magaluf madhouse’ to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Family holiday facilities don’t come much better than this. In addition to the various pools, adults and kids of all ages, love the imaginative entertainment and activity programmes. Everyone works so hard here, but none more than the animation team. Activities – only if you want them – are non-stop.

The meals are good with plenty of variety. The bar is equally impressive with cocktails designed to impress. It’s very noticeable that bar and restaurant staff are particularly attentive to the needs of their guests.

Wi-Fi is poor and a real problem. It is free but there’s little point in having it at all if it’s as poor as this! It would be more acceptable if they provided a better quality and charged those who want – or need – to use it, even if they are on holiday.

There is a noise problem from other guests, but no soundproofing between the rooms. Language is a problem too. Announcements, that could be important, are made in several languages – but not yours. Frustrating!

If staying slightly out of season when the sun’s heat has lost much of its intensity, you’ll maybe think that it would be good if the pool was heated. Currently, it isn’t. It's freezing!!