Occidental Mar Menor

Great bedroom, and balcony with a view over the three swimming pools to palm trees, the Mar Menor and La Manga. Hotel was immaculate, restaurant, food and service all excellent. Swam in the olympic pool everyday and played tennis a couple of times. Evening disco in the cocktail bar was an ok way to end the evening. The hotel was unique to us because we found it by accident two years ago when walking from Los Alcazares to Los Urrutias. It had been closed for some time, the pools were empty and weeds growing everywhere, yet it still looked magnificent. So we said we would come and stay if it opened again. It it also unique because it must be the cheapest hotel of the 99 Barcelo hotels in Spain. We stayed for four days, in a superior room, full board, with unlimited wine at lunch and dinner for just 424 Euros. Now that is just incredible value.

The evening meal was the worse we ever had .the food selection was terrible and the hot food was cold .so much so we ate away from the hotel

The property itself is excellent. The rooms are well proportioned, especially the bathrooms, and 3 pools means there is plenty to go around. However the pools were very cold compared to the swimming pools in Benidorm the week before with similar sun cover and air temperature. Also the property seems to catch the wind excessively, there wasn't a day where your towel was safe on your sunbed from being blown away. The kids club wasn't promoted so we had no real idea if it was working it not - I personally think the resort is better suited to couples than families as the atmosphere is very relaxed (too relaxed if you've got young kids). The kids entertainment on the terrace starts too late (2230). The food was well prepared and presented, if you are into your Spanish themed dishes you will appreciate it, if you've a more British palette the eating in options are not really for you. The complex was extremely quiet the week we were there, weirdly so. The most people we saw at one time was about 50 in the restaurant, other than that there seemed to be more staff than customers. Overall it's a lovely relaxing hotel for older guests or those looking for peace and tranquility.

Perfect