Castell Son Claret - the Leading Hotels of the World

The hotel is situated on a beautiful property with immaculate gardens and well appointed rooms. The pool was a great place to relax. But, we found the staff to be smug and condescending. When there were no pool towels, getting their attention to request towels was an annoyance. The service at Olivera, timing of offering drinks and the tempo of the meal did not match the pricing. We had an early departure for a flight and requested our breakfast be packed to take with us. Despite what was an amazing breakfast buffet ( which we paid for) what they packed was a plain sandwich on white bread, no condiments, and an apple and banana. We have received better picnic lunches from backcountry refuges. I booked a spa service on their website which ended up being cancelled because the time I selected for the service was “not available”. Yet, the time and service were offered on the website and the staff informed us that was how to book services. The toilet in our room did not operate well, but given the staff’s aloofness we did not ask them to address it. Overall, it was a beautiful place but my expectations for service and friendliness are high at that price point. They can do better.

There’s no doubt that this is a luxurious resort. As soon as you leave the main road and take a left to enter the premises you will be greeted by a majestic alley adorned with stunning trees on both sides. The property is beautifully preserved, its gardens a true work of landscaping art. Unwilling to spend EUR 200+ per person for a dinner we can’t comment on the merits (or the lack thereof) of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Clastra. Breakfast however, if that’s in any way a hint, was fabulous. Definitely try pan con tomate. Their almond croissants are an other-wordly experience. So how did this place lose a star? First, and in no particular order, pool service. It’s basically non-existent. It’s 10:15am as I’m writing this at the pool. When I arrived I found a bunch of loungers reserved by the usual over-zealous (probably German) 1* tourist who thinks that it’s ok to put down a hat on a lounger and disappear for most of the day (see picture attached for evidence), None of the sunbeds were set up, so I had to find the pile of cushions and help myself to making ‘the bed’ myself. Not a problem at home. It becomes a problem when you’re asked to pay EUR 1,200 per night per room. From an establishment like this I expect a simple policy, clearly communicated to all guests that reserving pool sunbeds will not be tolerated. End of story. We would also welcome a small ice bucket with two cups and a bottle of complimentary water to fight dehydration. Is that a lot to ask? Secondly, the staff at the reception didn’t really excel at making you feel welcome when we checked in. We felt more like a nuisance to the guy who checked us in. In his defence the place was just recovering from a wedding that took place the night before. I bet staff didn’t have the proverbial good night’s sleep and may have showed up a little on the grumpy side the next morning when we arrived. A valid excuse? Perhaps, but then not one with significant reputational risks. Lastly, night turndown service happens at the most inconvenient time at around 6pm when you’re in the shower, in the room getting ready for dinner. If you turn away the person, she will not come back (as experienced in day 1 of our stay). If you let her do her thing, towels will not be changed anyway and upon your return from dinner room lighting will be off. Welcome back! One last word to the manager, hoping that he or she will ever read this: please let us know as soon as you have fixed these three little things and we’ll be back soon.

Wonderful hotel. Good services and beautiful setting. Bit removed from the beaches/oceans but that did not impact our stay since we drove to exquisite beaches not accessible from any hotels anyway. Good breakfast. Nice pool and great rooms. Concierges were super helpful and well informed and gave good appropriate recommendations.

A gorgeous location located at the foot of the mountains in Calvia, Castell Son Claret was a relazing stay in luxury, outstanding good and service. A uniquely beautiful vacation location in Mallorca.

We were there on a bike tour with Duvine. A truly gorgeous castle estate in the country. Magnificent setting, architecture, landscaping, pool, and interior design. Our room was beautifully decorated, spacious and modern. Wonderful staff, service, drinks and food. An experiential retreat.