Cosmos contacted our travel agent just 4 days before we were due to go to Menorca. Our hotel had been overbooked. It was one that we had stayed at previously but we were assured that the hotel where we had been moved to was an upgrade. No deception there; this hotel is fantastic.
We quickly discovered however, that it caters for German holidaymakers. The meals were mostly smoked cheeses and cold meats. All food was labelled in German making it very difficult to know what was on your plate until you tasted it. Anyone with a food allergy would have a real problem with this. Making ourselves understood was difficult; the guests spoke German and the staff spoke German and Spanish, some did speak English and all the staff made us welcome (as best they could).
The upgrade was not in a central position as our chosen hotel had been which meant either a 20 min walk to and from the nightlife or an expensive taxi ride each time. The pavements were uneven and the street lighting did not work. High heeled shoes were a no no.
The entertainment listings were posted in German. We could not work out where these were being held and when we did found we could not take part because of the language barrier. Playing Bingo with a German caller was impossible. The Salsa lessons were out for the same reason. Ironically the Mini Disco for the kiddies were all English!
This was an all inclusive holiday where the food was not Spanish or English (not what we expected anyway) and we could not take part in the entertainment so could this be classed as an all inclusive holiday? Draw your own conclusion on that one.
Our real complaint is with Cosmos. Their rep did not turn up for our welcome meeting (herdly worth crossing the road on a Friday evening when you can be out partying instead, Sarah). She was based in the hotel across the road and when we finally got hold of her explained our disappointment. She came up with a suggestion - "Come and see the entertainment across the road" she said. Would we get free drinks, we asked. No chance - bang went our "all inclusive" perks. Sarah was "all elusive". We found a way of getting hold of her though - tell the hotel staff you want to book an excursion and she would suddenly appear from behind some desk, pillar or other large object.
We have only ever booked one holiday through Cosmos and that was one holiday too many.
- Grupotel Playa Hotel