I travelled with my wife to Menorca for the first time in September/October 2011, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so much that we are going back to the same hotel, this time in a party of three in September 2012. We stayed at the Hotel Hesperia in Cuitadella, which is situated quite close to the city centre, on a flat road, and near to the local bus stops to various beaches on the island and to a park and lots of shops, restaurants and bars. The Hotel is very clean and light and airy, and our first floor room near the lift overlooked a central courtyard which was a sun trap with a very cold splash pool. Our room was very comfortable and spotlessly clean, and the bathroom was well equipped and spacious. We were on a bed and breakfast basis, and the food was very good and healthy, and served in a downstairs well-lit and ventilated room, but we were surprised to see that there were no food covers or utlra-violet lights, for the flies that were evident. The reception staff were courteous and helpful, but this could not always be said of the kitchen staff, as there were almost always shortages of various dishes, and sometimes food and beverages, and the staff had to be found and then frequently persuaded to provide these missing items.
If you do not intend travelling far, possibly on your first or last day, there is a yachting marina club house behind the hotel which serves good quality food, and has excellent views over the harbour. As the area is flat there are lost of walks available near the hotel to the very small local beach named ironically Playa Grande, and in the opposite direction to the city centre and the bus stops.
The bus stop to Mahon is situated a few hundred yards away from the beach bus stops, and we went there for one day. We enjoyed looking around the shops, and a harbour trip, but it should be noted that some parts of the capital are very steep.
As we went late in the season, some of the beaches and faciities were closing down or not available, but there were lots of shops open in the city. The local buses are very good, and a timetable is shown at each stop. The tickets are for one way journeys and outward journeys are purchased at the ticket booth, by the central station, return tickets are purchased from the bus driver.
A visit to the Cathedral, which is right in the centre is a must, and also to visit the local market which is held in the central square.
The food in all restaurants across the city was very good, and the staff very attentive. Credit cards are acceptable everywhere and there are lots of banks and credit exchanges to change money.
We were fortunate to have good weather for most of our stay, and often visited the beaches which were mostly very clean and easily accessible from the buses.
