We had been delayed due to the volcanic ash and this was our fourth hotel. We chose it on-line due to the location, the price and the fact that it had english tv since needed access to the news and to keep the kids happy.

On arriving we were impressed with the location - at the end of Palmanova in a quiet location with a view over a small harbour. The receptionist Dave is from the UK was brilliant - friendly and efficient.

We had booked a two bedroom apartment for just 45 euros per night. First impressions of the apartment was how spacious it was and to be honest how old fashioned it was - extremely 1970's but in a charming and almost trendy way ! The kitchen was a full 'proper' kitchen with gas oven, full size fridge freezer etc. and back balcony for drying clothes. The bedrooms were great with good twin beds.

The room (and hotel itself) were a little tatty round the edges but this was due to age rather than lack of maintenance.

The TV was better than we thought with 4-5 english channels - seemed to change throughout the stay but we had bbc1, itv1, Film Four, Sky News etc. and the most impressive aspect was it had wi-fi in the room for just 1 euro per hour.

The outdoor pool was being re-tiled so we just used the indoor one which was fine.

We managed to get an earlier flight home so asked if we could get refund and again Dave was great and said he's sort this out.

Interestingly we had stayed in the Roc Albufera for a night which was supposed to be a 4* but this hotel was much better and cracking good value. It's a bit tired and dated but what it provides is honest, value for money accommodation and service and am considering staying again since with a couple of budget flights you could have a great stay for a family for £500.

Just back from 2 weeks in a privatly owned flat on the 4th floor, we booked it through www.ownersdirect.com.

It was a 2 bed 1 bathroom flat, simply furnished, but everything there that you might need. The kitchen had a small fridge, with an ice box in it, enough to keep some rolls in to save going out every morning to the super market, a micro wave and a nice oven and hob. Off of the kitchen is an ulitity room, with washing machine and drying rack.

The lounge had a sofa bed with a pull out bed underneath, it was not the most comfortable sofa to sit on, there were also 3 bucket chairs, which were a little better.

There was a TV which got BBC 1,2 and 4, Euro Sorts and Sky News, these were all ok, however ITV1 and 2 and film 4 were available till 7p.m each day after this time they froze.

There was a kitchen table and 4 chairs, as well as a nice table and 4 chairs on the balcony(which got the sun from about 10a.m. till 5p.m when it set behind the mountains).

The bathroom was very basic,( however the shower was very good) as were the 2 bedrooms, which both had 2 single beds, wardrobes, pot cupboards and little table.
The real thing about these apartments is the location, at the end of the bay overlooking a little Maria, and a very good beach..

Within a short walk are so many restaurants ranging from Chinese, Japanes, Italian, French right through to Mac Donalds.

The best ones we found were Real Dion,Le P'tit Bistrot, Ciros and Lady Diana (this one is opposite The Santa Lucia Hotel and the best value for money.

Most people have mentioned the Eroski supermarket, but if you go to the top of that road, cross the road and turn right at the next roundabout(no 6) turn left walk up and on the right hand side is the biggest Lidl I have ever seen, with a butcher and deli section as well as a bakers in the car park.

As so many people have said in the past David on the reception is very helpful and knowledgeable.

For children there ia a games room, indoor and outdoor pools(both in use the first 2 weeks in November) pool tables and tble tennis, 2 computers in the reception area.

If you walk down to the infomation center you can book free trips, they bring out a booklet every month, also Golf Fantasia and Katmandu were offering OAP's half price admission as it was off season.

We will deffinatly go back in a year or so.

There are some reviews here which point out that the apartments in this complex are in need of upgrading, and I agree they were slightly shabby so wouldn't expect too much if you are a fan of stunning decor. However for the price I could not fault Portanova. We had a spacious two bedroom apt which potentially could have slept six people, containing plenty storage and everything you need from the kitchen etc. It also had a beautiful terrace the length of the apartment and we had a stunning sea view.

The staff could not have been any friendlier or more helpful, and even offered us a room to freshen up in after we had checked out. The location whilst in a quiet spot was directly across from the beach and only minutes' walk from supermarket, shops, bars etc.

In conclusion, yes it maybe needs a lick of paint, but I thought the old fashioned look was quite retro and found it quite charming, reminding me of family holidays to Mallorca in the 70s and 80s!

The staff, amenities and location more than counter any complaint about room standards and if I return to Palma Nova I will definitely book here again.

These appartments were dated but were clean and in a great location, the marina was just across the road and the beach was a few footsteps away, the pool in the appartments was great the kids just love it, there was 2 reps on site to entertain the kids with water polo/basketball bingo and a disco, the staff were fab really friendly. We seemed to have paid half of what some people paid for the appartment!! If i got the same rate i would deffo return.