Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort

Superb place. Great entertainment and kids club. Our daughter had an excellent time. It took us some time to get used to the Spanish way of doing things but once the kids mastered the siesta we were fine. Food is good, drinks were good, pool is good, location right next to the beach and around a 40min round trip to the shop. Easy location for taxi to Chipinoa and Rota where you can then jump on a catamaran to Cadiz.

Overall, the experience was very good. The separation between adult and children’s areas was clear and well thought out, although at times there were children in the adults-only pool and staff did not enforce the rules. The food at the restaurant was of good quality, with a variety of options available at each meal. Breakfast was also very complete and satisfying. The beds were particularly comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. However, the bathtubs were not very practical — the glass partition was insufficient to prevent water from spilling onto the floor, which made showers somewhat inconvenient. Additionally, under a full board arrangement, it would be reasonable to expect at least one basic drink per person to be included with meals. Not including any beverages at all does not align with the standards typically associated with full board service.

We recently stayed at this hotel and had a mixed experience. The Good: The bathroom was in good condition, clean and well-maintained. We enjoyed nice views from the room window, which added a pleasant touch to the stay. The reception team was helpful with our requests, although you often have to queue—queues seem to be a regular feature throughout the hotel. Rental bikes are available at reception (cash only), and there are Bird electric scooters nearby, which made it easier to get around. The nearest shop is a 10-minute bike ride or 20-minute walk. Rooms come with a fridge and, upon request, a kettle for boiling water. Sun loungers by the pool were always available, probably because pool towels come at an extra cost, so people tend not to leave them unattended. Food quality was acceptable, though not particularly exciting. The Bad: Long queues at check-in, and again for omelets and fried eggs at breakfast. Grumpy and unwelcoming buffet service, with chaotic scenes during breakfast hours. Night shows lack seating, and poor acoustics make it hard to enjoy. The children’s concerts are scheduled far too late (starting at 22:30 and running until midnight), which seriously affects sleep routines for younger guests. Beds were uncomfortable, with flimsy frames and squeaky mattresses. No beach service—no sun loungers, umbrellas, or towels provided. Pool towels require a €15 deposit, and the in-room safe costs €2 per day. Very limited drinks selection—if you don't drink wine, your options are beer, two juices, sangria, or water (same every day, and all at an additional cost). Language barrier was a consistent issue: most buffet staff speak very little English, and nearly all signage, timetables, and instructions are in Spanish only. Be prepared to use Google Translate frequently. The kids’ club operates only in Spanish, leaving international children unable to join in. No adult-oriented entertainment was offered, which might be a plus for some but a downside for others. The beach has a somewhat wild atmosphere—some may enjoy it, but it may not suit families with young children. Overall: This is a decent hotel with good views and some practical amenities, but it suffers from long queues, weak service, and a lack of international friendliness. It could benefit greatly from better staff training and more thoughtful planning, especially to accommodate non-Spanish-speaking guests and families with children.