El Arenal, Mallorca

[PEJ]

For reasons to complex to go in to here I have to spend a night in a hotel on my next trip to Mallorca. I have tickets to the water park at El Arenal so I figured I might as well go and stay there and go to the park in the morning.

But then I think I read on here the resort of El Arenal is the german equivalent of Magaluf and to be avoided at all costs. Is that right?

 

[jrudge]

Yes.

It has no redeeming features of any kind, including looking at it when anchored.

The marina is OK but more of a working yard with berths. It does have a large pool ( little tired) and just outside the gate ( by literally feet) is a decent place to eat. The rest is kebab shops etc.

The water park is great which is why we stopped there for a night. If you need more tickets then goto McDonalds and buy a happy meal. They have the vouchers in them with the best discount. full price is eye watering.

I would stay down the coast towards Palma and drive in ( they charge for parking) or get a cab. Cabs in Mallorca are not cheap but no where near the scale of front the french have!

 

[petem]

Yup, El Arenal is a total dump and the streets are covered in dog sh!t. I wouldn't say it's as nice a Magaluf (which at least has a nice beach)

No redeeming features whatsoever other than you can escape to Palma for €25 (as we did).

Good luck!

 

[volvopaul]

It must have changed since 1996 as my old Dad had his boat there and it was great , marina great with nice restaurants.

 

[petem]

To be fair, IIRC the marina is a 10 minute walk from the town centre so may not be as bad.

 

[Hurricane]

Yep - I agree with most of these comments.
In fact, that quote (german equivalent of Magaluf) might have been one of mine.

However, the marina is really nice - just so long as you don't go out of the marina gates.
As said above - they have a nice swimming pool - marina WiFi is very good - good marina restaurant with good/cheap menu de dia at lunch time.
The marina bar closes a bit early though.
Shopping - there is a good Mercadonna in the town but it is a bit difficult to find.

And the big plus side of things is that it is VERY close to Palma Airport.
We often use it (or the little anchorage nearby) to pick up/drop off family or friends flying in/out of Mallorca.
So, don't write it off - completely.

 

[petem]

Yep - I agree with most of these comments.
In fact, that quote (german equivalent of Magaluf) might have been one of mine.

However, the marina is really nice - just so long as you don't go out of the marina gates.
As said above - they have a nice swimming pool - marina WiFi is very good - good marina restaurant with good/cheap menu de dia at lunch time.
The marina bar closes a bit early though.
Shopping - there is a good Mercadonna in the town but it is a bit difficult to find.

And the big plus side of things is that it is VERY close to Palma Airport.
We often use it (or the little anchorage nearby) to pick up/drop off family or friends flying in/out of Mallorca.
So, don't write it off - completely.

And a short taxi or bus ride (I suspect) to Palma. Perhaps I should put it on "the list"!

Pete

 

[julians]

as per the others, the marina is nice, the town itself is the german magalluf and best avoided

 

[PEJ]

Thanks to everyone for the info . I think I might stay in Palma instead then.