SBH Costa Calma Beach Resort

This resort offers a memorable stay, primarily due to its direct beach access and expansive pool areas, providing a relaxing backdrop for guests. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking a holiday with ample activities and dedicated children's entertainment, as well as couples and solo travelers looking for a tranquil escape by the sea. While the hotel provides good value for an all-inclusive experience, guests should be aware that some areas are dated. To make the most of your visit, consider exploring the beautiful nearby beaches, and be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere, especially around the main bar areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort features multiple swimming pools, including three larger ones and two baby pools, with ample sunbeds available, though cushions for loungers are often scarce. While some guests found the pools clean and inviting, others noted broken tiles and cold water, despite claims of heating. The main reception area is described as modern and spacious, offering a comfortable place to relax. However, the pool bar is frequently closed, leading to queues at the main bar. Wi-Fi signal is generally poor in rooms and only reliably available in certain common areas like the lobby. Guests also reported issues with vending machines and a lack of in-room amenities such as kettles or complimentary water. A safe is available but often requires an additional fee and can be unreliable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, with many describing rooms as dated and in need of significant renovation. Common issues include damaged furniture, exposed metal, and a general sense of neglect. Some guests reported finding bugs, including cockroaches, and noted issues with mold on walls. Beds are frequently described as hard and uncomfortable, with complaints about bedding and towels having holes or stains, and not being consistently changed. In-room amenities are minimal, with no kettles or complimentary water, and televisions are often old with limited channels. Showers can be problematic, with inconsistent water temperature and poor adjustability. Additionally, some rooms suffer from unpleasant odors, including drain smells, and insufficient plug points.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience receives varied feedback, with many guests finding the food repetitive, often cold, and lacking in variety, particularly at lunch and the snack bar. While breakfast generally offers more choices, some guests noted issues with cooked breakfast being cold. The snack bar is often described as having very limited options, such as basic sandwiches or cold chicken nuggets. Cleanliness in the dining areas is a recurring concern, with reports of dirty plates, cups, and cutlery, and wet or sticky floors. Drink quality is frequently criticized, with alcoholic beverages described as watered down or unappealing, and drink machines often out of order or dispensing poor quality options like diluted juice. Queues for food and drinks can be long, and staff sometimes struggle to clear tables efficiently.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts a fantastic location with direct access to the beach, offering beautiful sea views and the convenience of moving easily between the pool and the sand. Guests appreciate the ability to walk along the beach for miles, with some highlighting the stunning turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. The hotel is situated in a relatively quiet area, making it suitable for a relaxing holiday. While there are some shops and restaurants within a 10-15 minute walk, the immediate surroundings are not bustling, and some areas require navigating stairs or distances, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues. Parking is available, and car rental services are offered on-site, making it easy to explore other parts of the island.

Staff & Service
The staff receive mixed reviews, with many guests praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and hard work, particularly the restaurant and bar staff who strive to provide good service despite being understaffed. The animation team is frequently commended for their engaging activities and efforts to involve guests, especially children. However, some guests reported negative experiences with reception staff, describing them as unfriendly, unhelpful, or abrupt, particularly during check-in. Issues with room key cards deactivating and a lack of luggage service were also noted. Housekeeping service is inconsistent, with some guests reporting rooms not being cleaned or towels not being replaced. Overall, while many staff members are dedicated, the hotel's understaffing can lead to long queues and perceived inefficiencies in service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis, but certain amenities like the safe in rooms require an additional fee and deposit. A deposit is also required for beach towels. The hotel has a notable presence of resident cats on the grounds, which some guests found charming, while others were disturbed by them. The check-in time is strictly enforced at 2 PM, and check-out time is 11 AM, which some guests found inconvenient. The hotel offers an upgrade option to a "golden wristband" for an additional daily fee, allowing access to facilities at other nearby sister hotels. Some guests noted that the hotel's entertainment schedule and general atmosphere are primarily geared towards international, non-English speaking tourists.