We were looking to do something a little different in easter and finally opted for the Elba Costa Ballena Hotel. It proved to be an excellent choice! Pros: 1. The staff - They have abolutely amazing staff. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The staff in the restaurant were very helpful. They reserved our table and ensured a high chair was always waiting for us before we arrived. Our little ones are very fussy eaters and the Chef prepared bespoke chicken nuggets for our little ones and even came to our table to check if everything was ok! The staff in Reception were always helpful and handed out maps and advice for getting around. The Staff in the Spa even wrote up a list for us of which places to visit and which local restaurants to try! 2. The room was excellent. Very spacious, comfortable and a big balcony overlooking the swimming pool and golf course. 3. The hotel bar - nice beer, snacks and tele to watch the Champions League! 4. Kids Club - really good to keep the little ones entertained with a soft play area and activities. 5. The Spa - for us this was the highlight of the hotel. A really big and comfortable pool. Regardless of the weather we know we could always come for a dip to the spa. Dont miss out the current stream. 6. The beach next to the hotel is really...We were looking to do something a little different in easter and finally opted for the Elba Costa Ballena Hotel. It proved to be an excellent choice!

Pros:
1. The staff - They have abolutely amazing staff. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The staff in the restaurant were very helpful. They reserved our table and ensured a high chair was always waiting for us before we arrived. Our little ones are very fussy eaters and the Chef prepared bespoke chicken nuggets for our little ones and even came to our table to check if everything was ok!

The staff in Reception were always helpful and handed out maps and advice for getting around.

The Staff in the Spa even wrote up a list for us of which places to visit and which local restaurants to try!

2. The room was excellent. Very spacious, comfortable and a big balcony overlooking the swimming pool and golf course.

3. The hotel bar - nice beer, snacks and tele to watch the Champions League!

4. Kids Club - really good to keep the little ones entertained with a soft play area and activities.

5. The Spa - for us this was the highlight of the hotel. A really big and comfortable pool. Regardless of the weather we know we could always come for a dip to the spa. Dont miss out the current stream.

6. The beach next to the hotel is really good and only a short walk away.

7. The hotel food was great value for money. They had a very good selection and kept changing it.

Cons:
1. The location is in a residential urbanisation. So you will definately need a car to get around as you are not close to anything except the beach.


We structured our stay so that we had either pool/beach/spa in the morning. After lunch we would head out to do some sightseeing. You need a car for all these places. The small towns can be seen in an afternoon but for the cities I would suggest you need a full day:

1. Chipiona - recomend beach front
2. Jerez - recomend old town
3. Cadiz - recomend old town
4. Sanlucar de Barrameda - the whole town stops for ice cream in the town square in the afternoon. Also the walk by the beach front overlooking Doñana is really nice.
5. Sevilla (full day trip) - Really beautiful city. Must see.

We did not get time to see Coto de Doñana, so saving this for next time!

All in all a really good hotel. Lots to do around the area but make sure you have a car.More