Alcaufar Vell

Alcaufar Vell, a Michelin Key Selected property in Minorca, Spain, consistently receives high praise for its unique charm, serene environment, and exceptional service. Guests frequently describe it as a "very special stay", offering a blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Alcaufar Vell generally garners a "Superb" or "Wonderful" rating, scoring an average of 9.2 out of 10 based on numerous guest reviews. The overwhelming sentiment is one of tranquility, beauty, and outstanding hospitality, with many calling it "one of the most beautiful accommodations ever" and a "luxurious rural gem".

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly adore the hotel's:

• Design & Ambiance: The property is an "amazing building" – a converted 14th-century farm that evolved into an 18th-century stately neoclassical mansion. Its charming, historic ambiance is enhanced by tasteful contemporary art by local artists.
• Peaceful Location: Nestled in a quiet, rural setting amidst extensive gardens and farmland, it offers a truly peaceful escape.
• Exceptional Service: The staff is consistently lauded as "amazing," "wonderful," "very helpful," and "genuine nice people" who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
• Amenities: The beautiful outdoor swimming pool set in a lovely garden, along with a hot tub and massage services, are frequently highlighted. Free WiFi, bike hire, and a tour desk are also available.

3. Room Quality

The 21 to 22 rooms and suites at Alcaufar Vell are described as "cute," "very spacious," and "comfortable" with "comfy bedding" and "great beds." They feature a chic design with exposed wooden beams and tiled floors, maintaining a period sensibility while offering modern comforts. Standard room amenities include air conditioning, heating, a minibar, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, private bathroom, hairdryer, and bathrobes. Many rooms also boast whirlpool baths, and suites may include private terraces. Some rooms feature unique touches like stone fireplaces and soundproofed windows. However, some guests noted that certain rooms could be a considerable distance from the main hotel facilities.

4. Dining Experience

The "Ses Cotxeries d'Alcaufar Vell" restaurant, housed in former vaulted stables, offers a delightful culinary experience focusing on traditional Menorcan and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. During warmer months, dining al fresco under the ancient olive trees in the Jardí dels Ullastres is a cherished experience.

• Breakfast: Consistently described as "delicious," "amazing," and "quite a feast," with options including buffet, à la carte, and breakfast to go. It features typical island products, many sourced directly from the hotel's gardens.
• Lunch & Dinner: The food is generally rated as "great," "very good," and "excellent." Picnic baskets with local produce can also be arranged.
• Brunch: Available from 10 am, the "Alcaufar Brunch" offers a variety of Mediterranean delights.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Alcaufar Vell consistently receives glowing reviews, being described as "amazing," "wonderful," "lovely," "very helpful," and "excellent." Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness, welcoming nature, and genuine willingness to assist, often exceeding expectations.

6. Location & Accessibility

Alcaufar Vell is situated in a tranquil, rural part of Sant Lluis, Minorca. It is conveniently located approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the sea and the village of S'Algar, and just 1.5 km from the peaceful white sands of Cala Alcaufar beach. The beach is accessible by foot, car, or bicycle, and the hotel offers bike hire. Menorca Airport is around 6 km (3.7 miles) away, a roughly 20-minute drive, and the hotel provides an airport shuttle service upon request. The hotel's 250-hectare estate provides ample opportunities for walking, running, and exploring nature trails, including a 45-minute walk to the beach via the Camí de Cavalls.

7. Value & Pricing

While most guests rate the "Value for money" as positive, with an average score of 8.5, some consider the hotel "rather expensive for what it was". Dinner can be "pricy", and while breakfast is often seen as worth the cost, some found it "confusing and quite expensive." The brunch has also been noted as "too expensive" with insufficient clarification on pricing and quantity. Prices are generally quoted per night for two people, including breakfast and government taxes, with local taxes varying by season.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms include:

• WiFi Connectivity: Some guests reported poor or non-existent WiFi in their rooms and sometimes throughout the hotel.
• Dining Pace and Price: Dinner service has been described as "a bit slow and pricy."
• Brunch Pricing Clarity: The pricing and quantity explanations for the brunch have been a source of confusion and considered expensive by some.
• Bathroom Accessibility: For elderly guests, the shower-over-bath setup was sometimes found to be awkward or potentially dangerous, with suggestions for non-slip mats and grab rails.
• Staff Availability: Occasionally, staff were reported to be difficult to locate when needed.

Sources

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7. ruralhotelsmallorca.com
8. thehotelguru.com
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