Castell Son Claret

Castell Son Claret, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property in Mallorca, Spain, consistently earns high praise for its enchanting ambiance, impeccable service, and luxurious offerings. Guests frequently describe it as a tranquil paradise, a beautifully restored castle providing an exquisite escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Castell Son Claret is overwhelmingly positive, with guests often using words like "spectacular," "paradise," "luxury and perfection," and "admirable" to describe their stays. It boasts an impressive overall rating, with many visitors highlighting it as their favorite hotel in Mallorca.

2. Key Highlights

Castell Son Claret is celebrated for several outstanding features:

• Service: The staff is consistently lauded for being "polished, friendly, and attentive," offering "first-class service all around." Guests frequently report feeling "at home" due to the "outstanding" and "incredibly helpful" staff, with some even rating service at "100/10".
• Location: Situated in a tranquil basin within the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains, the hotel offers a "unique setting" amidst picturesque landscapes. Its "secluded location" in Es Capdellà provides a peaceful retreat, "a world away from the more crowded areas" of the island.
• Design: The hotel is an "architecturally beautiful" 14th-century castle, thoughtfully renovated with "impeccable" design throughout. The property exudes elegance and sophistication.
• Amenities: Guests adore the "immaculate and perfectly maintained grounds" and the "extensive scented garden," which provides an "oasis of well-being". The "beautiful pool area" is a haven of tranquility with breathtaking views. The hotel also offers a serene spa with an indoor pool, an indoor garden, sauna, steam room, and various treatments, alongside a fitness center, tennis court, and bikes for exploring the surrounding area. The hotel is also known for its beautiful music events.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and garden suites are described as "spacious and modern" and a "peaceful and elegant retreat." Guests appreciate the "very comfy beds and excellent rainfall showers." The decor is "tastefully and stylishly decorated with subtle hues and luxurious fittings," including oak floors, marble fittings, and sumptuous silk-lined bathrobes. Many rooms feature private terraces or gardens.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Castell Son Claret is a significant highlight. The food is consistently described as "incredible" and "very tasty." The hotel boasts Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Zaranda, set in a romantic courtyard, and also offers "amazing food" at Sa Clastra, providing a "great foodie experience." Breakfast is frequently praised as "excellent" and "outstanding," offering a wonderful start to the day. The Olivera restaurant provides a slightly less formal dining option. Ingredients are often sourced from their own land.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on hospitality is overwhelmingly positive. The staff are consistently praised as "sensational," "polished, friendly, and attentive." Many guests highlight the staff's dedication and professionalism, noting their "incredibly helpful" nature and how they go "above and beyond" to ensure guests feel valued and well-cared for. Reviewers often mention feeling "like home" due to the outstanding service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Castell Son Claret is nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains in Es Capdellà, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a tranquil and secluded location, providing a peaceful backdrop of undulating skylines and wildflower meadows. While offering a sense of being "a world away" from the bustling coast, it is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca and its airport. The nearby village of Es Capdellà is described as a working village, not a tourist trap, offering an authentic local experience. Guests generally recommend having a hire car for accessibility.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property, Castell Son Claret's pricing reflects its high-end experience. The average room price is around $588. While many guests find the experience well worth the cost, some reviews suggest it can be "a little overpriced compared with similar hotels on the island." One particularly critical review described it as "way overpriced" and felt the experience was more akin to a 3-star hotel rather than the represented 5-star luxury. Introductory rates can start from €308 per night.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Service Inconsistencies: While generally excellent, some guests have experienced "hit or miss" service, with a few instances where staff did not meet expected luxury levels. One negative review cited "awful service" and a "culture of poor customer experience and lack of follow up."
• Dining Service Speed: Some guests have reported slow service during dinner, with long waits for drinks and between courses. Issues like "hair in food on two occasions" and "food very poor quality" were also mentioned in a highly critical review.
• Pool Area Capacity: During busy periods, there have been complaints about "not enough seats by the pool" and "long wait for lunch at the pool bar."
• Room Design Minor Flaws: One guest noted a "bathroom was sectioned off in a large room with no extractor fan," which they felt made it "a little soulless."
• Wasps: Wasps have been mentioned as an issue, particularly in dining areas.

Sources

1. castellsonclaret.com
2. castellsonclaret.com
3. agoda.com
4. thehotelguru.com
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. countrylife.co.uk
8. expedia.com
9. booking.com