Es Moli

Let me start by saying the hotel is lovely and the pool is gorgeous. Our issue was with the “private” beach, or cove, or whatever it’s called. On the website, I was drawn to the private swimming cove that boasts a meditative, peaceful retreat. I love being in the ocean, and I was really looking forward to swimming at the cove. I will admit that I didn’t keep scrolling to read that you must book in advance. As soon as I realized this was the case, I called the hotel, two days prior to our stay and asked if I could book. They said all of the sunbeds were filled. I explained that I wasn’t interested in a sunbed, I only wanted to float in the ocean. They said that rules were rules and I was not allowed to go. We stayed at the hotel for four nights and were never allowed to go to the private cove. We were put on a waiting list, and I reiterated that I was not interested in a sunbed, but they firmly declined. We walked down to where the cove was, and were able to see where Es Moli had their private area from another vantage point on the rocks not far from there. Unfortunately, at the place we were at, the rocks were quite slippery and steep, and I am sixty seven and didn’t want to risk a fall. We took a picture of the Es Moli area. No one was swimming there and there were two free chairs. This was at two in the afternoon. After we sat on the side where the public is allowed for an hour, still no one arrived at the private Es Moli cove. It was disheartening. I understand they “own” this area and I also understand they can’t overfill it. I also know that it was my fault for not reading the “fine print” carefully enough. The goal of this review is to hopefully make others aware so they don’t make the same mistake as we did. As soon as you book the hotel, if you want to go to ‘their” ocean, book your spot.

Though Es Moli is gorgeous, we found the lack of service to be utterly diabolical. For a hotel as iconic as Es Moli, I expected to at least have shampoo and conditioner provided in the bathroom. The check in experince was confusing to say the least. We were dropped off in the basement floor of the hotel, with no one around to explain that we had to go to the third floor. Once we finally made it to reception, the woman who checked us in shared that the private beach, which was one of the reasons we stayed here, was fully booked for the entirety of our stay. No solution was offered, she actually begged us not to go to the beach because the staff was overwhelmed. We never received any communication about needing to book the beach in advance, and we were not offered any solution. We returned to the hotel around 11pm after a sunset boat tour and the only food they had available was a bag of chips. No room service option, no one working to advise us as to what our other options were. I’ve never stayed at a hotel and been denied food / dining options, especially in Europe where late dinners are routine. The grounds are gorgeous, but this was some of the worst service I’ve ever received. I found it shocking really

This was my 8th visit to Es Moli and on arrival it was clear things had changed. As Julia B has said, the previously warm welcome at Reception had disappeared. In fact Reception had disappeared! We walked in through the main entrance of the hotel to find an entirely deserted and sad looking Reception area with not a person in sight. I had to find a member of staff myself - who looked more like a workman than a receptionist - who told us Reception had been relocated to the 3rd floor. An entirely ludicrous and nonsensical move it must be said. It was only because we know the hotel well that we managed to find it. There was an absence of directions, and we had to get the lift and then walk through the maze of the restaurant and bar area to find it. I won't bang on about the other negative changes the new owners have made because other people have already noted them. Having said that very surprising to find no toiletries in the bathroom, apart from cheap shower gel, when there has always been an abundance of them. And who suddenly imposes major charges for the mini bus trip to the hotel's private beach which has always been free and has been advertised as being free this season??? I'm obviously not privy to the new owners intentions for the hotel - but I'm sure the intention is to turn it into the Residencia #2, with the associated major price hikes. A haven for social media influencers who will flock to the next big thing and dump Es Moli as quickly as it takes to pose for a pouty mouthed selfie. This would mean many of the loyal, regular visitors - many of whom return at least once every year - will be priced out of staying at Es Moli. I have stayed at the Residencia on several occasions and I would choose Es Moli every time. It's a different type of hotel. Warmer, more friendly, more relaxed and less pretentious. The pool area and the breakfast offering alone are unbeatable. And call me old fashioned but I have always loved the evening entertainment by the pool. I hope the new owners respect the history of the hotel and its enduring appeal to visitors. But more than anything I hope they respect the long and loyal service of the wonderful team of staff, who we have the pleasure of seeing year after year, and who treat us as part of the Es Moli family.