worrying times in pp

[sws97sdg]

Great post pescador2009, agree with everything you say

 

[shotokan]

Nice post Pescador... you had me salivating over your culinery exploits!

In summary I think a level of complacency exists at two levels...

1. Local restos/bars/etc. who refuse to price flexibly according to wider economic reality has resulted in many tourists who do not know the area (or haven't been on this forum) being ripped off.

2. Quite a few regular visitors who have seen 'standards slip' as PP has inevitably become a little more commercialised. However many such folks may find it very hard to find an equivalent blend of scenery, culture, beaches, climate, shops, etc etc. when they do try elsewhere. Familiarity can breed complacency.

The views of such visitors on this forum are therefore easy to understand, but your post hits the nail on the head... it's still 'got it' for me!

...flying back out for a long weekend on Friday...couldn't wait any longer and I just came back last month!

 

[Smiddy]

Problems in PP

I'm i the only one who thinks this thread is now getting a bit wearisome? Peoples opinions are always welcome, as is constructive critisism, people complain about prices, yet they fork out 4 grand for a villa in May no offence intended but, who's faults that?

PP has it's fault's, but as i've said before, there's a severe world recession on and goodness knows how it's going end, it effects every aspect of our lives, yes, including our holidays! PP has always been that bit more expensive, i for one am happy to pay a bit extra to keep it a little bit exclusive, cheaper "beer and burgers" and everything that goes with it = nightmare senario.

I do not get "ripped off" i do not allow myself to be "ripped of" anywhere! But i do know the difference between a Mini and a Rolls Royce.

 

[pollensafan]

I'm i the only one who thinks this thread is now getting a bit wearisome? Peoples opinions are always welcome, as is constructive critisism, people complain about prices, yet they fork out 4 grand for a villa in May no offence intended but, who's faults that?

PP has it's fault's, but as i've said before, there's a severe world recession on and goodness knows how it's going end, it effects every aspect of our lives, yes, including our holidays! PP has always been that bit more expensive, i for one am happy to pay a bit extra to keep it a little bit exclusive, cheaper "beer and burgers" and everything that goes with it = nightmare senario.

I do not get "ripped off" i do not allow myself to be "ripped of" anywhere! But i do know the difference between a Mini and a Rolls Royce.

Smiddy, Sorry to hear that you are finding the thread wearisome. May i offer some advice to help you with that problem. Stop reading it. As for the remark " Cheap beer +burgers= nightmare scenario, it never ceases to amaze me how folk take things to the extreme. As i've already said i don't recall it being like magaluf before the prices were hiked out of all proportion so why would a reduction make it so . As for you not being ripped off thats wonderfull to hear but not everyone is as perfect as you and a lot of folk that do have a bad experience will not return. One thing is certain, things will have to change. Anyone who thinks pp will tick along with the level of custom that they experienced this year is going to be in for a very rude awakening

 

[ray]

pp has been a prosperous holiday resort from the late fifties and i have no doubt it will continue to be one into the future.There are a lot more Germans and Russians coming here now and they seem happy with what they get for what they pay, also the French tour buses seem to be increasing again. I like the beaches quieter and i like not having to book restaurants-it is true though that there is an element in the mallorcan community who think the British will keep coming and keep paying just like before whether it be for food, drink or accommodation-The biggest problem for the British is that the pound is down about 30% against the euro when it had been about 66p to the euro for years.as an aside the supermarkets in mallorca are cheapere than theyve ever been

 

[JH02JLH]

Smiddy, Sorry to hear that you are finding the thread wearisome. May i offer some advice to help you with that problem. Stop reading it. As for the remark " Cheap beer +burgers= nightmare scenario, it never ceases to amaze me how folk take things to the extreme. As i've already said i don't recall it being like magaluf before the prices were hiked out of all proportion so why would a reduction make it so . As for you not being ripped off thats wonderfull to hear but not everyone is as perfect as you and a lot of folk that do have a bad experience will not return. One thing is certain, things will have to change. Anyone who thinks pp will tick along with the level of custom that they experienced this year is going to be in for a very rude awakening

Can we keep to the topic without resorting to making personal remarks, please.

Thanks
Jane

 

[pollensa]

It's a shame the personal comments are starting as this has been a very good thread so perhaps it has run its course.

Running both the website & visiting PP for personal reasons, I can see it from both sides.

Personally, although I feel a little despondant when I first arrive - PP does look rather tired & run-down, especially when I'm tired after travelling (!) but that soon dissipates after a few hours... and I remember why I love it. And we do know where to eat, shop etc. but we've been visiting for over 20 years.

But I completely empathise with new visitors especially in these hard times who don't know where the good value places are & have had to contend with the ridiculous car hire rates this year. As mentioned elsewhere those of you who read the forum are actually in a minority, I'm afraid to say. Part of our income is based on commission from actual holiday bookings and although the number of actual visitors to the main web site is only slightly down this year the actual conversion rate (people actually BOOKING) is currently down 30%. Those who are booking are tending to book hotels with the major operators and are therefore on half-board.

At the moment there is little sign of improvement. We won't really know if it will pick up in 2010 until January (the big holiday booking month).

Watch this space & I'll let you know!

 

[joelise80]

We have managed to get to PP 3 times in the last year - a one week break with our teenagers and 2 Monday to Friday breaks on our own. With cheap flights and booking an apartment through this site we have managed to keep costs down. It is the rising cost of car hire and the full empty return policy on petrol that has swayed our decision to try Cyprus next year. We shall probably squeeze in a short break to PP as we try to live like at home doing a big supermarket shop and just eating out on an evening so I get to leave the kitchen.
Times are tough for everyone and I am happy to pay a bit more to visit somewhere we love and think of as a second home but I can not bear to feel 'ripped off' with some parts of our precious holiday.

 

[Disorderly]

I must say I'm not comfortable with the idea that this thread is "getting personal". I have a lot of sympathy with what Smiddy says but, in the end, market forces dictate.

Personally, I prefer the PP of 15 years ago, and I have found a change over time of the type of visitor and some of the establishments catering for them. If PP is pricier, and less crowded, and less attractive to budget buyers then I for one am more than happy to pay for the privilege.

Before you jump on me.....I'm not being "snobby" - I just don't like "kiss me quick" resorts and cheap does not equate to value, if you are looking for the traditional attractions of PP.

Anyway, after years of being a commited PPdofile, I have since tried a number of alternatives, and will seek holidays elsewhere, but my family's main holiday will continue to be in PP for as long as it does not become too cheap and tacky.

Duncan

 

[whaleywanderer]

I think the danger is that if the front line restaurants/shops are priced out of the market, due to huge rents and dwindling sales, the only establishments that will have the capital to replace them will be the likes of McDonalds and other large organizations that we all dread.

Lets hope that PP will not go the way of other beautiful resorts that have been spoilt over the years.

 

[Smiddy]

Problems in PP

Sorry Pollensa, I may have strong opinions sometimes but have never knowingly attacked anyone for their opinion, i leave that to the sort of board were this is welcome.

We used to holiday in Cala Millor, then a lovely quite resort, similar in feel to PP, have you seen it now? Believe me resorts can change, very quickly, very like at home a nice apartment block who unfortunately receives the wrong sort of occupants.

 

[Kidsgrove_Valiant]

I too have been a twice yearly visitor for the last 4/5 years to PP but last year decided to try Cyprus just for a change. The trouble I am finding now is justifying to myself the extra expense to get a similar standard of accomodation on a like for like resort.

We went to a Smallish resort called Pernera in June and it was as good as PP in most respects, (weather is actually better but hey). The price of going to a brand new 3 bedroomed Villa with flights and car came in at just under £2k. Now for the same price I am looking at a 2/3 bedroomed apartment in Pinaret, no pool, my opinion is that people are trying to make a killing but it is backfiring. Lower the price of the accomodation and numbers will return. The euro is the euro throughout europe (obviously) but my euro unfortunately certainly seems to go alot further when I get away from PP!

 

[BonysLad]

Interesting to note that Jose has extended the " happy hours" from 4 p.m. til closing time this week.

Sign of the times or just trying to squeeze the extra mile out of the last three weeks of the season ???

Note that his 1 Euro baguette deal lunchtimes is pulling the punters in.

BonysLad

 

[snowy2007]

Good for Jose hope he keeps deals on next week.

 

[RobnAnna]

Sorry Pollensa, I may have strong opinions sometimes but have never knowingly attacked anyone for their opinion, i leave that to the sort of board were this is welcome.

We used to holiday in Cala Millor, then a lovely quite resort, similar in feel to PP, have you seen it now? Believe me resorts can change, very quickly, very like at home a nice apartment block who unfortunately receives the wrong sort of occupants.

Dont mean to sound cheeky,but how old are you to remember Cala Millor like that?We have been going to PP for 25 years now and always popped along to Cala Millor at what I presume is the old town end.The front has always looked to me like it nearly could have become Mallorcas Benidorm!In truth the only real reason I go there is to get my yearly treat! at the KFC.{Yes I have my faults too!)I would never want to see one in PP,it was bad enough seeing Burger King appear.
PP was bound to change the first summer when the new beach appeared.For the first few years it was great ,ideal beach in an ideal resort what a magnet!You cant blame people for wanting to have a holiday in such a place but it comes at a cost(not just monetary).Like my other half I will always love this place ,warts an all.

 

[snowy2007]

Cala Millor went twice last time was in 1967 stayed at Hotel Morieto next door to the Said great resort then, dance every night in one hotel or the other Bal de este Hotel flew the Dan Air DH Comet 4. Have now been going to PP for last 25 years yes lots of changes just fields behind the church, now look at it. I still love it its like coming home for me looking forward to seeing the friends we have made over the years next week. also a new friend in Bonyslad hope also to catch Sparky in El Posito she promised me a drink well I think she did !!.
So yes its 2009 and prices are refelecting this, it's take your pick time, in 1967 paid lots of money for my holiday I remember going to Arenal week-end before Christmas in 1970, Friday to Monday with Clarksons full board for 14 guineas (£14 14s), our treat as we got married in the March that year, Boy two murders and I would have been a free man by now.

 

[shotokan]

Cala Millor went twice last time was in 1967 stayed at Hotel Morieto next door to the Said great resort then, dance every night in one hotel or the other Bal de este Hotel flew the Dan Air DH Comet 4. Have now been going to PP for last 25 years yes lots of changes just fields behind the church, now look at it. I still love it its like coming home for me looking forward to seeing the friends we have made over the years next week. also a new friend in Bonyslad hope also to catch Sparky in El Posito she promised me a drink well I think she did !!.
So yes its 2009 and prices are refelecting this, it's take your pick time, in 1967 paid lots of money for my holiday I remember going to Arenal week-end before Christmas in 1970, Friday to Monday with Clarksons full board for 14 guineas (£14 14s), our treat as we got married in the March that year, Boy two murders and I would have been a free man by now.

...wow! Respect mate... nearly as impressive as your jokes!

x
S

 

[pescador2009]

I also went 'near' to Cala Millor about 20-odd years ago prior to 'finding' PP.
Immediately to the north of Cala Millor is the small resort of Cala Bona, it was quite nice with a few hotels looking over the harbour and a small beach a hundred yards (should say metres) or so away. Even back then those days Cala Millor looked like a mini-Benidorm, but it did have a wonderful long white sandy beach with turquise sea!
Never been back, but looking at brochures on occasions since, Cala Bona seems to have been developed with several large hotels... bit like the 'Tomsons' hotel which is set back from the very end of the Pine Walk (near the football ground). The hotel in PP is not 'in your face' as the saying goes and is not high-rise. It seems to have been built quite sympathetically into the landscape and with the new road it is relatively un-noticed.
I'm another one who doesn't really want too many changes to PP. Certainly not of the kiss-me-quick variety and I am not too sorry to see the loss of 'theme-bars'.
Developments such as Bellresguard are up-market and generally well landscaped and draw a 'better-class-of-punter' (awful word) and therefore 'help' to put prices up.
Even though present costs are high, mainly due to the Euro, it does keep PP on a better (dare I say more exclusive) level which we all seem to prefer.
We can't have it all ways!! Better get saving up!

 

[eleanor]

Ok - much has been discussed here over the past few weeks. A few opinions have related to the cost of renting, restaurants, car hire and generally the feeling of being ripped off and the effect this is having on PP. Well - I rent my villa and I feel ripped off and I am angry. We employ a local to look after our pool and garden. On our visit in May we spent the first week cutting back and dealing with the garden. It was so bad that we had ivy growing from the boarders up the side of the pool. Many excuses were given. We gave the person the benefit of the doubt. I have just returned from a quick visit. On arrival I found yet again the garden to be overgrown. and the outside looking somewhat tired. Another 2 days of my holiday taken up with cutting back. I decided to not let my visit be known and watched in amazement a 5 minute visit by the gardener/pool man who later tried to charge for 2 hours. Also on checking the bill I had been charged 45 Euros for a call out by a renter, to our pool man to deal with a cloudy pool. My pool person charged me monthly and as such it should have been part of his duties to ensure the pool was ok not charge extra for getting it wrong! He also charged me 30 Euros to lift a tile to check our water tank level! Anyway - I have disposed with his 'services' and engaged someone else. We now find that this first person has entered the villa to find a key to the pool house and taken chemicals to the value of 100 Euros plus other items. I have been told that an old trick is that 1 set of chemicals is bought and shared between 2 pools but charged as one unit to both.
Of course deny deny deny -I do not understand.......
I have come home so angry and feeling that I now wish to sell as the costs of running a villa in PP are so high and I feel so fed up with feeling so ripped off.
Attitudes need to change and fast - not just restaurants and car hire companies but right across the board. I am someone who has visited PP for over 25 years and owned for 18 years and obviously I love the place. I have come home as an owner feeling very fed up. The problem is that the few rip off artists just spoil it totally for everyone - just who can we trust?

 

[sws97sdg]

Just to add a different perspective to the discussions re price and staying at home, just looking into a break in the February half term, Centreparcs are asking £1000 for a four night mid week break in a 2 bedroom villa. Just checked flights with Easyjet 4 people £437 and looked at the accommodation advertised here on the site and countless places for 4 people for £400 for the week. It is certainly cheaper to eat in PP than at Centreparcs and I know where I would prefer to go!