Gavimar Ariel Chico Club & Resort, Cala d'Or

Arrive by about 9:30am to queue for a sunbed when the pool gates open at 10am.

Book a one-bedroom apartment rather than a studio or double room for more space, particularly with three adults.

Request a pool-view room for the best outlook and afternoon sun, but expect entertainment noise and insist on working air conditioning.

Request a pool-view room rather than a resort view; sea views may not be available, and pool outlooks are generally attractive.

Request a room away from the main road or on the quiet side to avoid delivery vehicles, coaches, street noise and unpleasant smells.

Carry €1 cash deposits for plastic cups and plates, then keep your cup to avoid queuing for another.

Choose a room by the smaller pools or crazy golf for a quieter setting; these areas are also close to amenities.

Request a quiet room if you have children or sleep early, and ask staff to move you if the allocated room is unsuitable.

Bring larger reusable plastic cups because the hotel’s drinks cups are very small.

Ask for a refurbished room, particularly above reception or the dining room, as some accommodation is more modern than others.

Expect the pools to be open from 10am to 6pm.

Avoid road-facing rooms, which can hear entertainment, deliveries, waste collection, traffic, and morning noise.

Email the hotel before arrival with specific room preferences, as staff try to accommodate requests.

Choose a one-bedroom apartment for extra living space and a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, sink, hob and seating area.

Request a newly modernised room, especially in the main building or newer section; some older rooms feel dated.

Request a ground-floor room if mobility is limited or you have young children, because several blocks have steep steps and no lift.

Try the pool around noon if you prefer to avoid the morning sunbed rush.

Arrive when the restaurant opens for hotter food, or eat after 8pm to avoid the busiest dinner period.

Request an apartment beside the small, oblong pool for a quieter location with easy access to sunbeds.

Request an apartment in Block A for a quieter setting, a private pool nearby and, on upper floors, a larger balcony.

Choose an apartment for groups of more than two adults, but choose a hotel room instead if you prefer newer furnishings.

Email the hotel before arrival with room preferences, and ask to change rooms if the first allocation is unsuitable.

Stay here for quick access to the beach, bars, restaurants and hotel facilities, with the beach about one to two minutes away.

Avoid ground-floor rooms in the main building or Block 1 because they can be noisy, unless accessibility requires one.

Request a room above the restaurant for a quiet night; the smaller-pool side is also nearby.

Check the smaller pool by the kids’ club when the main pool is busy.

Ask for a quiet room away from the main entertainment and pool area if you are a light sleeper.

Choose the main building for modern, spacious rooms, convenient access to reception and restaurants, and nearby lifts.

Avoid rooms around the main pool or nearest the big pool if you want peace and quiet, especially with small children.

Request a newer or updated room and avoid the older section of the hotel.

Request a higher-level room for better views, unless stairs are difficult.

Book a balcony room, and ask for a railing-style balcony if you prefer a less enclosed outlook.

Account for the lack of lifts and steep staircases when choosing a room, particularly if carrying heavy luggage.

Avoid the Pins block if possible, as it may need refurbishment and can overlook a noisy pool.

Budget for the Spanish tourist tax and carry euros for on-site deposits.

Walk to the marina for waterfront views, restaurants, and evening outings.

Use the hotel’s location near bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Choose the right side of the main pool for longer afternoon sunshine.

Ask for a room with a kettle and fridge, as some rooms do not include them.

Request a garden-facing apartment or a ground-floor room near the garden.

Ask for a lower floor if mobility is a concern, or choose a first-floor-or-higher room to reduce noise.

Request extra pillows.

Bring extra money for meals out and compare exchange rates, as the hotel’s rate may be poor.

Choose a ground-floor room if you use a mobility scooter or have limited mobility, because scooters may not fit in the lift and the property has many steps.

Bring a reusable mug for breakfast, as the paper cups are very small.

Request a room near the children’s mini-club building or in the far block for a quieter location.

Choose the small adult pool for a quieter setting surrounded by flowers.

Choose the rear or back block for its own quiet pool and greater privacy.

Eat elsewhere if you dislike fish, and avoid the snack-bar burgers.

Consider a studio for its larger layout and terrace.

Bring your own pool or beach towels to avoid the €8 rental charge.

Bring mosquito spray and warm waterproof clothing in April or early May.

Bring a kettle if you want an early-morning cup of tea on an all-inclusive booking.

Choose room 205 for a quiet side-street outlook.

Choose room 12 on the reception side of the hotel.

Request apartment A30 for a particularly quiet stay.

Choose rooms 5, 6 or 7 in the Ariel block for larger balconies and a quieter location away from entertainment areas.

Avoid room 222 if sleep matters more than extra space.

Request apartment A29 for a quiet location.

Avoid room 301 if you want balcony sun, as it is breezy and has slight road noise.

Choose room 511 for afternoon and evening sun and a quiet balcony.

Request room 616 for a main-pool view.

Choose room 325 for afternoon sun, but expect some noise from a nearby hotel until around midnight.

Request room 612 for a main-pool view.

Request room 1005 in Block A for its great view.

Avoid room 1107 because a nearby unit was extremely noisy.

Request apartment A23 for a well-equipped room.

Ask for room 3108 for a sea view.

Request a fridge if you need to keep drinks or food cold.

Ask for a room near reception and the restaurant for convenient access.

Ask for a high-floor room with a sea view.

Choose a first-floor room if you prefer using the stairs, as the lift may be unreliable; check the air conditioning because it can be noisy.

Choose a third-floor room for a quieter stay.

Do not bring inflatables, as they are no longer allowed in the pool.

Book a private transfer if you want to avoid a late-night coach; the journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around £140 return.

Hire a car for exploring other areas and taking day trips.

Take the local bus to the Caves of Drach for a cheaper visit.

Visit Cala Petita for a quieter nearby beach.

Visit Cala Gran beach, about two minutes away.

Bring cleaning supplies if you want to handle minor room or accommodation cleaning yourself.

Compare package options carefully before choosing all-inclusive.

Book directly through the hotel website or its social-media channels.

Ask for a shot of vodka or gin in cocktails.

Try the small bar outside reception to the right for good-value food.

Try Supertramps, less than five minutes away, for good food and €7 cocktails.

Eat outside the main square to find better-value food and drinks.

Use the luggage storage room and shower room after checking out.

Speak courteously with staff and engage with them to get more from the stay.

Report any cockroaches to the reception desk immediately.

Hang the “please make up our room” sign on the door to ensure housekeeping visits.

Bring an extra pillow if you prefer more than one.

Avoid the block beside the main pool if you need a spacious family room, as rooms there may be dated and small.

Choose a room in the block behind the main hotel around 1010 for better views.

Ask about a ground-floor apartment for a bungalow-style layout.

Consider the 3000-range apartments, such as room 3008, for a quiet personal pool and bar.

Ask about apartment 2007 if you want an especially large terrace.

Choose apartments A2001–A2030 for access to a small pool and toddler pool; top floors have open roofs for sunbathing.

Consider apartments A10–A30 for a quieter location around a smaller pool.

Avoid room 2024.

Ask to see room photos before booking.

Consider a street-view room for broader landscape views toward the next town.

Request a pool-view room for one of the better outlooks.

Choose a junior suite or similar room if you need extra space for children.

Choose the crazy-golf side for a good view and a roughly two-minute walk to the beach.

Consider apartment 1005 for an ocean view.

Walk to the marina for a worthwhile stroll.

Take the two-hour boat trip around the coves; it costs €18 and is worthwhile for sightseeing.

Order breakfast in advance if you are checking out before the normal breakfast service.

Confirm that you receive the room type you paid for rather than a second-choice alternative.

Ask for rooms above the main pool if you are travelling with children and want easy access to the pool area.

Avoid the annex if you want the best accommodation options.

Request a room across the road overlooking the gardens for a pleasant outlook and quieter surroundings.

Choose room 406 for ground-floor accommodation near the bar overlooking the large pool.

Request room 329 for a studio at the end of the main building overlooking the dining-room pool.

Request rooms 1-116 to 1-119 for quiet bungalow accommodation with patios overlooking a grassy area.

Request room 201 for a position beside a smaller pool.

Request room 214 for quiet surroundings and evening sun, although the view is limited.

Request room 305 for a small, quiet, renovated room.

Ask for room A24 for a ground-floor position overlooking a smaller, quieter pool.

Request apartments A21–A30 for quiet surroundings, late balcony sunshine, and proximity to the swings and play area.

Request rooms 1116–1119 for a secluded location suitable for families or friends.

Choose a room in the main building for stronger air conditioning.

Bring earplugs if you cannot avoid a road-facing room, especially because mornings can be noisy.

Use the pool sunbeds after about 9:30, when they are released rather than reserved overnight.

Buy Wi-Fi for about €20 per device per week; the connection is reportedly good.

Find the spare blanket in the wardrobe.

Bring or buy a UK charger from the store across the road; it costs about €3–4.