Apartment Ses Oliveres, Calle Colomer, Puerto Pollensa

[Treoesman]

We rented this apartment in July 2009. It is advertised on several websites where one describes it as a "Spacious apartment for those looking for the best Puerto Pollença has to offer, this apartment will not disappoint you!"

We booked the apartment through Mallorcan Rentals (who are not using the above description) who advertised the property on this website. The apartment is on the top floor of a medium sized block which is located just behind the Pine Walk. It is spacious with three double bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite bathroom. Outside there are two reasonably sized balconies. There is also access to the roof terrace where there is a private area set aside for the apartment.

As we were arriving in the evening the agents asked to text or ring a local telephone number when we landed and someone would meet us at the apartment. We did this, the text was not answered and the phone call that I then placed also went unanswered. Not a good start as we sat outside in the dark. Finally I rang a number which I found for the agents office and luckily the phone was answered and someone finally came to meet us with a key.

When we got into the apartment the first thing we noticed was there was a significant leak from one of the air-conditioning units which was flooding the hallway. We stopped the leak by switching off the aircon in the hall. Looking around we discovered that what looked like a really nice apartment was actually very tired and in need of repair/updating and TLC. For example:
• The apartment was dirty and is in need of a good effective clean.
• Doors were missing on the roof terrace to a storage cupboard which was full of rubbish.
• There were broken tiles lying on the roof terrace.
• There were numerous dead plants on the roof terrace and the main balcony.
• We couldn’t access the balcony that adjoins the kitchen as neither of the two doors would open and the lock was faulty.
• The tap in the kitchen sink was very loose and just spun around when you tried to use it.
• There was a leak into the cupboard under the kitchen sink (which was causing a nasty smell).
• There was mould in the bathroom around the shower area serving the master bedroom.
• The bathroom vanity units in both bathrooms had temporary repairs made to them.

The faults were reported to the rental agents who said that they would get the aircon and tap attended to. However, when we left twelve days later the faults had not been rectified with no update on progress being provided by the agents. Communication is everything in cases like this and we needed to chase everything, right from our first night in Pollensa.

We later by chance saw the apartment was for sale in a local estate agents window in Pollensa, so that might explain why there was reluctance to spend money on an apartment that was being sold?

This apartment could be really nice. It’s in a good location and the infrastructure is sound. With a little bit of money spent on it, and a good clean, it could be brought up to a good standard of accommodation. At the moment it is not of the standard required when compared with other apartments and villas that we have stayed in. We are of the opinion that it is just not worth the rental fees whilst in its current state of repair. This is the first time that we have had a bad experience in renting property in Puerto Pollensa in over twenty years of visiting.

So next year we will once again revert to rental agents that are tried and tested and will be very reluctant to rent with a company unknown to us. We were very disappointed in the apartment but we still had a great holiday in Puerto Pollensa which remains a fantastic place for a holiday.

[eleanor]

Hi Treoesman, What a shame that you were let down by your rental agents. It is not on to have to spend your valuable holiday time sorting out problems and chasing up. I wonder if you had threatened to move out and forward a bill or insisted they move you if the agent would have acted far quicker! You state that the apartment is for sale - it's probably not owned by the agent so the fact that it is somewhat shabby is down to the owner. The rental company should have set standards though and are obviously aware that the apartment needs care and attention.
Most owners take special care to ensure that their property is up to spec for their renters. I have ensured that my villa is a home from home. We rent directly through this site to enable us to speak with the renters and hopefully build a relationship with them. This is good for both sides. If there is a problem then we have excellent people on hand in PP who we pay to look after the villa and deal with any problems asap.
I think this probably is the case for most owners who advertise on this site. We bought in PP as we love the place and as such love our properties too and take care of them.

I think you have been very unlucky this year. Glad you had a wonderful time though - it is hard not to, isn't it? Best of luck for next year. My advice would be to take a look at this site and get to know the owners through personal contact then make a decision about booking. You will have access to many photographs which will give you a good feel for the property. Most owners would welcome this approach.

[Treoesman]

Hi Eleanor

Thanks for your constructive comments, they are very helpful. This was the first time that we have ever had a problem renting in Mallorca. The weather was fantastic and we really didn't spend too much time in the apartment so the problems weren't too bad.

I will be using the website to explore recommendations and get to know the owners as you suggest.

Thanks again for replying.