The Blue Sea Costa Verde is a 124-room, two-and-a-half pearl property that, due to dated and dowdy interiors throughout, feels ripe for a total refurbishment. The El Arenal resort center is a bit far away, but a sandy beach can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Guest rooms are old-fashioned and minimally furnished, though generally clean and most have balconies. A large swimming pool tops the short list of facilities, though it can get busy and many loungers need replacing. Ultimately you get what you pay for and rates are low, though for a bargain all-inclusive with much more to do (and some sea views) check out Sun Club Eldorado, albeit it's even farther away from town.
The Blue Sea Costa Verde is a 124-room, two-and-a-half pearl property that, due to dated and dowdy interiors throughout, feels ripe for a total refurbishment. The El Arenal resort center is a bit far away, but a sandy beach can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Guest rooms are old-fashioned and minimally furnished, though generally clean and most have balconies. A large swimming pool tops the short list of facilities, though it can get busy and many loungers need replacing. Ultimately you get what you pay for and rates are low, though for a bargain all-inclusive with much more to do (and some sea views) check out Sun Club Eldorado, albeit it's even farther away from town.
Hotel Don Pepe is a comfortable, three-pearl property with a convenient location, but few facilities -- such as no swimming pool -- may be a deal-breaker for some. Interiors are contemporary throughout with the more sophisticated, grown-up feel common to an adults-only hotel. El Arenal's pleasant beach and lively nightlife are within easy walking distance, though not so close to be noisy. The 154 guest rooms can vary hugely from spacious suites with grand terraces to pokey units with single windows. All have AC, flat-screen TVs, modern bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, but fees are attached to mini-fridges and safes. Rates are generally good value for the quality of the accommodation, however. Travelers looking for a budget-friendly option with a pool and balconies as standard can consider Hotel Mix Alea, though it's a bit farther from the action.
Hotel Don Pepe is a comfortable, three-pearl property with a convenient location, but few facilities -- such as no swimming pool -- may be a deal-breaker for some. Interiors are contemporary throughout with the more sophisticated, grown-up feel common to an adults-only hotel. El Arenal's pleasant beach and lively nightlife are within easy walking distance, though not so close to be noisy. The 154 guest rooms can vary hugely from spacious suites with grand terraces to pokey units with single windows. All have AC, flat-screen TVs, modern bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, but fees are attached to mini-fridges and safes. Rates are generally good value for the quality of the accommodation, however. Travelers looking for a budget-friendly option with a pool and balconies as standard can consider Hotel Mix Alea, though it's a bit farther from the action.
The Hotel Pinero Tal is a two-and-a-half-pearl high-rise property set in the largely German resort of El Arenal. The immediate area is built-up and certainly lacking in charm, though the long, sandy beach -- and restaurant-lined promenade -- is just five minutes away on foot. Its 198 guest rooms are basic but clean, with simple amenities and an extra charge for Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes; higher-floor units have the bonus of sea-view balconies. Leisure and dining features are limited, and the pool is prone to afternoon shade, all adding up to a less-than-impressive package. Half-board plans are standard and optional all-inclusive packages are available. Cheap rates can make it relatively good value, though prices at adults-only Torre Azul are similar, with the bonus of spa facilities.
The Hotel Pinero Tal is a two-and-a-half-pearl high-rise property set in the largely German resort of El Arenal. The immediate area is built-up and certainly lacking in charm, though the long, sandy beach -- and restaurant-lined promenade -- is just five minutes away on foot. Its 198 guest rooms are basic but clean, with simple amenities and an extra charge for Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes; higher-floor units have the bonus of sea-view balconies. Leisure and dining features are limited, and the pool is prone to afternoon shade, all adding up to a less-than-impressive package. Half-board plans are standard and optional all-inclusive packages are available. Cheap rates can make it relatively good value, though prices at adults-only Torre Azul are similar, with the bonus of spa facilities.
There's not a great deal to the lower-middle-range Ipanema Park, though what it does have is more than decent. The 280 balconied guest rooms are modern and clean, albeit with minimal amenities and some bathrooms are in need of a refresh. The pool terrace is mostly sunny with plentiful loungers and a kids' section, though there are no other child-friendly or fitness facilities. Most report the buffet dining is a highlight and an optional all-inclusive plan covers more drinks than usual. As the hotel is set at the scruffier south end of El Arenal, a 10-minute walk from the beach, the location isn't ideal; a similarly priced option closer to the sea is the Caribbean Bay, which is all-inclusive as standard.
There's not a great deal to the lower-middle-range Ipanema Park, though what it does have is more than decent. The 280 balconied guest rooms are modern and clean, albeit with minimal amenities and some bathrooms are in need of a refresh. The pool terrace is mostly sunny with plentiful loungers and a kids' section, though there are no other child-friendly or fitness facilities. Most report the buffet dining is a highlight and an optional all-inclusive plan covers more drinks than usual. As the hotel is set at the scruffier south end of El Arenal, a 10-minute walk from the beach, the location isn't ideal; a similarly priced option closer to the sea is the Caribbean Bay, which is all-inclusive as standard.
The azuLine Hotel Bahamas is a three-pearl, resort-style property located on the quieter outskirts of the popular -- though slightly scruffy -- resort of El Arenal. It ticks most of the boxes as far as features, with a good-size outdoor pool, spa facilities, and daily animation, though dining is limited to a distinctly average buffet restaurant. Updated in 2015, its 239 guest rooms are bright and clean with basic amenities and balconies, most overlooking the neighboring pine forest. The beach is a 10-minute walk away, and families with kids are given discounts for the nearby waterpark. An optional all-inclusive plan can make it particularly good value for families on a budget, though groups looking for a more boisterous vibe will likely favor the nearby Hotel Luna-Luna Park (which is also closer to the beach and resort center).
The azuLine Hotel Bahamas is a three-pearl, resort-style property located on the quieter outskirts of the popular -- though slightly scruffy -- resort of El Arenal. It ticks most of the boxes as far as features, with a good-size outdoor pool, spa facilities, and daily animation, though dining is limited to a distinctly average buffet restaurant. Updated in 2015, its 239 guest rooms are bright and clean with basic amenities and balconies, most overlooking the neighboring pine forest. The beach is a 10-minute walk away, and families with kids are given discounts for the nearby waterpark. An optional all-inclusive plan can make it particularly good value for families on a budget, though groups looking for a more boisterous vibe will likely favor the nearby Hotel Luna-Luna Park (which is also closer to the beach and resort center).
The Hotel Mix Alea is a relatively small budget-level property set in a quiet location on the outskirts of El Arenal. Backing on to the Son Verí forest, it provides pleasant views from some rooms, and is also close to nightlife and 10 minutes from the resort's long sandy beach. The 110 guest rooms are functional with limited amenities, though some offer impressive rooftop terraces and bay-view panoramas. The restaurant's buffet dining is adequate and guests can purchase a variety of meal plans, but not a la carte options. The pool area is prone to shade and there's nothing else in the way of leisure or health facilities, making this one of the resort's more basic hotels. Travelers looking for a value stay should also consider the Ipanema Park for a sunnier pool and updated rooms.
The Hotel Mix Alea is a relatively small budget-level property set in a quiet location on the outskirts of El Arenal. Backing on to the Son Verí forest, it provides pleasant views from some rooms, and is also close to nightlife and 10 minutes from the resort's long sandy beach. The 110 guest rooms are functional with limited amenities, though some offer impressive rooftop terraces and bay-view panoramas. The restaurant's buffet dining is adequate and guests can purchase a variety of meal plans, but not a la carte options. The pool area is prone to shade and there's nothing else in the way of leisure or health facilities, making this one of the resort's more basic hotels. Travelers looking for a value stay should also consider the Ipanema Park for a sunnier pool and updated rooms.
There are better adults-only hotels in Mallorca. Though there's nothing terribly wrong with the mid-range, 133-room Torre Azul, it isn't special enough to warrant a stay, aside from the inexpensive all-inclusive deals that entice many of its guests. Guest rooms, while unmemorable and a bit dreary, do have balconies and flat-screen TVs. Decor is hit and miss, the food is often unappealing, the pool is small, and the views are uninspiring. It does not deliver on its four-star status, but as a three-pearl, would be considered a better value. For a more cheerful, more freshly maintained option, the nearby Mediterranean Bay Hotel is a much better choice.
There are better adults-only hotels in Mallorca. Though there's nothing terribly wrong with the mid-range, 133-room Torre Azul, it isn't special enough to warrant a stay, aside from the inexpensive all-inclusive deals that entice many of its guests. Guest rooms, while unmemorable and a bit dreary, do have balconies and flat-screen TVs. Decor is hit and miss, the food is often unappealing, the pool is small, and the views are uninspiring. It does not deliver on its four-star status, but as a three-pearl, would be considered a better value. For a more cheerful, more freshly maintained option, the nearby Mediterranean Bay Hotel is a much better choice.
Mallorca is a breathtaking and topographically diverse island with countless small coves and corners to explore. The urban and touristy area of El Arenal, where the mid-range Complejo Luna & Luna Park Hotel is located, is not one of the island's finest areas. However, the acceptable beach within five minutes' walk, and easy access to souvenir shopping, entertainment, and nightlife, make this 550-room budget hotel convenient. There are also two on-site pools, including one with a DJ and live music. Guest rooms, though basic, are air-conditioned and have balconies. Those seeking an easy vacation with unlimited food and drink of standard quality for an affordable price may be pleased with this large and impersonal hotel. Some may prefer the nearby Sun Club Eldorado, however, which has an impressive oceanfront pool.
Mallorca is a breathtaking and topographically diverse island with countless small coves and corners to explore. The urban and touristy area of El Arenal, where the mid-range Complejo Luna & Luna Park Hotel is located, is not one of the island's finest areas. However, the acceptable beach within five minutes' walk, and easy access to souvenir shopping, entertainment, and nightlife, make this 550-room budget hotel convenient. There are also two on-site pools, including one with a DJ and live music. Guest rooms, though basic, are air-conditioned and have balconies. Those seeking an easy vacation with unlimited food and drink of standard quality for an affordable price may be pleased with this large and impersonal hotel. Some may prefer the nearby Sun Club Eldorado, however, which has an impressive oceanfront pool.
The upper-middle-range Mediterranean Bay is certainly one of the better-looking hotels on the slightly shabby edges of the lively El Arenal area. Set on a busy junction the setting hardly wows, though, and it's a 10 minute walk down a fairly steep hill to the beach. Inside is clean and modern, with the quiet, relaxed vibe expected from an adults-only hotel. Its 105 rooms can be on the small side, and sea views are scarce, but all offer hydro-massage showers. A huge whirlpool tub and swimming pool provide places to cool off, and the property offers all-inclusive dining plans, but the lack of gym and sports facilities could be a deal-breaker for some. For an adults-only option with easier beach access (though no pool), the Hotel Don Pepe is also a popular choice.
The upper-middle-range Mediterranean Bay is certainly one of the better-looking hotels on the slightly shabby edges of the lively El Arenal area. Set on a busy junction the setting hardly wows, though, and it's a 10 minute walk down a fairly steep hill to the beach. Inside is clean and modern, with the quiet, relaxed vibe expected from an adults-only hotel. Its 105 rooms can be on the small side, and sea views are scarce, but all offer hydro-massage showers. A huge whirlpool tub and swimming pool provide places to cool off, and the property offers all-inclusive dining plans, but the lack of gym and sports facilities could be a deal-breaker for some. For an adults-only option with easier beach access (though no pool), the Hotel Don Pepe is also a popular choice.
Unlike so many all-inclusive value hotels in Mallorca, the Caribbean Bay is not stuck in the '70s. The hotel has two outdoor pools and 224 modern rooms, decorated in a cheerful red-and-white color scheme, though they are nonetheless reminiscent of dorm rooms. A five-minute walk from a lovely beach and well-connected by local bus routes, the hotel is a convenient base for exploring Mallorca, though service can be a bit lagging. For a hotel with a more established reputation, finer dining options, and a more mature crowd, the nearby adults-only Hotel Don Pepe is worth a look -- though its upscale amenities come with a heftier price tag.
Unlike so many all-inclusive value hotels in Mallorca, the Caribbean Bay is not stuck in the '70s. The hotel has two outdoor pools and 224 modern rooms, decorated in a cheerful red-and-white color scheme, though they are nonetheless reminiscent of dorm rooms. A five-minute walk from a lovely beach and well-connected by local bus routes, the hotel is a convenient base for exploring Mallorca, though service can be a bit lagging. For a hotel with a more established reputation, finer dining options, and a more mature crowd, the nearby adults-only Hotel Don Pepe is worth a look -- though its upscale amenities come with a heftier price tag.