Alcudia Beach Aparthotel

Tightly sculpted shrubbery, manicured lawns, and lofty mature palm trees provide an attractive setting for the Alcudia Beach Aparthotel. The two-tone exterior has  semi-circular balconies jutting out, but it's the white outdoor spiral staircase that really stands out. Inside, cushioned wicker seating continues the tropical vibe, albeit surrounded by swathes of marble and the odd antique piece. Opened in the mid-80s, it feels like not a great deal has changed since, with most of the interiors looking distinctively last century -- albeit clean and well-maintained. One half of this L-shaped property overlooks its rear garden, a sunny area mostly taken up by swimming pools and sunbeds. Being a relaxed all-apartment complex, guests mostly comprise British families with children.

The hotel overlooks a pretty, tree-lined waterway just off the main road that runs parallel with Port d'Alcudia's sweeping bay and huge sandy beach. Set away from the resort center, the location is a mix of residential and commercial properties, and a 10-minute walk from the dining and lively nightlife of "Dollar Street" (the nickname for Pere Mas i Reus). The beach -- famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters -- is about five minutes on foot. It's also a 10-minute drive to the medieval cobbled streets of Alcudia's old town, which is a must-visit, and the Hidropark water park is a five-minute drive. The pretty town of Pollensa is a 15- to 20-minute drive, and the island's capital Palma de Mallorca (home to the main airport) is about 45 minutes by car.

The 130 studio and one-bedroom apartments are all very similar, with dated decor that includes dowdy patterned fabrics, beige textured walls, and old-fashioned furniture. While certainly in need of updating, units are mostly in a good state of repair and kept clean. One-bedroom apartments consist of separate bedrooms, lounge areas with sofa beds and 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-equipped kitchenettes, and bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Studio apartments integrate the sleeping and living areas. All open to spacious balconies with patio-style seating either overlooking the road or pool; noise from either side doesn't seem to be a problem. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee per device.

A decent and varied spread is served in the hotel's buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (a range of plans from room-only to all-inclusive are available). There are also two bars, one off the lobby and the other a poolside shack. Both swimming pools are big enough for the number of guests -- one more shallow with a waterslide, and the other a small island. Plentiful loungers also means early-morning towel reservation is not generally an issue. There are also a small gym and game room, though nothing in the way of poolside animation. Evening entertainment is put on, however nothing beyond typical parrot shows and poor-quality music acts.