Alcudia Garden Aparthotel

The Alcudia Garden complex consists of low-rise buildings characterized by pretty, Mediterranean-style balconies painted in pastel yellow and blue, and topped with red-tiled roofs. Stepping inside, the vibe is instantly more contemporary, with a coolly uncluttered reception flooded with sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows. The four, three-story room blocks (just one with an elevator) are centered around large attractive gardens brimming with mature palm trees, manicured bushes, and plant life. The layout includes plenty of shady spots to relax, creating a feeling of seclusion, though noisy poolside entertainment and activities can spoil the mood. It's still one of the more pleasant and well-run complexes in the resort area, and popular with German, British, and Dutch tourists spread between families with kids, vacationing couples, and groups.

The hotel is located just off the main road that runs parallel with the huge sandy beach and sweeping bay of the popular resort of Port d'Alcudia. While not quite as upmarket as its the nearby Port de Pollenca, the town is a pleasantly laid-back mix of tourist restaurants, bars, and hotels. The resort center and majority of its dining and nightlife is just a few minutes' walk away from the hotel, and it's just a block away from the strikingly wide beach -- also famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters. The towns port and marina are also within easy walking distance, while a five-minute drive away is the Hidropark water park. The nearest golf course is a 10-minute drive away. Also accessible by car is the pretty town of Pollenca, a 15- to 20-minute drive, while the island's capital Palma de Mallorca and the main airport are at least 45 minutes.

The complex has 276 apartments, double rooms, and suites, with varying decor. Rooms have beige tile and wood furniture, orange-and-white-striped bedding, burnt-orange curtains, and Kandinsky artwork. Apartments have more modern styling, outfitted with wood-effect floors, simple white furniture, and contemporary lighting; units are brightened up with seascape artwork or stripped feature walls. Most open to furnished balconies overlooking the pool or (generally quiet) road, while Premium Rooms and Apartments have small secluded gardens with loungers. 

Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (limited English-speaking channels), mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty). Suites also include separate lounges with sofas, and apartments add kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, and hobs (though no kettles or toasters). Bathrooms are modern and equipped with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent-quality toiletries. 

The Alcudia Garden has an excellent variety of features for a three-pearl property. The restaurant is bright and spacious, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, and extending to a covered alfresco terrace. Breakfast is not included as standard, though various plans are available. There's also an a la carte Italian restaurant on-site, serving the usual pizzas and pastas, and opening to a roadside terrace. Reports suggest food quality and choice in both is more than adequate. Also available are a poolside bar, and La Bodega specializing in Spanish wines and international beers. 

The main lagoon-style pool is particularly large, with a smaller, shallower section, and a separate splash pool for the little ones (there are also a poolside activities program and a kids' club). It can get very busy around the pools with loungers at a premium and many reserved before breakfast. There are also a small (usually heated) indoor pool, plus whirlpool tub and sauna. A small gym is on-site. Summer months see daily evening entertainment on a poolside stage, though largely amateurish, and a mini-disco for kids.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with live cooking and themed dinners twice-weekly. There's a discount (50 percent during our visit) on meals at the a la carte Italian restaurant, and reservations are recommended. Snacks are served at selected times between meals and include ice cream, pastries, and sandwiches. Local-brand beer, wine, and spirits, and international soft drinks are also covered.