Alua Sun Torrenova

With its typically '70s, zigzag balconied facade set slightly back from a pine-lined road, the Alua Sun Torrenova doesn't give an exciting first impression. Inside, the lobby area is spacious and bright with numerous ceiling spotlights reflected in polished stone floors. Modern art prints adorn the walls and seating is contemporary and comfy. A trio of elevators services the property's eight floors, while to the rear a kidney-shaped swimming pool dominates the hotel's sun terrace. While the property can get crowded -- especially over school breaks -- the vibe is buzzy and bustling. It appeals to the many British families who make up most of the clientele, though couples seeking a relaxing vacation should probably look elsewhere.

The hotel is located in the middle of the small peninsula of Torrenova that separates the resorts of Palmanova and Magaluf. The area is a fairly relaxed and mostly peaceful collection of bars, tourist shops, and eateries, and is within a 10-minute walk of two fine stretches of sandy beach. The neighborhood is set on a hill, however, which can make getting to and from the hotel tiring and even tricky for those with special mobility requirements. For those wanting to hit some of the island's most boisterous partying, Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs is under 10 minutes on foot. More family-oriented fun can be found at the Katmandu Park, a 10- to 15-minute walk, and in the other direction Palmanova offers less wild nightlife and plenty of dining. A 10-minute walk away are buses that run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town; the drive takes about 30 minutes. Cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take around the same time.

Most of the hotel's 254 rooms are similarly decorated in a functional mix of tile floors and simple, modern furniture. Superior Sea View Rooms are the same size as the Standard Double Rooms, but include updated furnishings and, more importantly, sea views from their balconies -- although "sea view" is a bit of a stretch in some cases. Standard Double Rooms overlooking the pool can be noisy due to the outside bar area, but these rooms do get afternoon sun on the balcony. Walls are generally thin so expect to hear other guests' comings and goings.

Standard amenities include TVs and safes (for a fee), while Superior Sea View Rooms add flat-screen TVs, minibars, bathrobes, and slippers. In-room Wi-Fi is not free in any rooms and is generally slow. Bathrooms all come with shower /tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel brand-toiletries, though reports suggest mold is not unheard of.

There are three pools: a main pool (featuring sloped entry and a rail, useful for those with special mobility requirements), a shallow kids' pool, and a kiddy splash water park with small slides and water jets. There is a noticeable lack of sunbeds for the number of guests, and this sometimes results in a daily scrum to reserve sunbeds with towels, with lifeguards only occasionally intervening. The main pool is also often partially in the shade from the hotel building. Children are very well catered for with the small water park, two playgrounds, and kids' club (for a fee), featuring video games, pool, air hockey, and a soft play area; it is only available in the high season.

Most agree that the hotel's buffet breakfast is pretty decent, and it has some freshly cooked dishes on offer, but the buffet dinner options are less impressive and there is limited variation throughout the week. Breakfast is not included in all rates, but half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive plans are available. An a la carte restaurant is also on-site, serving traditional Italian favorites; food is of much better quality than the buffet. American-style snacks are available all day from an outdoor bar.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks (such as pizza, hamburgers, pasta, salads, sandwiches) from the poolside bar throughout the day. Earlier continental breakfast is also offered for early departures. Also included is one meal per stay in the a la carte Italian restaurant. Locally produced alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits) and all soft drinks are covered; premium drinks and cocktails are not. In-room Wi-Fi and safes are not included and are chargeable. Half-board and full-board rates are also available.