Apartamentos Deya

Apartamentos Deya is one of the largest properties in the area, and with its distinctive light-pink, balconied facade (repainted in 2015), it's hard to miss this big and brash fun-oriented hotel. It's comparatively unassuming entrance is sandwiched between a nightclub and a bar, and leads to a long hallway that ends at a sleek, minimal reception area. Renovated in 2015, the room's industrial grays, a back-lit reception desk, and contemporary design lighting give promising first impressions. The reality, however, is that the hotel offers little beyond a program of partying and somewhere to crash afterwards. Public spaces are often populated by guests in varying states of inebriation, with ebullience that can overspill into rowdiness. The property itself also inevitably suffers from wear and tear related to the overenthusiastic behavior of those staying there. 

Guests must leave a deposit upon check-in and are presented with a list of costs for damages. There is also a strictly enforced one-warning rule, after which guests are ejected from the hotel. Clientele leans mainly towards groups of young, up-for-it vacationers -- including stag and hen parties -- largely from Ireland. Couples looking for a peaceful break or families with kids should stay away. 

The hotel is located on the lively north side of Santa Ponsa, a popular resort area situated on the southwest of Majorca. Its surroundings comprise other hotels, tourist restaurants, nightclubs, and late-night bars (many Irish-themed). The resort's wide stretch of sandy beach and start of its beachfront promenade is less than five minutes away on foot. For even wilder partying, the renowned nightlife of Magaluf is  a 10-minute cab journey away. There's also a small and quieter beach -- Caló d'en Pellicer -- about a five-minute drive away. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 30 minutes' drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The hotel has 158 one-bedroom apartments, all with two twin beds and double sofa beds, allowing them to sleep up to four guests. Ongoing renovations have freshened up the interiors with wood-effect flooring, simple contemporary furniture, and (besides the inevitable scuffing) white walls. Reports suggest rooms are not always cleaned thoroughly and due to the nature of some guests' behavior, stains are common, even on bedding. All apartments open to balconies, with those higher than the fourth floor featuring sea views. Lounges come with wall-mounted 32-inch flat-screen TVs; a bar separates the kitchen areas, which include simple cooking facilities such as microwaves, hobs, and fridges. Safes are available for a fee, and there's no in-room Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are simple and modern, with walk-in showers, wall-mounted soap dispensers, and large mirrors, though no hairdryers. Apartments on lower floors are prone to noise from on-site bar and club, and all can suffer from noisy neighbors.

The hotel's main feature is its large swimming pool with whirlpool section, surrounded by spacious sun terraces that extend to a outdoor bar serving pre-mixed cocktails, ice cream, and snacks (some guests have complained of pricey drinks). There's no restaurant or dining room on-site, though just off reception is a small supermarket for food and drink. In the lobby is a program of animation and activities, which usually take place around the pool, but there is also information displayed about bar events and club nights. Opened in 2012, the Saints Bar is connected to the hotel and offers guests lively music, DJs, wet T-shirt competitions, and the chance to have a go at pole dancing. There's also a fitness room with exercise bikes, cross-trainers, and weights machines. Note: The swimming pool area is due for total renovation for the summer 2017 season.