Aparthotel Flora

The easy-to-miss entrance of the Aparthotel Flora is tucked between a collection of palm trees, bushes, and hedgerow that line the front of this whitewashed apartment complex. Stepping inside, the scarcity of natural light in the reception area adds to the dated look of some aspects, including concrete pillars and peach-toned walls. Furnishings, however, feel more contemporary and steel railings, marble floors, and glass paneling are all kept polished and clean. A stairwell spirals up to a brighter level (thanks to a skylight) and the first cluster of apartments. Past the front desk and bar lounge, the restaurant terrace overlooks the pool area -- the hub of the property. Eight apartment buildings surround terra-cotta tile sun terraces, and each is named after a tree or flower and three stories high (there are no elevators). Two accommodation blocks are located off-site. While occupying barely half an acre, the gardens are pleasant with plenty of colorful flowers, sculpted shrubbery, and a few ancient olive trees. This is a small complex, and can feel crowded around the pool during peak season, mostly with vacationing families (predominantly from the U.K.).

The hotel is located in a peaceful, semi-residential neighborhood in Majorca's popular resort town of Puerto Pollensa, in the northeast area of the island at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. It's set a couple blocks or a five-minute walk from the beachfront Pine Walk promenade, which runs the length of the town and is lined with numerous restaurants. There's also a supermarket just opposite the hotel selling groceries. Around a 20-minute drive away is the unspoiled beach of Formentor, and stunning views from the headland beyond. Palma, with its beautiful old town, can be reached in just under an hour by car, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The complex has 108 largely identical one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four guests. Decor is simple and modern with wood-veneer floors, coordinating blue patterned fabrics, and sea-themed photo artworks. Units have living areas with two sofas (that can be converted into single beds), small dining areas, and kitchenettes with electric hobs, kettles, fridges, and microwaves. The 32-inch flat-screen TVs include a good range of English-speaking channels. All units also have small balconies or terraces with plastic furnishings, most of which have pool views (though the rest overlook the road, and none have sea views). Bathrooms are clean and modern with walk-in showers with rainfall heads, sachet toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Wi-Fi is not free of charge in rooms and some reports suggest it can be slow, though it was decent speed during our visit. Due to the lack of elevators, it is recommended for guests with special mobility requirements to request ground-floor apartments.

While not huge, the swimming pool is large enough and there is a separate splash pool for kids, though the water can be chilly and the surrounding terrace gets crowded over peak season. An animation team puts on activities for children, and there's a mini-club every afternoon. Various excursions, classes, and live music are available for adults. Evening entertainment is nightly though mostly very average. There's also a small playground and a games room with video games, pinball, and a pool table. Free Wi-Fi is available around the reception and bar area. The casual restaurant serves quality, reasonably priced food for all three meals (during our visit, a pre-fixe three-course meal was €10). With so many restaurant options nearby, however, most guests dine off-site at least some of the time.