Aparthotel Galeon Suites

The rather simple-looking signage marking the entrance to Galeon Suites seems incongruous with the rather fine, Mediterranean villa-style facade it inhabits. Stepping inside, a casual tone prevails. The bright yet jumbled reception area comprises a random mix of furniture -- tired-looking wicker seating and bizarre silver wingback chairs -- and artworks that range from children's scribbles to bold colorful landscapes. The motto of this family-owned and run aparthotel is "Feels like home," and the relaxed, patchwork feel to the place certainly has a certain homey charm. A subtle sea theme seems to be the only consistent, with a front desk panel filled with beach sand, and a corner cabinet displaying shells, broken amphorae, and other sea-scavenged treasures. There are polished marble floors throughout the property's three floors, and hallways and public areas are clean and well-maintained. Just off the lobby is a semi-shaded pool terrace, with plants cascading down high arched walls and direct access to the hotel's restaurant with views straight to the sandy beach. Clientele are an even mix of families with kids (more prevalent in the summer months) and vacationing couples; the property is also popular with cycling groups. It attracts plenty of repeat customers, and unlike many, it's open all year-round.

The hotel is located at the south end of Majorca's popular resort town of Port de Pollensa, in the northeast of the island at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. Set on the seafront road that stretches along much of the resort, a wide strip of sandy beach overlooking Pollensa bay's clear waters is just steps away. While there's an eatery just next door, the beachfront promenade lined with most of the resort's numerous restaurants starts a good 10- to 15-minute walk away. Around 20 minutes' drive 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 14 apartments come with one, two, or three bedrooms sleeping up to 10 guests. Interiors vary little between the units, combining marble floors with white, country-style furniture, traditional Majorcan ikat fabric designs, and fleur-de-lis decorative flourishes. Reports suggest not all apartments are maintained as thoroughly as they might be. Four front apartments feature large balustrade terraces with full sea-view panoramas, a few have balconies overlooking the street or pool area, and the rest have side sea views though no outdoor space. Spacious lounges include sofas, dining areas, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with range of U.K.-based channels), as well as excellent kitchen facilities that include washing machines, full-size fridge-freezers, ovens, and microwaves; kitchens are either in the living room or separate. Free Wi-Fi is available and while generally speedy, can be spotty in places. A welcome tray offers tea, coffee, juice, and bottled water. Bathrooms are clean, mostly with shower/tub combos (some walk-in showers), wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries.

A buffet breakfast is included in the standard rate and offers a decent enough mix of hot (eggs, bacon) and cold (cereals, fruit, yogurt) items, though no cooked-to-order options. The bright, sea-view restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, serving the usual mix of Majorcan dishes, tapas, and international favorites. A half-board rate is available with a three-option set menu and good quality food. A walled outdoor pool area offers somewhere to cool off and relax on a lounger, if not a proper swim, though the sea just opposite is particularly calm most of the year. Upstairs is a semi-covered rooftop spa area with sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool tub, opening onto a spacious terrace with loungers, daybeds, and views over the bay (and superb sunsets). Massage treatment and Pilates classes are also on offer. Cyclists have use of secure bike storage, workshop facilities, and showers. Although the property is popular with families, there are no kid-oriented facilities on-site.