HSM Calas Park

The Apartments HSM Calas Park's drab and unattractive entrance might have once passed for modern, but it's unlikely to get arriving guests too excited now. The lobby area is bright and minimalist -- if a little sterile -- with a pyramid skylight set above a centerpiece of palm and yucca plants. The property is set into the hillside, and the entrance and reception are on the upper levels of the complex; three tiered rows of apartment blocks end at a pool terrace overlooking rocky coast. While the buildings look tired and weather-worn, they are divided by well-tended gardens -- which include turtle ponds -- connected by terra-cotta tile footpaths, and lots of steps (so those with mobility problems should steer clear). This all-inclusive hotel has certainly seen better days with most of the look and feel rooted in its '80s origins.The property is mostly popular with families (mostly from Germany, Britain, and Poland). Regular poolside activities and evening entertainment keep things fun, lively, and relaxed, and the cliff-top setting offers some spectacular sea-view panoramas.

The hotel's setting is perhaps its best feature. It is set into a hillside with superb sea views that slopes down to a clifftop footpath overlooking the Mediterranean. The resort destination itself (Calas de Mallorca) is on the east coast of the island and one of the more remote -- Palma de Mallorca Airport is at least an hour's drive away. Much of resort feels tacky and tired, and practically a ghost town out of season, although otherwise well-served in terms of bars, restaurants, and shops -- all within easy reach of the hotel on foot. The nearest beach is Calas Domingos, a five-minute walk away, though it's not particularly big and can be very crowded in high season.

The hotel's 136 one-bedroom apartments are simple, clean, and bright with rather dated wooden furniture, coordinating fabrics, and tiled floors. All open to spacious balconies or terraces, around half of which have at least partial sea views. Those overlooking the pool have superb panoramas, however they are also prone to noisy evening entertainment. Living areas have small flat-screen TVs and two sofa beds (that can sleep up to two extra children), plus dining furniture, and simple kitchenettes with electric hobs, fridges, and cookware. Bathrooms are well-maintained and have shower/tub combos (with clingy curtains) and basic toiletries, though no hairdryers. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee, though reports suggest coverage and connection are very poor.

Comprising three interconnected circles, the large swimming pool is certainly the main focus of the complex. While featuring some of the best panoramic sea views, the surrounding sun terrace is scruffy and weather-worn, and guests complain about a shortage of sunbeds (leading to the inevitable towel reservations by early risers). An enthusiastic animation team provides plenty of energy, and a poolside bar serves ice cream, slushies, cocktails, and other drinks throughout the day. A spacious dining room is open for buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the consensus is quality is not outstanding but perfectly adequate (if a little repetitive). An outdoor stage puts on evening entertainment that includes the likes of parrot shows and -- often cheesy -- musical numbers.

The all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some live cooking stations but no a la carte options. Snacks are served at selected times between meals and include ice cream and sandwiches. Spanish draft beer, wine, and spirits, and international soft drinks are also covered. Cocktails and non-alcoholic slushy drinks are available from dispenser machines. All entertainment and the kids' club are also covered. In-room Wi-Fi is not included, though it is free around reception.