Bahia del Sol Hotel

Managed by German hotel group Seetel Hotels, the property caters mostly to the German tourist, with Central European meal schedules and native German-speaking staff. A striking round colonnade with white wrought-iron benches and a gurgling stone fountain in the center marks the entrance to the hotel, while the sliding glass doors opening onto the lobby are shaded by a cute, arched tunnel lined with trees and white wooden seating. The reception area is mostly quiet, as it offers little aside from two small seating areas with black wicker furniture and two computers. The lobby has brown-and-off-white checkered floors that feel elegant if a little old-fashioned, but beige stone accent walls and the front desk’s wave-inspired design are modern touches that add some texture. The bar and the restaurant have classic decor with plush carpets in dark blues and greens and lots of wood accents. During the springtime, the hotel tends to draw cyclists, so guests should be prepared to encounter large groups at certain times. 

The hotel is located on a two-way street lined with casual cafes and bars. There are a few shops selling beach gear and souvenirs within a couple of blocks, and a bus stop can be found right outside the main entrance. Santa Ponsa’s main beach is just a couple of blocks away, and cute Caló d’en Peciller cove is about a five-minute walk from the property. The marina is home to several companies offering water sports and can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. Palma and the airport are each a 20- to 25-minute drive away.

Spread across two buildings, rooms at Bahía del Sol can be hit or miss. Most have contemporary decor in whites, blacks, and earth tones with a few cute aquamarine accents. Others, however, have simple wooden furniture, thin bedspreads with '80s-style patterns, and worn bathroom taps. Plastic garbage bins and shower curtains feel cheap. Many rooms have large windows opening onto balconies furnished with a couple of chairs -- but a few face a brick wall and don’t get much light. Each Family Room has two beds and a double sofa bed, and all units have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes (for a fee), and central air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Bathrooms are basic with white walls and beige tile, and shower/tub combos. 

The pool is large and pleasant, with Bali beds, a kiddy section separated from the main area by a safety fence, and a bar with outdoor seating. There are also a couple dozen loungers, but with 209 rooms (some of which can sleep up to four adults) seating is always a scarce commodity. An additional indoor pool can be found at the spa, which also houses a whirlpool, a sauna, and treatment cabins in a Moroccan-inspired space with dim lighting. The restaurant has a pleasant glass-enclosed area as well as an indoor space with classic decor, but food generally gets poor reviews. There are two on-site options for drinks: the bar, which offers seasonal entertainment and has poolside seating, or a rooftop area with expansive views and loungers. The hotel also has a sunny fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines, a kids’ club complete with a playground, and a bike shop offering bike rentals and cycling gear. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.