Blue Sea Costa Verde

While the garden fronting the Blue Sea Costa Verde is a pleasant combination of mature pines, palm trees, and tidy lawns, the drab 1970s block that houses the hotel beyond is less than inspiring. Its last renovation was over a decade ago and it shows, with most of the interiors a tired mix of dreary dark-wood, dated tiling, and last-century furnishings. Corridors are clean though characterless and dimly-lit in places, while common areas such as the lobby bar and reading room are low on atmosphere. A relatively small property, its 124 guest rooms are spread over four floors, accessible by two aged elevators. The hotel is mostly populated by British tourists, with Germans, Spaniards, and Scandinavians making up most of the rest. Older couples make up the majority of the clientele, though expect more families with kids over the summer months.

The hotel's location is quiet but set away from the action. Still, it's only about a 10-minute walk from the bustling resort center of El Arenal and sandy beach. Buses are also available for transport to the beach. The surroundings are mostly residential apartment blocks, though there are a handful of restaurants within walking distance. The biggest plus is its proximity to Aqualand El Arenal, just a few minutes' walk away, which the hotel has a deal with (pay for one-day entry and get a week). Easy access to the freeway also means the charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 15 minutes' drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport even less.

Old-fashioned keys open doors to equally dated-looking guest rooms (though oddly cards are still necessarily for turning on lights and sockets). Decor is typically an underwhelming mix of simple green wood furniture, tile or terrazzo floor, and white textured walls. While the overall look and feel is basic and budget, cleanliness is good and we saw little evidence of wear. All beds are twin and there are extra bunk beds in family rooms. All double rooms have small balconies overlooking the front garden, pool, or directly to surrounding blocks (most single rooms lack outdoor space). Amenities are similarly simple, with either small old tube-style or 32-inch flat-screen TVs, old key-lock safes (for a fee), and no mini-fridges. International TV channels are minimal and in-room Wi-Fi is available for a per-device charge. Cooling is provided by air-conditioning units and/or ceiling fans. Traditional bathrooms are well-maintained, with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos (with the dreaded clingy shower curtains) and sachet toiletries; hairdryers are available on request.

The hotel's dining room is located in the basement, where a shortage of natural light combines with '70s-style decor. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with the usual continental items plus either bacon or sausage and scrambled eggs. Lunch and dinner are also served buffet-style with some live cooking, and food quality can generally be described as adequate. A stainless-steel snack bar opens for high season in the garden, offering drinks and light meals, as well as a canopied terrace area. A lobby bar is also open all day (during peak times), with a small stage for children's shows and karaoke, though some complain it closes too early. The outdoor swimming pool is a decent size and has a separate section for kids, but it can get crowded. Poolside loungers have also seen better days and could use replacing. For kids, there are a small playground with a slide and swings and a fairly repetitive animation program. Evening entertainment can include live music, dance, and bingo. Sports facilities comprise worn-out looking ping-pong and pool tables. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in and around the reception area.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as some snacks served in the garden bar. A selection of branded soft drinks and national alcoholic beverages are covered, including Spanish beer, generic brand spirits, and wine from a dispenser. In-room Wi-Fi and safes are not included and are chargeable. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are also available.