BQ Belvedere Hotel

As the largest building in the area, the BQ Belvedere Hotel is certainly hard to miss. And before even entering the nine-story, T-shaped property, guests can survey the extensive lawns, gardens, and sun terrace scattered with a multitude of holiday-makers of all ages sunbathing, snoozing, and splashing around the huge pool. With plenty of brown marble and some dated wooden paneling, elements of the lobby do give away the hotel's 1970s origins. But a major renovation in 2012 (when it joined the BQ brand) modernized much of the common areas, and a more recent makeover updating once-tired furnishings. With 414 guest rooms in all, numbers do swell to the thousand-plus at peak season when even the five modern elevators can struggle to keep up. Although the plan is optional, the property has the feel of an unpretentious -- but not uninviting -- all-inclusive resort hotel. While attracting a fair share of vacationing couples, it is mainly family-focused with most (but not all) guests hailing from the UK.

While you'd expect a large resort hotel of this ilk to be lining the beachfront of one of the popular resorts, the BQ Belvedere's location has a rather more out-of-the-way feel. The property is set in a largely residential neighborhood, fringed by pine woodland and with very little in typical tourist-friendly facilities in the immediate surrounds. The nearest beach is the sandy cove of Cala Mayor, a 10- to 15-minute walk downhill, is where there's also some nightlife and dining, though some struggle with the return journey. Free buses to and from the larger beaches in Palmanova leave regularly, as well as those to the capital Palma -- both are roughly a 15-minutes drive away. Located just off the main coast motorway, it's also just 15 to 20 minutes by car to Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

With identically underwhelming decor comprising dated wood furniture, patterned fabrics, and beige tiled floors, few will be wowed by any of the 414 guestrooms. With the largest coming in at 160 square feet (15 square meters) their size is also unlikely to impress. What does, however, are the view from higher levels, with rooms from the sixth floor and above opening to balconies with fabulous view over the Bay of Palma. In the other direction they look out toward dramatic pine-covered hills, with lower rooms directly overlooking the pool. While the pool area can be noisy during the day, there's little in the way of street noise, with only disturbances coming occasionally from other guests. Although TVs have been updated to flat-screen 23-inch models (with lots of UK-based channels), safes are old fashioned (and for-fee), and mini-fridges are only available on request (and are also charged). Wi-Fi too is generally not free of charge (depending on tour operator) and don't expect anywhere near video streaming bandwidth. All agree room air-conditioning is effective, even on hottest days. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries from sachets and dispensers. 

Most of the hotel is focused on its extensive outdoor space, with the centerpiece being a long, lagoon-style swimming pool lined with an abundance of loungers that are also scattered around surrounding lawns. The pool also features two large whirlpool areas, a kids' section, and two poolside bars -- one with self-serve drinks for all-inclusive guests. A daily animation program includes activities like darts, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and cocktail games, plus evening entertainment such as parrot shows and live music on the outdoor stage. A free mini-club keeps the over-fours entertained, plus there's a large children's pool, a colorful playground, and a games room with video games and pool.Most meals take places in the clean and well-maintained, though rather dated dining room, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus late-night snacks. Breakfast is full and varied, and always included in the rate. Lunch and dinner always include fish, meat, and veggie dishes, and though live cooking is very limited, quality is decent enough for this level of hotel. AI guests also have use of self-service drinks machines. A pizzeria and snack bar can be found poolside along with ice-cream dispensers. There are no real spa or health facilities, though massage services are available for a fee. Secure bike storage is also available for cyclists, and on-site parking is free and plentiful. Other practical amenities include a mini-market, bike rental, and an on-site hairdressers. Wi-Fi doesn't always come as standard.