Cabau Aquasol

A jaunty sign, cheerful pastel pink facade, and balustrade balconies -- all fronted with tidy palm trees -- create a fairly attractive first impression of the Cabau Aquasol. Inside, the small reception area is finished in gray marble with copper trim and granite tops, with the addition of a jumble of tourist leaflets, information displays, and hotel promotions. A traditional-looking bar is on a mezzanine level, and just beyond is a spacious and sunny lounge area with skylights and glass sides that overlooks the pool. This is a relatively small and straightforward complex, with three connected four-floor apartment blocks that enclose the central sun terrace, swimming pool, and covered patio. Gardens are minimal, with the grounds dotted with a few palms and a strip of lawn. The property's mid-'80s origins are evident in some areas, thanks to some dated decor elements remaining and minor wear and tear. 

The vibe is friendly and lively, and the property attracts a wide range of ages; guests are a mixture of families, couples, and groups of vacationing friends (including some stag and hen parties). There are no elevators, so guests with specific mobility requirements should ensure in advance that they have ground-floor accommodation.

The hotel is situated overlooking a road in the popular tourist resort of Palmanova on the southwest corner of Majorca. It's a little set apart from much of the town's vibrant dining and nightlife, though there are still plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Also less than five minutes' walk away is the middle of the resort's three sandy beaches -- Playa de na Nadala -- and its beachfront promenade. The wild nightlife of neighboring Magaluf is also just about within walking distance, or a five-minute cab journey, where families can also find the child-friendly Katmandu Park. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are about a half-hour drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The 132 apartments have one, two, or three bedrooms and sleep between four and eight people. Updated elements include wood-effect floors, black-and-white photos, and Majorcan ikat curtains, and furniture is simple and modern. All apartments include open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen areas with fridges, microwaves, glass-top hobs, toasters, kettles, and up-to-date cookware. Sliding glass doors open to terraces or balconies with garden-style seating overlooking the pool area, road, or next door parkland. As well as sofa beds, lounges also include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a fair choice of English-speaking channels); Wi-Fi is available though not free. Bathrooms were all renovated in 2016 and feel fresh and modern, with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries with sea kelp extract. Even three bedroom apartments still have just one bathroom, though. Some apartments are prone to noise from late-night revelry from neighboring rooms.

Renovated in 2016, the Citrus Restaurant is the hotel's the main dining area and a pleasant, modern space with a small alfresco terrace. A buffet breakfast of the usual hot and cold items is served each morning, and has received mixed reviews from guests; it's also not always included in the rate. Dinner is also served buffet style (part from the half-board plan) with twice-weekly themed nights (Mexican and Majorcan) but no a la carte option. The poolside hut offers a good range of meals and snacks throughout the day, including the likes of pizza, homemade waffles, and a weekly barbecue. Drinks are on the pricey side, though there's a supermarket on-site where guests can buy groceries (to be consumed in apartments). An hour of Wi-Fi is free with the purchase of a drink, but otherwise incurs a fee per device. 

There's just one swimming pool on-site, though it's large enough for the number of guests and has a separate section for kids; sun loungers are plentiful. A twice-weekly, family-friendly pool party takes place (with DJs) as well as daily poolside animation. A supervised kids' club is available for ages 3 to 12 (parents have to attend for children under 3), and there's also a small playground and games room. An indoor stage also provides shows every evening with professional performers. There are no spa or fitness facilities.