Club Hotel Tropicana Mallorca

There are almost 25 acres of Mediterranean gardens at the Club Hotel Tropicana, which certainly makes it a change from the usual high-rise resort hotels found around Majorca. Coupled with the low-rise bungalows dotting the sprawling grounds, this feels more like a holiday village than a swish resort, and the atmosphere is buzzing, but low key. Its extensive grounds are brimming with olive trees, scented pines, and mature palms dotted around well-tended lawns that create a genuine feeling of being nestled among nature. Despite a minibus circling the complex, this can mean getting around requires plenty of leg work with the facilities some distance from the more remote accommodation. While the grounds are lovely, this all-inclusive property looks fairly dated -- in fact the vibe almost feels like a camp site. The whole complex slopes down a shallow valley towards the sea, with the main building providing some lovely views over the adjoining beach. With plenty of space for peace and quiet, as well as lots of child-friendly facilities, the property is popular with couples and families with kids.

Set in a shallow valley on the east coast of Majorca, the complex certainly has one of the more secluded locations on the island. While there's little within walking distance, the hotel has direct access to a lovely little sandy beach with a rocky headland. It's also a short five- to 10-minute drive to the handful of bars and restaurants in the Calas de Majorca resort center; the area is geared mostly towards families and there is not much in the way of nightlife. Felanitx is the nearest town, and is 20 minutes away by car. It has a traditional Sunday market selling local pottery and fresh produce, and the dramatic 14th-century Santueri Castle is also a 30-minute drive away. The airport is around one hour away by car, with Palma and its beautiful old town 15 minutes farther.  

The 356 rooms are spread around various one- and two-story blocks, all of which are similarly styled with dated pine furniture, textured walls, and patterned fabrics. In fact, the decor has a bit of grandma's house about it. Most interiors are showing signs of wear, and cheaper rooms tend to be located farther from reception and facilities. All open to furnished terraces that overlook the pool or garden (so expect a few bugs, especially at night), some with views of the surrounding valley. Aside from flat-screen TVs (with limited English-speaking channels) amenities are basic. Ceiling fans are the only way to cool the rooms, as there's no air-conditioning, and rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Mini-fridges and hairdryers must be rented, and there's a deposit to use safes. Paid Wi-Fi is also restricted to rooms close to the reception and restaurant areas. Bathrooms are basic, with shower cubicles and simple toiletries, and could use a refresh.

There are a ton of features and activities packed into this resort. The restaurant is decorated in country style, with knotted pine and plaid fabrics, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, with some live cooking at each. While not outstanding, most agree food is decent, and there's plenty of variety. There's also a pizzeria and a snack bar that opens to a spacious sea-view terrace; a lounge bar offers evening entertainment in the form of staff shows, as well as a dedicated theater for nighttime performances. Although there's just one pool on the property, it's certainly big enough, especially with the beach so close. An animation program is put on throughout the day by an enthusiastic team, with a emphasis on child-friendly activities. Children also have a kids' club, games rooms, mini-golf, and a playground. There's a wide range of sports facilities on-site including archery, canoeing, and three tennis courts. While there's plenty of fitness classes put on, there's no gym or spa facilities on-site.

The all-inclusive plan covers buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, with show cooking and twice-weekly themed buffet nights. Snacks in the form of ice-cream and cakes are served in the afternoon, as well as some light meals in the bar. Spanish-brand alcoholic and international soft drinks are also covered (until midnight) and include a decent premixed cocktail list. All entertainment, sports facilities, and kids' club are also included. In-room hairdryers and mini-fridges incur an extra charge, as does Wi-Fi coverage, which is really only reliable in public areas like reception and the restaurant.