Cristina Villas Apartments

Although Cristina Apartments is a budget property, its common areas make it look far snazzier. The lobby has a flat-screen TV, two modern Internet terminals, tasteful artwork, contemporary recessed lights, and a large digital photo frame. The grounds are impressively landscaped, with towering palm trees, green lawns, and colorful flowers dotting the entryways of each apartment. Set up like little cottages around the pool, the layout of the apartments conveys a cozy, congenial feel that i's unusual in resort-dominated Mallorca. The dining areas are cheery, with wicker chairs and a banner of flags from around the world surrounding a stage where the hotel's entertainment team stages regular performances. As this property is not an all-inclusive, the dining areas don't get as crowded, and there doesn't seem to be such a mad dash to consume. 

The biggest drawback of the Cristina Apartments is that they're located in a quieter, removed neighborhood, a 15-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the center of town. Aside from a supermarket, there isn't much in terms of shopping, dining, or entertainment in the immediate area, but some appreciate getting to stay in a more low-key neighborhood surrounded by greenery and mountains. There is plenty of free parking, and renting a car is a good idea, especially for those wanting to visit the Drach Caves of Porto Cristo and the picturesque coves of Arta, all of which are a 20-minute drive away. The Palma Airport is a one-hour drive west of the hotel. 

Cristina offers Studios, One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments, and three-bedroom, two-bath Villas that can sleep up to eight people. Apartments have basic cedar furniture, tile floors, and thin bedspreads, but everything is kept in good, clean condition. Kitchens have granite countertops with small induction stoves as well as microwaves, toasters, electric kettles, and cabinets full of plates, pots, and pans. Higher-floor apartments have great views of the surrounding mountains, and ground-floor balconies are surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, including rose bushes.

Cristina Apartments offer a variety of activities for children, including a kids' pool, a sandy playground, a small soccer pitch, and an arcade room. The Mini Bingo's clubhouse is stocked with paint and supplies for arts and crafts and in the evenings, a lively animation team provides entertainment for all ages. For adults, there's a large swimming pool at the center of the hotel that's surrounded by lounge chairs. There's also a well-stocked supermarket on-site selling imported British groceries along with a few local cheeses, wines, and produce. There's also a restaurant on-site as well as a bar with a huge variety of beers and spirits.