Gavimar Ariel Chico Club Resort

A traditional terra-cotta tile roof marks the entrance to the Gavimar Ariel Chico Club Resort and combines with a Balearic-style whitewashed facade to make for an attractive first impression. The hotel dates back to the early sixties, though renovations in 2014 transformed the lobby into a bright and modern space with a frosted glass front desk and comfy lounge corner with colorful hanging lights. However, the hotel as a whole feels a little uneven, and some spaces are more dated than others. Despite a few obvious cosmetic improvements, including fresh-looking paintwork, some of the grounds feel dated with weather-worn footpaths and terraces with cracked decking. The property comprises a collection of three-story blocks spread around four distinct areas, with each centered around a pool -- the largest is located across the road from the main building and hosts the lively entertainment program. The atmosphere is upbeat and unpretentious -- though not quite as buzzing as sister Gavimar Cala Gran Costa del Sur just around the corner -- with clientele made up of predominantly British (as well as some French and German) families accompanied by kids of all ages. Mobility impaired guests should be aware that some rooms and apartments are only accessible via narrow staircases.

The hotel is located in the center of Cala D'or, situated on Majorca's southeast coast and a popular resort destination characterized by low-rise, whitewashed buildings -- the vast majority hotels and vacation apartments. The road is lined with various souvenir shops, restaurants, and there's a mini-market just a couple minutes' walk away. The main Cala Gran beach is a five-minute walk away, while the smaller and prettier Playa Cala D'or is just under 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel is also a five-minute stroll from the village's pedestrianized commercial center, full of eateries, bars, and retail outlets. A train-shaped resort bus can be caught a block away and connects to various other parts of the town, including Cala Egos and Cala Ferrera. Palma de Mallorca Airport is just under an hour's drive away, while it's just a little longer to Palma's quaint Old Town.

The complex has 210 Double Rooms, Studio apartments, and One-Bedroom Apartments sleeping up to four guests. Apartments are decorated in a cheerful yet dated mix of colorful patterned fabrics, tiled floors, wood paneling, and basic wooden furniture; most of the Double Rooms, however, have benefitted from a 2014 makeover and have a more minimalist and contemporary finish. The latter include pops of bright colors and trendy blonde wood-veneer furniture that looks far more fresh than the larger units at the hotel. All have furnished balconies or terraces that overlook either a pool or the road -- the noisiest rooms face the street and entertainment stage opposite. Amenities are fairly basic, including remote-controlled air-conditioning, telephones, and either flat-screen TVs (in the Double Rooms) or small tube TVs with limited English-language options; in-room Wi-Fi is available but it's generally sluggish and costs extra. Safes come with a fee as well. Studios and apartments all provide kitchenettes with electric ranges, sinks, and fridges, though most lack electric kettles and some of the cookware is showing signs of age. Tiled bathrooms are functional, with shower/tub combos and basic toiletries. Rooms are cleaned daily, while apartments are only serviced three times a week.

The hotel has just one main dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the mostly all-inclusive clientele. Breakfast is the usual mix of scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages, plus fruits, yogurts, and toast; fried eggs and pancakes are freshly made at a cooking station, though juice and coffee comes from machines. Lunch and dinner tends toward cooked meats and fish, as well as salads and soup; quality is not outstanding, but adequate for most guests. Also covered in the all-inclusive plan are light meals like burgers and hotdogs served throughout the day in the snack bar across from the main building, while drinks are mostly available at self-pour stations and include passable wines, beer, and soft drinks (bar staff are usually on hand in the evening to mix cocktails). There are five swimming pools, three of which are a bit small and relatively quiet, while the main pool (Pool Ariel Chico) is large and offers poolside activities and a separate shaded splash pool for kids. Although plentiful, loungers are locked until a reasonable hour to avoid early-morning towel reservations. Evening entertainment comes in the form of parrot shows and musical numbers. Child-friendly facilities include a playground and a kids' club, and there's also a mini-golf course on-site (fee). A spa is open to guests with a sauna and whirlpool tub, though they must be reserved and a deposit is required. The hotel has a simple and spacious fitness room as well, with a few weight machines, cardio options, and hand weights. A sandy volleyball court and pool table are also available. Free Wi-Fi is available in some public areas, but in-room internet costs extra and is reportedly slow.