Globales Pionero

Hotel Globales Pionero differentiates itself from the competition -- a bit -- on arrival, as the sprawling, beige concrete building with white balconies has a lovely entranceway trellis draped in green vines and colorful bougainvillea. The busy lobby is bright and pleasant overall, with wood-paneled walls, a wooden front desk, and gleaming beige floors. However, the dated couches with tropical prints in red and dark moss-green are just the first signs of what's to come in rooms. The hotel has received several facelifts throughout the years, but the old-fashioned feel remains despite the fresh coats of paint and polished floors. Pale grey tiles and simple wooden chairs in the restaurant feel a tad drab for a hotel that markets itself as a luxury property, and the pool area, while pleasant during the off-peak season, is overcrowded during the summer months, with a couple dozen bright-blue loungers placed side by side and little space to move around. Guests are mainly couples and families with kids, many from Northern European countries seeking bright sun and easygoing beach days. 

The hotel is located on a narrow one-way street lined with small shops selling beach gear and souvenirs, and a few casual bars and cafes. The main drag is just a short walk away, and Santa Ponsa’s main beach, a long stretch of sand with pedalos, loungers, and straw umbrellas for rent, is just down the street, about five minutes' walk. There are two other small coves a 15-minute walk from the property, and water sports are available at the marina, located just over five minutes away by car. Palma and the airport can be reached in 20 to 25 minutes by car.

The Globales Pionero offers Standard Rooms that can sleep between one and three guests. Each unit is clean and sunny with large windows opening onto a balcony with white plastic furniture and a drying rack, but most are tight when the room is at full capacity. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges (which require keycards), ceiling fans, and air-conditioning are all standard amenities. Decor is a little bland and dated, with simple wooden furniture, thin off-white bedspreads, small generic prints above the beds, and a couple of burnt-orange accents in curtains and armchairs. Smallish bathrooms have shower/tub combos, old-fashioned beige terrazzo countertops, and arrays of toiletries. The hotel offers 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi daily per room, and there is a fee for use of the in-room safe.

The Pionero has two restaurants: an average buffet that can get repetitive after a few meals, and a pizzeria with outdoor seating. The main bar shares the space with the buffet, and has a large stage for nightly entertainment, and dozens of armchairs and tables. Additionally, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in a shaded area by the pool. The pool itself is somewhat small for a hotel this size, and complaints about the lack of loungers and the cramped deck are common. A solarium located a few steps above the pool offers additional seating and a quieter atmosphere. Although the hotel does not have a full spa, there is a wellness area offering a heated indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna. Additionally, all guests get access to the hotel’s sister properties’ facilities, including a kids’ club (for ages five and up), two other pools, and a tennis court, all located next door. However, note that food and drinks can only be ordered at the Pionero, which will not always be convenient. Half-board options are available, and the full-board all-inclusive option includes buffet meals and drinks (mainly local liquors and beers, plus soft drinks and cocktails), snacks, and afternoon coffee and desserts.