Globales Playa Santa Ponsa

With its pastel peach and magnolia, geometric low-rise facade stretching almost the length of the block, the outside of the Hotel Globales Playa Santa Ponsa is certainly distinctive. Step inside, however, and decor reverts to the usual '60s-era norms, with the typical combination of wood paneling, brass accents, and stone tile floors. The property was built in 1968, and many of the public areas were given a makeover in 2015 that, while not particularly modern, provided some polish. The pool terrace extends along the length of the hotel's exterior, surrounded by lawns and scruffy plant life. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with the enthusiastic animation staff keeping the energy up through most of the day. 

The hotel is just a two-minute walk from the stunning white sand of Santa Ponsa Beach on Majorca's southwestern coast. Within a five- to 10-minute walk are a range of lively bars, tourist shops, and restaurants. Options range from international fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King to traditional Spanish tapas restaurants and Italian pizzerias. Golf Santa Ponsa golf course is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Marineland Mallorca, with its dolphin and sea lion shows, and extensive aquariums, is a 10-minute drive. The infamous party resort of Magaluf is just a five-minute taxi ride away. The island's buzzing capital, Palma, is a 20-minute drive. Palma de Mallorca Airport is a little farther at around 25 minutes in the car. 

Generally, the decor in the 209 rooms is unremarkable. (Picture wood veneer furniture and worn carpeting.) Some rooms do look a little fresher, with tiled floors, and country-style furnishings, and reports suggest overall cleanliness is excellent. Old tube-style TVs have been swapped out for flat-screens, though dated safes remain and cost a fee to use, as do minibars and Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans come as standard. All rooms open to furnished balconies, some overlooking the pool and surrounding mountains, others overlooking the road or neighboring buildings. The tight bathrooms provide small shower cubicles, wall-mounted hairdryers, and soap/shampoo dispensers. 

Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style in the hotel's bright and clean dining room. Both meals are covered in the standard half-board rate; those on all-inclusive packages have to take lunch at the pizzeria at a sister hotel just down the road. Food is generally typical for this type of hotel -- largely adequate though it can get repetitive. There's also a bar indoors serving drinks. This is also where guests are offered evening entertainment, mostly in the form of live music, quizzes, and bingo. The hotel's outdoor pool is a good size for an early morning swim and there's a separate splash pool for kids. Snagging a sun lounger isn't generally a problem, and trees and parasols provide shade. The entertainment team is mainly focused on the kids during the day with activities like face painting and pool games. Archery and dance lessons are also available, plus there are three sports courts: tennis, volleyball, and football.