Hipotels Bahia Grande

Housed in two angular buildings painted in shades of white and cream, this three-pearl property from the Spanish Hipotels chain doesn't quite live up to its brand name. In fact, the dated interiors here are the opposite of hip. Outdoors, things are fine enough for the many sun worshippers who pass through. Inside, though, white marble floors and cream-colored walls and columns make the lobby feel bright and spacious, while striped, crimson and cream sofas and armchairs provide seating. Glass coffee tables and chrome planters sprouting greenery look like remnants from the '80s, and patterns and fabrics throughout are dated as well. Common areas are bland and not very stylish, but they're clean and sunlit, providing pleasant spaces to lounge. However, most guests congregate outdoors. Trim green lawns dotted with trees and flowers surround the property, whose grounds include a lovely, large pool where most guests convene to lounge and sunbathe. The property draws both families and couples, mainly tourists from Northern Europe -- the majority of guests are German and British.

The hotel is situated close to the beach -- the shore is under a five-minute walk away -- in Cala Millor, a popular tourist area in Mallorca. This is a convenient location that's within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and there are two supermarkets that are a 10-minute walk away. The picturesque Castillo de sa Punta de n'Amer, a 17th-century watchtower, is a 20-minute walk away. Other attractions include Safari Zoo and the Pula Golf Course, both about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Drach Caves of Porto Cristo and the picturesque coves of Arta are about a 20-minute drive away or a half-hour via public transportation (there are bus stops about a two-minute walk from the hotel). Central Palma and the Palma Airport are both a one-hour drive away, or about two hours by public transportation.

The hotel offers Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments, that are bright and clean, but fairly dated. While much of the mid-tone wooden furniture has clean, modern lines, it's the color palette, fabrics, and small details that diminish the look. Hues include cream and mustard or brown, and everything from the frumpy bedspreads to the heavy curtains and bland floral wall art create a look that's not exactly fresh. One-Bedroom Apartments have separate living rooms with two sofa beds, dining tables, and kitchenettes with sinks, stovetops, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and electric kettles. Studios also have kitchenettes, as well as smaller dining tables included in their one-room layout. They are both reasonably spacious, with Studios offering 30 square meters of floor space (323 square feet). All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi, but the use of safes incurs an extra charge. Each room also has a balcony furnished with a table and chairs, with views of the sea or palm-dotted surroundings. Surprisingly, bathrooms are sleek and modern, with attractive white and gray tiling, shower/tub combos, and large white marble countertops that provide plenty of storage space and are topped with a small vase of flowers -- a sweet touch. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Bathrooms in the One-Bedroom Apartments are a bit larger and also have bidets.

This highlight here is the hotel's outdoor pool, which is offers plenty of umbrella-shaded loungers on the surrounding sundeck -- though it can get a bit crowded in the high season. The hotel also has a kids' pool, as well as a small heated indoor pool. Guests can also lounge on the nearby beach, a lovely stretch of sand that's about a five-minute walk away and offers sunbeds shaded by thatched umbrellas for guests' use.The hotel's buffet restaurant offers a variety of choices and the food generally gets good reviews, plus there are live cooking stations for made-to-order items. Breakfast can be included in rates, and both all-inclusive and half-board plans are available. Alfresco meals and drinks are also offered at the poolside snack bar.The hotel's fitness room is a bit small, but there's a handful of modern cardio and weight-training machines available. Families are catered to with a kids' club with toys and games -- but the outdoor facilities are limited to a swing set and small slide. All day entertainment includes games, competitions, evening shows, and live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Bike rentals, car rentals, and airport transfers can all be arranged.