Hipotels Hipocampo Playa

Though one of a line of large, whitewashed properties that stretch along the coast, the Hipotels Hipocampo Playa Hotel stands out for its distinctive undulating balconies on the six-story building. Inside, the feel is traditional, due to a combination of colored marble, carved-wood paneling, and plenty of polished brass trim. Antique-style pieces such as gilded mirrors and large Asian-motif floor vases are pleasant, if a bit odd, decorations. While the hotel dates from the mid '80s, minor renovations in 2012 have kept it feeling well-maintained, with few signs of wear and several modernized areas. To the side of the hotel, its landscaped sun terrace is dotted with tropical plants and excellently manicured, though it can feel a little crowded in peak summer season. Clientele hail largely from Germany and are mostly couples, though families with kids are also present. 

The hotel has an enviable setting overlooking the middle of the long and picturesque sandy beach of Cala Millor. The immediate area is mostly quiet, though the buzzing resort center is just around a 10-minute walk away. Also, the famous Cafe del Sol music venue is only a few minutes away on foot and there are also a couple supermarkets within walking distance. The island capital of Palma is around an hour's drive away, as is the Palma de Mallorca Airport.

The hotel's 204 rooms are clean and spacious, with a mixture of slightly dated and more contemporary furniture, wood-veneer floors, and traditional-style lighting. All open to large, tiled balconies with decent seating and side or full-frontal sea views -- most of which are superb, with many encompassing the whole bay. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with very limited English-speaking channels), minibars (fee), and electronic safes (for a fee); there are no tea- and coffee-making facilities or room service. Wi-Fi is free with a decent connection in most rooms. Bathrooms are fully clad in marble, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-brand toiletries; bathrobes are also available for a daily fee. 

Guests rave about the quality and variety of the hotel's buffet breakfast, which includes cooked-to-order eggs and a champagne breakfast on Sundays. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are available as well. The dining room is spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking some gardens, and a poolside snack bar has an open-air terrace for lunch. A large indoor bar opens in the evening with a stage for live music and shows. There are also plenty of daytime entertainment and activities, though mostly aimed and children (and usually in German). A freeform swimming pool, although not huge, is big enough though the surrounding terrace can sometimes feel crowded. Children also have a separate splash pool and a playground. An indoor pool is also available, plus a whirlpool tub, sauna, spa offering massages, and small fitness room.