HM Gran Fiesta

The HM Gran Fiesta first stands out for its distinctive whitewashed facade of zigzagging balconies, while a rather cryptic artwork in the shape of a canoe positioned at its entrance also sets it a little apart from the norm. Inside, too, the hotel immediately impresses. A total makeover in 2015 has replaced any signs of the property's '70s origins, most notably in the lobby, which has been converted into a bright, stylish, and very modern space combining minimalist whites with Mediterranean accents and traditional Majorcan ikat patterning. Hanging light bulbs, eclectic artworks, and contemporary furnishings add to the stylish and on-trend vibe. While there's nothing in the way of gardens, the hotel extends to a spacious pool terrace fringed with palm trees and glass panels that allow for fine views to the sea. As with most hotels in the area, the majority of guests are German, with British, Dutch, and French making up the rest; the leaning is also toward couples rather than families, though expect some kids splashing around the pool over the school holidays. 

The hotel boasts a prime spot overlooking the bustling seafront promenade that runs the three-mile (five-kilometer) length of Playa de Palma beach. The surrounding Les Meravelles neighborhood is a pleasant and buzzy resort, filled with restaurants, bars, and tourist shops, largely aimed at the mostly German visitors. Families with kids have the Palma Aquarium, just 10 minutes' walk away, or Aqualand, about the same time by car. The location also puts Palma de Mallorca Airport within a 10-minute drive, and Palma itself is 15 minutes.

All 241 guest rooms have undergone renovations between 2015 and 2017, and have a fresh, contemporary feel with wood-veneer floors and simple modern furnishings. Sliding glass doors provide plenty of natural light and open to furnished balconies, each one with a sea view (though standard rooms are mostly side-on). Most upgraded rooms open to terraces with loungers and full-frontal views; two Junior Suites also have living areas with sofa beds. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes (for a charge). In-room Wi-Fi is also available, but for a fee per device. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, some semi-open-plan with basins in the sleeping area. They have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries that are a mix of soap dispensers and sachet.

Always included in the rate is a buffet breakfast, which is a quality spread that includes smoked salmon, fresh fruits, pots of tea, and cooked-to-order eggs. The main restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, served buffet-style with some show cooking and a good, if occasionally repetitive, choice of food. There are also two bars, including the street-front Beach Bar and another with a spacious terrace full of loungers. Summer sees nightly entertainment in the form of live music.The hotel's outdoor pool is large enough to rarely feel crowded, and it has a kiddy section; there's not enough loungers for all guests, but the proximity of the beach tend to mitigate this. Lack of an activities program means the pool area is quieter than most. There are also a small heated indoor pool with whirlpool section and a sauna, but no spa or gym facilities. Cyclists are particularly well-catered for with a large shop offering bike storage, servicing, and hire. 

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including themed nights and show cooking; mid-morning and afternoon snacks are also provided, as is ice cream throughout the day. National-brand beer, wine, spirits, cava, sangria, and a selection of cocktails are also covered (including alcohol-free), plus all tea, coffee, and soft drinks. The plan does not cover most cocktails and international-brand alcohol, or in-room safes and Wi-Fi. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are also available.