Hobby Club Apartments

Hobby Club Apartments is tucked away down a side street and at the end of a no thoroughfare road. A smart, bamboo-lined portico leads arrivals into an airy, open-sided reception area where the property's 2016/17 inside-and-out renovation is immediately evident. Loosely themed around a beach house aesthetic, the space has turquoise-glazed tiles, natural wood decking, jute rugs and bamboo hanging chairs. A smell of natural wood and wicker hung in the air during our visit. This all-apartment complex comprises little beyond a few three-story whitewashed blocks centered around a sunny and pleasant pool terrace -- also freshly updated and lined with trees, lawns, and tidy hedges. With no noisy poolside animation and somewhat minimal facilities, the property is quiet and laid-back. A gate leads directly out to the seafront promenade, and across a lightly-trafficked road is the resort's long and wide sandy beach. The hotel attracts mostly families with kids over the summer break, and more couples of various ages either side, almost all of which hail from the UK. 

The hotel is located toward the south end of Majorca's popular resort town of Port de Pollensa, on the northeast part of the  island at the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Set on the seafront road that stretches along much of the resort town, the hotel is just across the street from a wide strip of sandy beach and the Bay of Pollensa's clear waters. While there are a few restaurants within a short stroll, the resort center's marina, pine-shaded promenade, and most of the town's dining is a 25-minutes walk (or five to 10 minute drive) away. Around a 20-minute drive away is the unspoiled beach of Formentor, and stunning views from the headland beyond. Palma -- with its beautiful old town -- can be reached in just under an hour by car, as can Palma de Mallorca Airport.

The complex has 54 one-bedroom apartments, all updated in 2016/17 with a clean and contemporary finish. The subtle beach house theme continues, with wicker lampshades, natural wood paneling, parquet floors, and a breezy combination of white, gray, and turquoise. All extend to balconies or terraces, most of which have some kind of sea view. Six Premium apartments feature fabulous rooftop terraces with double daybeds, whirlpool tubs, showers, and spectacular panoramic views along the coast. All units sleeps up to four guests (two adults and two children).Air-conditioned living rooms combine lounge areas with sofa beds, dining furniture, and kitchenettes with microwaves, fridges, toasters, kettles, coffee makers, and electric ranges. There are 42-inch flat-screen TVs, lounge, and smaller ones in bedrooms. Bathrooms are spotless, with modern amenities that includes walk-in showers with rainfall and directional showerheads, plus wall-mounted hairdryers and hotel-brand toiletries. Wi-Fi is free of charge and with a strong signal throughout, plus there's a few UK-based TV channels. 

With no restaurant, evening entertainment, activities program, spa or fitness facilities, the Hobby Club Apartments is certainly stripped down to the basics. What they do have is a lovely long swimming pool, with semi-submerged loungers, and a section for kids. There are plenty loungers with Tiki-style umbrellas and a trio of Bali beds (not reservable), but pool towels must be rented. A lobby bar offers a simple drinks menu with chips and ice cream. Leisure facilities are limited to a pool table, bike rental, and a small playground. A decent supermarket selling a good range of groceries can be found just next door, while guests also receive a modest discount at the restaurant of sister Hotel Romantico a few minutes' walk away. Units have housekeeping three times per week. Wi-Fi is free throughout.