Globales Samoa

Shaped like a giant snowman, the pool is the nucleus around which everything at the Hotasa Hotel Samoa operates. Guests should expect crowds and children everywhere, but a cheerful, if not slightly chaotic environment. There's a small kiddy pool next to the main one and getting a lounger is rarely a problem. Drinks from the all-inclusive come in plastic glasses, which are littered about the terraces where people always seem to be lining up -- for snacks, drinks, and meals. The environment feels like it's all about lounging and endless consumption on the all-inclusive. Decor matters little in such a setting, and is basic throughout the hotel: beige tile floors, patio-style furniture, neutral walls, and little to nothing in the way of accessories. A kid-friendly hotel, the Samoa is popular with families and offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities for children and adults. 

The biggest drawback to this hotel's location is that it's a trek from the airport -- anywhere from an hour-and-a-half to four hours, depending on whether guests rent a car, take a bus, or book a private transfer. It is located in a nice area of Mallorca though, just a three- to five-minute walk from a small inlet with sand, a swimmable beach, and good snorkeling options. Like the hotel's pool, the beach gets crowded and feels commercial -- there are drinks and snacks for sale, as well as the option to rent paddle boats and book boat excursions. Directly across from the hotel are several shops selling basic groceries and souvenirs, as well as a car rental office, which comes in handy. The lovely areas of Santanyí and Porto Cristo -- home to the famous Drach Caves -- are both about a 20- to 30-minute drive away, and well worth a visit. 

The rooms at the Hotel Samoa aren't grand, but are acceptable for a mid-range property. The furniture is simple and a quirky shade of teal wood, but it's cheerful. Beds have dated, floral bedspreads, and are often quite hard. The bathrooms feel more luxurious, with their surprisingly modern, spotless tiles and big shower/tub combos. Each room has a small balcony outfitted with plain white patio furniture; some of the Standard Rooms on higher floors overlook the pool, and beyond it, there are nice views of the ocean. The rooms have air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Guests must pay a deposit for air-conditioning, but it's refunded on departure. 

The Samoa is equipped to service the basic needs of couples and families seeking a no-frills vacation near the beach. Pool loungers, which are a hot commodity in Mallorca, are plentiful, though the lines do pile up in the restaurant and bar areas, especially in peak summer months. Between arcade games, a pool table, a sandy soccer pitch, a playground, and clubhouse, kids are kept busy; there are also nicely maintained tennis courts for the adults. The animation staff provides a lively and diverse schedule of entertainment options, though the food at the hotel can be repetitive and not of the best quality, even for an all-inclusive of this caliber. Wi-Fi is available for a fee in public areas, and there are computers available for guest use in the lobby.