Adult-only hotel with quiet, laid-back atmosphere
Short stroll from Santa Ponsa's sandy beach
Well-maintained rooms have flat-screen TVs and hairdryers
Most rooms have balconies or terraces, some with loungers
Simple breakfast buffet included in room rates
Swimming pool and bay-view decked sundeck
Contemporary bar with snack menu and poolside patio
Massage room on-site
Some rooms are small with poor views
Lack of soundproofing between rooms
Not suitable for guests with mobility problems
Fees for in-room safe and Wi-Fi
The adult-only Bon Repos is a lower-middle-range hotel with a relaxing vibe set in the south side of Santa Ponsa Bay. Though located in a quieter area of the resort, the sandy beach is just a few minutes away on foot and there are plenty of dining and nightlife options within walking distance. Its 55 bright rooms are clean and simply styled, with most opening to balconies or terraces -- some with loungers and partial bay views, but others overlooking a car park. There are also great vistas from the breakfast room terrace and poolside sundeck. Families should consider the Hotel y Apartamentos Casablanca next door, which has a larger swimming pool and similar rates.
Scene
Charming adult-only hotel with relaxed ambience
The Hotel Bon Repos first distinguishes itself with one of the resort's more tasteful-looking facades, featuring simple clean-lined architecture and pleasingly traditional touches such as wood-shuttered windows and terra-cotta tiling. Stepping inside, an eclectic reception area has a red-carpeted staircase, chalkboards with daily uplifting messages, golden Asian-inspired statues, and zebra-patterned cushions. While the general vibe is budget-like, the bar area was updated in 2014 with a cool, contemporary look. To the rear is a lovely two-tiered garden with tropical flora, a swimming pool, and wooden sun terrace with balustrades overlooking the resort and Santa Ponsa bay. As an adult-only hotel, the atmosphere is laid-back though buzzy, attracting a clientele that leans towards younger couples. Lots of steps and split-level layout mean the hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility problems.
Location
Three minutes' walk from beach, set on Santa Ponsa quieter south side
The hotel is located on a relatively quiet, semi-residential street just off the main road that runs through Santa Ponsa and along its beachfront. The south end of the sandy bay is less than five minutes away on foot, as are plenty of restaurants, bars, and mini-markets. Most of the area's nightlife is on the other side of the bay (around 10 minutes' walk away). For wilder partying, Magaluf is a 10-minute cab journey. There's also a small and quieter beach, Calo d'en Pellicer, about a 10-minute walk away. Ponsa's golf course and an archaeological park are both within a five-minute drive. The cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 30 minutes' drive away, as is the Palma de Mallorca Airport.
Rooms
Simple rooms with basic amenities, most with balconies or terraces
The hotel's 55 guest rooms are simply styled with light tones, terra-cotta tile floors, and basic modern furnishings, and while clean and well-maintained, some of the fittings feel a little dated. All upgraded and some Standard Rooms open to balconies or terraces, some with loungers, views over the resort, and glimpses of the bay; others overlook the neighboring hotel or car park. Rooms have air-conditioning, as well as flat-screen TVs (with a couple of English-speaking channels), old-style safes (for a fee), and Wi-Fi (also charged). Bathrooms tend to be on the small side, with shower cubicles, wall-mounted hairdryers, and soap and shampoo dispensers. Some guests have complained that soundproofing between rooms could be improved, and some rooms are on the small side.
Features
Outdoor swimming pool and sundeck with loungers and bay views
A simple continental breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in the hotel's simple, rustic dining room which extends to a lovely alfresco terrace with views over the resort. A more contemporary bar serves drinks (including a good range of cocktails) and snacks throughout the day, and offers a pool table, free Wi-Fi, and a poolside patio. The outdoor swimming pool is relatively large for the size of the property, and a tiered wood deck provides plenty of loungers and views toward the bay. Some evening entertainment is put on over the busier months, including live music and flamenco. A massage room is available, but there's no gym.