Hotel Cala Ferrera

Location is the highlight of this budget hotel, which offers gorgeous, lush views over the bay and surrounding coastline. Beyond the pretty vistas, however, the hotel tends to disappoint many previous guests -- and didn't look all that appealing to us, either. Last refurbished in 2001, the property shows its age and is due for an update -- but at least interiors are clean. There's not much going on decor-wise; the lobby's tile flooring matches the beige-hued stone accent walls, simple wooden furnishings, and brown couches, while the restaurant and bar are also nondescript. Common gripes include criticism of the food and extra charges for an assortment of amenities such as use of in-room safes and TV remote deposits. It tends to attract an even mix of holidaying couples and families from the U.K. and northern Europe. Animation staff is on hand to try and perk things up, though the lack of children's entertainment leaves some families bummed out.

The hotel is located in the resort town of Cala D'or, a popular destination for tourists, and there are several other hotels in the immediate area. The hotel's location is a high point, offering gorgeous views over the bay, and it's a 15-minute walk away from Cala Gran, the town's main beach. Playa Cala D'or can be reached in 20 minutes on foot (or an eight-minute drive), while stunning S'Amarador Beach is 30 minutes away by car. There are a handful of dining options and shops nearby, plus many more in the town center, which is about a 15-minute walk away. The beautiful Parc Natural de Mondrago, a popular nearby attraction, is a 13-minute drive away. Palma de Mallorca Airport is just under an hour's drive, while Palma's quaint Old Town is a bit farther.

Rooms are simply styled and furnished with dated wooden furniture and blue bedspreads and curtains. Framed prints adorn otherwise bare white walls, and the look is plain in the extreme. All rooms open onto small private balconies with plastic furniture. The best offer gorgeous views over the sea and coast -- for travelers interested in staying here, we think it's worth upgrading to these units. Amenities are limited to desks, flat-screen TVs (a deposit must be paid to receive the remote), telephones, and old safes that incur a charge for use. In-room Wi-FI isn't free either, and guests have noted poor and patchy connections. Note that twin beds are pushed together to make a double bed. Bathrooms are small and due for refurbishment, with old fixtures in the shower/tub combos and not much space to move around. The old tilework doesn't do much to perk things up, but the bathrooms and rooms themselves are, at least, clean.

Amenities are a bit limited at this budget hotel, and many features are tired and in need of updates.The hotel has an outdoor pool surrounded by blue loungers, with lovely views over the bay and coast from the sundeck. Pool towels cost extra. Many guests head to the nearby beach instead, which offers a lovely stretch of sandy shore and palapa-shaded sunbeds. This all-inclusive property has a restaurant and bar on-site. Many guests complain about the food, though, for lacking in both quality and choice. This causes some guests to eat elsewhere (even if they're on all-inclusive plans). Keep in mind that all-inclusive plans don't include basics like bottled water. The bar has a game area with a pool table and arcade games. Other amenities include a sand volleyball court and an outdoor kids' playground. Animation teams are on hand during the day, but the level of engagement can be minimal, at best. Additionally, there's limited entertainment for kids. On-site parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free in public areas. Bicycle and car rentals can be arranged via the hotel.