Hotel Seramar Comodoro Playa

While the style at the Hotel Comodoro is a bit uneven, this hotel is an example of why travelers shouldn't always judge all books by their cover. Built in 1965, the  weather-worn and tatty facade looks every one of its fifty-plus years, and doesn't make a great first impression. Stepping inside, however, things are quite different thanks to a 2016 renovation. Interiors are bright and modern, with a stylishly understated palette of gray, white, and red. Polished marble floors and bouquets of fresh colorful flowers complete an attractive lobby, which is adjacent to a pleasant lounge and TV room with updated takes on antique seating and a small library. A pair of elevators with original marble floors ferry guests to one of eight floors, where the hotel decor returns a little more to its sixties origins. Sea-facing balconies that overlook a swanky sun terrace and beach beyond. Despite its proximity to the party scene in Magaluf, the vibe here is peaceful and quiet. Guests are mostly British, though Scandinavians also frequently visit, and the hotel is largely geared toward couples or groups of friends, with little to do for families with kids. 

The Comodoro is located in the Torrenova neighborhood, a collection of hotels, bars, and eateries clustered on a small peninsula that separates Palmanova and Magaluf. During the day, the area is relaxed and mostly peaceful, and sandy Son Matias Beach is just a minute away on foot. By the evening things can liven up, though not as raucously as in Magaluf proper. Those wanting to hit some of the island's most boisterous partying, Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. More family-oriented fun can be found at the Katmandu Park, also 10 minutes' walk. There's also less wild nightlife and plenty of dining in Palmanova, a five-minute drive north. Nearby buses also run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town, taking about 30 minutes. Cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take around the same time.

The hotel has just 88 rooms, seven of which are suites, and all benefitted from renovations in 2015. While pink tile floors date the rooms slightly, a combination of back-lit wood paneling, dark wood-veneer furniture, and adjustable wall-mounted reading lights give the rooms a more modern feel. Large mirrored wardrobe doors also add a sense of space, and opposite wall-to-wall sliding doors open to furnished balconies, all with superb sea views. Early-risers are also treated to sunrises from across the bay. Rooms are rarely prone to outside noise. Amenities include mini-fridges, air conditioning, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with international (though limited) channels; old-style safes incur a fairly hefty weekly fee and there's no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is also not free of charge in rooms. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, though old fashioned, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and generic sachet toiletries. Suites add separate bedrooms with extra wardrobes and road-facing balconies.

There are just enough features here to make this hotel a reasonable value, though not all have the same modern polish as others. The hotel's dining room is bright and pleasant, though decor and furnishings are distinctly old-fashioned. A buffet breakfast includes a decent selection of hot and cold dishes, plus cooked-to-order eggs. Breakfast is always included, and there are also half-board and all-inclusive options that cover buffet lunch and dinner (though there's no a la carte menu). In contrast to the restaurant, there's a contemporary bar with a small stage that offers live music and occasional flamenco shows. While not huge, the hotel's pool is large enough for a swim, with plenty of loungers and partial sea views; there's kids' section as well. Poolside is the hotel bar, as well as billiards and a pool table, and no daytime animation teams mean it's mostly quiet. Just upstairs is the chill-out terrace, which is outfitted with comfy loungers, crisp white canopied daybeds, and two large whirlpool tubs (for up to six at a time). It has the feel of an upscale beach club, plus sea views. There's also a premium-drink bar with waiter service, though a fee is charged for entry to the terrace. An hour of free Wi-Fi is also available in reception, around the pool, and on the terrace. There's no spa or fitness facilities on-site.

The all-inclusive plan covers hot buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with live cooking stations and twice-weekly themed buffets. A range of international-brand soft drinks and locally produced alcoholic drinks are also covered and served throughout the day. Snacks such as sandwiches are also available in the bar during set times. In-room Wi-Fi is not included, neither are most cocktails and premium-brand alcohol; no drinks at the chill-out terrace are covered.