Hotel Gabarda & Gil

With its non-descript pastel pink facade and unassuming entrance tucked back from the road, it's easy to miss the budget Hotel Gabarda. A small, neat, and modern front desk is a pleasant surprise and an enthusiastic welcome from friendly staff is practically assured. To the side of reception is a bright and airy lobby lounge, updated in 2016 with lovely printed wallpaper, contemporary design seating, and a 24-hour snack bar. The only outdoor space is a small and mostly shaded pool terrace scattered with seating and loungers. While parts of the building do feel dated, yearly updates keep interiors mostly looking fresh. The current owner's parents built the property at the end of the '60s, and this is still very much a family-run hotel with a relaxed and jovial atmosphere. An emphasis on familiarity and a focus of service makes this otherwise modest hotel a popular choice with repeat customers -- over half of the clientele have previously been guests; most of them are older couples hailing from the UK. No elevators mean the hotel is not suitable for the mobility challenged or families with young children.

Set in a principally residential neighborhood on the edge of the popular Mallorcan resort of Palmanova, the hotel's immediate surrounds are underwhelming. The first of the town's three sandy beaches and the start of the resort's buzzing dining and nightlife are just over a five-minute walk away. Those keen to hit the wilder partying of nearby Magaluf will find themselves a five-minute cab journey away, or around 10 minutes by local bus. In the other direction, and around a 25-minute drive, are the charming and picturesque street of Palma's old town. It's also about a 25-minute drive to Palma International Airport. The hotel's slightly out-of-the-way location does mean the area is quieter than most, and guests can also find several supermarkets within a short stroll. 

The Hotel Gabarda has just 59 guests room spread over four floors -- there's no elevator, so getting to the top floor involves three flights of stairs. Most of the rooms have been updated with a straightforward finish that combines simple furniture, tiled floors, and crisp white walls -- older rooms have textured yellow paintwork but these units are still clean and well-maintained. All rooms open to balconies with patio-style furniture and, while none have sea views, Superior Rooms have huge top-floor terraces with sun loungers and mountain views. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, though not all rooms have air conditioning -- cooling is mostly via ceiling fans. There are no in-room safes, and hairdryers are only available for a charge (though they're free in Superior Rooms). In-room Wi-Fi is free and generally provides a good signal. All bathrooms were modernized in 2017 with step-in showers (with clingy fabric curtains rather than glass screens) and basic toiletries. Some guests have complained about thin walls and general lack of soundproofing in rooms. 

While not included in the standard rate, breakfast is a real highlight of the hotel. It consists of an impressive choice of full English items freshly cooked to order and reasonably priced. Lighter options such as cereal, fruit, and yogurt are also available. The hotel's bar is open around the clock and serves light meals and snacks with a distinctly British flavor, as well as a good list of (often strong) cocktails. Picnics can also be arranged to take to the beach.The L-shaped pool is small and more for soaking and sunning than swimming, but it's rarely crowded and offers poolside loungers and a covered terrace with seating. The pool is often shaded in the morning, but usually gets sun for most of the day. Guests also have use of the pool at sister property Martinez Apartments nearby (which is sunny all day and includes a whirlpool section). Wi-Fi is free throughout.