Hotel Las Arenas

The Hotel Las Arenas is an older resort that has been in business since the early 1960s. It's spotlessly clean and has plenty of common spaces and a variety of sun terraces for sitting and watching the people and boats go by. Throughout the day and into the evening, the resort is full of life and activity. The lobby features shiny marble floors and comfortable seating, including bright orange couches that face the water. Walls are hung with reproduction Picasso paintings, although the mirrored columns are a little dated. Las Arenas doesn’t scream chic and elegant, but there is programmed entertainment, including water polo, aerobics, and, in the evening, kids’ mini disco and live music in a large bar area with a dance floor and an old-school disco ball. The small swimming pool feels a little cramped because it's built between the hotel and a concrete wall, but the beach is within a two-minute walk. There's a spacious game room with activities to suit all ages, including foosball, air hockey, darts, pool, and ping-pong, as well as a play area for younger kids. The buffet restaurant is big but doesn’t feel institutional thanks to the linen tablecloths and warm, relaxed decor. This is a good, budget-friendly spot for a fun, beach-oriented family vacation.

The Hotel Las Arenas is located on the southern coast of Mallorca, in the seaside town of Ca’n Pastilla, a half a block from sandy Ca’n Pastilla Beach. There are a small, peaceful bay and beach to the right of the hotel. Beside the beach is a long pedestrian promenade filled with runners, cyclists, skaters, tourists and locals strolling along the shore. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. The bus to Palma, Mallorca's capital with a lively nightlife scene, stops in front of the hotel; the trip is a little under 40 minutes. Palma Aquarium is an 11-minute drive, as is the Palma Airport.

Rooms at the Hotel Las Arenas are Singles, Doubles, or Triples, which are suitable for families or groups. Most rooms have balconies or terraces, and it might be worth it to pay extra for a sea view. Single Rooms are small, with narrow twin beds and tube-style TVs. Double Rooms come with two twin beds pushed together; guests who want double beds should request them in advance. Rooms are clean with basic decor and older furniture, such as rust-colored bedspreads and headboards with built-in nightstands. Bathrooms are small but bright, with tub/shower combinations. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen or tube-style TVs, free toiletries, and small safes; larger safes for laptops require an additional fee.

The Hotel Las Arenas features a large buffet restaurant serving a Spanish and international menu, with dedicated theme nights, including sushi night. There is a terrace bar with marina views, and a lobby lounge with nightly entertainment, including live music, cabaret and kids' disco. The entertainment staff leads daytime sports and activities, including aerobics and water polo in the outdoor pool. The pool is surrounded by plenty of sunbeds and beach umbrellas. Part of the pool is set aside for kids. The game room is filled with game tables including pool, ping-pong, and foosball, as well as a younger children’s play area. There are two computer stations in the lobby. Bikes can be rented on site.