Hotel Amic Miraflores

While a makeover in 2015 updated the yellow facade of the Miraflores with a fresh, contemporary whitewash, you can't say the same for most of the hotel. Inside, the lobby is certainly clean and bright with all the usual trappings of a seaside budget property, though it all feels a little dated. Just off reception is a serious of sun terraces which includes the pool and down to a tidy garden with colorful plants and an artificial lawn. Although spacious for the size of the hotel with some sea views, much of the outside space is prone to shade in the morning. A single elevator is sufficient for servicing the hotel's six floors and opens to functional hallways that certainly don't add to any wow factor. Hotel Miraflores was opened in the '70s -- an era that is still reflected by the decor -- and the family-run property is now in the hands of the original owners' children. Reasonable rates and location makes for plenty of repeat customers. On our visit, clientele were mostly older couples, with families and groups making up the rest of the crowd, with a large portion hailing from Britain and Germany.

The Hotel Miraflores is located in the small and laid-back Majorcan resort town of Can Pastilla, and just a block from the start of Playa de Palma beach and promenade that stretches three miles along the coast. There's also a marina and small sandy bay within around five minutes on foot. While this modest seaside town has no shortage of tourist-oriented bars and restaurants, those looking for nightlife should look elsewhere (like the livelier resort of El Arenal at the other end of Playa de Palma). In the other direction is the buzzing island's capital, Palma, 10 to 15 minutes away by car -- alternatively buses stop just outside the hotel. This is literally the nearest resort to Palma de Mallorca Airport, transfers take just around 10 minutes, but expect frequent airplane noise overhead. 

The hotel has 69 rooms, sleeping from one to three guests with the largest measuring around a modest-but-adequate 250 square feet (23 square meters). Furnishings were all updated in 2015, and old-fashioned desks, chairs, bedside tables, and beds were swapped out for simple, contemporary versions. Original wardrobes and tiled floors add some dated elements to otherwise clean and modern rooms. Sliding doors open to furnished balconies either overlooking the quiet street or -- with Superior Rooms -- offering at least partial sea views, some adding pairs of loungers.Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with very limited English-speaking channels), mini-fridges, and old-style safes (both for a fee in Standard Rooms). Bathrooms are functional and mostly clean, with shower/tub combos (with clingy curtains), wall-mounted hairdryers, and liquid soap/shampoo dispensers, which do feel very budget. There's also no in-room Wi-Fi, though some lower-level rooms can connect to reception's signal. While noise from overhead planes is inevitable from balconies, it's generally not an issue inside when doors are closed.

While not huge, the outdoor pool is large enough for the number of guests and thanks to the proximity of the beach rarely crowded. There's also no shortage of sunbathing terraces and sun loungers, plus a large poolside whirlpool tub was opened in 2017. A shady spot of the terrace does offer ping-pong and pool tables for a game. Besides a small bar (specializing in mojitos), a TV lounge, and a (rather gloomy) downstairs gym, there's not much more in the way of on-site facilities. Just across the road, however, the sister hotel (Gala) serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner to guests depending on their plan. Food variety is extensive with local products and paellas. Wi-Fi is available free of charge in the reception, bar, and on most of the terrace areas. Two courtesy rooms are also available for those checking out with late flights.