Hotel Palma Bellver Managed By Melia

The Tryp Bellver dates back to the early 1970s, and its distinctive undulating whitewashed towers have been seafront landmarks in Palma for over 50 years. Looking at the hotel's gleaming and spotless street-level facade of tall glass and brushed steel, however, you wouldn't know. Through the large revolving door, the lobby has an understated, contemporary grandeur with polished white paneling, black marble trim, and a hushed, upscale ambience -- outside traffic noises are reduced to a low swoosh. A 2015 refurbishment has very much brought the space into the 21st century, while retaining plenty of the original marble and a series of huge, cut-glass chandeliers. Swirly wrought iron accompanies the stairs all the way up to the 14th floor, though guests tend to use one of the three elevators. Above the reception area is the hotel's pool terrace, which looks out over the city's famous marina. But it's the views from the upper floors that provide a truly breathtaking panorama of the mountain backdrop, medieval cathedral, and the Mediterranean sea. Clientele varies depending on the time of year, with the warmer months attracting mostly Spanish and Northern European vacationers (more couples than families). 

The hotel has a prime location overlooking Palma's main marina on the principal thoroughfare that runs the length of the city's seafront. Its position puts practically all of the Majorcan capital's attractions within walking distance; the swanky boutiques of the Passeig del Born and the edge of the picturesque Old Town are 15 minutes on foot. The buzzing and trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood, a 10-minute walk away, is full of bars and restaurants, while Majorca's Hard Rock Cafe is a five-minute walk. Sights like the Bellver Castle and the Gothic Palma Cathedral are just five-minute cab journeys, while the Palma de Mallorca Airport is 15 minutes by road.

Rooms are bright and spacious, with a mixture of smart wooden furnishings, crisp white linens, and stained wood flooring. All guests receive a "Bienvenido a Palma" message written on the bedroom mirror. Rooms open to large furnished balconies, while amenities include minibars, decent free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with channels in Spanish and English; Premium Rooms add tea/coffee facilities and bathrobes. Bathrooms are well-maintained and finished in modern tiling or marble, and include shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and eco-friendly toiletries.Of the hotel's 384 rooms, over half feature views of the sea -- though how much of a view you get very much depends on how high you are. Top-level rooms boast spectacular panoramas that take in the mountains, cathedral, and a broad swathe of sea that include sunrises and sunsets. Those on lower floors look out onto a forest of masts and can also be prone to traffic noise. Many of those without sea views instead overlook the city, the hilltop castle, and mountain range beyond.

Having benefitted from renovations in 2015, the hotel's restaurant feels fresh and modern, and offers guests a good variety of hot and cold items buffet-style for breakfast (which is not always included in the rate). An a la carte menu is also available for lunch and dinner, offering a selection of meat and seafood dishes. Next to the restaurant is the poolside bar, an alfresco terrace that overlooks the hotel's outdoor pool. While the pool isn't huge, it's good enough for laps and still one of the bigger hotel pools in the area. Sun loungers can be at a premium when the hotel is full.Another result of the refurbishment is a contemporary update to the lobby bar, which feels cool and urbane, and is a popular hangout for evening cocktails. There's nothing in the way of spa facilities on-site and the fitness room is rather small with just a few pieces of exercise equipment. Parking (for a fee) is available to guests in a nearby multi-story garage, which has a level reserved for guests. Though the hotel allows children, there are no kid-friendly facilities.