Hotel RD Costa Portals

A gnarled, century-old olive tree marks the entrance to Hotel RD Costa Portals and is a pleasant contrast to its blocky modern architecture. The bright and diminutive lobby, fresh from a 2017 update, has a contemporary finish providing a backdrop for more antique touches such as vintage suitcases and a chesterfield-style sofa. A full-size wooden Harley-Davidson motorcycle is an interesting feature, and floor-to-ceiling windows behind front desk offer striking views of the neighborhood's pine-scattered hillside. The boutique hotel was originally two hotels dating from the late sixties, and today the property occupies both, with manual-door elevators connecting the five floors in each. Indoor common areas are limited but feel modern and clean, and open to a chic pool terrace that's sunny for most of the day and has expansive sea views. The adults-only (18-plus) hotel doesn't have noisy animation -- or obviously any screaming kids -- to spoil the chilled-out mood, and the atmosphere is quiet and grown-up. On our 2017 visit, clientele were a mix of younger and older couples, mostly hailing from the UK, plus a mix of Scandinavian and other northern Europeans. 

The RD Costa Portals is located on a quiet street in the relatively upmarket residential neighborhood of Portals Nous on Majorca’s southwest coast. While its hilltop location provides some pleasant views over the pine-studded surroundings, there’s very little in the immediate area, and the nearest dining options are about a 10-minute walk away. A few minutes’ walk down some fairly steep steps is the small Calita Portals Nous beach, and the journey back can be challenging. A larger stretch of sand with a pleasant waterfront beach club can be found at the swanky Port Portals, 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. The hotel is well positioned for day-trips into Palma, with nearby bus stops connecting in under 30 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a 20-minute cab journey to the capital, and a little more to Palma de Mallorca Airport.

All the hotel’s 93 guest rooms all have an unfussy combination of simple modern furniture, coordinating fabrics with royal blue used as an accent color, and blonde-wood veneer flooring. While mostly smart and clean, we did notice several examples of poor maintenance and sloppy paintwork. The rooms’ main point of difference are the views, with the pricier ones opening to balconies overlooking the pretty vistas that include partial sea views. Those that look out to the pool are larger with loungers, others overlook the quiet street, and a few lack outside space.Standard amenities are pretty basic, with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs (32-inch in most, but 18-inch in some), and old-fashioned key safes for a fee. There’s no kettles or coffeemakers and mini-fridges are only on-request; upgraded rooms, however, come with kettles. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, but don’t expect anything too zippy. Bathrooms feel comparatively contemporary, though some show shortcomings in maintenance. Most have walk-in showers, though lots still offer shower/tub combos; all have wall-mounted hairdryers and simple toiletries (with better quality in upgraded rooms).

Guests coming to the RD Costa Portals expecting resort-hotel level of facilities will certainly be disappointed. In fact, as far as relaxation and leisure amenities, the property offers nothing beyond its pool terrace which, while attractive with lovely views, is undeniably small. Although plenty were free on our visit, some guests report a shortage of loungers during peak season. There’s also some shade in the morning and the pool is more suited to soaking than swimming. Though no gym or spa facilities, a trainer offers group activity sessions several times a day. Poolside is a bright and contemporary lounge area, with a bar offering items such as pizza, salads, wraps, and burgers. There's also entertainment three times a week, usually live music or magic shows. The hotel’s buffet dining room overlooks the pool and opens for breakfast and dinner. Most guests say food is good quality and there's an ample spread for both meals, though lines at breakfast isn't uncommon when the hotel is full. There’s also no live or show cooking, however themed evening buffets include Italian, Mexican, and Japanese. Breakfast is always included, and a half-board plan is optional. Wi-Fi is free throughout.