Hotel Sur

Sandwiched between a supermarket on one side, and a British-theme bar on the other is the entrance to Hotel Sur -- an unmistakably 70s-built property. Stepping into the lobby, the mix of dark marble and wood paneling add to the slightly drab and dated feel, though it's spruced up in part with more contemporary seating and seascape photo-art. This low-frills hotel appeals almost exclusively to older British couples on a budget, with clean but old-fashioned interiors, simple facilities, and ramp and elevator access to all parts of the property. At roughly 100 guest rooms spread over four floors, it's an average-size hotel and with just enough outdoor space around the sunny rear pool terrace to rarely feel crowded. Despite its modest and outdated aspects, most visitors agree that this family-run property offers decent deals thanks to very reasonable rates. 

The hotel is located in the middle of the small and low-key resort of Cala Bona, on the eastern coast of Majorca. It's set on a lightly-trafficked street one block from the town's pleasant seafront promenade, lined with the usual tourist bars and restaurants. There are several beaches within a short stroll away, which are a mixture of sand and rock, and far from the island's most attractive. Also a few minutes' walk away is a sleepy harbor, still used by local fishermen but also for recreational boating and sailing. For a longer stretch of sand and more buzzing nightlife, Cala Millor is a five-minute cab ride, while the picturesque historic towns of Arta and Capdepera are about 15 minutes' drive away. The location is also one of the island's more remote. Expect a good hour's drive from the capital Palma and from Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

The 102 guest rooms are simply decorated with a dated combination of wood-veneer furniture, terrazzo flooring, and (often uncoordinated) patterned fabrics. All are on the small side, though they open to balconies with patio seating overlooking the street or rear tennis court and pool area. Street-facing rooms are prone to noise from the neighboring bar, but some have glimpses of the sea. Units lack air-conditioning, and in-room amenities are basic. Fans are available upon request for a fee, but they don't always provide enough cooling during the hottest months. Remotes for TVs cost extra too (there are few English-speaking channels), as do safes and Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges, however, are free in all rooms. Blue-tile bathrooms are functional enough, with shower/tub combos (with plastic shower curtains) and very simple toiletries; guests needing hairdryers should bring their own.

Although a little lacking in natural light, the hotel's buffet restaurant offers a decent spread for breakfast and dinner, with a good range of precooked and cold dishes for each. Breakfast is not included as standard, but bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available. Food quality is pretty good for the standard of hotel, though there's no live cooking stations. For lunch, there's a street-front bar-restaurant serving an a la carte menu of the usual burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. A relatively small pool is located at the rear of the hotel, which is not large enough for swimming though it has a separate splash section for kids. It's also surrounded by an ample number of loungers with plenty of sunshine for most of the day. Fitness facilities include a gym with cardio machines and free weights, plus a tennis court and rackets are available for a fee. Children also have a small outside play area, and there's a few games tables such as ping-pong, pool, and air hockey.