Alua Hawaii Mallorca & Suites

In a part of Majorca that's largely characterized by dated, '70s-era hotels, the contemporary look of the Intertur Hotel Hawaii Mallorca & Suites is a breath of fresh air. Interiors were given a thorough update in 2012, starting with the bright, airy lobby and extending to smart modern hallways and lovely sea-view terraces. The complex is divided between the main, seven-floor block (housing most of the facilities) and the suites building located just across the road; both with their own swimming pool. Cheerful and enthusiastic animation staff keep the atmosphere lively and fun for the family crowd, while an adult-only rooftop bar provides some much-needed quiet time for couples away from frolicking children. The hotel caters overwhelmingly to British vacationers, plus a few Spanish and Russian tourists; a ban on single-gender groups means no noisy bachelor and bachelorette parties. However, nearby hotels do keep it louder in the area into the night.

The hotel features a superb setting directly overlooking the sea at the south end of Palmanova's trio of sandy beaches. It's located in the Torrenova neighborhood, a collection of hotels, bars, and eateries clustered on a small peninsula that separates Palmanova and Magaluf. Son Matias Beach is just a few minutes' walk away, while the boisterous partying of Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs is about five to 10 minutes away on foot. More family-oriented fun can be found at the Katmandu Park, also around five minutes' walk, and in the other direction Palmanova offers less wild nightlife and plenty of dining. Nearby buses also run into Palma, with its gothic cathedral and lovely old town, taking about 30 minutes; cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take around the same time.

There are 299 guest rooms, junior suites, and one-bedroom apartments spread over the hotel's two buildings. The contemporary look across all categories combines smart, minimalist furniture with cheerful patterned fabrics, and colorful modern artwork or seascape photographs. Doors slide open to furnished balconies or terraces either overlooking the road, pool, or Palmanova Bay (from the main building). Late night revelers can mean street-facing rooms are prone to noise; some guests have also mentioned that some rooms have thin walls. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs (with plenty of UK-based channels), mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. There's one hour of free Wi-Fi per day, though reports suggest connectivity is poor, even with the paid service. All rooms have seating areas, and all but the Single Room can sleep at least four people (a mixture of adults and children, not just adults). Junior Suites in the main building add extras such as PlayStation consoles, while those in the Suites Building include kitchenettes and dining areas (the same goes for apartments). Bathrooms are all clean and contemporary, with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent toiletries.

The hotel's standout feature is certainly its impressive waterside pool terrace, with a pool comprises of a long stretch (ideal for swimming) and a circular area with separated shallow section for kids. Regular poolside activities and a children's splash park makes this the livelier of the two pools; a large second pool is located in the Suites Building across the road. Sun loungers, however, can be in short supply during busier times causing inevitable early-riser chair snagging. There's also both indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, though no spa facilities. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the hotel's restaurant, which offers good selection and quality, with themed nights that include Asian, Mexican, and Italian. Breakfast is included, with half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive plans available. A decent choice of drinks are available from several bars, two of which are poolside, one with sea views. A sun terrace with loungers is for adults only, and has cocktails and panoramas of the bay. Kids are kept entertained with a mini-club, various game machines, and a playground, plus there's a mini-disco most evenings. More grown-up entertainment comes in the form of parrot shows, bingo, and tribute acts. Wi-Fi is only free for an hour, and while there is technically parking, spots are incredibly limited and most travelers will have to find street parking (which is likewise scarce).

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with some live cooking and themed nights twice a week. Snacks are served at selected times between meals and ice-cream is offered throughout the day. Spanish draft beer, wine, and spirits, and international soft drinks are also covered. Some premium-brand drinks, cocktails, and Cava are also included. All entertainment and that kids' club is also covered. In-room Wi-Fi is not included after the first hour.