Ipanema Park

Although mostly obscured behind various palms and other trees, it's not enough to hide the signs of age and wear that mark the Ipanema Park's rather drab '60s facade. Passing inside, however, while wood paneling and green marble trim do date the reception area, it's well polished and uncluttered feel provide a perfectly pleasant arrival experience. A spacious adjoining lobby lounge is equally tidy and neatly arranged, with burnt-orange seating providing a welcoming splash of color against an otherwise muted palette.  While most of this modest hotel has a foot in the last century, there's enough evidence of more modern renovations to stop it feeling too old-fashioned. At just six floors, there's little in the way of views (and certainly none of the sea); though this also means the rear pool terrace is sunny for at least most of the day. There you'll find a mixture of mostly vacationing couples, as well as families with kids and (occasionally noisy) groups of young friends. Guests can also use facilities at sister property Hotel Ipanema Beach just opposite the road. 

The hotel is tucked away in the slightly shabbier southern fringes of Majorca's El Arenal resort. Although there's little beyond other hotels and apartments in the immediate area, there are plenty of dining and nightlife within a short stroll -- mostly aimed at the majority German tourist -- and the start of the lively seafront promenade is around 10 minutes on foot. This is also where miles of sandy beach begins, and (typically) wonderfully clear and calm waters. A big plus for families is the proximity to Aqualand El Arenal, which is a 10-minute walk or a few minutes' cab journey. Easy access to the nearby freeway also means the charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 15 minutes' drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport even less.

The hotel has 210 guest rooms, all of which feel modern and updated with tiled floors, backlit headboards, and either simple contemporary or more traditionally styled furniture; reports suggest rooms are also kept very clean. Some have neutral-tone linens, while the more up-to-date rooms have attractive white sheets topped with blue blankets and throw pillows, as well as blue, teal, and white damask-patterned curtains. Sliding glass doors open to balconies with plastic chairs (though no tables) overlooking the pool area or the road, which can be noisy from late-night revelers. Amenities are up-to-date though minimal, with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, and mini-fridges (for a fee); in-room Wi-Fi is also available for a charge per device, though speed and coverage is decent enough. While the bathware in the bathrooms are updated, some tiling and other fixtures are looking tired and in need of a makeover. Bathrooms also have shower/tub combos (with flimsy shower curtains), wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

The hotel's dining room, decorated with crimson-bowed chairs, white pillars, and oil paintings, certainly looks classier than most. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style with no a la carte options or show cooking, though food quality is good and varied with regular themed nights including Mexican, Indian, and Chinese. A bar offers a decent range of drinks and opens to a terrace overlooking the pool. The freeform swimming pool includes a separate section for kids, plus plenty of loungers; some of the pool is in the shade in the morning, though it's generally sunny. There's not much else in the way of facilities, besides a couple of pool tables in the lobby lounge. There are no gym or spa facilities.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a twice-weekly themed buffet night. Soft drinks, beer, water, and house wine are served during meal times. Covered at the bar is a good list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which includes some branded spirits and cocktails. Snacks, including ice cream and sandwiches, are also covered and served between mealtimes.