Melia Palma Marina

While its typical 1970s facade isn't much to look at, it's not hard to imagine that the Melia Palas Atenea was once considered one of the more grand and prestigious hotels in Palma. It's certainly still considered a landmark property and one that has largely stood the test of time, albeit with a certain faded splendor. Stepping into the cavernous lobby, original green marble, long hanging chandeliers, and warm wood paneling combines with modern sculpture, backlighting, and swivel seating to create an almost ritzy, retro vibe. As well as a dramatic spiral staircase between the first two floors, three marble-trim elevators service the hotel's eight floors, including the spacious pool terrace overlooking the opposite marina. Rooms, which underwent renovations in 2013 and 2015, have more modern furnishings in a neutral-tone color scheme with pops of bright purple. Being open all year, the hotel attracts a wide range of guests, from weekending couples, to vacationing groups, and business travelers. 

The Palas Atenea is just one of a handful of hotels that overlook Palma's main marina on the principal thoroughfare that runs the length of the city's seafront. Its position however puts most of the Majorcan capital's attractions either a fair stroll or a short drive away. The swanky boutiques of the Passeig del Born and the edge of the picturesque Old Town are five minutes by cab and its Gothic cathedral a little farther. The buzzing and trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood, however, is walkable (at 15 minutes) and the stunning panoramas from the top of Bellver castle are around the same distance. Additionally, there are plenty of buses that run along the seafront in both directions. Palma de Mallorca Airport is around 15 to 20 minutes away by road.

The hotel has 361 rooms, composed of a mix of standard (Melia), Premium, Grand Premium, and Junior Suites. All Melia Rooms were updated in 2015, and the others in 2013, with sharp modern styling that incorporates minimalist furniture, dark-wood flooring, and large buttoned-fabric headboards. Some upgraded rooms also add plush purple chairs, though rooms are not without dated remnants such as wood-veneer wardrobes. All rooms have balconies with plastic seating; front-facing rooms have at least partial sea views, while standard-level rooms look to the less-inspiring rear (mostly of the road and apartment blocks, though some can see the castle). Premium rooms offer side-on views of the marina, but the best views are from "The Level" rooms located on upper floors. Standard amenities include 37-inch flat-screen TVs (with limited English-speaking channels), air-conditioning, safes, well-stocked minibars, and free in-room Wi-Fi (which can be intermittent). It doesn't seem that bathrooms were included in the refits, and some are showing signs of age; all come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel-brand toiletries.

The hotel's main dining room is only open for buffet breakfast, a seriously extensive spread that also has cooked-to-order station making churros, Spanish omelet, and eggs any style, and can be taken out onto the terrace. Breakfast is not always included in the rate. Although located next door, the hotel's Tapa Negra restaurant is open all day, serving late breakfast and a tapas menu until late; snacks and drinks are also available from the poolside bar. A lobby bar provides cocktails and evening piano music. While the outdoor pool is a decent-enough size and has views over the marina, sun loungers are limited and early-morning towel reservation is common over busier periods. The YHI Spa is certainly impressive, offering a heated pool with pressure jets, seven hydro-massage beds, whirlpool tub for up to ten bathers, a Finnish sauna, and steam room, plus the usual list of massage and beauty treatments. It's not free of charge and children have access during limited hours. There is, however, free entry to a fitness room with up-to-date equipment.