OD Port Portals

Even before stepping through the door of the OD Port Portals, its stylish-yet-playful architecture sets the tone for this unashamedly -- even self-consciously -- hip hotel. An airy open-plan lobby is flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Cool gray concrete pillars and natural wood paneling creates a industrial-chic backdrop for retro-inspired seating, trendy pendant lighting, and a revolving exhibition of artwork. Formerly a hotel left abandoned for a decade, the property was opened in 2014 after a total transformation by the Ibiza-based OD chain, as well as infusing the hotel with their particular strain of Balearic chic. Unlike most in the area (and on the island), the hotel doesn't close for winter, relying on regular events, DJ nights, and themed weekend brunches to keep the place buzzing all year. Its location means clientele consists of a mix of the yacht set as well as regular vacationing couples and some families with kids, plus the fashionable party crowd.

The hotel is located in the upscale town of Portals Nous, perched on a hill overlooking the main road that stretches along the island's southwest coast. While the immediate area isn't particularly interesting, there are a few eateries within a short stroll and it's a five- to 10-minute walk to the millionaire yachts, high-end shops, and refined dining of Puerto Portals marina district. It's also a five-minute walk to a couple of small beaches, as well as the aquarium and amusement park at Marineland Mallorca. A 10-minute drive westward is the wild nightlife of Magaluf, while in the other direction, the more civilized cobblestone streets of Palma are 20 minutes away. Palma de Mallorca Airport takes around the same time to reach.

The 77 guest rooms and suites are all finished in the same smart-yet-cozy styling that combines warm wood paneling, clean-lined furnishings, and a muted palette of earth tones. Most Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites have glass doors that slide open to pebble-floor balconies with partial sea views, while some Deluxe Rooms have spacious wood-deck terraces with loungers. Standard-level rooms lack outdoor space and look to the rear of the hotel at mountains and/or a parking lot. Interconnecting suites are also available for families and events. Standard in-room amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (though limited English channels), robes/slippers, and free water and soft drinks in minibars; alcoholic beverages can be ordered via room service. Junior Suite extras include iPads and Nespresso machines, as well as unlimited use of a Smart car. All rooms have free and fast Wi-Fi connections. Semi-open-plan bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with walk-in showers (with rainfall and handheld heads), full-size hairdryers, and chain brand toiletries (Junior Suites upgrade to premium products); most Deluxe Rooms also feature showers with head-height sea-view windows.

For a relatively small property, the hotel's events-oriented credentials are backed up with three bars including options in the lobby and poolside. The most impressive is the SkyBar, which is set on a spacious rooftop terrace with panoramic views. This venue hosts most of the hotel's summer parties, with at least three events each week over the summer months. To accommodate for late-night revelry, a buffet breakfast (with cooked to order items) is available until midday, though not included in standard rates. A fairly pricey a la carte menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes is also offered for lunch and dinner, except over winter; themed brunches are served on the weekend all year round. Although not huge, the outdoor pool provides enough space for a swim, as well as a sun terrace with loungers and a handful of canopied daybeds where guests can enjoy waiter service. The area is generally peaceful, though some traffic can be heard from the nearby road and there can be a shortage of sun loungers at peak times. There's no spa or fitness facilities, however discounts are offers at a local health club and tennis courts. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and parking is also free.