Calle Gavina s/n, Portocolom, Spain | (586) 210-9239
A few minutes' walk to picturesque Cala Marcal beach
Studios and apartments have kitchenettes and dining tables
All units open to balconies or terraces, some with sea views
Most bathrooms have been renovated with walk-in showers
Swimming pool with separate kids' section
Buffet restaurant and bar with poolside terrace
All-inclusive plan covers all meals, snacks, and most drinks
Tennis court and two squash courts; playground for children
Rooms have underwhelming or dated furnishings
Guests have complained about food quality
Small tube-style TVs in rooms
Fee for in-room Wi-Fi
No elevators
Besides the pretty beach of Cala Marcal that's a few minutes' walk away, there's little that stands out at the lower-middle-range Ola Aparthotel Cecilia. The 143 units, which consist of Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom apartments, have kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. Though some have had their bedding and furniture updated, all are fairly underwhelming and have dated aspects. The pool area is pleasant, with an enthusiastic animation staff, as well as a splash section for children. The buffet dining, however, is nothing special, and the restaurant can feel a bit dingy. Travelers could also consider the Cala Marsal Hotel, which has two pool areas but no in-room cooking facilities.
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Scene
Fun, kid-friendly atmosphere but small, dated apartment complex
The one-story building housing the reception area of Ola Aparthotel Cecilia pretty much sets the tone for this unfussy property. The lobby is bright and plain, with little in the way of character or styling beyond mirrored columns and some marble cladding. Notice boards present the usual mix of activity programs, bus timetables, and leaflets for local tourist attractions. Directly off the lobby is the bar area, containing a small stage, a few game machines, and a scattering of rattan furniture, plus a central bar. The main outdoor space is a terrace with plastic patio seating centered around the property's only pool. The hotel includes seven housing blocks -- three of which surround an attractive shady garden (circled by a driveway), with four located across the street. Built in 1985, the three-story, whitewashed buildings are short on Balearic charm, and also lack elevators. Guests are mostly budget-minded British vacationers, largely families.
Location
A short walk to Cala Marcal beach on Majorca's southeast coast
The hotel is located a couple of streets away from picturesque Cala Marcal beach in the district of Felanitx on Majorca's southeast coast. The popular sandy inlet is less than a three-minute walk, and while far from lively, there are a handful of restaurants within easy walking distance. A Spar mini-market is also a couple minutes' walk from the complex. Porto Colom harbor and traditional fishing village are a 10-minute walk (mostly uphill) away. There's also a bus stop less than a five-minute walk. The pretty resort town of Cala D'or -- and more attractive coves -- is about 15 minutes away by car, while farther afield -- about an hour's drive -- is the charming and vibrant city of Palma. Palma de Mallorca Airport is also about an hour's drive.
Rooms
Though some units have been updated, they're all underwhelming
The 143 air-conditioned units, which include Studios, One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments, are divided between those that have been renovated and those that still await an update. The non-renovated units have tired-looking wooden furniture, terra-cotta style floors, and faded patterned fabrics, while updated apartments have an airy vibe thanks to white IKEA-style furnishings, sea-themed photographs, and freshly painted walls. They're all a bit underwhelming, but the renovated units are easily more attractive. All units have kitchenettes with stovetops, mini-fridges, cookware, and dishes. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee. In all but the Studios, lounge areas come with sofas that can be converted into (not particularly comfortable) beds and tube-style TVs with a few English-language channels. Sliding doors open to terraces or balconies, with a few offering partial sea views; others overlook the pool or shady garden, though some face neighboring blocks. Most, but not all, bathrooms have been updated with modern walk-in showers. Basic toiletries are provided.
Features
Swimming pool with kids' section and lively poolside activities
The hotel's single restaurant is a run-of-the-mill buffet affair, offering the usual spread of international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a weekly Spanish-themed night. Situated down some stairs from ground level, it lacks natural light and can feel a little gloomy. Guests have also complained that the food lacks variety. A bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the day, and a poolside terrace is often busy with activities led by an enthusiastic animation team. The freeform swimming pool has a separate kids' section, though non-swimmers might find even the shallower end rather deep. There are plenty of loungers, as well as a lifeguard on duty. Most guests opt for the nearby beach, though sunbeds there come with a fee. On-site sports facilities include a tennis court and two squash courts, and there's a playground for children (though no dedicated kids' club).
All-Inclusive / Food
All buffet meals and local alcohol, plus snacks including ice cream
The all-inclusive plan covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a weekly themed buffet. A range of international-brand soft drinks and locally produced alcoholic drinks are also covered and served throughout the day. Self-service wine is available during meal times. Snacks such as ice cream and sandwiches are also available during set times. In-room Wi-Fi is not covered, though one hour per day of free Wi-Fi is accessible in the reception and bar areas.
