OLA Hotel Panama - Adults Only

A sparkling chrome sign, crisp white balconied facade, and smart blue-metallic portico certainly set the tone for this neatly renovated '80s-era hotel. Stepping into the lobby, the interiors too are spotless, fresh, and bright, with polished stone floors, large comfy armchairs, and a few pieces of contemporary artwork that break up what would otherwise feel a little clinical. The layout of the property is straightforward -- there's one long, seven-story block, with open-sided hallways and all dining, drinking, and pool facilities set at one end. The hotel's complete renovation, finished in 2017, is evident throughout and modernized every corner of the property with clean and contemporary sheen; we noticed maintenance staff diligently touching up any small scuffs that might spoil the otherwise immaculate white walls. There's also a real emphasis on service, with an enthusiastic and outgoing manager continually greeting guests, even welcoming them individually at mealtimes. Clientele are mostly older couples or families with younger kids -- depending on the time of year -- with British and French making up the bulk of guests. Far removed from anything that would be considered a party hotel, noisy groups are also kept to a minimum. 

The Ola Hotel Panama is located just around the corner -- or a couple of minutes' walk -- from the middle and longest of Palmanova's three sandy beaches. There are also numerous bars, family-friendly restaurants, and tourist shops within a short stroll, many of them catering specifically to the overwhelmingly British vacationers who descend here each year. The wild nightlife of neighboring Magaluf is within walking distance (15 minutes) or a five-minute cab journey, where families can also find kid-friendly Katmandu Park. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are about a 30-minute drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is roughly the same distance.

The 192 guest rooms benefitted from a total makeover, all with a combination of smart contemporary furniture, wood-effect flooring, and splashes of color against an otherwise muted palette of white and taupe. Back-lit paneling and artworks also add to their swish, modern feel. All open to balconies or terraces with patio furniture, mostly overlooking the road and some with pool views, though  they can get particularly noisy. A handful of upper-level rooms offer partial sea views. Amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few British channels), mini-fridges, and key-open safes (for a fee). Guests have to leave a nominal deposit for air-conditioning remotes and it isn't turned on 24 hours, and there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small, but they come equipped with walk-in rainfall showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel-branded toiletries. Two suites add perks such as second TVs, Nespresso machines, tea and kettles, robes, and sea views from spacious balconies with loungers. 

The hotel doesn't have much in the way of outdoor space, but there's a pleasant sun terrace with a wedge-shaped swimming pool (with no shallow end), surrounded by ample comfy-looking loungers. Despite being next to the road, the vibe is pretty relaxed and quiet -- at least between the occasional animation session -- and an extra elevated sun terrace provides space that's removed from the noise. There's a small splash pool, as well as a playground that connects to the hotel's free kids' club, which caters four- to 12-year-olds six days a week, and a mini-disco also kicks off every evening. Typical of this type of mid-range hotel, there's no spa, and the hotel also lacks a fitness center. All guests are offered half-board plans, but most choose the all-inclusive option. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style in a long, bright, and clean dining room, with self-service drinks and a good selection of decent quality dishes. Live cooking is only at dinner (with no cooked-to-order items for breakfast), but during our summer 2017 visit a huge paella was served at lunch. There's also a large bar with evening entertainment that extends to a covered poolside terrace and snack corner for all-inclusive guests. Wi-Fi comes with a fee attached.