Aparthotel Ona Aucanada

Climbing the steep hill to Aparthotel Ona Aucanada, it's easy to miss the turn-off that leads to its small front patio and reception. And as at most apartment-style hotels, the modern lobby area is functional and compact. Despite a few comfy couches, it's not designed as a space to linger. Built in 1989, the complex itself is composed of several rows of two-floor blocks that stretch along the sloping hillside on either side of the main building. Exteriors are painted in an attractive and vibrant combination of whitewash and mustard yellow with traditional green window shutters. The Mediterranean villa-style buildings merge nicely into their hill and garden surroundings. Terra-cotta tile footpaths lined with white wood slat benches and well-kept, colorful flora also create a pleasant, village-like atmosphere. Driveways connect the various parts of the resort, allowing easy car access and plenty of parking. The layout makes for a feeling of space and light, and the elevated position provides numerous vantage points to admire lovely sea views. The atmosphere is generally quiet and relaxing. The complex attracts mostly families with kids, and it's popular with couples during the off season. Repeat European guests are common. 

The complex has a hillside setting in the residential neighborhood of Alcanada, located on the northeast coast of Majorca, overlooking Alcudia Bay. While its elevated position gives it some lovely sea-view panoramas, it's set on a steep road with little within easy walking distance (especially for the walk back). There is, however, a small sandy beach about 10 minutes away on foot, as well as a couple of restaurants within walking distance. The popular and relatively lively resort of Port d'Alcudia, with numerous bars and restaurants and huge sweeping bay, is a five-minute drive away and the pretty, historic Alcudia town is around 10 minutes away. There's also an 18-hole golf course five minutes away by car. The island's capital, Palma de Mallorca, and the main airport are around 45 minutes away by road.

There are 73 Apartments and Villas ranging from 614 to 1,270 square feet and covering three main categories: Two-Bedroom Apartments, Two-Bedroom Duplexes, and Three-Bedroom Villas that sleep up to eight people. All units were renovated in 2015 or 2016 and are similarly finished with tile or laminate wood flooring, and a combination of rag-rolled walls, striped fabrics, and modern furnishings. All units open to spacious balconies or terraces, almost all with some kind of sea view. Villas feature small gardens, balconies, and rooftop terraces. Complete kitchens in all units include washing machines, microwaves, electric burners, coffeemakers, full-size refrigerators, toasters, and ample cookware. Villas also have dishwashers. Lounges feature sofa beds, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, and extra TVs can be found in some bedrooms. TVs provide a small selection of English-speaking channels. Wi-Fi and an in-room safe are available for an added fee, and there are additional charges for electricity and water. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary with walk-in showers (no tubs), hairdryers, and a good selection of toiletries. Note that housekeeping services are not provided on weekends and sheets are changed weekly. 

While certainly not providing the range of facilities offered at a resort-style hotel, the Ona Aucanada does feature more than your average chain hotel. For a start, there's a total of three pools arranged in a row that slopes down to the largest, freeform pool. It includes a separate (unheated) whirlpool tub. There's also a shallow splash pool for kids and plentiful loungers. Pool towels incur a small charge. There's no poolside animation team and the water can be cold outside summer months. A small spa can be accessed via reservation for a fee (kids are half-price). The spa offers a heated whirlpool tub, sauna, steam room, and shower with colored lights. A fitness room with just a few cardio machines is also available to guests.There's just one restaurant on-site, open throughout the day (closed for lunch during the off-season) which serves an a la carte menu of Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast is a simple buffet-style with hot and cold items, and doesn't come with the room rate. A small bar serves the usual range of drinks plus ice cream, and opens to a poolside terrace. Flamenco demonstrations and live music are held by the pool twice a week. On-site parking is free outside each apartment.