Hotel Playa Golf

Much to its improvement, the previously peach toned Playa Golf has been given a whitewash makeover and -- together with its facade of tinted glass -- now stands out as a pretty classy looking hotel. Most of the reception area is a rather sparse combination of polished stone and sparkling granite, and the nearby lobby lounge is a curious mix of zebra-pattern fabric, natural stone, and colorful stained glass. Much of the property combines smart minimalism and antique curios. Some of the more recently renovated dining and drinking areas are fresh, bright, and contemporary. If not always consistent, the vibe is undoubtedly upscale and the hotel manages to maintain the feel of an oasis from what is the epicenter of the resort's party district. Clientele are inevitably from Europe, and there's a mix of couples, families, and groups. Note that management strongly discourages any partying elements within the hotel.

The hotel features a prime beachfront setting overlooking the long golden sands of Playa de Palma and it's also located in the center of the resort's nightlife neighborhood. The surroundings are largely characterized by lively bars, nightclubs, and strip joints which inevitably attract the enthusiastic party crowd. Once out of the party zone, the Les Meravelles neighborhood is a pleasant and buzzy area, filled with restaurants, cafes, and tourist shops. Families with kids have easy access to the Palma Aquarium or Aqualand water park, both around 10 minutes by car. The location also puts Palma de Mallorca Airport within easy reach, also about a 10-minute drive, and Palma itself is 15 minutes. The hotel's name is a little misleading, as the nearest golf courses are about 20 minutes by road.

The hotel has 222 rooms spread across three categories -- Standard, Superior, and Junior Suites. All have a smart and modern finish in a variety of earth tones. Details include wood paneling, contemporary furniture, and carpeted or wood laminate floors. Twin beds are often pushed together to make a double bed. Rooms extend to balconies or terraces furnished with rattan seating. Most balconies have either direct or side-on sea views; some overlook the road and are prone to noise from local nightlife. Superior Rooms and Junior Suites have the best views.Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and (for a fee) old-style safes. Junior Suites add coffee- and tea-making facilities to the mix. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a per-device fee. Bathrooms are clean and modern with glass walk-in showers, hotel-brand toiletries, and proper hairdryers. 

The consensus among guests certainly points to an excellent and free breakfast buffet, composed of an extensive range of quality dishes including cooked-to-order eggs. An optional half-board plan covers buffet dinner, also served in the stylish contemporary restaurant. Lunch is available a la carte in the sea-view Sea Club cafe. There's also a swish lounge bar and a poolside bar with a shaded terrace.Pool facilities are impressive, with three total pools. The main pool is long enough to swim laps, there's a splash section for kids, and plenty of loungers and daybeds. A second pool has a retractable cover for all weather conditions, and a third pool includes water jets and a separate whirlpool tub. Inside, spa facilities feature heated whirlpool tubs, steam room, sauna, thermal loungers, and a range of treatments. A small, but clean, gym overlooks the pool. Cyclists have use of comprehensive bike facilities including storage, servicing, and repairs. There are also three tennis courts (for a fee) and a mini-golf course. There's not much aimed at kids, and the hotel's waterslide appears to be permanently out of order. A small business center provides two desktop computers and Wi-Fi is available for an additional charge. Guests can shop at an on-site boutique that sells mostly resort wear for women.