Playa Moreia Apartments

You get what you pay for at the Moreia Apartments, where despite renovations in 2016, a hodgepodge of marble and seating hint at its 1964 origins. Still, guests come for the sand (right outside) and sun. There's plenty of the latter on terraces around the outdoor pool, where most travelers spend their time if not at the beach across the street. Much like the mediocre food, evening DJs and tribute acts are fine for some, but repetitive for others, and noise from stage shows travels to front-facing rooms -- pity, since these offer the best views. Overall, this is a decent budget pick for travelers seeking a beachfront getaway with cooking facilities. 

The hotel's location is great. Beautiful white sands at Cala Moreia's beach are across the street, and thatch parasols shading loungers can be hired here, alongside pedal boats and kayaks. Right downtown, the hotel is near a beachfront promenade's bars and restaurants, plus a Spar supermarket (a two-minute walk). Livelier Sa Coma and its beach are a 15-minute walk. Nearby busses run to farther towns, plus the capital, Palma, in one hour. Spectacular views and nature at Punta de n'Amer headlands are a 10-minute drive, or up to 40 minutes on foot or by bike. S'illot itself isn't beautiful, but its former fishing bay is pretty. Palma de Mallorca Airport is an hour's drive, or slightly longer by public transport.

Facing mountains or the sea (in upgraded rooms), Studios, one-, and two-bedroom Apartments have fresh, 2016-renovated decor. Light-wood furniture and tan bedspreads are accented by blue-and-tan drapes, pink stools, and bright beach-inspired artwork. Some rooms have attractive wood floors and light-wood kitchenette cabinets, while others have dated tiling and blue-painted cabinets. Regardless, the compact kitchenettes have stovetops, mini-fridges, microwaves, toasters, kettles, and cookware. Phones, flat-screen TVs, and bedside or full tables add comfort, as do bedside charging points. Mirrored wardrobes have safes, but these are at a fee, as are AC (for rooms offering it), cribs, and Wi-Fi, where fees are per device. Bathrooms vary between dated and attractively modern, but all have showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and bidets. No toiletries or cleaning equipment are provided. Upgraded rooms have sofa beds in the living areas, and rainfall showers. Although these face the sea, they can suffer from bar noise. Note, housekeeping is every other day, and rooms are prone to harmless ants. 

Features here are reasonable for the price, but some are not high-quality. The kidney-shaped outdoor pool isn't the largest or warmest, but it's still a popular spot to spend the day, offering ample loungers and thatched umbrellas on a large terrace. A kiddy corner offers splash space, plus lifeguards are on hand with animation. Kiddy discos offer evening fun for little ones, while DJs and live acts cater to grown-ups, but receive mixed reviews. The pool bar serves drinks and light snacks. A grotto den is atmospheric and has a TV, and a range of air hockey, foosball, arcade games, and pool tables. Despite its bland food, the restaurant's buffet spreads can be taken on al fresco terraces, although some guests dine in-room or at nearby restaurants. Free parking is a plus here, although spaces are limited. Wi-Fi is free in common areas.