Playas del Rey Hotel

From the outside, the Playas del Rey Hotel doesn't look much different from the typical apartment blocks surrounding it. Inside, it's quite a different story. The reception area is an explosion of busy patterned floors, shimmering mosaic, and polished metal that creates a playful and informal vibe. Much of the building's original '60s character is still on display, though the retro aspects are usually dressed up with some colorful, contemporary detail or design.  Outside space includes a front patio area and adjacent (often shady) pool terrace, plus a fifth-floor sun terrace with views over the bay. Clientele leans mostly toward younger couples and (generally well-behaved) groups, while attracting a share of families with kids over the summer months. The hotel's relatively diminutive size and idiosyncratic styling earns it the label of a boutique property. As an independent family-run hotel the atmosphere is more personal than its hotel chain peers.

The hotel is located on a fairly busy road lined with lined with cafes and bars, plus shops selling beach gear and souvenirs, on the south side of Santa Ponsa Bay. Although the beach is just a few minutes away on foot, the area is the quieter end of the resort town. Most of the clubs, restaurants, and nightlife in the area are at the other side of the bay (around 10 minutes' walk away). For wilder partying, Magaluf is reachable in about 25 minutes via bus (or it's a 10-minute cab journey). There's also a small and quieter beach -- Caló d'en Pellicer -- about five minutes away on foot. The hotel is a five-minute drive to Santa Ponsa's golf course. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 30 minutes' drive away. Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

Updated in 2011, the hotel's 64 guest rooms are bright and modern with a bold red, gray, and white color scheme. Reconditioned furniture, textured walls, and tiled floors keep the rooms looking modern. Room sizes vary from spacious to cramped, and all open to balconies with views ranging from adjacent buildings to out across the bay (in higher-level premium rooms). Air-conditioning comes as standard, as do flat-screen TVs (with a few English-speaking channels) and in-room Wi-Fi (though connection is spotty). Kettles are available on request and mini-fridges are available for a fee. Bathrooms mostly include shower/tub combos, though smaller rooms have step-in showers. Wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. 

A tasty buffet breakfast of hot and cold items is served in the bright, modern dining room and the meal is always included in the rate. Snacks and specialized cocktails are available for purchase in the spacious bar, which extends to an alfresco terrace. The outdoor pool is just about long enough to swim laps, though surrounding buildings tend to cast the water in the shade for most of the day. A sunny fifth-floor roof terrace provides plenty of sunbeds and features views over Santa Ponsa Bay. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the connection can be spotty.