Protur Floriana Resort

As resort-style aparthotels go, the Protur Floriana Resort is pretty average in practically every way -- though this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The bright and airy lobby certainly serves its purpose, decorated with the usual array of colorful tourist pamphlets, gray-marble floors, and soft seating. The complex is fairly large, at 315 apartments spread around half a dozen blocks ranging from two (no elevator) to five floors (with elevator). After check-in, guests located in the farther-away blocks are taken via golf buggy, which can mean a bit of a walk back to the main building, and some are located across the road. Footpaths -- some of them shaded -- cut through pleasant and well-tended, though quite sprawling and not particularly interesting gardens. Clientele are overwhelmingly families with kids -- so it can get a little noisy around the pools. 

The hotel is located in the quiet and largely residential Son Floriana neighborhood on the outskirts of the small seaside resort of Cala Bona. There's very little in the immediate area besides a couple other hotels. It's about a 10-minute walk to the laid-back resort center and sandy beach, as well as a pleasant seafront promenade lined with the usual tourist shops, bars, and restaurants. For a longer stretch of sand and more buzzing nightlife, Cala Millor is a five-minute cab ride, while the pretty historic towns of Arta and Capdepera are around 15 minutes' drive away. The location is also one of the island's more remote, being a good hour's drive from the capital Palma and its Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

The 315 apartments all comprise separate bedrooms, spacious living rooms with two single sofa beds, dining areas, and furnished balconies that overlook one of the pools, gardens, or the road. Interiors are mostly well-maintained, though decor is certainly dated. Between living areas and bedrooms are kitchenettes with basic cooking facilities that include fridges, microwaves, electric hobs, old-style kettles, toasters, and cookware. All apartments also come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few U.K.-based channels) and electronic safes, though no Wi-Fi. Note that guests have to rent safes, hairdryers, and TV remotes. While some are showing signs of wear, bathrooms are generally clean and outfitted with shower/tub combos (with clingy shower curtains) and simple toiletries. Although largely quiet, some complaints have been made about noisy local roosters that wander the area.

With two swimming pools each divided into two sections, there's usually not a problem with overcrowding, though the main pool can get a little noisy with kids and the daily animation. Sunbeds are abundant, so early-morning towel reservation is not an issue. An indoor pool is heated during the cooler months. Children are very well catered for, with two splash pools and kids' clubs that cover 3 to 7 year olds and 8 to 11 (during peak season) plus a mini-disco. Most of the dining takes place in the hotel's buffet restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while there are also two poolside bars for drinks and snacks. Reports suggest food quality is generally pretty good. Sports facilities include three clay tennis courts, in addition to multi-sports and squash courts. Bikes are available for free with a deposit, and Wi-Fi is free of charge around reception.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, continental late breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks in the form of sandwiches and fruit are served at set times from the poolside bars, while ice cream is available all day. National-brand beer, wine, and spirits, and international soft drinks are also covered and include a couple pre-mixed cocktails, plus afternoon coffee and cake. Premium-brand alcohol and most cocktails are charged.