Protur Turo Pins Hotel

With its terra-cotta-toned facade and distinctive modern architecture -- while it might not be to everybody's taste -- the Protur Turo Pins Hotel certainly stands out from the crowd. It opened its doors at the end of the ''80s, though a complete renovation in 2012 means it looks much newer. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the airy lobby is filled with light, and in the evening a dozen contemporary-style chandeliers cast a glow over its polished stone floors, comfy patterned armchairs, and usual array of resort trappings. Although they can feel a little clinical in places, public areas are kept spotlessly clean and include well-tended gardens composed of manicured lawns and pine trees. All the 136 rooms are suites and distributed over three buildings, each three or four stories. The mood is upscale, relaxed, and peaceful either side of peak seasons, with the atmosphere livening up when vacationing couples are joined by families with kids -- most from Germany and the United Kingdom.

The hotel is located in the Cala Agulla neighborhood of the resort town of Cala Ratjada, situated on the farthest eastern tip of Majorca -- and the closest point to the island Minorca (which you can even see on clearer days). Once a sleepy fishing village, the resort is now a popular but laid-back destination for largely German tourists as well as a port of call for cruise ships. The hotel is just a few minutes' walk from a street lined with restaurants, bars, and mini-markets, and a 10-minute stroll from the beautiful sandy beach of Cala Agulla. The more lively marina district is also within walking distance, feautring more dining opportunities and another lovely sandy beach (which can get a little busy come summer). The historical towns of Capdepera and Arta are a 10- and 15-minute drive, respectively, while it's quite a way to the capital Palma and the Palma de Mallorca Airport at up to an hour-and-a-half drive. 

The hotel's 136 suites includes the standard Junior Suite, Deluxe, Family, Select, and Superior, all of which benefitted from the 2012 refit. They're decorated in smart, contemporary styling with wood-effect floors, coordinating red or plum fabrics, and functional wooden furniture. All include separate lounge areas and open to spacious balconies or terraces overlooking the garden, pool, or road (with little traffic noise); Deluxe-level suites feature two terraces with loungers and whirlpool tubs, though none have sea views. Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars (with soft drinks and beer, but no wine or spirits), and free Wi-Fi (that covers most but not all rooms). There are no coffee- and tea-making facilities or room service, which may be a disappointment for some. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, equipped with walk-in showers with rainfall and handheld showerheads, plus wall-mounted hairdryers, heated towel racks, and quality toiletries; Superior Suites add whirlpool bathtubs.

Facilities at the Protur Turo Pins Hotel cover pretty much everything you'd expect in an upscale, resort-style hotel. A nicely modernized restaurant starts the day with a buffet breakfast (which is always included) with live cooking stations; optional half-board plan also includes a buffet dinner, while an a la carte lunch menu is available at the poolside snack bar. Most guests judge food quality as excellent. The main swimming pool has plenty of loungers (no morning scramble) and there's a second splash pool for children. Younger guests are kept entertained with organized activities through most of the day (which can get a little noisy), as well as a playground. A third indoor pool can be found in the hotel's spa, which also has a whirlpool tub, sauna, and impressive range of massage and beauty treatments.