Puerto Azul Suite Hotel

The entrance to the Puerto Azul Suite Hotel is flanked by colorful flags, potted plants, and neatly sculpted shrubbery; it also has convenient ramp access in both directions. The hotel was built in 1989, and the facade is certainly starting to show its age, especially in the concrete trough-like plant beds that line its balconies. Once inside, however, at least some of the 2014-15 renovations are in evidence. The bright, airy reception area has a modern front desk and blond wood paneling. Some vestigial furnishings do look dated though and could use replacing. This all-suites, independent property comprises three separate buildings (labeled A, B, and C) centered around a four-circle swimming pool. The three-floor accommodation blocks have clean and contemporary interiors, and two have elevators. The grounds are a pleasant mix of spacious sun terraces and well-tended flora that includes manicured lawns, palm trees, and bright bougainvillea flowers. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, though also peaceful enough to appeal to older couples; standard rates include breakfast and dinner, meaning most guests also choose to stay to dine at the hotel in the evenings. Staff were also particularly friendly and accommodating during our stay.

The hotel is located in a peaceful, semi-residential neighborhood in Majorca's popular resort town of Puerto Pollensa, in the northeast area of the island at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. It's set a couple blocks, or a five-minute walk, from the beachfront Pine Walk promenade running the length of the resort and lined with numerous restaurants. There's also a supermarket a block away selling groceries. Around a 20-minute drive is the unspoiled beach of Formentor, and stunning views from the headland beyond. Palma, with its beautiful old town, can be reached in just under an hour by car, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

Renovated in 2014, almost all the hotel's 148 suites are identical with fresh, contemporary styling that combines crisp white walls, wood-effect vinyl flooring, and simple modern furnishings. Striped curtains (with blackout fabric) and canvas-print photographs of the region add some color to a look that would otherwise feel a little clinical. Glass doors slide open to spacious balconies with plastic furnishings and plant beds, either overlooking the pool area or a fairly quiet road and dramatic mountains beyond (though there are no sea views). Separate living rooms all have sofa beds and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (there are second small TV sets in bedroom) offering several English-speaking channels, including one for kids. Both TVs turn on automatically when keycard is inserted in wall-slot, which can be annoying. There are also large fridges with freezer compartments, though tops and shelves are bare of any cooking or even coffee/tea-making facilities (kettles are available to hire from reception). Room service is available during bar opening hours. Bathrooms are clean and modern with spacious walk-in showers, good water pressure, and generic toiletries -- each block has retained one bathroom with shower/tub combos for cyclists to soak tired legs. Wi-Fi is available free of charge, though the connection and speed can be very temperamental.

Unusual for the island, a half-board plan comes as standard for all guests, covering buffet breakfast and dinner. Overhauled in 2015, the hotel's spacious dining room is modern and bright, and extends to both secluded rear and poolside terraces. Both breakfast and dinner services offer decent fare that includes a good range of hot and cold dishes, plus some live cooking. Breakfast drinks are from dispensers, while all evening drinks cost extra. An a la carte menu for snacks and light lunch is served at the poolside bar, and there's also a lobby bar open in the evenings with live music. The only pool is formed of four circles, one of which is a separate splash pool for children, another a shallow pool for relaxing, and the last two joined to make enough space for swimming. There are plentiful loungers though the best spots can get taken early. Further child-friendly facilities come in the form of a poolside playground and supervised mini-club located in the hotel's underground floor. This level also contains extensive cyclist facilities (including secure storage, bike wash, and a workshop) and a small gym, though the area could use a makeover as it feels rather dingy.