Hotel Roc Illetas

Dating from the mid-'50s, the original Hotel Illetas consisted of just one charmingly traditional building with a terra-cotta tile roof, wood shuttered windows, and a balconied facade. Since then, the hotel has expanded to three other surrounding blocks linked by numerous paths and stairways, which makes the property feel labyrinthine. Check-in takes place in a bright, uncluttered space that has a contemporary look, though with numerous antique pieces, coffered ceilings, and darker decor, older sections of the hotel are formal and even a little gloomy in comparison. The property's main entrance is on the fourth floor of seven, and the cliffside property cascades down to the sea, opening to a lovely patio surrounded by lush tropical flora that offers views of the turquoise Mediterranean waters. We found the atmosphere tranquil and grown-up, attracting mostly vacationing European couples, many from Britain and France. 

The hotel is located in the laid-back and low-key neighborhood of Illetas, an area filled with apartment blocks, hotels, and restaurants set in pine woodland and encompassing three picturesque coves. The closest is a tiny patch of sand right next to the hotel, however a few minutes' walk away is picturesque (though often busy) Illetas Beach, with two beach clubs. Keycards provide access via a short waterfront footpath. There's very little in the way of local nightlife, but a bus passes outside the hotel for access to the buzzing capital of Palma in about 20 minutes. Palma de Mallorca Airport takes about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi. 

Roc Illetas offers a variety of accommodation ranging from tiny street-view rooms in the annex building at 160 square feet (15 square meters) to spacious two-bedroom apartments with full-frontal sea views that are 805 square feet (75 square meters). Decor can vary too between the blocks, though even the more modern rooms have a slightly dated combination of old-fashioned furniture, patterned fabrics, and stucco walls. Interiors in the original building tend to have a more traditional look, with marble floors and carved wood furniture. Most units have at least partial or lateral sea views. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs (ranging between 32-inch and 20-inch), mini-fridges, and electronic safes (for a fee). A decent Wi-Fi connection is free of charge throughout the property. Standard rooms lack kettles or coffeemakers -- a definite shortcoming at this level of hotel -- though Junior Suites provide these and apartments come with fully equipped kitchenettes. Most bathrooms are tidy and functional, with shower-tub combos that have clingy, plastic curtains, soap/shampoo dispensers, and wall-mounted hairdryers; some have been updated with walk-in showers. 

This property manages to pack a lot into its relatively modest proportions. A buffet breakfast and dinner is served in the main dining room, a bright and spacious area with white linen-topped tables that opens to a sea-view terrace. Breakfast is not included as standard, but optional rates cover bed-and-breakfast and half-board buffet dining. While not outstanding, food is generally more than acceptable quality. There's also a snack bar with a menu of light bites that extends to a lovely, peaceful patio, and a poolside bar with a decent lunch menu. The main swimming pool spans two tiers and has a waterfall feature in between. Unfortunately, loungers around the pool are limited and the area is prone to afternoon shade. There are, however, extra sun terraces with loungers, some providing direct access to the sea. Guests also have free use of an indoor heated pool, whirlpool tub, and sauna, and massages under a gazebo are available outside for a fee, but there's no fitness center on-site. While the hotel puts on occasional entertainment, usually live music, there's no kids' club or animation program. A very limited number of parking spaces are available on-site for a daily fee, but Wi-Fi is free throughout. The tiered layout of the property means lots of steps, so the hotel isn't suitable for young children or travelers with limited mobility.