SENTIDO Porto Soller

Guests enter the Sentido Porto Soller into a mostly white reception area where abstract art prints, low-profile seating, and a modern white front desk create a stylish, contemporary vibe that's partially detracted by low ceilings, a bulletin board, and dim lighting. The bright and spacious lobby lounge combines more modern styling with some older features that include a baby grand piano and stone fireplace that betray the hotel's '70s origins. Built into the hillside, the reception area is at the top of four floors. Guest rooms are below the lobby and the pool terrace is at the bottom of the property. As an adult-only hotel, it also enjoys more tranquility than most, allowing guests to soak up the superb views in peace.

The hotel features an elevated hillside position on the east coast of the island overlooking the picturesque bay of Port Soller. It's a 10-minute stroll via a small footpath to the laidback beachfront bars and restaurants, as well as the fine sandy beach itself. Keep in mind that it's a steep walk back to the hotel on about 150 steps, so a certain amount of fitness is required. From the port area there's an electric tram that winds up to the pretty town of Soller, and from there an antique wooden train connects to Palma in just under an hour. Surrounding the hotel are numerous hiking trails through the picturesque mountains and woods of the Tramuntana Sierra (the hotel offers guided walks tailored to ability). Palma de Mallorca Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive from the hotel.

Each of the hotel's 117 rooms and suites were given a refresh in 2014. They now look bright and modern with wood veneer flooring, simple contemporary furniture, and seascape artwork. All extend to furnished balconies; many feature lovely sea or bay views. Some suites open to small garden areas. Double Rooms are on the small side, and have cramped balconies to match.

Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric safes (for a fee). Junior Suites and Suites add coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free of charge and fast enough to stream video in some rooms, but hit-and-miss in others. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary with spacious walk-in showers (with rainfall and handheld heads), wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel brand toiletries. Some bathrooms are semi open-concept and divided from the bed area via a frosted glass partition.

A bright and contemporary buffet restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The dining room opens to a large terrace with fabulous mountain and sea views. Breakfast is a quality spread -- featuring squeeze-your-own fresh orange juice -- and always included with the room; half-board rates cover buffet dinner. The poolside snack bar is open for a la carte lunch and dinner. Guests can also order takeaway picnic lunches for hiking or beach trips. An outdoor pool is quite large, and includes mountain views and a whirlpool tub section. Plentiful loungers means no early morning chair grabs among guests. There's a small spa area with a heated indoor pool and sauna. Wi-Fi is free (though unreliable) throughout the property.