Sol by Meliá Alcudia

Just about everything at this hotel -- from the lobby to the entertainment areas to the dining room -- feels a bit barren. Chairs and sofas are upholstered in generic, solid colors, and there isn't much art or decoration on any of the walls. An effort could be made to give it more personality, though in terms of cleanliness and amenities, the hotel delivers. It is owned by the Meliá chain, which implies a certain level of quality that shines through most prominently in its attentive, friendly service. Because the rooms have kitchens, the dining area isn't as crowded around peak meal times, but expect to see plenty of European families with young children looking for a sunny escape. In off-peak months, the hotel's peaceful and picturesque location makes it popular with retirees. 

Located a two-minute walk from the beautiful Alcúdia beach in the northern corner of Mallorca, this hotel is ideally located for spending lazy afternoons at the beach, or for exploring some of the island's most breathtaking scenes. Though up to a two-hour trek from the airport and central Palma -- depending on which bus, shuttle, or private transfer is taken -- it has the advantage of being a 15-minute drive from the picturesque town of Pollença, which is nestled in the hills of the Sierrra de la Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area surrounding the hotel is full of quirky bars, restaurants, and quality shops, in addition to being a lovely place for a stroll. There are few cars in the area, which keeps it feeling peaceful and tropical. 

Like most three-pearl hotels in Mallorca, The Sol Alcúdia Center Apartments offer the option to go all-inclusive, but for families looking to save money by self-catering, the biggest perk is that all 220 apartments and 55 studios have a kitchen thoughtfully stocked with a stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, pots, pans, and utensils. Otherwise, the rooms are cheap and cheerful -- expect to see primary colors, the kind of furniture you might find in a college dormitory, and a few Monet prints framed on the wall. The bathrooms have a shower/tub combo, hairdryer and no-frills toiletries. The refurbished rooms feel distinctly more modern and are worth the splurge, especially for the pool views. All balconies are furnished with basic white table and chairs, and are large enough for a family of four to comfortably have lunch al fresco. 

The Sol Alcúdia Center Apartments generally offer the same amenities as most three-pearl all-inclusive hotels in Mallorca. The kids' club, playground, arcade, and huge kids' pool (that is almost as large as the main pool) all make it a great place for families, while adults have plenty of space to drink and enjoy the entertainment provided by the hotel in the evenings. The grounds are nicely landscaped with loads of palm trees, gardens, and plenty of loungers and nooks to enjoy the sun from. The dining room has been refurbished and offers the option to dine outside. Though the view is simply of the street and of another building, the terrace is sunny, surrounded by greenery, and has clear views of the mountains in the distance.