Sol Guadalupe by Melia

While Magaluf has plenty of mid-range options for those looking to party, the Sol Guadalupe is better suited for travelers looking to relax by the pool or enjoy the sandy beach and the many restaurants and bars in town. It is popular with families, but the atmosphere is mostly quiet here, with relaxed poolside entertainment during the day, and the standard live shows in the evening. Those not interested in taking part in the activities or the background music can easily avoid both, as the hotel has a second sundeck a little above the main pool with more loungers and a massage tent. The Sol Guadalupe renovated some of its common spaces and all of its rooms in 2015, giving the property a fresher feel. Interiors are still simple and generic overall, but multicolor LED lights in the lobby, new floors throughout, and square paper-style lamps add some style. 

The hotel is located in on a wide, quiet street just a block from the beach. There are dozens of bars and small shops within the surrounding streets, especially in the area closest to the beach, but this part of town is not the main party area and therefore nights are mostly quiet. Still, those looking to join the wild nightlife scene Magaluf is known for can walk to the Punta Ballena area in about 10 minutes. Buses to Palma, Palmanova and other areas around the capital city stop just two blocks from the hotel, and the bus ride to the historic center is about 45 minutes long. The hotel is 25 minutes from the airport. 

The hotel’s 493 rooms were renovated in 2015, and now feature simple furniture with clean lines, gray laminate floors, and pops of beige and dark gray in curtains and headboards. While not particularly chic or spacious, rooms feel fresh and are clean and light, with large windows opening onto furnished balconies, some offering great sea views. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and a safe, and Family Rooms and Junior Suites have a sofa bed for an extra guest. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but there have been complaints of spotty Internet service in rooms. In an effort to make the smallest units feel roomier, work desks have been replaced with small round metal tables and chairs. Bathrooms were also fully renovated in 2015, and have spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and large mirrors. The hotel has a few accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms and wider doorways.

Features at Sol Guadalupe are strongly focused on poolside fun in the sun. The hotel has four pools, all of them on the main deck. The largest is big enough for laps, and features a small swim-up whirlpool complete with three jets for back and neck massages. There are two pools for kids as well, including one with slides, and a smaller, shallower one for toddlers. Additionally, there is an indoor-outdoor pool in a shaded area for sports activities. Daily fitness classes are available on the main pool deck, but there is a quieter area with loungers and a massage tent for those looking for something a little quieter. Both decks offers access to the snack bar, offering drinks, snacks, salads, and fast food throughout the day. The restaurant serves a varied but average buffet spread for breakfast (included in the rate) and dinner. The hotel also features a seasonal kids’ club with indoor and outdoor activities, plus a games room with several arcade games. On-site parking is available for a fee. Note that the beach isn't on-site, but a block away from the property.