Sol House the Studio

Opened as the Sol Trinidad 1969, this resort was totally revamped and relaunched in 2015 as the Sol House Mallorca -- with little beyond its distinctive, retro balconied facade surviving the new incarnation. And stepping inside, it's totally unrecognizable from the original, with a fresh, bright, and contemporary open-plan lobby encompassing a long bar, games area, and streamlined reception. Rolling Stone magazine covers plaster columns and wall space, against a minimalist backdrop of crisp white and cool gray. Glass doors open to both a street-front patio and rear pool terrace, adding to an expansive feeling of openness and light. Low-key house music spun by live DJs creates a buzzing but unobtrusive soundtrack to an unashamedly youthful, Ibiza-inspired ambience, though one that still attracts plenty of families with kids during school breaks. And despite the Ibiza Rocks tie in, it's far from the high-energy party hotel of the Ibizan original, aiming for a more chilled vibe and spaces that encourage interaction between guests without ever tipping into full-on party mode. 

The hotel is positioned smack in the center of Magaluf, Majorca's famously raucous party resort positioned on the southwest coast of the island. You would hardly know during the day, however, with the immediate area comprising mostly family restaurants, mini-markets, and just a block away a lovely long stretch of sandy beach. But also just a short stroll away is Carrer Punta Ballena (also known as The Strip), which is lined with bars, nightclubs, and strip joints, and notorious for nightly scenes of drunken excess. More family-oriented fun can be had at the Katmandu Park fairground and theme park -- five minutes away on foot. The charming medieval streets of Palma's Old Town are also a 15- to 20-minute drive, while getting to Mallorca Airport takes about 30 minutes by car.

With 375 guest rooms spread over nine floors, the Sol House certainly qualifies as one of the resort's larger hotels. Interiors are all similar to lobby in style, with walls papered in Rolling Stone magazine covers contrasting with an otherwise muted palette of white, taupe, and purple; wood-effect floors and simple contemporary furniture complete an uncluttered, modern feel. All open to balconies or terraces with deck chairs and tables, either overlooking the pool or street; a handful also provide direct access to the solarium terrace while some higher-level rooms offer sea views. Considering the location, street noise could be worse, with more complaints involving noise from other guests.Standard amenities cover the basics with 43-inch flat-screen TVs (with plenty of UK-based channels), mini-fridges, and digital safes, plus in-room Wi-Fi is free of charge. Superior "Party" rooms and suites really roll out the extras, adding Bluetooth speakers, waffle robes, and free (to take home) flip-flops, sunglasses, and beach bags. Other perks include drinks discount wristbands and free welcome bottles of Cava. Renovated bathrooms all have walk-in rainfall showers, quality hairdryers, and smartly packaged toiletries plus wall-mounted dispensers. 

The hotel scores high on its outside spaces, starting with a swish and open terrace with large square swimming pool (featuring multiple inflatables during our summer 2017 visit), lined with ample, comfy loungers, and surrounded by tall palm trees. Chilled tunes emanate from an elevated DJ platform, behind which is a small relaxation or kids' splash pool, depending on the time of year. A long strip of cushioned seating provides extra poolside space for stretching out. Up some stairs and overlooking the main pool is an adults-only "VIP" terrace with more sunbeds, a bar, a lap pool, and daybeds available for an extra charge. Pool parties take place about once a month, though they're fairly relaxed affairs and hotel generally clamps down on raucous or overly noisy groups (which some complain detracts from any party vibe). Also just off the pool area is a modern, glass-sided gym and a few punching bags, but there's no spa on-site. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style in the hotel's Food Factory eatery, with a good choice and quality of dishes plus live cooking stations; breakfast is not always included but buffets are reasonably priced. There's a choice of individual or communal tables and an alfresco terrace overlooking the pool. Also poolside is a Mexican-theme food trailer serving tacos and tequila, while more meals, snacks, and an all-day breakfast are available in the lobby PlayBar; food at these is also decent though drinks are generally overpriced. Guests can use a cool concierge Twitter account to book services, ask questions, and even order drinks. There are two desktop computers in the lobby bar that are free for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Pets are welcomed with special gifts, beds, and bowls (must be pre-ordered).