Sol Lunamar Apartments

The front of the three-pearl Sol Lunamar Apartments is distinctive with its unusual combination of marble-effect portico, Art Deco-style glass stairwell, and pair of external pod elevators. Inside, renovations in 2014 brought the interiors up-to-date, with a mixture of cool-gray paintwork, purple walls, and modern furniture; elaborate silver-framed mirrors add a touch of flamboyance. Although previously very much a family-friendly property, the hotel is now adult-only (16 and over), and consequently -- without the screaming kids and noisy poolside animation -- the atmosphere has mellowed. The seven-story apartment complex, however, remains decidedly average in most ways, ticking enough boxes to provide a perfectly pleasant base for vacationing couples, though not much else.

The hotel is located on a hill that slopes down toward the beach of Son Matias in Majorca's popular Palmanova resort. This stretch of sandy coastline is just a few minutes away on foot and lined with plentiful bars, restaurants, mini-markets, and souvenir shops. In the other direction, a five- to 10-minute walk away bring travelers to Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs, infamous for its wild partying and raucous nightlife. More family-oriented fun can be found at the Katmandu Park, five minutes' walk away. Nearby buses run to Palma, and its gothic cathedral and lovely Old Town, taking about 30 minutes; cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take around the same time.

The complex has 143 apartments, all of which have a studio layout combining the bedroom, lounge, and kitchenette into one area. Decor mixes splashes of colorful fabrics and feature walls against an otherwise fairly drab background of beige and browns, plus modern IKEA-style furniture and lighting. The beds are actually sofa beds and many past guests have complained that they're on the firm side. All rooms have furnished balconies overlooking the street (Standard Studio) or pool (Superior Studio) -- and partial views of the sea; the Premium Garden Studio features a double-level terrace with a private garden and loungers.
Cooking facilities in all apartments includes electric hobs, mini-fridges, microwaves, kettles, and toasters, plus cookware. Other amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few English-speaking channels), old-style safes (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi (which can be super-speedy or non-existent depending on location). Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with either shower/tub combos or step-in showers, plus wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries. There have been complaints about the shortage of plug sockets.

The complex certainly offers less than most in the way of dining, as there's an all-day snack bar rather than a proper restaurant. The menu does, however, cover plenty of hot and cold snacks and light meals including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches -- all served until late. Some snacks are also available at the pool bar, which features happy hour and iced coffees. The unusual C-shaped pool provides plenty of space for swimming, as well as ample poolside loungers. There's also a game room with pinball and billiards, though no spa or fitness facilities.