THB El Cid

A combination of pink granite, black marble, and a weather-worn facade gives the THB El Cid the tired look of a hotel a little past its prime. Automatic revolving doors, however, scoop guest into a rather more polished lobby area, with swathes of buffed gray marble, mirrored panels, and an impeccably clean feel. Two red phone boxes and subtle Art Nouveau touches bring a little character to the swish reception. Four elevators whisk guests to one of six floors, which open to dated hallways that betray the property's '60s origins. To the front of the hotel is a pleasantly spacious and sunny pool terrace overlooking the beachfront promenade and sea beyond. Tidy gardens lined with manicured lawns, plus a second particularly peaceful pool area can also be found to the rear of the complex. The hotel became adults-only (18-plus) in 2017, which created a grown-up though informal atmosphere undisturbed by boisterous kids. On our visit it was mostly older couples lounging around the pools soaking up the peace, quiet, and sunshine; it's also popular with cyclists either side of the hotter months with most guests hailing from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. 

The THB El Cid has a beachfront setting overlooking the long promenade and three-mile stretch of sand in the laid-back resort of Can Pastilla. The immediate surroundings do feel a little rundown, though it's a short stroll to plenty of tourist-friendly bars and eateries -- mostly lining the pleasant beachfront promenade. There's a small supermarket just opposite, while 10 minutes away on foot is the Palma Aquarium. The hotel offers easy access to the island's buzzing capital, Palma, in just 10 to 15 minutes by car, and it's particularly well positioned for the airport, which is under a 10-minute drive. Bus stops just around the corner from the hotel also connect to both, as well as the livelier resort of El Arenal along the coast.

The hotel has 218 guest rooms, which are generally split between older Standard Rooms and more recently updated (from 2015) Superior Rooms and suites. The decor in un-renovated rooms is indeed dated, with tiled floors, textured plaster walls, and old-fashioned furniture; though it's well-maintained with minimal signs of wear. Renovated rooms have the same furniture but add wood-veneer floors while suites swap in smart contemporary furnishings. Sliding doors open to spacious balconies with rattan seating and at least lateral sea views, overlooking the quiet street or rear gardens; some higher-levels have sight of the airport runway, which plane-spotters will love. Some airplane noise is also inevitable from balconies, though rooms are generally well soundproofed.Flat-screen TVs start small (18-inch) and go up to a sizable (40-inch) in upgraded rooms, all with a good selection of English-speaking channels. Mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and safes (fee) also come as standard, while pricier rooms also add coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the hotel and works very well in rooms. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with shower/tub combos in older rooms and walk-in showers (rainfall and handheld) in smarter updated rooms; all come with wall-mounted hairdryers and generic chain-branded toiletries. 

Relaxation facilities are the hotel's highlight, starting with the long swimming pool set on spacious sea-view terraces. These are lined with loungers and have waiter service. The second pool has a curving footbridge and is situated among peaceful gardens and also provides plentiful sunbeds, parasols, and free Bali beds, together with a windmill-themed poolside bar. Inside is a small heated pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a treatment room offering massage. Opposite here is a small, glassed-in gym with free weights and a few dated machines. There's also the usual ping-pong and pool table, plus free use of a well-maintained tennis court. Cyclists are well catered for with several rooms dedicated to bike storage, servicing, and cleaning.Last renovated in 2015, the dining room is bright and modern, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style on a weekly rotating spread. Breakfast is always included in the rate, and has a cooked-to-order egg station and bean-to-cup coffee machines. Half-board and full-board plans are also available (though no all-inclusive), and the consensus among guests is that quality of food is excellent. An a la carte snack menu is available around the pool, and entertainment takes place most nights in the main bar, though there's no noisy poolside animation, which suits the hotel's subdued atmosphere