Budget-friendly apartment-style property
Five-minute walk from Cala Mayor's sandy beach
Within walking distance of restaurants and bars
Apartments range from studio to six-bedroom units
All units come with kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs
Rooftop terrace with hot tub and panoramic views
Small pool with comfy loungers and daybed
Reasonably priced breakfast and bar
Free Wi-Fi available throughout
Set in unattractive part of Cala Major
Decor shabby and tired in places
Some bathrooms are shared
No in-room air-conditioning
Pool prone to shade
The Lis Hotel is an independent, budget-level property located in the shabbier outskirts of the small resort of Cala Major. While showing signs of renovation throughout, most of the 18 apartments have dated decor and look shabby, and lack basics such as air-conditioning. However, all come with kitchenettes that have fridges, sinks, cooktops, and kettles, plus units have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. A small pool area has comfy loungers but it's prone to shade, though there's a rooftop panoramic terrace with hot tub that guests rave about. Breakfast and drinks are also great value, and rates can be a bargain -- especially for groups. An even cheaper option nearby, however, is La Mimosa Guesthouse, which is better for couples and single travelers though farther from the beach.
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Scene
Modest budget hotel with sixties origins popular with vacationing groups
A row of street-level neoclassical arches and columns look particularly incongruous against the otherwise blocky and dated '60s facade of the Lis Hotel. Stepping inside, the lobby area also feels rather disjointed, with a mixture of terra-cotta effect tiling and assorted furniture set against a backdrop of shabby chic-style reclaimed wood and more faux-classical flourishes. Two pianos and draped sofas do create a relaxed and welcoming lounge vibe -- also helped by the hotel's friendly and attentive owner, Martin. A noisy elevator services the property's four floors, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding area and the sea. Much of the property, however, feels tired and distinctly budget-level, appealing to value-conscious tourists often here for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Location
On shabby outskirts of Cala Major short walk from dining and beach
The hotel is located on a narrow street in a largely residential and underwhelming neighborhood on the edge of Cala Major -- a small and slightly run down resort on the outskirts of Palma. There are a handful of touristy bars and restaurants within a short stroll from the property, while the twin beaches of Cala Mayor are between five and 10 minutes on foot. Regular buses run from a block away and drop off opposite Palma Cathedral and the Old Town, which takes around 15 minutes. Palma de Mallorca Airport is about 20 minutes by cab.
Rooms
Basic, partially updated rooms with simple kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has just 18 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments that sleep from two to six guests, with old-fashioned tiling and wood fixtures, and various pieces of furniture that range from shabby chic to tired IKEA in style. While all were partially updated in 2014, the finish is certainly sloppy in places and units show signs of wear. Rooms aren't air-conditioned, but all have wall fans, which most guest find adequate. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are standard. All units also come with small, basic kitchenettes that include electric cooktops, fridges, kettles, and cookware. Bathrooms are relatively new, clean, and functional, with shower/tub combos, very basic toiletries, and no hairdryers. Rooms in a nearby annex have shared bathrooms. Street-facing rooms open to balconies, while rear-facing units overlook the pool. There's also one huge six-bedroom apartment that can accommodate up to 13 guests, with additional bathrooms and an outside dining area.
Features
Great value bar and panoramic rooftop terrace with hot tub
The hotel's open-plan lobby includes a dining area where a simple breakfast menu is available throughout the day, which costs extra but it isn't very inexpensive. A bar is also open all day, serving reasonably priced drinks. To the rear of the property is a small swimming pool and outdoor terrace with a few cushioned loungers, a daybed, and hot tub for up to six. The pool area gets a lot of shade during the day, but a sunny rooftop terrace has another hot tub, more loungers, and superb views. There's no on-site parking and space on the surrounding streets can be tight. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
