Universal Aparthotel Elisa

A simple, low-rise reception building and bright and unfussy lobby pretty much set the tone for this small and straightforward apartment complex. A few pieces of colorful artwork, some potted plants, and a bowl of plastic apples make up the decor against a tidy though slightly dated backdrop of orange-peel texture wall and patterned tiles. Half of the property comprises the main building with a handful of apartments, reading room, and restaurant that overlooks the lake. Just across the road sits a pair of accommodation blocks -- long two-story buildings with internal tropical gardens and sunny skylights -- set either side of the hotel's only swimming pool. While not overly busy, the dividing road still services a fair amount of traffic, which parents with toddlers might find worrying. Also an issue for many hotels in the areas, the neighboring lake is a breeding ground for mosquitos at various times of year. On our visit, however, the vibe was peaceful and relaxed with mostly older German couples lounging in the sun around the pool and strolling the public lakeside lawns that skirt the property. 

This hotel is located between a lake and the man-made waterways that characterized this neighborhood. It's a couple blocks from the beach in the relatively quiet resort of Playa de Muro. The main street, a five-minute walk away, is lined with tourist shops, bars, and restaurants. The resort's lovely long sandy beach is just a few minutes farther. The Alcudia Nature Reserve -- protected wetlands perfect for bird-watching -- is just five minutes' drive away, while in the other direction, the family-friendly Hidropark is 10 minutes. The Roman ruins of Pollentia  and charming cobbled streets of Alcudia are also 10 minutes drive. It's about an hour by road from the island's capital of Palma, with Palma de Mallorca Airport around the same distance.

Universal Aparthotel Elisa has 17 studios and 54 one- and two-bedroom apartments, nine of which are their Premium apartments located in the main building. Decor in all is a cheerful though outdated combination of white furniture, peach or patterned fabrics, and tiled floors; we noted some signs of wear though rooms seemed generally well-maintained. Standard apartments all open to furnished balconies or terraces overlooking the pool, gardens, or neighboring canal. Premium units have spacious upper-level terraces with artificial lawns, two loungers, seating, and access to Bali beds; these overlook the street or the lake.Amenities cover the basics, with kitchenettes that include microwaves, fridges, coffee machines, electric burners, toasters, and stove-top kettles. Flat-screen TVs are fairly small at 20 inches and offer just a couple English-speaking news channels. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge though the signal and speed can vary a lot depending on room location. Marble- or granite-topped bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and sachet toiletries. Cleaning and towel change takes place three times per week. 

With no spa or fitness facilities or animation program, and very limited kid-friendly amenities, this apartment complex certainly keeps features to a minimum. What it does have is a pleasant dining room serving breakfast and dinner, which extends to a covered terrace overlooking a public lakeside park. A decent breakfast buffet includes bean-to-cup coffee machines and freshly made pancakes, while dinner is buffet or a la carte depending on numbers (rates cover room-only, bed-and-breakfast, or half-board). Another street-front bar-restaurant is also open to the public, with an a la carte menu and daily specials, while across the road a poolside bar offers snacks with drinks. The pool itself is small but large enough for the size of the complex, with comfy modern loungers and separate kids' sections. Children also have use of a playground on a nearby lawn.