Universal Hotel Romantica

While its name might conjure up something a little more appealing, the Universal Hotel Romantica looks like your typical, charmless '70s resort hotel. Inside, the lobby has been spruced up with colorful seating and artwork, though a rather dated mood prevails in its drab hallways with tacky carpeting and lumpy beige walls. Dining and bar areas have received a much-needed makeover, and are mostly bright and modern with contemporary furnishings and wall-to-wall windows. Despite some aesthetic shortcomings, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and there are high levels of cleanliness throughout. Many guests are older couples who hail from Germany and Italy, joined by families with kids in the summer months and school holidays. 

The hotel is at the end of a quiet street in the district of Colonia de Sant Jordi, a bustling resort over the summer months that slips into a more sleepy fishing port for the rest of the year. While much of the surrounding coastline is rocky, just five minutes' walk away is Es Trenc, a long stretch of largely unspoiled sandy beach. There are a handful of restaurants within a short stroll of the hotel, though most are located about 15 minutes' walk away (or a five-minute drive) in the town's port and marina neighborhood. Farther afield is the secluded Es Carbó Beach, 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Boats also run regularly to the National Maritime Park of Cabrera, a small archipelago of islands around six miles to the south. The Majorcan capital of Palma and its airport are around 45 minutes away by road. 

The hotel has 245 rooms, all of which are decorated in a rather dated combination of old-fashioned wood furniture, terrazzo tile floor, and textured beige walls. Double or Triple Rooms open to furnished balconies or terraces, most with sea views. Amenities are limited to flat-screen TVs. Electronic safes, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi all incur additional fees. Standard tiled bathrooms with granite tops have shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. 

Features here focus on water and food. There's an outdoor saltwater pool and deck lined with loungers that overlook the sea. A splash pool for children with waterslides and fountains is provided. Parents can supervise their little ones from the comfort of shaded loungers. There's also a supervised kids' club, as well as a daily activities program. A wooden bridge and footpath leads to a decked terrace overlooking the rocky seafront. 

Food is a hit with most of the guests. A colorful buffet restaurant serves international and Mediterranean food for breakfast and dinner. Guests can dine inside or outdoors on an alfresco terrace with sea views. Lunch is available from an a la carte menu at the snack bar, which also serves drinks throughout the day. Barbecues and theme nights are regularly held. Breakfast is free with the most basic plan, while half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive rates are also available. Wi-Fi costs extra.