Zafiro Rey Don Jaime

The five-story Zafiro Rey don Jaime Hotel gives a smart and elegant impression from the moment guests enter. The large lobby is modern and bright, and has a chic taupe color scheme. There are stylish cream sofas with silk cushions and elegant wood and metal coffee tables set under geometric wall installations, giving the space just a little edge. It's all quite minimalistic, which is a refreshing change of pace for an area of Majorca that's overrun with dated hotels. Like all large hotels in the area, the hotel provides entertainment, and animation teams are on hand to liven up most of the public areas, including those around the main pool. For those seeking a little more quiet, adult-only zones make sure there's plenty of space to unwind in peace. There are plenty of families staying here as the hotel has a good range of facilities for children -- such as a kids' club -- but couples and singles who want to unwind in style also flock here.

The Zafiro Rey don Jaime Hotel is set on a quiet side street just a two-minute walk from the stunning white sand of Santa Ponsa Beach, on Majorca's southwestern coast. The immediate area is relatively peaceful, though within a five-minute walk are a range of bars, shops, and restaurants, from international fast food chains to traditional Spanish tapas restaurants and Italian pizzerias. Golf Santa Ponsa is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and Marineland Mallorca, with its dolphin and sea lion shows, is a 10-minute drive. The lively party town of Magaluf is just a five-minute taxi ride away, the capital Palma is a 20-minute drive, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around 25-minutes away by car.

In an area of Spain crowded with drab and dated hotels, the decor in the rooms is a step above the rest, and every bit as stylish and chic as the hotel's public areas. The color scheme is an elegant gray and white, with neutral accents in mostly taupe shades. The beds have gray silk throw pillows on them, and a matching bed throw that's done in an attractive damask print. There are silver silk drapes, contemporary dark wood-veneer furniture, and large black-and-white beach photos on the walls -- it all comes together to give everything a classy polish. Rooms are divided among several categories, including Family Suites that can sleep two adults and two children. All come with simply furnished balconies, but keep in mind that not all views are great and even the best have only a partial glimpse of the sea. All rooms feature air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes,
and large flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Expect to pay extra for use of the safes. Bathrooms are a bit of a let down. They aren't unpleasant, but the dark tan marble tiling and patterned tile borders give them a dated quality. Each includes a generous travertine vanity, shower/tub combo, toiletries, and a hairdryer. It's worth noting that soundproofing may be an issue here, and thin walls mean that neighbors and hallway noise can be an issue.

Like most of the large hotels in town, there are a number of features on hand here. The Zafiro Rey don Jaime Hotel has two different pool areas. The main pool is spacious and has plenty of lounge chairs surrounding it -- there's also a small shallow area for children. For a dip without playful kids running around, there's an  additional pool on the rooftop which has fabulous views to the sea and over Santa Ponsa. This area is restricted to adults only, so it’s ideal for those traveling without children who want a quiet escape. There’s also a sleek spa which has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, two massage rooms, and a fitness center that's bright and has a small selection of modern equipment. For meals, the hotel has a buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has a children’s buffet area and a show cooking area, but the food receives mixed reviews. A bar serves all manner of drinks during the day and evening, and there's a poolside bar offering snacks. Entertainers are on hand throughout the day and into the evening, including animation teams putting on daily activities, games, and competitions like water polo and water basketball. At night they put on shows for both adults and children. There's also a kids' club. This area of Majorca doesn't see many business guests, but there are meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The hotel does not offer off parking but there are plenty of free public spaces on the street outside.