Artiem Capri Menorca

With its signature splashes of pink, blue, and lime green, Hotel Capri is instantly recognizable as belonging to the Minorca-based mini-chain of Artiem Hotels. The hotel was updated in 2016, with a reception area finished in the brand's fresh and breezy style, opening up to a simple and sunny lobby lounge. Off to one side is a traditional English-style pub, a popular spot for evening drinks. But the spruced-up finish stops there, as much of the property has retained remnants of its 70s origins, and in places shows some wear and tear. Its 75 guest rooms are spread over seven floors, connected by one aging elevator that's slow at busier times. A fabulous bonus is a rooftop pool terrace with spectacular views over the surrounding city. Open all year, this relatively small city hotel is popular with business travelers, though most of the clientele tend to be vacationing couples, principally from Spain, Britain, and Italy; during our visit there were also a few kids splashing around the pool. 

The hotel is set overlooking a bustling junction in the center of Mahon, surrounded by apartment blocks, office buildings, and local business. Less than 10 minutes away on foot is the old town, with its charming narrow shopping streets, medieval churches, and numerous bars and restaurants. Guests can also watch the world go by from a cafe patio just outside the hotel. The city's largest square, Plaça de s'Esplanada, is around a five-minute walk away, plus there's a free parking lot a few minutes in the other direction. Its position also puts it just over 10 minutes' drive from one of the north coast's prettiest beaches, Sa Mesquida. Menorca Airport is also just 10 minutes by car.

The 75 guest rooms come in four different categories. The Basic Interior rooms are tiny (140 square feet/13 meters squared) with small balconies and no view; Standard Double (194 square feet/18 meters squared) with larger balconies overlooking the street; and Superior Doubles that measure a respectable 250 square feet (23 meters squared) and come with whirlpool tubs. While plenty of traffic can be heard when balcony doors are open, once closed the noise is minimal. Decor is the same throughout -- a modern though not particularly contemporary mix of blond-wood paneling, flooring, and furnishings, with crimson fabrics and brushed steel lighting.

In-room amenities include 50-inch flat-screen TVs (new for 2016), minibars (with water, beer, Coke, and chips), and coffee- and tea-making facilities.  Digital safes are charged, though Wi-Fi is free and works very well. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, though a little old-fashioned with shower/tub combos, soap-shampoo dispensers, and wall-mounted hairdryers; top-level rooms add bathrobes, whirlpool tubs, and separate showers. All bathrooms are slated for a refresh in 2017 to install walk-in showers. Pool towels are also provided in all guest rooms.

The hotel's crowning feature is without doubt its impressive rooftop swimming pool, long enough for a good swim and surrounded by decked terrace and loungers overlooking the city (and even some glimpses of sea). The pool is heated and covered during the cooler months, plus there's a poolside whirlpool tub, sauna, and steam room. One level up is an extra platform with loungers for sunbathing. Another highlight is the hotel's Petite Spa, which offers a range of beauty and massage treatments, and there's a small fitness room with just a few machines. 

Breakfast is always included in the rate and it's served in the lower-ground-floor dining room. While the low ceiling and limited natural light don't make for the best of settings, the breakfast buffet is a good quality offering continental and pre-cooked dishes, with an emphasis on local products; a cooking station also turns out eggs cooked to order, orange juice is freshly squeeze, and coffee is from bean-to-cup machines. An optional half-board rate includes a buffet with show cooking that changes daily, also of decent quality. Alternatively, the English pub-style bar (with walls papered with The Daily Telegraph newspaper) serves pizza and sandwiches, plus a good choice of drinks. Room service is available from the bar menu. Wi-Fi is free and generally reliable throughout.