Having taken careful note of all the reviews available on hotels in Palma City, we finally booked a sea view room on a room-only basis at this 4 star hotel. So what decided us?
a. The view from our 4th floor room, right over the bay from the Cathedral and next to all the enormous cruiser boats coming and going, was mesmerizing. With a bottle of wine, olives and cheese to nibble, we sat for hours on our balcony enjoying the scene – both during the day and when all the lights were lit at night.
b. The indoor pool (for those chilly October days) was tiny and we never bothered, but the outdoor pool was brilliant. With a gentle slope to walk down into the water, we got warm very quickly (as it was unheated) and there was more than enough room for a number of guests.
c. The breakfasts were divine – but pricey. In the end, we simply wouldn't have had room for breakfast on more than a few mornings and so were glad we weren't paying for food we didn't eat. I couldn't find any deals when booking the accommodation where breakfast was cheaper than paying on the day, so that is what we did. The choice (hot full English, fresh pancakes, fruit, cheese, cold meats, cereals etc etc) was the best I have EVER been offered but it was £10 per person.
d. The room itself was fine BUT – no tea or coffee making equipment. So take my tip – buy a travel kettle along with a box of teabags. The huge shopping centre Porto Pi is very close and contains a fantastic supermarket for milk and anything else you might want to eat or drink in your room.
e. Palma is VERY hilly. The hotel was awkwardly positioned up some steep streets, a bit out of town near Bellver Caste, but we enjoyed a long stroll in along the coast road on some days and, at other times, hopped on a bus which got us there for 1.5 euros each way. (Do not expect the funicular down to the street below to be working.)