Wanted a nice hotel in or around Palma which we booked at short notice. Knowing Palma relatively well the 5* options in the city itself are limited so we chose to stay in Son Vida on the outskirts and taxi in to the city.
Whilst not a fan of chain hotels, the Sheraton Arabella doesn’t feel like your usual chain hotel. It has an authentic feel about the place, is well hidden being surrounded by a golf course (we’re not golfers), and the facilities are superb.
The room itself was nothing special, but with all the features you would expect of a 5* hotel room, we chose a garden view room which is the lead in category room and were glad we did as it was very quiet and secluded.
However, it was the pool area, spa facilities and service that made our short break memorable. The place has an exclusive feel, and whilst there were a number of families there are 2 dedicated childrens pools so the main pool was never overwhelmed with people. The pool area service was very good, albeit expensive for items such as water (which came in a recycled box), and the food was really nice.
Our rate included breakfast, served buffet style in the Es Cabo restaurant which overlooks the golf course. Superb breakfast range and a make your own juicer. We also ate in this restaurant on our first night as we arrived late, fortunately it was a BBQ buffet @49 euros per person (excluding wine) the buffet included steak, seafood, various other hot and cold dishes, and a great range of deserts.
We didn’t eat at the La Bodega restaurant but it was busy every lunchtime.
During July and August the hotel offers free transfer to and from Palma on Thursdays and Fridays departing at 6.30pm and 7.30pm stopping opposite the cathedral and then offering a collection at 1030pm and 1130pm. The taxi is around 15 euros one way so the free transfer was welcome.
Would definitely recommend the hotel, it wasn’t a value option but the extra we paid we felt warranted what we received.
