Playa Bella Apartments

Playa Bella Apartments is a family-friendly option in a mostly party-centric city. The three-floor complex is plain from the outside and painted entirely in neutral tones. Inside, the lobby area is similarly bland and dated. Large taupe chairs and sofas feel lived-in, but two bright-red couches next to colorful little stools and toys for kids add personality to an otherwise dull space. Outside, the large pool has a section for kids and a splash park, which overlooks the small beachfront. This hotel is geared toward self-catering families, though it does also attract friends and couples looking for a budget-friendly stay a bit removed from the nightlife hub.

Located on the beach in San Antonio Bay, this hotel's location is one of its best features. Guests are close to all that San Antonio has to offer without being in the heart of the noisy center. The beach here is a bit rocky, but a five-minute walk takes travelers to a better beach. Being on the water, water taxis are easily accessible. The Sunset Strip is a bit far to walk to (nearly an hour), but it's only a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Several restaurants and bars are within walking distance, including Mar i Pins (six minutes), Bar Panffers (16 minutes), and Ocean Beach Ibiza (26 minutes). 

Apartment-style rooms have a dated design in a yellow-and-blue color scheme. Bedspreads, pillows, and couch and chair cushions all have the same blue-and-mustard-yellow floral print, plus curtains vary only slightly. Wood furniture throughout the apartment is all blue to match, and some rooms have a mustard-yellow accent wall. 

Many rooms were refurbished in 2010, giving them wood floors instead of tile and modern kitchenettes featuring sleek gray cabinets and stainless appliances, rather than the wood cabinets and white appliances in older rooms. Redone or not, all kitchenettes have a microwave, refrigerator or mini-fridge, toaster, two electric burners, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and basic cooking and dining necessities. Also standard are living areas, dining tables, and furnished balconies -- the size of these spaces vary depending on room. Those facing the street may suffer from noise.

Bathrooms mimic the kitchenette -- those that were renovated are modern, while those yet to be done are dated and showing signs of wear. Bathrooms have either walk-in showers, or shower/tub combos, and older bathrooms have bidets, too. All rooms have air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi and safes are available, but come at a cost. Rooms range from studios to three-bedroom apartments. 

There isn't much in the way of entertainment options inside, save a few games and computers, so guests will certainly be hoping for good weather. The hotel's beach access is a big perk, though it's a bit small and rocky. Still, it's lined with loungers and umbrellas and has pretty views. The outdoor pool area provides more for kids to enjoy with a separate pool for children and a splash park The terra-cotta deck is spacious and there are plenty of white plastic lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as two billiards tables.

The hotel's two restaurants both have views of the water, a kids' menu, and highchairs, and each have indoor and outdoor seating. Both serve international fare such as pizza, burgers, and fish, but only La Bahia is included in the half-board option. 

Live entertainment takes place every night. Most previous guests have found it to be entertaining, while others have noted that it's a bit "cheesy" and "standard". The stage is located on the patio, so some guests may be able to see and hear it from their balcony, which may be deemed a negative for some.