Europa

One look at the reception room of Apartamentos Europa -- with its simple wood table check-in desk, scruffy bookcase, and strip lighting -- and it's clear this complex is firmly at the no-frills end of the market. The grounds are a combination of painted concrete terrace and unkempt gardens populated with pine trees, mature palms, and patchy lawns. The apartment blocks themselves are quite attractive -- at least from the outside -- with blue and white facades dotted with traditional-style wooden shutters and modern balconies. They are four floors high and there are no elevators, however, getting to the top can be a struggle. Maintenance is also an issue in some places, with some tiles missing around the pool edge and the surrounding terrace in need of refresh. Guests expecting anything fancy will be sorely disappointed, though most understand you get what you pay for, and you won't pay much to stay here.

The complex is located in a largely residential area in the purpose-built resort town of Sa Coma, on the southeast coast of Majorca. While there's little in the immediate surrounds beyond villas and houses (many belonging to expats), the location is a few minutes' walk to the main collection of bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. The resort's long sandy beach is about five minutes away on foot (via a footpath) and although very busy during peak season, is large enough to never feel crowded. It's mostly popular with families, so there's not a great deal in the way of nightlife, though the nearby Cala Millor is a little livelier and a five-minute drive up the coast. The location is one of the more remote on the island, being at least an hour's drive from the capital of Palma, and Palma de Mallorca Airport.  

The 42 one-bedroom apartments certainly feel dated, with old-fashioned chunky furniture, lumpy textured walls, and plenty of signs of wear and tear. Apartments are spacious and clean, however, and all open to balconies or terraces overlooking the pool or gardens. The surroundings are generally quiet with most noise provided by the plumbing. Living areas include lounges (with old tube-style TVs), dining tables and chairs, two sofa beds (each can sleep one child), and kitchenettes (with electric hobs, microwaves, fridges, and basic cookware). Toasters and kettles are available to hire. Bathrooms look more recently renovated than the rest of the units, with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers. Most apartments lack air-conditioning, so can get sticky during hotter months, though fans can be hired. 

The main focus of the complex is the swimming pool, which includes a separate shallow splash pool for kids. While no shortage of loungers, most look worn and could do with being replaced. There's no restaurant on-site, though a small outdoor bar serves bargain-priced drinks next to a shaded terrace with pool table. Wi-Fi is available though only free for the first 10 minutes. A playground can also be found on a patch of grassland, next to a surprisingly decent tennis court.