Roc Suites Las Rocas

The Roc Suites Las Rocas presents an attractive and welcoming first impression with its cheerful red sign set against a traditional Balearic whitewashed facade, flanked by stout palms and rock walls. Passing through its tall glass entrance, however, the lobby feels rather gloomy in comparison, with most natural light coming from a small enclosed courtyard. Dated furnishings, gray marble floors, and the usual scattering of tourist leaflets, notices, and animation programs sets the tone for a run-of-the-mill, mid-scale resort.

The gardens are well-tended, however, and once past the main pool, the property's main drawcard unfolds -- a beautiful sea panorama sweeping along a dramatic craggy coastline. The complex itself comprises four three-story blocks (without elevators), all following in the area's Ibiza-inspired architecture, with soft curves and central terra-cotta tile patios; one sits across the street and is the quietest, but overlooks pine trees rather than the Mediterranean. Almost all guests came through French tour operators, so entertainment and activities are strictly in French.

As well as being just steps away from a picturesque and rugged coastline, the hotel is set on a particularly peaceful, pine-scented road in the largely residential Es Forti neighborhood on Majorca's Cala D'or coast. While there's little in the immediate surrounds, the center of the resort town of Cala Egos has plenty of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops and is within a 10-minute stroll of the hotel -- the atmosphere is generally relaxed, with minimal noisy nightlife. The nearest sandy beach is the picturesque Calo d'es Pou, which is a five-minute walk away, although it inevitably gets busy over the summer months. The town of Cala D'Or has a buzzing restaurant zone and is 10 minutes away by cab, while farther afield, the charming and vibrant city of Palma is around an hours' drive. Palma de Mallorca Airport is also just under an hour away by road.

The complex has 205 suites (185 one-bedrooms and 20 two-bedroom), accessed with old-fashioned keys and decorated in a similarly dated fashion -- think knotted pine furniture, pale yellow walls, and patterned fabrics that look pre-millennial. All come with lounge and dining areas with sofas and mostly old tube-style TVs, while kitchenettes have fridges and electric hobs (though these are rarely used and cookware is only provided on request). Guests are treated to fresh towels three times a week. Sliding doors open to balconies or terraces, most of which feature superb sea views, or mountain and partial sea vistas. Some ground-level rooms open directly onto the garden and are just steps from one of the pools.

Bathrooms are functional and clean, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. A major downside is lack of air-conditioning -- fans can be hired for a weekly fee. In-room Wi-Fi also incurs a fee, as do safes. Note that some guests have complained of maintenance issues.

There are three freshwater pools within the hotel's grounds: the main freeform pool with sea views, a kids' section, and lively poolside activities; an adult-only quiet pool also overlooking the sea and long enough for a decent swim; and the Oasis pool, across the road and also quiet, plus zero-entry and family-friendly. There's also a large stage where daytime and evening entertainment takes place, plus mini-golf, a multi-sport court, and kids' club. As most guests are French, all activities are led in French.

Just one restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, catering to an international palette. Early risers can have their breakfast accompanied by a sea-horizon sunrise from the covered terrace. There's also a large indoor bar with an entertainment stage, and two manned poolside bars with self-serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. No a la carte dining is available, though simple groceries are available at the on-site mini-market. Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception area, and parking is also free of charge.

The all-inclusive plan covers the hot buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus cold early breakfasts and late dinners can be arranged. A range of international-brand soft drinks and locally produced alcoholic drinks are also covered and served throughout the day. Snacks such as ice cream and toasted sandwiches are available during set times. In-room Wi-Fi and fans are not covered, and some cocktails, premium-brand alcohol, and fresh orange juice cost extra.