azuLine Hotel Bahamas & Bahamas II

With its peach-tone facade, patches of weatherworn paintwork, and balconies draped with the occasional beach towel, the azuLine Hotel Bahamas certainly looks like your average dated resort hotel from the outside. Stepping into the lobby, however, a 2015 renovation has spruced things up, with the original marble providing a polished backdrop for unfussy contemporary touches and splashes of turquoise. Just off reception, a spacious outdoor seating area overlooks a pool terrace and -- the hotel's main distinguishing feature -- a mature pine forest (inhabited by some semi-feral roosters). A single pair of marble and mirror elevators service the property's six floors, with hallways that while clean and well-maintained feel a little stark and sterile. The vibe was relaxed and buzzy on our visit, however, helped by particularly friendly staff. The hotel tends to attract vacationing couples and families with kids more so than groups. While predominantly hailing from Germany and the UK, the property also draws clientele from other European countries, such as Portugal and Italy. 

The azuLine Hotel Bahamas is located on the southern outskirts of the popular, mostly German resort of El Arenal, situated at the far end of the three-mile-long Playa de Palma. A little rough around the edges in places, this seaside town offers numerous fast food joints, convenience stores, themed bars, and kebab shops, as well as some lively nightlife. Set on the edge of a pine woodland, however, the hotel is relatively quiet, with the resort center about 10 minutes away on foot and the start of the beach roughly the same distance. It's also a short stroll to Aqualand El Arenal. Easy access to the freeway also means the charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are less than a 15-minute drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport takes even less time.

There are 239 rooms in total, which fall into just two main types: Standard and Premium. Decor is identical in both, with a bright and simple combination of IKEA-style furniture, tiled floors, and seascape photos above beds; Premium rooms are slightly larger. While all rooms benefitted from a 2015 refresh, some older remnants such as textured walls mean interiors don't feel fully contemporary. Rooms do score high on cleanliness. All rooms open to balconies, most of which overlook the neighboring woodland, with some higher level rooms (and all Premium room) offering partial sea views.Standard amenities are pretty basic, with little more than tiny flat-screen TVs and manual safes, though bedside reading lights and plugs are convenient and kettles are available to rent. In-room Wi-Fi is available for a charge and the signal is poor in some areas. Premium rooms add mini-fridges (which can otherwise be rented). Some past guests complain that air-conditioning doesn't always sufficiently cool the rooms. Bathrooms are functional with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries, which aren't restocked.

For a midrange hotel, the azuLine Hotel Bahamas offers a decent enough selection of facilities, with a couple of notable shortcomings. The outdoor pool is a good size (long enough for a swim) with a separate kids' section, although it's mostly in shade until the afternoon. There are four daybeds (free of charge) and plentiful loungers, but they lack cushions aren't very comfortable. One level up from the pool is another sun terrace with a small snack bar and more seating. Another quieter terrace with sunbeds can be found just off the spa, which has a whirlpool tub, sauna (which needs to be booked in advance), and small gym. An animation program runs everyday with activities for children and adults, and while there's a playroom, there's no dedicated kids' club. New for 2017 is a dedicated bike center with secure storage, a washing station, and workshop. Dining is limited to just one large buffet restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is always included, plus half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive options are available. There is some live cooking during mealtimes, plus self-service drinks (including alcohol), and themed buffets several times a week; reports suggest food quality is average at best but edible. A bar hosts low-key entertainment most evenings, principally live music acts, bingo, and Flamenco shows. The hotel has a deal with nearby Aqualand El Arenal (pay for one-day entry and get a week free), and offers free regular shuttle service to the beach.