Sunlight Bahia Principe Coral Playa

From the roadside you certainly don't get the full measure of this 1960s high-rise property. In fact the entrance to reception is on the seventh floor, and it is only on the beachfront side that all 13 stories of the imposing balconied facade are visible. In the brightly lit lobby area, a curved reception desk faces a large open-plan space with polished limestone floors, pillars, and the occasional potted plant. There is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with a few comfy seating areas, vending machines, and the usual collection of tourist information and pamphlets. A trio of elevators connects guest to one of 184 rooms, while the carpeted stairwell has a stair lift for guests with special mobility requirements. Another elevator also provides access directly to the beach below (with steps to access the elevator at hotel and beach level). This means guests can avoid walking up the steep hill back from the resort, although this the elevator does not run long into the evening.

Clientele are a mixed bag -- the hotel is popular with older couples as well as groups, and there a fair share of families with kids over the summer. They hail from Portugal, Russia, Spain, and the U.K. The resort town is known as a major destination for partiers, including U.K. stag and hen parties, and some may stay here. This is an occasional issue for some guests as walls are thin, but in general this property is far less party-oriented than Sotavento Apartments, and it's usually possible to avoid the scene.

While the hotel itself makes little mention of it by name, the property is set into the hillside overlooking the notorious party town of Magaluf. It is located at the north end of the resort town's undeniably impressive long stretch of white sand, with elevators access direct onto the beach below. The promenade running along the back of the beach has plenty of restaurants and bars, while most of the nightlife takes place on "the strip," around a five-minute walk away (but up a steep hill on the way back). A 15-minute walk at the other end of the beach is the more upmarket Nikki Beach club, which attracts pretty young things and well-heeled locals, while more family-oriented fun can be had at the Katmundu Park fairground and theme park (a 12-minute walk). The charming medieval streets of Palma's Old Town are a 15- to 20-minute drive, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is around half an hour.

The 184 rooms are all similarly styled, clean and fairly well maintained. All open to furnished balconies or terraces, most offering bay views, though plenty also face the road. Sea-facing rooms on higher floors (seventh and above) have particular spectacular panoramic views, while rooms on lower floors are closer to the beach and pool. Some rooms can be prone to noise from people returning from late-night revelry.

Standard amenities include 22-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels (the only English options are news channels), safes (for a fee), and minibars (which are not automatically restocked). Wi-Fi is available but not free of charge. Bathrooms feel fairly modern, and come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel brand toiletries.

Included in the standard rate is a decent buffet breakfast (though there are no cooked-to-order eggs or pancakes), as well as a dinner buffet served in the main restaurant. Most report positively on the quality of the food, though the buffet restaurant can get very busy at peak times. All-inclusive plans are also available. An on-site a la carte restaurant serves Italian food and the poolside bar serves drinks and snacks, though there can be long queues.

Children are catered for with a kids' club (summer season only) and a small splash pool next to the main swimming pool. The main pool is rather small and chilly thanks to sitting mainly in the shade until the afternoon (guests report the sea is usually warmer). The poolside sunbeds are very popular and are often reserved with towels (pool towels can be hired) very early in the morning. There is no indoor pool but the spa offers various treatments and has a sauna and whirlpool.

The all-inclusive plan includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as light snacks from the poolside bar between mealtimes. Soft drinks and local wines are included with meals in the buffet restaurant. One meal per stay in the a la carte restaurant is also included. Soft drinks, local beer, spirits, and wine are covered from the snack bar throughout the day and into the evening from the lounge bar. Spa treatments, Wi-Fi and room safes are not covered by the plan.