BQ Delfin Azul Hotel

It's certainly hard to miss the huge BQ logo from the road announcing the presence of the Delfin Azul Hotel, whose balconied facade is also finished in the chain's signature white and orange. In 2014 and 2015, the hotel saw a top-to-bottom renovation, which is immediately evident in the bright, airy, and modern reception area. Contemporary lighting and silver accents create a 21st-century vibe, while remnants of the hotel's 1970s origins can be seen in white marble that clads mirrored columns and the elevators. A beach scene photo-mural helps to detract from a slightly clinical feel. 

From the reception area you can take in most of the hotel, and doors off the lobby lead to the TV lounge, games room, bar, and restaurant. Just past front desk (and a trio of colorful life-size bear statues) is the rear pool terrace -- a spacious and neatly arranged area with wood-effect decking and artificial grass, though not much in the way of real plants. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, while the property is spotlessly clean and efficiently run, attracting an even split of couples and families -- almost all British, and many repeat customers.

The hotel overlooks the main road that runs parallel with -- and is a few blocks from -- Port d'Alcudia's sweeping bay and huge sandy beach. The location is more in the commercial shopping area of the resort town, and the dining and nightlife of "Dollar Street" (the nickname for Pere Mas i Reus) is around a 10-minute walk or five-minute minute drive away. The beach -- famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters -- is about 10 minutes on foot. It's also a 10-minute drive to the medieval cobbled streets of Alcudia's old town, which is a must-visit; some guests choose to walk there in a half hour instead. The Hidropark water park is a five-minute drive, the pretty town of Pollensa is a 15- to 20-minute drive, and the island's capital Palma de Mallorca (home to the main airport) is at least 45 minutes by car.

All spruced up in 2015, the hotel's 275 rooms are all practically identical, finished in muted grays and whites (which help lend an airy feel), simple modern furniture, vinyl wood-effect flooring, and splashes of turquoise fabric. Walls also feature sea-themed murals. Spread over six floors, most (but not all) rooms open to balconies with plastic seating and either distant sea (from upper levels) or mountain views; lower-level street-facing rooms can be prone to some traffic noise. Rooms are air conditioned during the warmer months. Amenities include mini-fridges and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with over 50 channels including many U.K.-based options), though there's no hot drink provision, and old-fashioned safes are charged. In-room Wi-Fi also is for a fee, but is fast and reliable with the premium internet package. Clean bathrooms have walk-in showers (with good pressure), wall-mounted hairdryers, and a solid selection of generic hotel-brand toiletries.

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure there's plenty of natural light in the spacious dining room, where breakfast and dinner are served buffet style daily. Breakfast is always included and dinner (with regular themed nights and a 14-day cycle of dishes) is covered with the half-board option, though evening drinks are not included. Most guests rate the food pretty highly. A snack bar also provides an a la carte menu of salads, pizza, burgers, and the like for lunch, as well as a poolside terrace and range of drinks throughout the day until late. 

Shows are put on several times a week, and include performances by comedians, tribute acts, and live music. The only main pool is a good-sized L-shaped affair with a small separate section for children. Reports suggest bagging a poolside lounger can be tricky during peak season. Children also have use of a mini splash-park with water jets, a playground, a twice-daily mini-club (for 4 years and up), and a mini-disco every evening. There's also a TV lounge and game room with pool tables. though nothing in the way of spa or fitness facilities.