Globales Condes de Alcudia

Besides its striking entrance topped with tinted glass and bold metallic signage, there's very little that sets the Globales Condes de Alcudia apart from the numerous other lower-middle-range and mid-range chain hotels in the area. Previously part of the Hi! hotel brand, the name change in 2015 resulted in very minor linen and TV updates in rooms. The common spaces are filled with the typical mix of dated furniture, loud patterned fabrics, and uninspired artwork. While clean, many furnishings are showing wear and tear. A pair of elevators (that feel cramped with more than two people) ferry guests to long, old-fashioned hallways spread over 10 floors. A rear pool terrace is busy and buzzing, especially during the summer months, populated with an even mix of vacationing couples and families with kids mostly hailing from the U.K. 

While the hotel's immediate surrounds are other hotel and apartments, it's just a block from the main road that runs parallel with the sweeping bay of the popular resort town of Port d'Alcudia. While not quite as upmarket as the nearby Port de Pollenca, the town is a pleasantly laid-back mix of tourist-centric restaurants, bars, and hotels. The resort center and the majority of its dining and nightlife is about five minutes away on foot, and the strikingly wide sandy beach -- also famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters -- is around three minutes. The town's port and marina are also within walking distance, while the family-friendly Hidropark water park is a five-minute drive away. Also accessible by car is the pretty town of Pollenca, a 15- to 20-minute drive, while the island's capital Palma de Mallorca and the main airport are at least 45 minutes away.

The hotel has 244 rooms, all of which are styled in dated, cookie-cutter decor with coordinating patterned fabrics, traditional wooden furniture, and tiled floors. Some furnishings, particularly the blue headboards, are worn and showing their age. Although most rooms are adequately sized and open to balconies, a few are tiny with no outdoor space. Balconies tend to overlook the pool, road, or other hotels, however many on higher floors are treated to views of the bay. Old tube-style TVs have been swapped out for flat-screens (with plenty of U.K.-based channels), however all other in-room amenities (such as fans, safes, kettles, hairdryers, and mini-fridges) must be hired. Wi-Fi is free for 30 minutes a day, then it requires a fee; reports also suggest speed isn't great. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos (with clingy curtains) and good selection of toiletries. 

The Globales Condes de Alcudia has all the expected facilities for a resort-style property, except for a gym. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the hotel's buffet restaurant, with at least two meals covered in the standard half-board plan (full-board and all-inclusive are also available). Most agree breakfast service is good quality, with the other meals inconsistent. There are regular themed buffets, plus snacks and drinks are also made available at the poolside bar. The swimming pool and surrounding terrace is not huge and can feel overcrowded at peak times, though it has a good guest-to-lounger ratio and very enthusiastic animation team. For younger guests, there are a kids' club, playground, and shallow section in the main pool, plus a mini-disco in the evening. Other evening entertainment includes bingo, karaoke, and cabaret on the outdoor stage, which can be very hit and miss.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with regular themed buffet nights. Snacks in the form of ice cream and sandwiches are served at set times from the poolside bar. Spanish-brand alcoholic and international soft drinks are also covered, including premixed cocktails. All entertainment and kids' club are also included, but in-room hairdryers, mini-fridges, safes, and kettles still incur an extra charge, as does Wi-Fi after half an hour of use.