Hipotels Flamenco Cala Millor

Just a block from its fellow Hipotels Aparthotel Mercedes, the Flamenco shares the same corporate-looking gleaming white facade lined with mirrored windows. Inside the feel is more traditional, thanks to marble floors, brass trim, and wood paneling. While interiors are all well-maintained, furnishings such as faux-leather couches and striped armchairs on mismatched blue-patterned carpet are outdated and in need of a refresh. The six-story, Y-shaped property overlooks a tidy pool terrace dotted with palm trees and overlooking the beach. Clientele hail largely from Germany, plus a fair share of Brits, comprising an even split of slightly older couples and families with kids. 

The hotel is set overlooking the middle of the long and picturesque sandy beach of Cala Millor. The immediate surrounds consist mostly of hotels and are relatively quiet, but the resort's lively center with dining and nightlife is a 10-minute walk away. The famous Cafe del Sol music venue is a few minutes away on foot. Tourists attractions such as the Castillo de sa Punta de n'Amer, a 17th-century watchtower, is about a five-minute drive and Safari Zoo is 12 minutes away by car. The island capital of Palma is around an hour's drive away, as is Palma de Mallorca Airport.

The hotel has 220 rooms, all of which are decorated in a dated combination of old-fashioned wood furniture, patterned fabrics, and sun-faded artworks. Glass doors slide open to furnished balconies with either side or full sea views. Rooms are air conditioned and all come with 22-inch flat-screen TVs, safes (for a fee), and minibars -- though guests complain these are often locked. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and strong enough for video streaming in some parts of the hotel. Marble-top bathrooms, while clean and in good repair, could use some modernization; all come with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-brand toiletries. While rooms don't suffer much from external noise, some guests have complained of thin walls between rooms.

There are no gym or sports facilities, but pools are the main event here anyway. The pool isn't huge but, with the beach steps away, it's rarely crowded and there are plenty of loungers. There are also a splash pool for kids and a decent-sized heated indoor pool with massage jets. By day, a low-key animation team organizes activities such as aquarobics and stuff for kids. The on-site eatery serves buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Reports suggest that the breakfast is outstanding, with a wide range of hot and cold items, plus cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, and pancakes. It's not included as standard, though bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available. There are also two bars, one inside and the second poolside with an a la carte menu and evening entertainment -- mostly in German (though they do try to cover all nationalities in the audience). Reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout.