Hipotels Hipocampo Palace

Immaculately trim green lawns, lush flower beds, and palm trees surround this attractive cream and peach colored building housing the Hipocampo Palace from the Spanish Hipotels chain. A giant porte cochere entrance leads into the lobby, which is elegant, if a bit old school, with an atrium ceiling that fills the two-story space with light. Four tufted black leather sofas command the center of the room, though details like heavy iron lamps and unintentionally vintage marble-inlay floors don't feel particularly modern. Other sitting areas scattered around the hotel feature a similar style, with white leather sofas and glitzy touches like gilded mirrors on the walls, while other spaces are more contemporary, featuring abstract art and an updated aesthetic. The dining spaces are equally classy, from the white table linens, chandeliers, mirrored columns, and damask patterns in the restaurant, to the sea of beige tub armchairs clustered around small wooden tables in the bar. 

Guest rooms are spread among two buildings linked by a tunnel, while the surrounding grounds are impeccably maintained and feature tidy green lawns, trees, lush plants and flowers, and plenty of areas to relax. The property mainly attracts leisure tourists from Germany and the U.K., drawing both couples and families with kids.

The hotel is situated close to the beach -- the shore is about a five-minute walk away -- in Cala Millor, a popular tourist area in Mallorca. There are lots of other hotels in the immediate vicinity -- including several from the Hipotel chain. This is a convenient location that's within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and there are two supermarkets that are under a 10-minute walk away. The picturesque Castillo de sa Punta de n'Amer, a 17th-century watchtower, is a 20-minute hike up a hill near the hotel and has lovely views of the surrounding sea. For exploring farther afield, a car is likely necessary. Other nearby attractions include Safari Zoo and the Pula Golf Course, both about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Drach Caves of Porto Cristo and the picturesque coves of Arta are about a 20-minute drive away or a half-hour via public transportation (there are bus stops about a two-minute walk from the hotel). Central Palma and the Palma Airport can be reached in about an hour by car.

The hotel offers three categories of rooms: Standard Double Rooms, Suites, and Senior Suites. The look is stylish and simple, with contemporary decor awash in clean, neutral shades of beige and white. Large white headboards with built-in nightstands feature tufted, pale beige padding that pairs well with white bedspreads and coffee-colored pillows and bed runners. Patterned brown and cream curtains frame the glass doors that lead onto balconies furnished with tables and chairs and offering views over the palm-studded grounds. Suites offer separate living rooms, while Senior Suites have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and separate living/dining rooms. They also have large terraces furnished with tables, chairs, and loungers, though low partitions dividing neighboring terraces mean that they don't feel private.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, air-conditioning, work desks, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no electric kettles for tea or coffee, and use of safes incurs an extra charge. Everything is quite spacious -- Double Rooms start at 27-square-meter floor plans (291 square feet) -- but it's worth noting that some of the larger beds are actually two twins pushed together. Dark beige marble bathrooms look a bit less breezy and modern than the rest of the rooms, and have shower/tub combos, bidets, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries.

One of the highlights here is the hotel's immense outdoor pool skirted by greenery and immaculately trimmed lawns neatly dotted with loungers and umbrellas. These green spaces provide a lovely place to lounge in the sun, with tall palm trees and lush plants here and there. While the hotel isn't on the beach, it's only a five-minute walk to the sand, where there are loungers shaded by thatched umbrellas available.

Food at the hotel's buffet-style restaurant gets good reviews from past guests, with a nice variety of local and international fare. There's also a poolside snack bar, plus room service is available. Rates that include breakfast as well as half-board plans are available.

The hotel spa offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments, as well as a lovely indoor pool, sauna, ice fountain, and Turkish bath -- though for some guests, nudity in the spa area can be an issue. There's also a hair salon on-site. The fitness center offers a variety of modern machines and equipment, and is stocked with fresh towels and water. Those seeking outdoor activity can utilize the hotel's six clay tennis courts. There's also an outdoor playground for kids, as well as a kiddy pool and entertainment throughout the day. The animation team organizes games and competitions plus evening shows, live music, and other performances.  

A meeting room and business center are available for corporate guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other amenities include laundry service (for an additional fee), as well as bike and car rentals, and airport transfers (for an added fee).