Hipotels Said

The Hipotels Said Hotel is a family-friendly property near the beach, with mostly dated interiors but some modern, attractive accents. The property comprises two buildings: A main seven-story block plus a five-floor annex, between which gardens are filled with palm trees and sculpted shrubbery arranged around spacious sun terraces. Though undeniably outdated, the property is clean and well-maintained. Indoors, the lobby has swathes of polished marble and traditional wood paneling illuminated by ceiling spotlights and a blown-glass centerpiece chandelier with blue, pink, and yellow detailing. The bar has old-fashioned blue-striped armchairs, while the restaurant has a warmer vibe with earth-tone artwork and chair cushions. Like most hotels in the area, the hotel caters to predominantly German guests, with a smattering of those from the U.K.

The hotel is set two blocks from the long stretch of sandy coast that runs the length of the resort town of Cala Millor, on Majorca's east coast. The immediate surrounds are relatively quiet, and consists primarily of other hotels. The lively resort center is around a 10 minutes' walk away. There are also a couple of supermarkets within a short stroll. The island capital of Palma is around an hour's drive away, which is the same distance as Palma de Mallorca Airport.

The hotel has 187 rooms, most of which feel fairly dated, due to old-fashioned wood-and-wicker furniture, gray-tile floors, and uncoordinated patterned fabrics; lumpy textured walls add to the tired look. Annex rooms are more modern, with white-wood furniture, light-wood floors, smart, contemporary seating in neutral tones, and navy-blue bed runners and matching throws. However, these have the same dated blue-and-yellow-striped drapes. All rooms open to furnished balconies, some overlooking the pool and those on higher levels featuring partial sea views, while others look out over the road and neighboring nightclub. Noise, however, doesn't generally seem to be a problem. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with limited English-speaking channels) and electronic safes (for a fee), though rooms lack mini-fridges and tea- and coffee-making facilities. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and reliable. Bathrooms are either older style, with shower/tub combos, or more modern with walk-in showers; all have wall-mounted hairdryers and chain-brand toiletries.

The consensus points to a particularly good breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, plus cooking station whipping up eggs and pancakes to order. The restaurant is clean and spacious, with a covered terrace that overlooks the gardens. Lunch and dinner are also served buffet-style, with half-board or all-inclusive plans available. A snack bar is available for drinks and light meals, plus there's also a lounge bar with plenty of seating, and indoor and outdoor stages for evening entertainment -- which is mostly in Germans and not particularly professional. An outdoor freeform pool is large enough for a swim and surrounded by plentiful loungers, where (unlike many) the hotel's no-reservation rule is properly enforced. There are also a splash pool for kids, a playground, and poolside activities, plus a heated indoor pool with water jets and a whirlpool section. A tiny gym and sauna are available, as is a pool table.