Hotel Amic Horizonte

If the name itself ("Hotel Horizon" in English) doesn't give a hint as to this property's main drawcard, a huge photograph of the rear view stretched out over its facade certainly does. And the panorama certainly is impressive, spanning from the cruise port sweeping all around Palma Bay, taking in the marina, Bellver castle, and its majestic Gothic cathedral. Guests can even cross a footbridge between the spacious sun terrace onto the flat roof of the building opposite (which is also part of the hotel) for a better vantage point. The rest of the hotel, however, is decidedly average with typically charmless '60s architecture, and a largely dated lobby area, elevators, and corridors. Some contemporary furnishings are mixed in among the more old-fashioned furniture and large floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the island's sun, as well as those fabulous views. The hotel is mostly used as a base for British and Spanish couples on short sightseeing breaks to Palma, though the pool terrace and optional all-inclusive plan also give the place a resort-like vibe.

The hotel is located on a steep hillside on the western fridges of Palma surrounded by apartment blocks and a few other hotels. There's very little in the immediate area in the way of eating and drinking options, with the nearest collection of eateries being in and around the Porto Pi commercial center and shopping mall, around 10 minutes on foot. Guests report the climb back up the hill can be exhausting. It's also about 10 minutes' walk to the nearest bus stop into bustling Palma center and its charming Old Town, which takes another 10 minutes; or it's less than 10 minutes by cab. The nearest beaches at Cala Mayor are also 10 minutes by car in the other direction, where art-lovers can also find the Miro Foundation museum. The cruise port is just opposite the hotel at the bottom of the hill, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is just over 20 minutes by car, or almost an hour via public transport. 

The hotel's 199 rooms come in a choice of two styles: The standard singles, doubles, and triples are located in the annex building with dated interiors combining old-fashioned wood furniture, red patterned bedspreads, and textured walls. Upgraded Superior Rooms are clearly more contemporary with a design of cool gray tones and modern (albeit IKEA-style) furniture; a few however do retain some dated elements. While all rooms have (typically small) balconies, most but not all enjoy sea views from sweeping panoramas to peeps between apartment blocks. 

Amenities are pretty basic, with either old-style or flat-screen TVs (depending on room type), mini-fridges, and safes (for a fee); Wi-Fi is available for free, though it's very spotty in some rooms. Bathrooms vary between older-style with shower/tub combos (in most rooms) and modernized with walk-in showers; suites also add whirlpool tubs. Various suites add luxury extras such as hydro-massage showers, huge panoramic terraces, or outdoor whirlpools.

The saltwater swimming pool is a good size, especially for an urban hotel, and its deck has loungers, a couple daybeds, a semi-shaded area, and excellent vistas. Adjacent is a separate splash pool for kids, though there's little else for younger guests. There's also nothing in the way of fitness or spa facilities, though bikes are available to rent.

A buffet breakfast is served (for a particularly short window of time) in the bright but basic Joan Miro Restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. Cooked-to-order items such as eggs and pancakes are served with the usual array of hot and cold breakfast dishes, though it's not always included in the rate. Half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive rates are available and cover buffet-style lunch and dinner. Both the poolside and indoor bars also offer light meals such as pizza, regular drinks offers.