Hotel Roc Boccaccio

With its underwhelming balconied facade and rather drab granite entrance, there's little to get excited about upon arrival at the Hotel Roc Boccaccio. Inside, the lobby has been updated with metallic-fabric sofas and potted palms set against a contemporary backdrop of white and grays. Beyond reception, however, much of this '70s-era property remains stuck in the last century with dated corridors finished in varnished wood, marble-effect paneling, and taupe carpeted floors. A pair of small elevators ferry guests up the building's five flights, while to the rear is a small though pleasant pool terrace offering both sunny and shady spots. Wraparound windows overlook a spacious seated patio as well as providing lovely panoramic views over the neighboring lake -- plus a wood-decked area offers a relaxing lakeside space. Although at 214 guest rooms, the Boccaccio manages to maintain a small-hotel feel, with a buzzy laid-back resort-style atmosphere, drawing a real mix of vacationing couples, cyclists, and families with kids from all over Europe. The hotel goes purely all-inclusive over the summer months, with a range of other meal plans offered during the rest of the year. A major refurbishment is planned for 2018, which should bring a much-needed update to the more dated parts of the property. 

The Hotel Roc Boccaccio is located in the popular and bustling resort of Port d'Alcudia, part of the huge sweeping sandy Bay of Alcudia on Majorca's northeast coast. While set away from the main resort center (around a five-minute drive)  the hotel is situated right on "Dollar Street" -- the nickname for Pere Mas i Reus -- a lively strip of bars, karaoke joints, and restaurants. It's also just a two-minute walk to the long sandy beach that stretches for miles in both directions. The property backs onto a large lake that connects to a series of waterways, though that can mean mosquitos are a problem certain times of year. Families can find a water park five minutes' drive away, while birdwatchers flock to Alcudia Nature Reserve 10 minutes away by car -- lots of local bus services connect up and down the coast. Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital (and home to the main airport) is 35 to 40 minutes by car, though transfers can take between one and two hours. 

Guest rooms, which for the most part were last renovated in 2011, are starting to feel a little dated, with wood veneer floors, coordinating fabrics, and furniture showing signs of wear. Some, however, have been refitted with frosted glass paneling and more contemporary furnishings. There's also a plan to overhaul all 214 rooms by 2018. At 215 square feet (20 square meters) space in standard double rooms is certainly limited, though a handful of junior suites provide more room (and sleep up to three guests). All rooms open to balconies or terraces with most overlooking the street or pool, though some have lovely lake views and a few on higher floors feature sea vistas. Amenities across the board could also use an upgrade. Rooms are air conditioned, with 20- or 32-inch TVs (some older tube models), mini-fridges, and old-style safes (for a fee). In-room Wi-Fi is also charged per device with a decent connection speed. Older bathrooms come with shower/tub combos and lack hairdryers (they're available to rent), however renovated bathrooms are semi-open-plan with walk-in rainfall showers and wall-mounted hairdryers. Due to the hotel's location on a busy road, street-facing rooms are inevitably prone to noise, especially those on lower floors. 

While Hotel Boccaccio certainly does check off the list of expected features for a mid-range property, some are rather limited in what they provide. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the hotel's main dining room has a bright and airy feel, with an alfresco terrace providing views of the lake. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here buffet style and always with some live cooking. A snack bar exclusive to all-inclusive guests also has buffet service, while a few minutes' walk away the hotel's beach bar offers food and self-service drinks. Although a la carte options are limited (the street-front cocktail bar offers the usual fast food options) and food quality isn't outstanding, most find it decent enough for the price. A chill-out bar offer a good range of cocktails with lake views and comfy seating, while a noisier entertainment area puts on daily shows (with three professional ones a week). The hotel's kidney-shaped pool is certainly one of the smaller to be found in the area, with a limited number of loungers -- many shaded -- and no poolside bar. It does have a shallow splash section, while children between the ages of 3 and 11 years have a free kids' club, together with a mini-disco every evening. There's nothing in the way of spa facilities, though there's a gym with somewhat dated weight-lifting equipment, and a spacious sun terrace provides a peaceful spot to sunbathe. Practical amenities include free Wi-Fi around reception and coin-operated laundry facilities, plus cyclists have secure storage, rental bikes, and workbenches.