Hotel Bon Repos

The Hotel Bon Repos first distinguishes itself with one of the resort's more tasteful-looking facades, featuring simple clean-lined architecture and pleasingly traditional touches such as wood-shuttered windows and terra-cotta tiling. Stepping inside, an eclectic reception area has a red-carpeted staircase, chalkboards with daily uplifting messages, golden Asian-inspired statues, and zebra-patterned cushions. While the general vibe is budget-like, the bar area was updated in 2014 with a cool, contemporary look. To the rear is a lovely two-tiered garden with tropical flora, a swimming pool, and wooden sun terrace with balustrades overlooking the resort and Santa Ponsa bay. As an adult-only hotel, the atmosphere is laid-back though buzzy, attracting a clientele that leans towards younger couples. Lots of steps and split-level layout mean the hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility problems. 

The hotel is located on a relatively quiet, semi-residential street just off the main road that runs through Santa Ponsa and along its beachfront. The south end of the sandy bay is less than five minutes away on foot, as are plenty of restaurants, bars, and mini-markets. Most of the area's nightlife is on the other side of the bay (around 10 minutes' walk away). For wilder partying, Magaluf is a 10-minute cab journey. There's also a small and quieter beach, Calo d'en Pellicer, about a 10-minute walk away. Ponsa's golf course and an archaeological park are both within a five-minute drive. The cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are under 30 minutes' drive away, as is the Palma de Mallorca Airport.

The hotel's 55 guest rooms are simply styled with light tones, terra-cotta tile floors, and basic modern furnishings, and while clean and well-maintained, some of the fittings feel a little dated. All upgraded and some Standard Rooms open to balconies or terraces, some with loungers, views over the resort, and glimpses of the bay; others overlook the neighboring hotel or car park. Rooms have air-conditioning, as well as flat-screen TVs (with a couple of English-speaking channels), old-style safes (for a fee), and Wi-Fi (also charged). Bathrooms tend to be on the small side, with shower cubicles, wall-mounted hairdryers, and soap and shampoo dispensers. Some guests have complained that soundproofing between rooms could be improved, and some rooms are on the small side.

A simple continental breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in the hotel's simple, rustic dining room which extends to a lovely alfresco terrace with views over the resort. A more contemporary bar serves drinks (including a good range of cocktails) and snacks throughout the day, and offers a pool table, free Wi-Fi, and a poolside patio. The outdoor swimming pool is relatively large for the size of the property, and a tiered wood deck provides plenty of loungers and views toward the bay. Some evening entertainment is put on over the busier months, including live music and flamenco. A massage room is available, but there's no gym.