Hotel Pinero Tal

Tucked off side street and up flights of stairs is the entrance to Hotel Pinero Tal -- a typical late sixties-era property barely distinguishable from the forest of balconied high-rises surrounding it. Stepping inside, the reception area has been updated with a fresh, white-and-turquoise color scheme, contemporary-style taupe seating, and mirror-paneled pillars. Much of the rest of the property, however, remains dated and tired-looking, with numerous remnants of its sixties origins. A pair of dated (manual door) elevators ferry guest efficiently to one of the hotel's nine floors, though stop short of connecting to the lower-level pool and entertainment terrace. The overall atmosphere is unpretentious but underwhelming, delivering the basics to a value-oriented clientele, mostly comprised of Germans with a smattering of Spanish, Portuguese, and Brits. There's also a mix of vacationing couples and families with kids -- depending on the time of year -- most on the optional all-inclusive plan.

The Hotel Pinero Tal is surrounded by apartment blocks and other hotels in a particularly built-up area of the popular Majorcan resort of El Arenal. This German-oriented vacation destination is located at the far end of sweeping Playa de Palma, an area that's a little rough around the edges, with numerous fast food joints, convenience stores, themed bars, and kebab shops. The beach is a four-block, five-minute walk downhill (some struggle with the return journey), with all-white sand and calm, clear water, though it can get crowded during summer months. As one of Palma's livelier resorts, there's no shortage of nightlife within walking distance, though mostly far enough away to not get too noisy. Palma de Mallorca Airport is also 10 minutes away by car, while the island's capital is about 15 minutes (with nearby bus connection taking 25 to 45 minutes).  

The hotel has 198 guest rooms, all of which are decorated in a dated-but-tidy combination of tiled floors, simple wood furniture, and bumpy, textured walls. All open to balconies with patio furniture, with most overlooking the pool, nearby buildings, or the street (which can be noisy); sixth floor and above offer some partial sea views. 

Standard amenities are straightforward, with air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs (with limited English channels), and old-style safes (for a fee). Mini-fridges are also available to rent, and Wi-Fi is charged per device though usually reliable. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with shower/tub combos, basic sachet toiletries, and thin towels. 

Leisure and dining facilities are adequate but limited compared to similar hotels in the area. All meals are served in the hotel's only restaurant and they're buffet-style, with the usual mix of hot and cold dishes, plus self-serve drinks machines. While not exceptional and lacking a little in variety, most guests agree the food quality is decent enough for the rates. Half-board (breakfast and dinner) is also as standard with an optional all-inclusive plan. A bar serves drinks into the evening, though there's no snack bar or a la carte menu.

The outdoor swimming pool is fairly large for the area, with a separate kids' section and plenty of loungers and terrace space, though prone to shade in the afternoon. There's also some poolside activities during the day (mostly aimed at children) and low-key musical entertainment in the evening. Sports facilities include some tired-looking ping-pong and pool tables, plus there's a fitness room, but it's poorly equipped. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator access to the pool level.