Hotel RD Mar de Portals

Fully renovated and taken over by a small local chain in 2016, the RD Mar de Portals is no longer the dated, family-run hotel it used to be. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the property, which does not provide the infinity pools and sleek design that some of its neighbors do, opting instead to rely on the appeal of its lovely landscaped outdoor space around the pools and on the contemporary simplicity of clean lines and soft hues. Rooms are housed in long, plain stucco buildings with balconies terraced into the hillside, and the lobby has a neutral palette punctuated by modern purple armchairs, black metal lamps, and stylish hanging cocoon seating. Outside, low white walls line narrow paths leading to the hotel’s three decks, each one with a pool and loungers, and pine trees give the property a strong Mediterranean feel. 

The RD Mar de Portals is a great option for couples wanting to get away from it all. It’s located in a quiet part of town just up the street from a pretty, sandy cove, and it has seasonal live music in the evening. Rates are right for location, amenities, and overall quality, but travelers seeking something cheaper may want to consider the Tomir Portals Suites, which features simple, contemporary rooms, a pleasant pool, and a good location a short walk from the beach. Couples shopping around for a more upscale experience may prefer the glamorous Portals Hills Boutique Hotel, though the beach is not within walking distance. 

Hotel RD Mar de Portals is perched into the sloping hill that leads down to a small, sandy cove, located less than a five-minute walk away through a residential area. The neighborhood is quiet, with just a handful of private homes and other hotels in the immediate vicinity. There aren’t any bars or restaurants within a few blocks, and it is about a 20-minute uphill walk to the marina area, where most dining and drinking options are located. Portals Nous is a 15-minute drive west of Palma along the western coast of Mallorca. A bus departing a five-minute walk from the hotel provides transportation to Palma in about a half an hour, but the hotel also provides shuttle service to Palma several times per week for a small fee. The airport is a half-hour drive away.

The hotel’s 120 rooms were fully renovated in 2016 and have functional, contemporary decor that feels fresh and beachy. Laminate wood floors, white and off-white furniture with clean lines, sky-blue bed runners and throw pillows, and large black-and-white mural photos of old local scenes give rooms a stylish yet streamlined feel, while open bathrooms and big glass doors that open onto furnished balconies add visual space. Heritage Rooms and suites are done up in a completely different style that draws inspiration from traditional local homes, with handmade wooden furniture set against all-white walls and ceilings. 

In-room amenities are good for the price and include free Wi-Fi, large smart TVs with international channels, minibars, safes outfitted with power sockets, and air-conditioning. RD Exclusive rooms come with a few additional perks, such as robes and slippers, Nespresso machines, pillow menus, and free bottled water. Turndown service is only standard in this room category, which include Romance units (complete with jetted tubs by the bed), and Swim-up Rooms, which open directly onto a small plunge pool. Modern, spotless bathrooms have an open layout, with spacious sink areas, and separate cabins for the toilets and the walk-in rainfall showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. 

The hotel has three pools, of which two are open to all guests. Both of these are pleasant, clean, and quiet, with several loungers and umbrellas each, and some greenery. The third pool is exclusively for guests staying in Heritage and Exclusive rooms, and features free cabanas and a separate sundeck. Additionally, these guests also get access to a private lounge with free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Breakfast and dinner buffets are served in the main restaurant, and while food gets good reviews, guests seem to prefer breakfast over the evening meal. Guests staying a week or more get one free dinner at the Mediterranean a la carte restaurant. Lunch is served at the pool bar.

The spa is small but relaxing, with a sauna, a steam room, several showers, and a small heated plunge pool with massage jets. The gym is also compact but well-equipped, complete with a few cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and big windows. Fitness classes, including core training and running sessions, are available every morning during peak season. The hotel has a 1,400-square-foot meeting room, plus a large outdoor event space.