MLL Mediterranean Bay Hotel

With tinkling tiered fountains to one side and smart frosted glass paneling on the other, the entrance at the Mediterranean Bay Hotel is more pleasant than most. Entering the bright and streamlined reception area, guests are first met by a life-size metallic rhino, before turning to a front desk that's set between two large tropical fish tanks. From the lobby there's direct access to the front terrace, shaded for part of the day; it's lined with loungers and featuring some outside spa facilities. Totally renovated in 2011 and more recently updated in 2016, hallways and common areas are smart and modern, albeit lacking a little in character, and feel clean and well maintained throughout. To the rear is a small pool terrace with seating and little flora beyond a pair of mature palm trees. 

An adults-only hotel, the atmosphere is upscale, relaxed, and -- despite its very urban surroundings -- semi-secluded in its vibe. There's also plenty of ramps into and around the property, making it very accessible for the mobility impaired. Clientele is made up of couples of all ages, and represent a real mix of German, Spain, British, and French visitors. In 2018, the hotel will be extending into a neighboring building with extra rooms and facilities. 

These hotel is located on a busy junction on the edge of El Arenal, a predominantly German resort set at the end of Playa de Palma's long sandy bay. It's full of bars, restaurants, touristy shops, fast food joints, and seaside shacks, and while certainly buzzy at high-season with plenty of lively nightlife, it can feel seedy in certain parts. That said, it has a beautiful beach with a wide shore of white sand and calm crystalline waters, which is less than 10 minutes away on foot (though it's a steep uphill climb to return to the hotel). Nearby bus stops connect to the island's capital, Palma, in around 35 minutes, or its 15 to 20 minutes by cab. Palma de Mallorca Airport is also fairly close, at just over 10 minutes by car. 

The hotel has 105 rooms and suites, all last updated in 2011 with dark wood furniture, gray marble floors, and coordinating crimson-striped fabrics. While pulled-together, the look falls short of being contemporary or chic, and a few details like tomato-red leather sofabeds in the Junior Suites, can feel outdated. All come with the usual amenities including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges (stocked on request), and key-locked safes (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi, with a connection that's decent enough for browsing and email. Junior suites add extra TVs and double balconies.

The rooms' true highlight are their bathrooms. Updated in 2016, all feature massage-jet showers (Junior Suites also have jetted tubs). Despite that luxe detail, bathrooms lack individual toiletries and just have liquid soap in dispensers and wall-mounted hairdryers.

In terms of size, rooms can be smallish, starting at just 130 square feet (12 square meters), but all open to balconies or terraces. Most overlook the neighboring building or surrounding streets, which can be noisy, though a few top-floor rooms have glimpses of the sea. Some guest have also mentioned internal noise from thin walls. 

The Mediterranean Bay certainly makes the most of its limited outdoor space, with the front terrace packing in a huge whirlpool tub, an outside sauna, and several rows of loungers (though don't expect sun all day). A smallish swimming pool is located at the back of the property, though is just about long enough for a few strokes and lined with sunbeds. Waiter service is available here, too. Where the hotel comes up short is in its fitness facilities; there's no gym or sports courts on the grounds, and nothing to cater to the cyclists that come to Majorca (though bikes are allowed in rooms).

Most dining takes place in the fresh, modern buffet restaurant, featuring hand-painted murals and a shaded terrace next to a tiered fountain. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, with a live cooking station that whips up eggs to order in the morning, and a choice of meat or fish at other times. An optional half-board or all-inclusive plan covers self-service beer and wine during mealtimes, and all-inclusive rates include drinks from the bar all day. While not particularly outstanding, we found the food fresh and good quality. Room service is also available around the clock (for an extra charge).

A pair of public computer terminals are available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.