Niu d’Aus

There's very little at the Niu d'Aus that is likely to either surprise or disappoint. It's a small, low-rise apartment complex that, like many in the area, was built in the '70s and modernized this side of the millennium. The size of the property together with friendly and accommodating staff instantly make for a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere that most. A cosmetic makeover in 2016 has also brought a fresher and more contemporary feel to the place, adding splashes of turquoise to the whitewashed facade and a cheerful, breezy interiors. Outside, a tidy paved pool terrace is surrounded by neatly tended grounds with flowering shrubs, and a small patch of shady lawn where a hammock is strung. The aparthotel attracts an even mix of vacationing couples and families with kids -- depending on time of year -- and mostly hailing from the UK.  

The hotel has a fairly secluded location set just off a small road on the outskirts of Porto Petro -- a small fishing village and low-key resort on the southeastern coast of Majorca. Its picturesque marina and handful of restaurants are 10 to 15 minutes away on foot, and the nearest beach, Cala de Egos (together with a collection of bars and eateries) is roughly the same distance in the opposite direction. For this reason, the location is far from convenient without a car. The white sandy beach and nature reserve of Cala Mondrago can be reached in 10 minutes by car, while Palma de Mallorca Airport and the beautiful old town of Palma are about an hour's drive away. 

The 18 one-bedroom apartments did not benefit from the property's more recent makeover and remain dated, with terrazzo flooring, rustic wood furniture, and coordinating striped fabrics. Units sleep up to four, with separate bedrooms and lounge areas with sofa beds. Open plan living spaces include dining furniture and kitchenettes with electric ranges, fridges, microwaves, toasters, and kettles (though they lack basics like dish soap). 

All apartments open to spacious furnished balconies, many with great views over the bay. Wi-Fi is free of charge and the connection is reliable, and other amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and manual safes (for a fee). Bathrooms are tiled and granite-topped, with grout showing some signs of age; all come with small tub/shower combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

As a particularly quiet apartment complex, there's very little in the way of leisure and dining facilities, and no activities program or evening entertainment. The property lacks a full-service restaurant, but there is a cafe-bar that opens in the morning where for breakfast is available for an extra charge, and an outdoor terrace for enjoying snacks and drinks throughout the day. The hotel's kidney-shaped pool is on the small side though it's surrounded by plenty of loungers, and there's a tiny separate kids' pool, but no fitness center. The hotel offers bike rental (with guided tours for a fee), airport transfers (fee), and a large parking lot with free parking. Leisure facilities amount to a TV lounge with board games and an internet terminal. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator.