Globales Santa Lucia

Its distinctive balconied facade, prime beachfront setting, and sheer size all add up to Santa Lucia Hotel qualifying as one of the area's landmark properties. While there's certainly no mistaking its '70s origins, the 2015 renovation has added contemporary touches such as smart modern furniture and warm wood paneling to the more traditional patterned rugs and marble floors. The reception desk glows with a panoramic photograph of the hotel and its surroundings. Three elevators ferry guests up to eight floors, across which the hotel's 332 guest rooms are spread. On the south side of the hotel is the pool terrace, overlooking the beach. The space is more pool than terrace and can feel crowded; a sun terrace on the next level up provides more sunbathing space. Most guests choose the hotel's optional all-inclusive plan, and many only leave the property for the (very short) trip to the beach. As there isn't much in the way of child-friendly facilities, clientele are mostly couples and groups of seniors on bus tours.  

Building a hotel set on a rocky promontory right between two of Palmanova's lovely sandy beaches would be (rightly) impossible nowadays, but the Santa Lucia grandfathered in a spectacular position. The two beaches are within easy access and the resort's many bars, restaurants, and shops are also within a short stroll. The hotel is nicely set away from any local street noise, and still within 10 minutes' walk from the wild partying of Magaluf. Families with kids find themselves to be an easy 10-minute walk from the entertainment at Katmandu Park. The island's capital of Palma and the Palma de Mallorca Airport are around 25 minutes' drive.

There are two categories of rooms: Standard and Superior. The main difference is that the upgraded Superior Rooms feature fresher, more contemporary decor with simple modern furnishings and seascape wall art. Standard Rooms are a more old-fashioned combination of traditional wood furniture, dated carpets, and patterned fabrics. It'll come as little surprise that all of the rooms feature spectacular sea views from furnished balconies. 

Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a good selection of British channels), air-conditioning, and safes (for a fee). Superior Rooms add coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and bathrobes. In-room Wi-Fi is available and free for 30 minutes, though the signal isn't very reliable and there's a per-device fee to connect longer than 30 minutes. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, though some could use a refresh. All include shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries.

Features are limited at this hotel and focus mainly on the pools. The outdoor pool is long enough to swim laps and has pleasant views of Son Matias Beach. However, the surrounding terrace can fill up quickly. Just upstairs is another sun terrace with more loungers and thatch umbrellas for shade. There's also a small heated indoor pool with a whirlpool section that's not open in the summer. Spa facilities include a steam room and sauna. Beyond a separate section in the main pool, there's not much for kids. 

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and includes live cooking and themed nights. Breakfast is served in the dining room, offering the usual buffet of hot and cold items, plus a cooking station for made-to-order eggs and pancakes. Lunch and dinner are also buffet-style. Despite some theme nights, guests complain the food can get repetitive. Snacks, such as ice cream and cookies, are available in the restaurant between meal times. There's a discount on most other light meals for those who are really hungry or missed the set buffet meal times. There's also a poolside bar serving snacks and light meals, such as hot dogs and burgers, while a cocktail bar has a stage for evening entertainment (typically quizzes, cash bingo, and cabaret). National brand beer, wine, pre-mixed cocktails, and spirits are free, and there's a discount on premium brands. Half-board rates are also available for those who want to eat some of their meals away from the property.