Sol Katmandu Park & Resort

From the huge monster clinging to the side of the building, to the large Nepalese-inspired temple painted bright blue, red, and yellow by the entrance, Sol Katmandu makes it clear that this is a place for kids. The hotel is an extension of the adjacent theme and water park, and while decor here is more subtly themed, there are a few elements that lend the property a theme-park feel. This is most obvious in the reception area, where the front desk is housed in a cartoonish train car in bright colors, and painted walls depict fantasy scenes. The main lobby, however, has a more subdued decor style, with brown, green, and blue tufted couches, wooden floors, and large windows overlooking the gardens. Hallways are decorated with large posters telling the story of the hotel’s mascot, which is the monster hanging from the side of the building. While this may feel a little overdone to some, the rest of the common spaces are what you’d expect to find at any other mid-range beach hotel, including simple interiors, a large pool deck, and a canteen-style restaurant. The Sol Katmandu is always busy with kids running around, so those looking for some rest and relaxation may want to look elsewhere.

This hotel is located in the heart of Magaluf’s party scene. It's just two short blocks from Punta Ballena, known for its wild, racy parties fueled by cheap drinks until the early morning. This is an area catering almost exclusively to young British revelers, and few locals venture out here in the evening. The vibe here is somewhat mellower during the day, as the hotel is just a two-minute walk from the beach, and the area is full of restaurants, cafes and small shops selling souvenirs, beach gear, and cheap clothing. Guests can find quieter, more family-friendly areas with a few restaurants and bars a 10-minute walk from the hotel in either direction. Buses to Palma stop a block away from the hotel. The Sol Katmandu is a 30-minute drive from the airport.

The hotel has 404 smallish rooms with sliding doors opening onto petite furnished balconies displaying city views. While rooms are simple and basic overall, with streamlined white furniture and wooden floors, all units got a few updates in 2015. Colorful murals on accent walls and striped bed runners give a fresher feel. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes (for a refundable deposit) are all standard amenities, but air-conditioning is only available seasonally. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Family Rooms can sleep up to four guests in a combination of four twin beds, two twins and a double sofa bed, or a double bed and bunk beds for children. Most bathrooms were also renovated and feature attractive slate-gray tile, large walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, and wall-mounted shower gel, soap, and shampoo dispensers. The hotel is busy day and night, and there have been complaints of poor soundproofing between rooms and hallways. Also, street-facing units may get noise from revelers well into the night. 

The main focus at the Sol Katmandu is the on-site theme park, to which all guests get free unlimited access (though there are extra fees for some rides). The complex includes a water park, a 4D movie theater, zombie adventures, "crazy golf," climbing facilities, and an area for toddlers, among other features. Additionally, the hotel has three private pools on a separate deck, including a shallower one for kids and two larger, deeper ones for adults. A common complaint is that there aren’t enough loungers around the pool during peak season. The kids’ club is a definitive highlight here. It is divided into three different sections -- one for babies and toddlers, another one for children 4 to 12 years old, and one for teens -- and offers tons of daily activities both at the theme park and in a designated area adjacent to the pool. 

The main restaurant serves a decent but repetitive buffet for all three meals, and there are two bars offering snacks and drinks throughout the day, including one by the pool. A number of other dining and drinking options can be found at the theme park, but all-inclusive rates do not apply there. The hotel also offers daily entertainment complete with evening shows, and a meeting room with natural light and audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout.