Artiem Carlos – Adults Only

Positioned at the corner of an otherwise rather drab residential street, the Artiem Carlos III's distinctive splashes of color against a swish modern facade certainly makes for an eye-catching first impression. Inside, the reception is equally appealing, with a stylishly understated combination of clean minimalist lines, modern seating, and the chain's signature pink, blue, and chartreuse accents popping against a tasteful backdrop of muted tones. Half of this four-story Y-shaped property overlooks a tiered sun terrace, that in turn looks out over Mahón's scenic harbor. There's a wall-to-wall photo just inside the hotel's entrance depicts the iconic view, though it doesn't quite do this spectacular sweeping panorama justice. While very much a city hotel, there's an upscale resort vibe, with guests reclined on loungers soaking up the sun around the chic swimming pool. An adults-only policy ensures a peaceful and grown-up, yet uber-relaxing atmosphere, with the quiet only interrupted by the occasional passing marine vessel. While the modernist architecture hints at the hotel's sixties origins, a total renovation in 2010 updated every corner with contemporary polish; colorful works by local artists scattered around the property also help add a cheerful and arty vibe. Clientele are almost exclusively couples, of all ages but generally leaning toward senior guests, with mostly British accents heard during our stay.

Set in a small and mostly unremarkable Es Castell neighborhood just outside the Minorcan capital, the location will certainly not suit everyone. The immediate surroundings are very residential, there are no beaches nearby, and there's little in the way of tourist attractions within walking distance. What it does have, however, is a privileged setting overlooking Mahón's huge natural harbor and within eyeshot of several historic landmarks. The city's famous military museum is also about a five-minute walk away, as is the pretty port of Cales Fonts, with its picturesque waterfront promenade lined with restaurants. The city center is 10 to 15 minutes' drive, and with little public transportation car rental is certainly recommended. The nearest beach is Punta Prima, roughly 20 minutes by car, while Menorca Airport is just a 12-minute drive. 

The hotel's 85 guest rooms were all updated in 2010 in a bright, contemporary combination of white wood-effect flooring, back-lit paneling, and IKEA-style furniture that includes floating bedside tables, desks, and sliding wardrobes. Interiors are spotless and well-maintained, with almost all (but 10 Basic-category rooms) opening to furnished balconies with views over the harbor. Most vistas are superb full-frontal panoramas over the harbor, with some offering less-inspiring partial views that also take in a neighboring hotel; corner rooms offer the best views, even from the beds. Basic rooms have smaller balconies that overlook the entrance and street, plus rooms are generally a lot smaller. The hotel's three suites open to balconies with the added luxury of whirlpool tubs. 

Standard amenities cover what you would expect at this level, with coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars (with soft drinks and beer), and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few UK-based channels). Wi-Fi is free of charge and works well throughout the property, though in-room digital safes are charged by the day. Beds are comfy and blackout curtains and a long pillow menu also aid sleep -- early risers can enjoy lovely sunrises from water-facing rooms. Bathrooms are modern, with walk-in rainfall showers, wall-mounted dispensers of botanical toiletries, and professional hairdryers. A separate box of extra toiletries is also provided to discourage indiscriminate use as part of the hotel's green policy, together with eco-friendly friendly reminders dotted around the room. 

While limited space means there's not a wide scope of dining and leisure facilities, what Artiem Carlos III does have is generally top notch. For starters, breakfast is always included and covers an impressive spread of breads, cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, and precooked eggs, bacon, and sausages. A chef also prepares freshly cooked eggs and bacon to order, and there's freshly squeezed orange juice and chilled Cava for morning mimosas. The main restaurant also opens for dinner, offering buffet and show cooking with themed cuisine three times a week, plus there's a very good wine list and herbs come fresh from the hotel's garden. For lunch, there's an a la carte menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and wraps. All meals can be enjoyed alfresco on the terrace overlooking the water. Together with the majority of guests, we found the food quality excellent and service friendly and attentive. Room service is available during kitchen hours. The lobby lounge bar also offers daily cocktail specials, Minorcan beer on tap, and an impressive selection of coffee and tea; it also hosts live music most nights.

The outdoor saltwater swimming pool is more than large enough for the number of guests, with loungers, umbrellas, and views over the harbor. More of these can be found on the next level down, which also features a large, semi-secluded whirlpool tub set into the corner of the sun terrace with panoramic vistas. From the lower terrace there are steps leading directly to the water's edge. There's also a small gym overlooking the pool area, plus a modest spa with thermal beds, steam room, sensation shower, and sea-view sauna. The spa facilities are free but need to be reserved in advance; treatments are available for a fee. Pilates, yoga, and aqua-gym sessions take place regularly by the pool. Bikes are available to rent, and there's secure storage. On-site parking is available but limited and for-fee, though a large, free parking lot is nearby. Finally, guests can ask for a free "Explorers Pack" with straw hats, binoculars, sunscreen, picnic, and backpack cooler. Wi-Fi is free throughout.