Globales Almirante Farragut

The rather unwieldy Globales Club Almirante Farragut Hotel was named after David Farragut -- the son of a Minorcan emigrant and first Admiral United States Navy -- whose bust stands in a pretty garden just opposite the hotel. And while the occasional maritime-themed touch can be found about the property, it otherwise follows the standard template of a big, 70s-era, resort hotel. At close to 500 guest rooms, it's also one of the largest on the island, spread over six floors in a huge Y-shaped building. While much of the property is still languishing in the 70s, with gloomy beige and gray marble dominating most of the public areas, an update in 2015 transformed hallways and guest rooms with some contemporary polish. With more than a thousand guests during peak season, even a hotel of this size can start to feel overcrowded, especially around the pool area and surrounding sun terraces; on our visit over a quieter month this area still felt busy. A lovely inlet and rocky cove over which the hotel dominates (and casts late-afternoon shadow) provides some quieter spots away from the crowds and access to the sea. British couples of all ages tend to make up the majority of the clientele, and most take full advantage of the optional all-inclusive plan. These are joined by a fair share of families with kids over the school breaks, adding to the hotel's overall boisterous and buzzy vibe. 

The hotel is set on a clifftop in the Los Delfines purpose-built development on the far western coast just outside Ciutadella -- Minorca's second city. Vacation homes, villas, and other hotels can be found in the immediate area, while within 10 minutes' walk the slightly run-down resort center offers a selection of tourist-friendly bars, restaurants, shops, and car rental agencies. Along with being situated for spectacular sea views, the hotel's position also means direct access to a rocky inlet with excellent snorkeling and a tiny sandy beach. There's another small cove 10 minutes away on foot, though no major beaches within easy reach. For day trips, Ciutadella's beautiful old town is just 10 minutes' drive away, and it's almost an hour to Minorca's capital, Mahón. Ferries are available to both Majorca and to mainland Spain, and Menorca International Airport is up to an hour's drive (though transfers can take a lot longer). 

The hotel's 493 guest rooms were all updated in 2015, with a fresh contemporary finish that combines wavy back-lit paneling, shiny tiled floors, and wood-veneer furniture. Large photo canvases of local beauty spots and orange fabrics pop against a backdrop of white and beige. While bright and sleekly styled, rooms are on the small side and, although comfortable, are far from cozy. All open to small balconies with rattan seating, many of which feature sea and sunset views (some as far as Majorca); some overlook the adjacent rocky cove or parking lot, and others have views obscured by trees. 

Large mirrored doors slide open into wardrobe space, which house plenty of hangers and key-operated safes (for a fee). Cooling is provided by both ceiling fans and air-conditioning, while mini-fridges come with free water upon arrival. Large (43-inch) flat-screen TVs offer a selection of UK-based channels, though the free in-room Wi-Fi is very slow (paid upgrades are available for a faster connection). Bathrooms are smart and modern, with walk-in showers, decent wall-mounted hairdryers, and a mix of bottled toiletries and soap dispensers. 

As you'd expect from a resort-style hotel of this size, there's no shortage of leisure facilities, though disappointingly dining options are limited. With no major beach nearby, the hotel's pool terrace is where most guests converge. And the main saltwater swimming pool is suitably large, spread over two levels and surrounded by an abundance of loungers and Tiki-style umbrellas (though there's some early-morning towel reservations for the better spots). The pool is also too deep for smaller kids and non-swimmers, so the shallow splash pool can get busy. A footpath winds down the side of the cliff to a small scenic cove, with various small terraces en route for sunbathing. 

Parents can leave children (between four and 12) at the free kids' club, which offers a good range of programed activities, games rooms, and entertainment; there's also a daily mini-disco for the little ones. More adult-oriented activities takes place at the sports center, including shooting and archery, and there are paddle courts and a gym (for a fee). There's also a certified scuba diving center nearby. Evening entertainment is generally amateurish quality, with the occasional professional show.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the one enormous dining hall, with half-board (covering breakfast and dinner) as standard. Food is all pre-cooked and served at several buffet sections with lines at peak times. There's no live cooking or a la carte options, and quality wavers between average and poor. A poolside bar offers a late breakfast and hot snack buffet for all-inclusive guests. A second poolside bar plays lively music and features a circular upper terrace with panoramic sea views. Other facilities include a small tourist shop and salon, plus bikes available to rend and plenty of free parking on-site. Basic free Wi-Fi is slow; high-speed service is available for a fee.