Beverly Playa Hotel

Although reasonably smart, it could be said the rather austere and charmless facade of the Beverly Playa shares more with an office block that a resort hotel. The threadbare condition of several of the international flags lining the front courtyard also doesn't set the best of tones. Stepping inside, the interiors combine dark marble floors and brass trim with mirror-tile ceiling and burnt orange seating -- much of it having seen better days. Old-fashioned signage and dated wood paneling also firmly root the property in the last century and its 1970s origins. While some of its original features might feel charming -- old-school pigeonholes behind front desk and a white marble spiral staircase -- most of the hotel just feels tired and in need of a total refit. However with the previous owner bankrupted, the hotel is now state-owned so don't expect this any time soon (though half of the rooms were renovated in 2012). The clientele mostly comprise German vacationers, with families in the summer and senior couples either side; lack of ramps between outdoor terraces means its not ideal for the mobility impaired.

The hotel boasts a prime location set practically on Playa Palmira beach -- the middle of three sandy beaches in the resort town of Peguera. Originally a small fishing village, the town is now one of more the popular among German tourists, as well as a share of Brits. It offers a good range of restaurants, cafes, and bars -- plus a few nightclubs that that can get lively over peak season. As well as a good stretch of sea, it also backs on to a network of coastal hiking trails and is within a short drive of some lovely coves. It's also a simple 20-minute drive from the charming cobbled lanes and gothic cathedral of Palma's Old Town, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is another five minutes.

Most of the 443 rooms continue in the same vein as the rest of the hotel, with a dated combination of green carpet floors, basic wood furnishings, and textured walls; cheerful patterned fabrics and artwork add some color. Updated in 2012, the Superior Rooms are a very different story, with wood-effect flooring, minimalist lime-wash furniture, and moody black-and-white photos that create a stylish and contemporary vibe. 

All rooms open to balconies, with most Standard Rooms featuring at least side sea views and all Superior Rooms with full frontal views. Amenities also vary between categories, with Standard Rooms offering old 14-inch tube TVs mounted in the corner and upgraded rooms with 19-inch flat-screens. Neither rooms have minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, or in-room safes (though individual secure boxes are available in reception). Wi-Fi is available for a fee and speeds are usually slow. While generally clean, Standard Room bathrooms are old fashioned, with shower/tub combos (with clingy shower curtains) and wall-mounted soap dispensers; Superior Room bathrooms are more modern, with walk-in showers. Hairdryers are available from reception with a deposit.

Most meals are served in the hotel's spacious dining room, featuring one central buffet area decorated with colored back-lit glass and translucent marble. All meal plans are available, including room-only, half-board, and all-inclusive options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet style, and there are no live cooking stations, though food is generally varied and decent quality. An indoor eatery overlooking the pool also offers a simple a la carte menu for lunch, though there are no actual poolside bars. There are two good-size outdoor pools, both with loungers and palapa-style parasols; one has a hot tub and direct access to the beach, the other is more tucked away and quieter. Children have a large circular splash pool, as well as a kids' club over the summer months. Pool terraces are a bit on the scruffy side and could use a makeover. The heated indoor pool feel more recently updated and is next to a sauna and small gym. 

There's an animation program most days, while evening entertainment may include parrot shows, quizzes, and live music in the hotel's own nightclub (though don't expect late-night discos). Sunbeds are available to rent on the public beach for a fee.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as some snacks including ice-cream served in the afternoon. It also includes a limited selection of soft and locally-produced alcoholic drinks that covers three wines and some pre-mixed cocktails (though poor quality from machines). The plan does not include any branded alcohol or bottled water.