Valentin Park Clubhotel

The Valentin Park Clubhotel reception area is set back from the road, past a charming tiered fountain and row of lush exotic plants that immediately give a hint of the property's secluded vibe. Stepping inside, the lobby has a fresh, clean, and upscale feel -- despite a slightly dated aesthetic that combines a travertine stone front desk and polished dark-marble floors. Rattan seating, striped fabrics, and potted palms create a relaxed island-like atmosphere, while a inner garden atrium brings a touch of the rainforest. The property's three-and-a-half acres of well-tended grounds are also scattered with pine, olive, and almonds trees, as well as colorful flowers and tropical flora. Most of the resort dates from the early seventies (except a newer apartment block annex) evident in blocky, functional-looking architecture. Low-lit hallways can also feel a little gloomy, with the occasional worn patch of carpet detracting from the otherwise well-maintained, if not particularly modernized, look and feel. German families with kids make up the bulk of the clientele, about a quarter of which are repeat customers, though British, Spanish, and Dutch vacationers make up a fair share. On our visit, the atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful, though with summer numbers swelling toward the thousand mark, high-season inevitably brings a livelier and buzzier vibe.

Valentin Park Clubhotel is set in a peaceful and largely residential neighborhood on the edge of Peguera -- a laid-back resort town particularly popular with German tourists that was formerly a fishing village. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the resort's sweeping sandy bay and its decent range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. A few local nightclubs can also get lively during peak season. The resort is near a network of coastal hiking trails that wind through pretty pine forests, and it's within a short drive of some lovely coves. It's also an easy 20-minute drive from Palma's Old Town, with  charming cobbled streets. It's an additional five minutes in the car to each Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

Accommodation at Valentin Park Clubhotel come in double rooms, junior suites, and one-bedroom apartments, housed in three buildings (one of which is the newer apartment block a minutes' walk up the hill). Expect dated decor, with old-fashioned rattan furniture, lumpy textured walls, and terrazzo tile flooring. Junior suites, however, were renovated in 2015 and feature wood-laminate floors and fresh contemporary decor, plus updated bathrooms.

All units have air-conditioning though amenities are generally basic, with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi as the highlights. While standard rooms lack kettles or coffeemakers, suites add minibars, and apartments include kitchenettes with fridges, kettles, microwaves, and electric ranges. Most balconies and terraces overlook the main pool, while others look out to the garden, quiet street, or surrounding pine-clad hills. Bathrooms could use a makeover, with dated shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and sachet toiletries -- though towel-animals always make for a fun addition.

As you might expect from a family-oriented hotel of this size, there's certainly no shortage of on-site facilities, although there's no fitness center. An impressive selection of pools include a lovely lagoon-style pool with a waterfall, whirlpool, and zero-entry in a shaded pine area. There's also a pirate-themed splash pool with waterslides, a quiet pool away from the daily animation, and  a heated indoor pool that's good for swimming laps. A playground and various kids' clubs means children from one-year up to teens are kept entertained though the busier seasons; all are free and supervised (for kids four and up). 

Standard rates are half-board, which include a buffet breakfast and dinner in the hotel's bright and spacious dining room. There are five themed nights a week -- with changing decor to match -- and a covered summer terrace that's candlelit in the evening. A specific table is assigned to guests at the start of their stay, which can result in forced table sharing. Living cooking includes freshly-made omelets and pancakes for breakfast. All-inclusive rates are available covering all buffet meals and non-premium drinks. There's also a poolside bar offering an a la carte menu of lunch and snacks, and an outdoor stage where there's live music, flamenco, and magic shows. Wi-Fi is free throughout.