Grupotel Playa de Palma Suites & Spa

For what I paid, this hotel felt like a real find, and I’d happily book it again. The pools are huge, though cold at this time, and the spa is very large but busy, with two pools, two hot tubs, a cold tub, saunas, and more. It felt more like an indoor club than a relaxing spa. The breakfast was delicious, with lots of choices and fresh items, and the staff were great. There’s free parking nearby, though it might be harder to find during busy periods. The beach is a quick, easy walk away, the airport is very close, and the neighbourhood has a nice local feel. My room layout was a bit odd, but it was clean and had a large patio.

The breakfast is what put me off returning. It looks like there’s a lot, but there’s not much variety in the end, and the quality felt very mediocre. The coffee in Sky Restaurant was awful, despite having a dedicated person at the machine, a kind of pseudo barista. If you’ve had good coffee, you won’t be able to swallow what they call Selección de cafés. Coffee in Es Jardí was at least drinkable, but the hotel should have consistent standards. There was a lack of care around the breakfast area too, especially at Sky Restaurant. Spilled juice sat uncleaned for a long time, and the eggs were served in an ugly way even when there were no guests around, as in the photo. That lack of attention to detail was noticeable throughout the breakfast area. The hotel otherwise makes a nice impression, with pleasant rooms, a nice spa, and a lovely garden and pool area. Getting around can also feel like a small hike, since the hotel has several buildings and the walk from your room to reception or the spa can be long. I don’t plan to come back.

Dinner was really good, and the staff were always friendly and nice. The hotel was clean and very pleasant. Breakfast was amazing, with loads of choices and a friendly cook making great omelets. I’d highly recommend it for a good holiday!

I won’t book here again. The beds were very uncomfortable: two single beds pushed together that slid around whenever we moved and squeaked. When I told reception, they said all the rooms use single beds, so there was nothing they could do. The sauna also allows people to be fully naked, so don’t book if that makes you uncomfortable. The last day was especially upsetting. We’d just sat down at dinner and hadn’t even been there for a minute when a woman came over shouting at us. From her table she kept swearing and calling our daughter fat and stupid. She’s four and has autism. This was completely unprovoked, and we never expected it. I might have overlooked that woman’s behaviour, but the hotel staff handled it terribly and should have done more to stop her. If sandals aren’t allowed at dinner, that rule should be clear on the AVIOS website and other booking sites, not just when guests arrive.