Hotel HM Balanguera

Sebas, who was on the evening shift, was especially welcoming when I got back after a busy day, and his tips about Palma and Mallorca were great. The rest of the staff were great too. I spent four nights here on my own and had a fantastic time. The hotel and decor are beautiful, everything is super clean, the food was always delicious, and the location makes it easy to explore Palma. I couldn't recommend HM Balanguera enough, and I'll definitely return.

The odor was hard to ignore throughout the building. At first I wondered if I was just sensitive to it, but my travel companion noticed the same unpleasant smell, somewhere between worn carpet and too much cleaning product. It made the stay disappointing despite the hotel's stylish, carefully designed interiors and chic modern look. Staff were courteous when we approached them, but the service didn't feel up to four-star standards. Arrival lacked the personal touches I'd expect, like a greeting at the door, help with luggage, or a smooth welcome. The attentiveness felt more like a busy airport hotel where efficiency comes first. The location would matter less if the basics were handled better. Old rugs, cleanliness concerns, the lingering odor, and staff who respond rather than anticipate needs all detract from the experience. A hotel aiming for four stars needs pristine interiors and a welcoming atmosphere. HM Balanguera looks good, but for me it was style over substance.

We were fine with the street noise at night, even though it was noticeable. The city center is about a 20-minute walk away, and there's a free place to leave luggage. We stayed one winter night, and the service was great. They also provided a baby bed at no charge, and breakfast was great.

The good parts were a very clean hotel and room, modern decor, and a really comfortable bed and pillows. We didn't try the breakfast, so I can't say how it was. For what we paid, the stay was disappointing. Our room was above reception and the breakfast area, so we heard chairs scraping early in the morning. The windows didn't block traffic noise, and we could hear it all night, so we bought earplugs for the remaining nights. The bathroom was tiny and inconvenient, and the room's fittings looked unfinished in places, including cables and paint over the sink. For a four-star hotel, I'd also have expected a coffee machine and kettle. The hotel is a bit far from the city centre, too.