By Regina W.Bryan
Majorca's Fabulous Views and Beaches
This "four-star" hotel is located right on the
beach on one of Spain's most popular Mediterranean islands. Majorca has long been a hot spot for sun-seeking tourists who flock to this Mediterranean jewel from May to September in large numbers. Majorca attracts visitors because of its many beautiful coves,
beaches and caves. Hotel Castell del Mar is located on the eastern side of the island in the beach town Cala Millor.
The
hotel rooms are not unique but standard with no frills and no surprises. Some of the hotel's 230 rooms have pool or sea views, and all rooms have the basic amenities: television, safe (rental), hairdryer, AC, minibar and telephone. Meals at the hotel are served buffet-style, and are of good quality though perhaps lacking in creativity.
The hotel has a big pool located beach side along with a sauna, jacuzzi, kid's pool and lots of gaming options such as billiards, tennis and ping-pong.
Insider Tips
The area surrounding Cala Millor has lots to offer, and renting a car to explore the region is recommended. Near the hotel in the village of Arta are the Arta Caves, which are set into the side of a cliff and offer impressive views.
The caves are easy to visit and tours are led into the caves by multilingual guides every half hour or so. While the caves are not dangerous, the cave terrain can be slippery and there are a lot of steps inside, making it a hard place to visit for elderly people or people who have trouble on steep terrain.
Visitors with children may consider a visit to the Auto Safari Zoo on the outskirts of Sa Coma or a glass-bottom boat ride on the Mediterranean out of Cala Millor.
Pros and Cons
Coast View in Majorca Island, Spain
Cala Millor is a large beach town that is popular because it has one of the largest beaches on the island, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Because Cala Millor is very well developed, visitors will have a plethora of restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping and entertainment options from which to choose. However, those looking for a quiet beach village or something more rustic will be disappointed by Cala Millor's tourist bustle.
Cala Millor is also very geared toward German tourists, and those looking for a place that is authentically Spanish will be disappointed. However, Cala Millor and Hotel Castell del Mar could still be a good base option for staying and exploring the rest of the island by car.
Bottom Line
Arta Caves, Majorca, Spain
Hotel Castell del Mar has four stars but does not deserve them. Built in 1965, the hotel's last remodel was in 1999 and the wear and tear is evident. The beds are especially uncomfortable, and the hotel's meal offerings--while good--lack in selection and creativity. Also, the hotel forms part of a very tourist resort area that is not Spanish.
That said, Majorca is a wonderful island, and if guests staying at Castell del Mar rent a car they will have the opportunity to see more of what is truly Majorcan "island life," plus explore hidden coves and stalagmite-filled caves. Castell del Mar is a 3.5-star hotel in a resort town on a very pretty Mediterranean Island.
Resources
About the Author:
Regina WB is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. She’s contributed to "Islands," "Instinct," "Metropolitan," "Inside Spain" and other international publications. She blogs at Planeteye.com on city life in Barcelona. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is writing and practicing Catalan. She has written many hotel reviews for Demand Studios.
Photo Credits:
Regina W.Bryan
Regina W.Bryan
Regina W.Bryan
