Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A typical example of big hotel with massive architecture, the Java offers all the modern comforts a few steps away from the sea. There are day activities and evening shows.
Java - © Luis David Alvarez / EASYVOYAGE
Java - © Luis David Alvarez / EASYVOYAGE
Between downtown Can' Pastilla and Arenal, two touristic burgs visited by a popular clientele, most of the times coming from Northern Europe, 4 miles away from Palma and 2 miles from the airport, about ten minutes driving by car or by bus.
Equipped with a balcony, most of the rooms offer a nice view of the sea, specially those located higher up. The rooms also offer a good level of comfort, a safe, TV, a telephone and air-conditioning. The bathrooms are clean and well equipped. The decorations seem out dated, old-fashioned and inappropriate for a seaside setting..
Structured on nine levels and offering 250 rooms, the Java, built in 1968, is a large hotel but it offers few sportive facilities. Its cold decoration is however balanced by a '' vacation club'' atmosphere. Besides a sauna and a jacuzzi, it also offers a large outdoor pool with solarium as well as a small indoor pool, open in winter time. On the other hand, the surroundings of the hotel, between open land and small constructions, are not really pleasant.
The 500 clients of the hotel can eat in a large dining-room where all meals are served as buffet. It looks a little like a canteen, offering very international food, simple and unpretentious. Fortunately, the dishes are copious and the choice is pretty large. For lunch, a snack bar is also available on the verge of the swimming pool.
Located at about 200 m from the hotel, the large beach of Palma bay is pretty nice, offering clear water and fine sand. This city beach, a very popular public place, is very crowded and windswept in high season. Here you will find beach chairs and sunshades, nautical activities as well as lots of bars, small shops and restaurants. A quieter beach is also available in the back of the centre.
The restaurant, like the numerous other hotels visited by North Europeans, is strictly non-smoking. During the day, animations and a kids club are available. In the evening, an animation team organises shows and games. The bus station for Palma is right in the front of the hotel.
sauna, Turkish bath
tennis, water skiing, gym, aqua gym, golf, mountain bike, jet ski, water-polo, surfing, fitness, sports
Located in the heart of Playa de Palma, the Framissima Pamplona is a nice vacation place for those seeking social contact and animation - it is 100% French speaking. This family French speaking hotel is actually a good destination for anyone who is looking for animation or wants to enjoy the beach.
Simple but convenient, the Helios Hotel is well suited for tourists who want to enjoy the vicinity of Palma's beach, only 50m from the palm tree-lined promenade. Close to the Palma Aquarium and airport, this friendly hotel includes a lovely garden full of flowers and a mini-golf course.
The Oleander hotel is a family establishment located some 200 metres from the big Playa de Palma beach, and is a favourite among German tourists (constituting about 95% of the establishment's guests). It is friendly-sized, has little in the way of facilities and offers no entertainment, but it is surrounded by restaurants, night clubs and all sorts of boutiques.
The Gran Fiesta, located on the seafront, is one of the biggest hotels of Arenal. This high building on 9 levels is comfortable and somehow unattractive.
Located 200 m away from the beach, at the entrance of the largest and the most lively sea resort of Mallorca, the hotel Caballero is an unattractive establishment, but it does offer a certain level of comfort and some entertainment.
The Ambos Mundos is a hotel in Playa de Palma, close to the beach and all the nocturnal animations in this sea resort, well known for its evenings.
Built in the 70s, this hotel is composed of two hotels of the same class. The swimming pool area is pleasant but it doesn't offer sport facilities and needs a serious renovation.
The Royal Cupido is a hotel located at the foot of the long beach of Playa de Palm, a perfect destination for a family vacation, despite its charmless architecture.
Fans of relaxation and sports lovers will definitely enjoy staying at the Grupotel Playa de Palma. This 4 star hotel limited to 4 stories is very handy and functional. The atmosphere is very peaceful and everything is tastefully decorated. The only disappointing aspect is the uncultivated land opposite the entrance that lacks sophistication.
Thanks to its 4 stars and ideal location on the seafront facing Palma Beach, the Grupotel Acapulco Playa is ideal for couples and senior citizens. In peaceful surroundings, the atmosphere is pleasant despite the very few services and amenities. However, tennis players and spa lovers will be able to use the facilities of the chain's other hotels for a reasonable price: the Taurus and the Playa de Palma hotels aren't very far.
Built in 1970 and regularly maintained, the Playa Golf is both comfortable and spacious, but charmless. It offers a high standard of service, essential for its German clientele that represents 90 % of its customers.
Meeting international standards, this hotel is particularly well suited for families, thanks to its range of apartment accommodation and organised activities. It is also in an ideal location, just next to Palma beach.
The Gran Fiesta, located on the seafront, is one of the biggest hotels of Arenal. This high building on 9 levels is comfortable and somehow unattractive.
The Royal Cupido is a hotel located at the foot of the long beach of Playa de Palm, a perfect destination for a family vacation, despite its charmless architecture.
Located in Playa de Palma, the Riu Playa Park is a good accommodation mainly for young people. Adequately equipped and pretty comfortable, it offers good prices.
Located in the heart of Playa de Palma, the Framissima Pamplona is a nice vacation place for those seeking social contact and animation - it is 100% French speaking. This family French speaking hotel is actually a good destination for anyone who is looking for animation or wants to enjoy the beach.