Inturotel Esmeralda Garden

This was our first holiday to Majorca and we planned the trip around my in-laws, in terms of somewhere fairly flat with good restaurants and beaches nearby. This hotel was perfect - small complex (around 70+ rooms) with good sized apartments, a nice family pool and a relaxed atmosphere. This the smallest (I think) of the several Inturotel complexes in the area. It is in a flawless location - the local strip of great cafes, bars and restaurants are on the doorstep. The busy centre with pedestrian areas, full of fantastic restaurants (Rustic and Indiana John's the highlights) and nightlife, is only 10 minutes walk away. Ideally located near the local beaches/calas - all within walking distance and worth exploring. The apartments are ideally suited for up to four people - kitchen area with plenty of plates/cutlery, large bathroom, firm mattresses on the main bed and the two sofa beds. Our two rooms had access to a balcony area with a table and four chairs, overlooking the pool area - a few small lines at the side of the balcony to dry off clothes too. Wifi is a bit patchy but we didn't need to use it much. The pool is a decent size, nothing fancy but ideal for all ages to enjoy! Well-maintained grounds and some fancy seating out the front of the hotel. No issues in getting a sunbed when we were there either. We went to the pool bar on the first afternoon - good snacks like local bread/olives and hot dogs for the kids. It is open from the morning until early evening, good for a drink or food if you're spending time nearby. There is a communal laundry room located five minutes walk along the strip which is for guests of any of the Inturotel guests - 7 Euros for a token at reception for each wash, and you can get cheap detergent tablets from one of the nearby shops. There is a games room downstairs in the hotel - only had a quick look; it is a large space but there is only really a pool table and a seating area and not much else. Excellent restaurants, bars, ice cream places and shops within a minute or two from the hotel - recommend Eras for great pints, cocktails and their Wednesday night music quiz. Andy's Bar and Paparazzi for brilliant food. The tribute bands/karaoke bar (Eden) is loud and can be heard clearly until around 11.30pm, but we either went to watch the action or listened from the balcony, good fun. Local recommendations - definitely the Suma Cala d'Or Fruit supermarket, very fair prices compared to the many Spar shops nearby - and a nice coffee bar on the side of it too. Starfish boat tour was fun with a trip from Cala Ferrera to Portopetro, and a fun inflatable slide down into the sea if you're brave. Local bus to Santanyi for a couple of hours; bus to the Caves of Drach at Porto Cristo is a must-do; mini golf at Cala Azul hotel (4.50 Euros each). Lots to enjoy, brilliant resort!