Apartamentos Cala D’Or

A crude hand-painted sign and pair of palm stumps mark the entrance -- and set the tone -- for the Apartments Cala D'Or Park. Inside, the lobby is a mishmash of dated furniture, a decrepit suit of armor, and various paintings of questionable quality (mostly by the owner's own hand). While the building itself is in the charming, traditional Ibizan style of whitewashed walls, molded plaster, and wooden shuttered windows, the complex is poorly maintained with countless examples of wear and tear that add up to make it one of the shabbiest in the area. Abundant plant life does include explosions of colorful bougainvillea and other subtropical flora, though this does not detract from tired, weather-worn sun terraces and the overriding sense that the place is in urgent need of a total overhaul. 

The hotel is located in the center of Cala D'or, a popular resort destination on Majorca's southeast coast characterized by low-rise, whitewashed buildings -- the vast majority of which are hotels and vacation apartments. The location's main draw is the proximity to Cala Gran Beach, which is just a few minutes' walk away, while the smaller and prettier Playa Cala D'or is just a little farther. The hotel is also a five-minute stroll from the village's pedestrianized commercial center, which is full of eateries, bars, and retail outlets. A train-shaped resort bus can be caught a block away and connects to various other parts of town, including Cala Egos and Cala Ferrera. Palma de Mallorca Airport is just under an hour's drive away, while it's a bit longer to Palma's quaint Old Town.

The hotel's 73 apartments include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. While they do vary in decor and states of repair, all have old-fashioned interiors with worn-looking furniture and sometimes questionable hygiene (many guests report the presence of cockroaches). Lower-level apartments can also feel dark and lacking in natural light. All open to balconies or terraces, though some railings are loose and rotten. Standard amenities include kitchenettes (with microwaves, hobs, and fridges) however not all units include TVs and air-conditioning is only available for a fee. Many bathrooms are also in need of a refresh, with shower/tub combos with clingy curtains and often moldy grouting. 

The property's main feature are its two interconnected swimming pools, one of which has a small waterslide and separate section for kids. The surrounded sun terraces are lined with loungers though there's very little in the way of shade. There's no real restaurant, but a poolside bar is open for breakfast and light meals throughout the day. Children also have use of a small playground, and most of the activities program is focused on younger guests. Wi-Fi is free though only available around the reception area.