Initially, there's little about the Aya Hotel that distinguishes it from the local competition. The six-story block would have certainly looked modern upon its completion in the '60, and while it retains some of the character of the era (including wooden balconies) it feels more dated than retro. Stepping inside too, the lobby is underwhelming with scuffed, tired-looking seating and splashes of modern art breaking up other characterless beige decor. Interiors, however, are clean, bright, and breezy and the property's other positives also soon become apparent. Firstly, unlike many front-line hotels, the Aya occupies its own detached block with no neighboring local business, bars, or shops. It's also just a few step from the reception area into a sunny and spacious rear garden -- another rarity amongst surrounding hotels -- with tidy lawns, box hedges, and a smattering of pine and palm trees. Typical for the area, Germans make up the majority of the clientele and while not adult-only, lack of kid-friendly facilities means few families make for a more relaxed vibe than most. A major makeover is slated for 2018 to modernized public areas and guest rooms.  

Set overlooking the beachfront promenade the runs the length of Playa de Palma, the location of the Aya Hotel will be a highlight for most visitors. This stretch of white sand and calm water beach, while impressive, does attract the (mostly German) tourist hoards and can get noisy and crowded during high season. To one side, the Les Meravelles neighborhood is a pleasant and buzzy area, filled with restaurants and largely relaxed bars, while on the other is the scruffier El Arenal end of the bay, characterized by kebab/bratwurst shops, nightclubs, and noisier drinking holes. The location is also convenient for Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is within a 10-minute drive, and Palma itself takes less than 20 minutes by car.

Most of the hotels 142 guest rooms are a straightforward and slightly dated combination of travertine tile floors, beige textures walls, and wood-veneer furnishings (with some showing signs of wear and tear on our 2017 visit). A handful of rooms have been updated with more contemporary touches and semi-open plan bathrooms. Doubles starting at 270 square feet (25 square meters) are relatively spacious, and all open to large furnished balconies; 60 rooms feature full-frontal sea views, 30 side-views, and the rest overlook the quiet garden. Several rooms are also located in a small garden annex. While offering some lovely sea breeze and sunsets, some guests have complained front-facing rooms can be prone to noise from the street and beach. 

Amenities cover the basics, with small flat-screen TVs (updated in 40-inch in newer rooms), mini-fridges, and key-safes (for a fee); lack of tea- and coffee-making facilities disappoint some visitors. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge with a decent connection. Most bathrooms offer your standard shower/tub combo with wall-mounted hairdryers and Italian toiletries; newer units have walk-in rainfall showers and en-suite vanities. Suites add separate lounges and hydromassage showers. 

With no neighboring high-rise buildings, the only shade in the hotel's rear garden gets sun throughout the day while also being far enough from any nightlife to be a genuine oasis of calm. The freeform pool is a good size, with separate kids' section (though not many kids or poolside animation to interrupt the peace). While not numerous, there are generally enough loungers and umbrellas for the demand. A poolside bar also provides drinks and throughout the day. While not particularly sophisticated, the hotel's spa is modern, clean, and free to use with a small heated pool, sauna, steam room, and modest gym. 

The hotel's main dining room is simply decorated, with wraparound windows overlooking the seafront promenade. A buffet breakfast is always included in the rate, with a live cooking station whipping up eggs and bacon, plus the usual mix of hot and cold items. An optional half-board rate also covers a buffet dinner, and most agree food quality is pretty good. There's also an a la carte bar-restaurant that opens to an alfresco terrace, serving everything from breakfasts to sandwiches, salads, seafood, and paellas. 

Cyclists are also well catered to, with a workshop, secure garage for more than 100 bicycles, and bike wash area; some packages also offer free repairs, pick-up services, and daily picnics. Wi-Fi is free throughout.