Sol Barbados is a large, modern high-rise that was renovated with a smart finish. It's a big hotel and caters for hundreds of guests, so the communal areas can get busy at peak times, especially the elevators. With a huge outdoor pool, plenty of sunbeds, and an inside/outside layout, there's usually room for everyone -- though pool and restaurant spots can fill up fast on the busiest days. The hotel offers an all-inclusive package that with the pool, and the proximity to the beach, make it a popular choice for a wide range of travelers, especially families. 

Though Magaluf has a reputation as a raucous party-town, the southern end of the bay is home to many classy hotels and has a more laid-back feel. The hotels here go to great lengths to distance themselves from the town's image, referring to their location solely as Calvia. Sol Barbados is surrounded by other large hotels, as well as shops and restaurants. It's just a few minutes on foot to the sandy beachfront. Katmandu theme park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, or there's a bus stop outside that connects to the park in around 10 minutes. Buses run to Marineland in about 15 minutes, and to Palma, for attractions in the medieval city, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. It's around 30 minutes to Palma and the airport by car.

Rooms at the Sol Barbados were renovated to be light and airy, with wood floors and a crisp white/cream color theme. Furniture is modern and simple, with open wardrobes and pull-down bedside tables. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, air-conditioning, and balconies or terraces come as standard. Many rooms have sea or pool views. Families are well-catered to, with sofa-beds in all rooms -- plus Family Rooms have two connecting rooms sleeping up to a maximum of eight people. Most bathrooms continue the simple, elegant finish of the rooms -- with pale tiling and wood floors. All units have rainfall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some bathrooms have a terracotta-tile finish with decorative patterns and feature shower/tub combos.

Sol Barbados' features focus mostly on families. The hotel has a huge outdoor pool area with a lagoon pool and separate children's fun pool -- with slides, splash pads, and fountains. There are numerous sunbeds and umbrellas both by the pools and on the lawns -- and several lifeguards on duty. Towel hire requires a deposit. Families will appreciate the Kathmandu Kids' Club which provides entertainment for babies to teens. There's a program of activities for adults too, like aqua fitness and Latin dancing. Eateries include a large buffet restaurant with an international all-day menu, and a snack bar with indoor and outdoor seating. All-inclusive packages are available. The bar has a stage with nightly entertainment shows. There are personal computers in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Guests also receive good discounts for nearby Kathmandu Theme Park.