Sol Milanos Pinguinos

It's impossible to miss the giant twin towers that make up the Sol Milanos Pinguinos and dominate its low-key, low-rise surroundings. Originally two hotels -- the Milanos and Pinguinos -- the beachfront complex was constructed in the '70s when the island's building restrictions were little like today. While not immediately obvious on our arrival, the main reception is located in the left tower (Milanos) in a lobby largely characterized by polished green marble, glitzy metallic trim, and contemporary furnishings. Some previous guests report long queues for check-in over high season. The last renovations were carried out in 2014, though these were mostly limited to the lobby, with most common areas and hallways still feeling dated. The two interconnected towers are practically identical, each with five fast and frequent elevators whisking guest to one of 10 floors. 

Exterior space is mostly pool terrace and patio seating with little in the way of gardens beyond some patches of lawn and a few palm trees. Outside of the busier months, the mood is peaceful and relaxed here, with clientele made up of mostly couples and families with younger children. Guests tend to be a mix of British, Italian, and Spanish, depending on the time of year, with the atmosphere livening up with older kids during school breaks.

Sol Milanos Pinguinos' setting is the hotel's main selling point, positioned overlooking the beautiful long sandy beach of Son Bou in the small, laid-back resort of the same name. At two miles (2.5 kilometers) long it's the longest beach on the island, with fine sand backed with dunes and calm child-friendly water for most of the year. The beach also offers a couple of bar-restaurants right on the sand, while behind the hotel are a handful of other eateries, shops, and bars within a short stroll. Located halfway up the island's south coast, it's about a 25-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahón, and 40 minutes by car to the islands other city Ciutadella. Ferries are available to both Majorca and mainland Spain, while Menorca International Airport is just 20 minutes by car. 

The hotel's whopping 600 guest rooms are evenly spread between the two buildings and share the same decor -- an old-fashioned combination of patterned fabrics, stained-wood furniture, sun-faded artwork, and textured yellow walls. While dated, rooms are kept clean and properly maintained. All open to balconies with nearly all from the third floor on up treated to lovely sea views -- upper levels are particularly stunning. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans cool in the summer, though with no heating rooms can feel cold either side. Family Rooms add bunk-beds for two children. 

Amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few English-speaking channels), mini-fridges (stocked on request), and old-style safes (fee for use). Wi-Fi is free of charge though connection is mostly poor. Most bathrooms were all updated in 2014, so feel relatively modern, with marble tops, shower/tub combos, bidets, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a decent collection of chain-brand toiletries including after-sun lotion. While the hotel isn't usually too noisy, soundproofing between rooms could be improved. 

After location, leisure and child-friendly features are the hotel's strongest selling points. There are two large outdoor pools, one huge and freeform which is partly shaded in the morning and generally quieter, and the other where much of the water-based activities take place. Both have shallow sections for kids and offer plentiful poolside loungers. Two "Katmandu Adventure" supervised kids' clubs cater to children from 8 months to 12 years, which are free in the morning and paid in the afternoon, plus there's a play zone with zip wire, a climbing wall, and trampolines. Other child-friendly activities include outside foam parties, regular stage shows, and a mini-disco. Popular activities with the adults include outside spinning classes and aquarobics, plus there's a multi-sport court. But notably there's no spa or massage/beauty treatments available.

Most guest agree that dining is not a forte at the Sol Milanos Pinguinos. All buffet meals are served in one of two dining rooms (one in each tower) and while quality tends to be adequate some complain of poor variety and lukewarm dishes. There's also no a la carte option on-site, though snacks such as burgers and pizza are available from the bar. Plans range from bed-and-breakfast through to premium all-inclusive (which covers a special drinks menu). The lounge bar also has daily live shows (during high season), which include the likes of West End favorites and band tributes. Practical amenities include on-site parking (for a fee) and a supermarket that opens over the summer months.