Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá, Palma, Mallorca

Situated on busy Paseo Maritimo Boulevard, running along Palma's main yacht marina, there are numerous bars and restaurants nearby. The main attractions, such as the cathedral in the Old Town, are generally a short bus or taxi ride. Palma de Mallorca Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Legendary Tito's nightclub is right next door, and the hilltop Bellver Castle is easily walkable.

By plane: there are direct flights from London (2 hours 25 mins), Manchester (2 hours 40 mins) and Edinburgh (3 hours). The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca airport. Parking costs €25 per day. Book flights to Palma.

The hotel opened in 1912 as the Villa Victoria and has had a distinguished past. However, extensive reconstruction in the mid-1960s took away some of the elegance. Apart from the RedLevel lounge, with its plush, comfy sofas and armchairs and selection of art books to browse, public areas are a bit dated. However, the restaurant, bar and terrace areas look out to the marina and magnificent cathedral beyond. There are some informal contemporary touches, such as natural wood flooring and jute rugs, but the expanse of polished marble, gilt-framed artworks and antique furniture convey a more traditional air.

The hotel has a large L-shaped saltwater swimming pool with a poolside bar, lined by loungers and gazebos, as well as a splash pool for children. There's a small gym, and a fitness suite with an indoor pool, sauna and treatment rooms. As well as a spacious lobby lounge area there are restaurant and bar areas.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pools
• Sun terrace
• Spa/wellness
• Fitness centre
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The spacious guest rooms and suites were updated in 2016 in a contemporary style, although the neutral décor and an absence of artwork or out-of-the-ordinary furniture mean that they lack character. Bedside panels control room temperature, lighting and electric curtains.

Room types: Single Room, Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Premium Room, Family Room, Junior Suite, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, kettle, TV, pillow menu, air conditioning, docking station, free Wi-Fi

The restaurant offers innovative dishes including a modern Basque grill, with influences from both French and Spanish cuisines. There's a good wine list to complement the dishes.

Marivent Restaurant: Breakfast buffet, with show cooking. Open daily: 7:30-10:30am.

Ikatza Restaurant: Open grill restaurant, with terrace. Basque cuisine. Open daily: 7:30-10:30pm.