Not sure who’s idea it was to have three Leonardo Royal locations within a stones throw of each other, with no clear differentiator (at least when viewing online). This made checking in, ‘fun’.
However, on the flip side, it did make things a little easier when trying to find home after an evening out as you’d just look for the cluster of red lights on the headland.
Also confusingly, there seemed to be lifts inside that connected the taller Palmanova Bay hotel, with the older Alua Hawaii (I'm assuming they were once separate hotels, maybe they weren't!), either way this made for some very confusing returns home!
We were staying on floor 1 in the old Alua, that’s a lower floor nearer to the sea/public walkway/pool area. However, get in the wrong lift and floor 1 seemingly takes you up. I mean, it could have just been me but this is my assumption that there’s a lift system adjoining the hotels.
Anyway, once checked in and settled, all good. The hotel is located at the end of what I would class as the nicer or the three bays in the area. I say three bays, I'm not sure if the nearest bay has a name, or if it’s just a continuation of Palmanova, but either way, walking with your back to the pool along the footpath opens you up to 10 or so really nice bars and restaurants. BeMax a favourite. Comfy chairs. Modern in style and... big TVs ideal for the world cup. Food and drink also well priced.
Outside of the immediate bay, you’re into typical touristy locations, that mimics any other Majorcan resort. You’ve Magaluf over the hill which is everything you’d expect it to be, and then Palmanova which seems more geared up to families. I’m sure there’s something for everyone.
Back to the hotel. Location wise, it’s ideal. Although it is up a hill. Quality wise…
I stayed all inclusive because when travelling with friends it just takes the hassle out of ordering food and drink. No faffing with rounds etc, although it does make tipping tricky as you tend not to carry cash…
Drinks, non-premium, so fairly typical. Small plastic cups, which isn't an issue. Drinks don't get warm and you're not limited by how many times you can go to the bar. There were signs up suggesting a limit of 3 drinks per person. Not sure if this is a hangover from the relaxed rules that used to be in place for All Inclusives in the area, or if it was meaning "during one order". Either way, a limit to three drinks throughout the day was not enforced. The pool bar staff very relaxed and jovial - shout out to Yolanda and Francisco, always smiling and always happy.
Food wise. Basic to poor. But again, sufficient. Breakfast was probably the best meal on offer I'd say. Though we didn't religiously eat at the defined times. I think I experienced breakfast twice and lunch once, in 5 days. The intention was to always eat out in front of the football anyway, during our stay.
Room wise. Average, 3/5. Nothing plush, nothing problematic. Serves a purpose! Though the first night we got here, was the last day of a festival which resulted in a lot of noise coming from other rooms. Lots of running between rooms, doors slamming and general noise. Which is hard to complain about given the location. But still…
Amenities wise, running theme - basic but sufficient. There was a mix of clientele, from those with young families to those who’ve moved on from their family duties and then those in the middle. A very mixed setup, but if you're just wanting a sun lounger and pool, then you'll be fine. On that, the pool cleaners and maintainenace started around 7am. The pool is closed off until around 8:30, when at times there was a small on-rush of people securing beds. 8:30 is a reasonable hour to be fair. Breakfast has been open an hour or so by then, so you've easily had chance to eat and get to the beds. The pool and bar didn't officially open until 10am however. During our stay, we never struggled for beds. I'd say beds were readily available up until about 10am, though clearly that will depend on time of year and how busy it is etc.
Nothing much more to add really. I'd summarise by stating a cheap and cheerful stay, in a good location. A "Premier Inn of Palmanova".
That's a lie, I should add the view... the view over the bay from the bar upstairs and your room (if you're lucky), is a very pleasant view. One that won't be forgotten for a while.
FR
LT
IT
GB
EG