My friend likes to stay in hotels that do not command a high nightly rate. Some of his choices have been winners. Some have been losers (see). I, on the other and, do not like to spend anything, opting to use points even when a cash booking is a better option (see Grand Hyatt Athens).
In Palmas de Mallorca, points options were virtually non-existent. I attempted to book the same hotel as my friend but, unfortunately the Hotel Araxa was sold out. Using my Citi Premier’s $100 off a $500 stay, I booked the INNsIDE Palma Bosque for $900 for 3 nights. TPOL readers will know that this was painful. The Hotel Araxa only five minutes by foot goes for $200 a night.
Beach
TPOL readers will know that I am not enamored by the beach. I live in Puerto Rico and one of the best beaches in the world is a golf cart drive away. Bosque, as the names states, is not near a beach. And that was fine with me.
Pool
I prefer the pool to the beach. I appreciated the pool at this hotel as it’s as a non-stop party, until 7PM when the pool abruptly closed, reminding me of Puerto Rico.
Location
I chose the location because it is close to the nightlife (see).
TPOL’s Tip: Find a friend who can take you by way of motorbike.
Room
Dios mio! What is going on with Europeans and these two twins pushed together. Is this Ozzie and Harriet? I do not understand the point of this.
View
See pool
Bathroom
If you’re coming to Mallorca to party, a shower with great water pressure is a necessity. Bosque provided that.
Bubbles
9 euros for Cava? I had one then decided to consume my own rum.
Ice
The hotel has no ice machines. I was charged .50 euros for ice. I put it on my room and used tap to pay to settle the tab. What is up with Europeans and their disdain/hoarding of ice?
Nespresso
At least there was a Nespresso machine. And this time they didn’t give me more decaf than regular (see Grand Hyatt Barcelona).
Indoor Pool
Do you know I hate the sun? There is an indoor pool that is probably used more in the winter than summer, except by me.
Gym
You already know I bring my own equipment. But for those that do not follow my Nomadic Athlete YouTube Channel, rest assured, there’s plenty of dumbbells for you.
Hotel Araxa
Hotel Araxa is akin to flying PanAm (see). It reminded me of the good old days of going on holiday. The pool is nothing fancy, a proper rectangle. The service isn’t perfect but it’s personal. And the hotel is appropriately described as ‘charming’.
Overall
Bosque was a good choice given its location to my friend’s hotel, but I won’t be spending $300 a night again, if possible.
