BQ Belvedere Hotel

Pay extra for a high-floor pool-view or sea-view room if you care about views and sunshine on the balcony; pool-facing rooms get afternoon/evening sun while higher floors (5–9) also pick up distant sea views and are generally quieter than low/front rooms near bins, coaches, or kitchen/service areas.

The hotel is on a steep, very hilly slope with many steps down to Cala Major town, beach, and supermarket, so it’s not ideal if you have mobility issues, small children, or dislike uphill walks.

Make full use of transport: the hotel’s free shuttle runs regularly to Palma Nova/beach, and public buses 46 and 47 stop right outside for easy, cheap (€2 cash, max €10 note) trips into Palma and back up the hill.

Bring a travel kettle if you like hot drinks in your room as there are no tea/coffee-making facilities provided.

There are always plenty of sunbeds around the large pool, but if you want a lounger with an umbrella or in a specific spot, go down early, especially in hotter months.

Corner and end rooms are larger with wraparound balconies and better views, so request one if you want extra space, though they’re often reserved for families or cost extra.

Pool towels and the room safe require deposits and weekly fees (for example around €10 refundable plus a usage fee), so bring your own towels if you want to avoid the extra cost.

Cala Major itself is quiet with limited things to do, so plan on using buses, taxis, or the shuttle to visit Palma, Palma Nova, Magaluf, or other nearby areas for more restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

If noise bothers you, avoid low/front rooms over the entrance, kitchen, or bins and consider asking for a quieter room at the back or away from lifts, the main stairwell, and the pool bar/entertainment area.

Higher floors offer the best views but the lifts can be slow and busy, so if you don’t want to rely on them, request a lower floor and use the stairs instead.

If you don’t enjoy walking or hills, this may not be the right hotel, because accessing restaurants and the beach on foot requires steep climbs back up.

The buffet restaurant can get very busy with queues at peak times, so go early (including for breakfast if you want the outside terrace) or later in the service to avoid crowds and still get fresh food.

Consider whether all‑inclusive suits you: some guests love the value, but others find the drinks poor and prefer half board or B&B so they can eat and drink out locally.

If you have mobility or accessibility concerns, study maps and street views before booking as pavements down to town are narrow or uneven and there are lots of steps.

There is a local tourist tax and extra charges for items such as the room safe, pool towels, and bottled water, so factor these into your budget and check what’s included in your board basis.

Nearby excursions worth a visit include Puerto Portals in the evening, Nova restaurant at the harbour, Don Neko sushi near the beach, Monkey Steakhouse, Zero Beach bar, and Banana Joe’s for cocktails.

Budget for taxis or a hire car if you struggle with hills, as getting back up from the beach or town can be hard work and taxis are relatively cheap for short trips.

The hotel makes a good base to explore Palma, nearby beaches, and harbours if you don’t mind using buses, shuttles, or taxis regularly.

Some guests strongly recommend choosing another hotel entirely if you’re very particular about food, drinks, or service quality.

Use decent walking shoes or trainers as the surrounding area’s hills, slopes, and uneven pavements can be hard on flip‑flops or dress shoes.

If you’re worried about steep steps or slopes, taxis up to the hotel from the town or beach are inexpensive and save a tough uphill walk.

If you’re elderly or have a buggy, consider a lower floor as the lifts are frequently busy with families and inflatables.

Use the free shuttle or local buses to visit bigger, livelier beaches like Palma Nova and Magaluf for a change of scene and atmosphere.

Some specific rooms (e.g., 146, 215–216, 229, 544) have been reported as noisy or affected by smoke and traffic from lifts or restaurant, so avoid them if possible.

The pool is large but unheated and can feel very cold outside of high summer, so be prepared for a brisk swim in cooler months.

Buy your own bottled water and keep a refillable bottle handy since hotel water can be pricey and none is available between midnight and 7:30 am.

If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs as you may hear late‑night corridor noise, bar music, bins being emptied, or early‑rising guests.

When heading into Palma, use bus 46 from outside the hotel and return on 46 or 47 from the same terminal stop; bus 46 drops you closer to the top of the hill when you come back.

Visit Palma city at least once during your stay for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, as it’s easily reached by public bus.

Walk down to the beautiful local Cala Major beach at least once—though the return is steep, it’s worth it for the beach itself.

There’s a small supermarket and a couple of handy little shops a few minutes’ walk from the back of the hotel for reasonably priced drinks, snacks, and basics.

Public transport in the area is frequent and reliable, making it easy and good value to get around without a hire car.

If you like tanning on your balcony, request a sunny balcony or a poolside room which tends to get sun from late morning through the afternoon.

Bring a refillable water bottle and sunhat, and take breaks under the trees or umbrellas to cope with the strong midday sun around the pool.

Expect to pay deposits and rental fees for extras like safes, pool towels, and late check‑out, and confirm costs at check‑in to avoid surprises.

If you have special needs (e.g., accessibility, quiet location, or specific bed type), contact the hotel in advance and again when booking so they can try to match a room to your requirements.

If you prefer quiet over view, back‑facing rooms toward the pine trees/volleyball area can be peaceful compared with pool or entrance side.

Consider reading a good range of recent reviews carefully before booking to decide whether the hotel’s style, food, and service level suit you.

Staff service experiences vary widely, with many finding them friendly and helpful and others reporting rude or indifferent service, so manage expectations.

Use the hotel’s own parking lot if you arrive by car, but be aware parking in the surrounding area can be difficult.

If you want to sit on the outdoor terrace at breakfast, be down around 8:00 am as these tables fill quickly.

Get to the buffet/snack area before closing times as options reduce later on and you may face long queues if you go too late.

Rooms are on the small side, with compact showers and sometimes noisy or inconsistent air conditioning, so pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Bathrooms only provide shampoo and shower gel, so bring your own conditioner and any extra toiletries or an iron if you need them.

Order two drinks at a time or double up in the restaurant/bar as service and drink queues can be slow, especially in busy periods.

If you need a double bed rather than twins, or a specific layout such as connecting or family rooms, email or call the hotel in advance to request it.

Join in with daytime activities and evening entertainment in the basement lounge past the gym to get more out of the hotel’s facilities.

There is air conditioning and a mini‑fridge in the room even if not clearly advertised, but the fridge doesn’t get very cold so don’t rely on it for keeping perishables really chilled.

All meals are buffet style with a wide variety of dishes, so try a bit of everything rather than sticking to the same choices.

Breakfast finishes sharply at 10:30 am and the selection is reduced toward the end, so don’t arrive last minute if you want full choice.

Hotel supermarket prices are higher than local shops, so use the small shop just outside the back gate or nearby mini‑markets for cheaper drinks and snacks.

Family rooms and some corner units are larger and quieter, but check details before booking so you know exactly what you’re getting.

The pool bar and restaurant bar can involve long waits for drinks at busy times, so be patient or time your visits outside peak periods.

If you’re planning to drink a lot, weigh up if the all‑inclusive package is good value for you given that some people find the machine‑dispensed drinks basic or poor.

Use a cheap inflatable or lilo on the sun loungers to make them more comfortable, especially if you plan to lie out for long periods.

Join in with the daily activities and evening shows and just relax into the atmosphere to get the most out of your stay.

A taxi from the hotel to Palma city costs roughly €15 and airport transfers are short and relatively cheap compared with many resorts.

All‑inclusive snacks and late‑night food options may be basic, so consider bringing extra snacks or planning to eat out occasionally.

If the main restaurant feels too hectic, try eating in shoulder seasons or at off‑peak times when the dining room is calmer.

If you’re staying mainly inside the resort and want maximum convenience with meals and drinks on site, upgrading to all‑inclusive can be worth the extra cost for some guests.

If you enjoy eating out at local restaurants most days, B&B or half‑board will likely be sufficient and more flexible than all‑inclusive.

You can use taxis rather than pre‑booked shuttles for airport transfers as they’re quick due to the hotel’s relatively short distance from the airport.

If entertainment in Cala Major feels limited, plan evenings out in Palma, Palma Nova, or nearby harbours for a livelier atmosphere.

Enjoy the large pool area, good Wi‑Fi, and gym as part of your stay, especially if you plan to spend most days on site.

If you want a quieter bar experience, head to the air‑conditioned lounge earlier in the evening before it fills up or gets too lively.

If you dislike the taste of soft drinks or cocktails from dispensing machines, you may prefer to order bottled drinks or drink off‑site.

Bring simple games like cards if you’re not interested in the hotel’s entertainment, as there isn’t a huge amount to do on site at quieter times.

If you’re heading out in the evening for nightlife or restaurants beyond Cala Major, expect to take a taxi as walking long distances over the hills isn’t practical at night.

Some rooms have good soundproofing near the elevator while others suffer from corridor noise, so if you’re sensitive, mention this when requesting a room.

If you’re staying all‑inclusive, be aware there may be some ‘hidden’ extra charges for premium items or branded drinks not covered by the basic package.

Remember that buses in this area generally only take cash and not large notes, so carry small denominations for your journeys.

USB ports are built into some room sockets which is handy for charging devices, but bring extra chargers and adapters just in case.

If you’re fussy about cooked breakfast quality, avoid certain items like the scrambled eggs which some guests found poor.

If you plan to explore further afield, consider renting a moped or car from the hotel or nearby agencies for more flexibility.

Be aware that the basement show lounge can get very warm in the evenings, so dress lightly or take breaks outside.

Don’t leave valuables unattended around the pool even though it feels secure, as non‑guests can still access the area.

USB sockets and air‑con work well in many rooms, but you may want extra pillows as the beds only come with one each.

If you’re a returning guest, mention it when booking or at check‑in as repeat visitors have sometimes been given complimentary upgrades.

Air conditioning may not be fully active early in the season, so check with the hotel if traveling in cooler months.

Room 940 is highlighted as particularly nice by a guest.

Watch the lock on the disabled toilet if using it alone, as one guest reported getting stuck and needing assistance.

The kids’ club and family facilities exist but some guests feel they are limited, so have backup activities planned if traveling with children.

Some guests found solo rooms small and awkward for washing, so be prepared for tighter space if booking a single.

If you want to avoid food queues, go later in the mealtime window as they still replenish food but crowds are smaller.

Don’t rely on the main restaurant for snacks after 10 pm as options are very limited; bring your own snacks if you get hungry late at night.