Aubamar Palma Resort

"We booked Aubamar Palma Resort through American Express Travel expecting an upscale Mallorca stay. Unfortunately, the experience fell so far short of our expectations that, in hindsight, we wish we had stayed elsewhere. Given the price, we struggled to understand the value or why this property was so prominently featured among our booking options. Our disappointment began with the location. We hadn’t realized that this particular area caters so heavily to German-speaking holidaymakers. That isn’t a criticism in itself, but the surrounding atmosphere was nothing like the Mallorca experience we were seeking. Nearby streets were lined with loud, crowded bars, tourist shops selling explicit novelty souvenirs, and establishments geared toward a party-oriented crowd. One evening, a simple walk to buy water and a few items for our room left us feeling uncomfortable. We also encountered several surprisingly rude interactions at local shops. After seeing more of Mallorca, we regretted not choosing Palma or another area with a more sophisticated atmosphere, especially since the cost of staying elsewhere wasn’t dramatically different. The resort itself did little to change our impression. Our arrival was underwhelming: the attendant wasn’t particularly welcoming and seemed confused, which is hardly reassuring when checking into a property at this price point. The layout also felt strange and disjointed, with three separate buildings and multiple parking areas. We stayed in the suites building, and the overall atmosphere felt closer to a busy package-holiday resort than the elevated getaway we believed we had booked. As American Express Platinum cardholders who reserved through Amex Travel, we were disappointed that no one walked us through any applicable benefits at check-in. Instead, we were offered an upgrade for an additional €300. We’ve had much more attentive arrivals at other participating properties, where the available benefits and upgrade options were clearly explained. It added to our sense that the service didn’t match the hotel’s positioning. Unfortunately, the basics weren’t right, either. Our room was not cleaned once during our entire stay, which we found unacceptable for what we paid. I also felt mildly ill after eating at the breakfast buffet. I can’t confirm that the food caused it, but the experience certainly didn’t inspire confidence in the dining offering. I can see how this resort might appeal to travelers who want to spend their days by the pool or beach and their evenings enjoying the area’s bustling nightlife. But if you’re looking for polished hospitality, refined surroundings and a luxury Mediterranean escape, our experience was very different. Our biggest frustration wasn’t simply that the location wasn’t for us; it was the enormous disconnect between the price, the expectations created by the booking presentation and what we actually experienced. American Express should take a closer look at how this property is positioned. We’d happily visit Mallorca again, but we would not return to this resort or this area. An expensive, disappointing stay—and one we wish we’d avoided."

"Our September stay fell far short of 5-star standards. While tidy with polite staff when engaged, service was severely lacking. We were completely ignored at the rooftop bar, had to ask twice for towels, and pool cleanliness was neglected—staff even overlooked a dirty nappy. Housekeeping was hit-or-miss, frequently failing to clean sinks or replenish toiletries. Facilities were equally frustrating, featuring broken coffee machines at breakfast, a broken lift, and a loud Friday night pool party below guest balconies blasting music past 11:15 PM. Ample breakfast, but overall a frustrating experience."

"My friend and I have just returned from a holiday staying at the Aubamar in the Suites and Spa building and had a wonderful time. We had a Junior Deluxe Suite and loved the modern, spacious interior. The whole hotel was lovely and we particularly enjoyed the choice of pools with great, comfy sun beds. The staff could not do enough for us and I have to mention Leidy, Artemi and the receptionists. The food was tasty and cocktails were good. Avoid the noisy touristy area and venture into Palma or visit the recommended restaurants visited by locals."