REVIEW: IBEROSTAR SELECTION (PLAYA DE PALMA, MALLORCA)

A Decent Family Stay, but definitely not top-class.

We recently spent a week at the Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma with our family, which included mom, dad, grandma, and OUR 4-year-old. While the trip had its highlights, there were some aspects of the resort experience that left us feeling it could have been better for the price.

The Resort Experience

The location is fine—being so close to the beach was very convenient for our family. We could easily alternate between the resort pools and the sandy shores, which was a big plus. The grounds were well-maintained, and the landscaping gave the property a pleasant, relaxed vibe.

That said, the overall atmosphere felt a bit crowded, especially around the main pool area. Finding loungers together was a challenge unless we woke up early to reserve spots, which was frustrating for grandma, who prefers a more leisurely start to the day. The kids’ pool was fun for our little one, but it sometimes felt chaotic with limited oversight by staff.

The pool was enough for keeping our 4-year-old entertained. While the activities were creative and engaging, the schedule wasn’t always clear, and it felt like there could have been more communication about what was happening when. For adults, the quiet poolside bar area was a welcome escape, but the overall vibe of the resort leaned heavily toward catering to families, so couples or older guests might feel out of place.

The Food

The buffet had its moments but wasn’t as consistent as we’d hoped. Breakfast was the strongest meal, with plenty of fresh fruit, pastries, and a made-to-order omelet station. Grandma enjoyed the churros, and the pancake station was a hit with our 5-year-old.

Lunch and dinner were a mixed bag. While there were a variety of options, many dishes felt repetitive after a few days. The seafood, while fresh, was sometimes overcooked, and certain dishes lacked seasoning. Grandma, who loves traditional Spanish cuisine, thought the paella was only average. The kids' section of the buffet was convenient, but the offerings leaned heavily on fried food, which became monotonous.

The à la carte restaurant provided a nicer change of pace, but we found it difficult to get a reservation that worked with our schedule. When we did dine there, the experience was pleasant, but nothing particularly stood out about the food or service.

The Verdict

Overall, the Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma delivered a decent family holiday, but it fell short in areas that could have made it truly memorable. The location and facilities are great for families with young children, but the overcrowded pools and inconsistent food brought the experience down a notch. The staff, while very service-minded, seemed unfamiliar with a lot of small things that makes the difference between a 4 and 5 star hotel (i.e experience beyond simple drinks in the bar or recommendations for restaurants). This is not a 5 star hotel.

For the price, we expected a bit more in terms of service and variety. If you're traveling with kids and looking for convenience and a beachside location, this resort will check those boxes. However, for families or groups looking for a truly elevated experience, there might be better options.

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