After seven years of being closed because of aluminosis, the Hotel Jamaica in Magalluf is being demolished. By the time that the high tourist season arrives, all that will remain will be the plot, as all rubbish will have been cleared.
In November, Meliá Hotels International will begin construction of a new four-star hotel that is pivotal to the redevelopment of Magalluf. As Meliá's executive vice-president for real estate, Mark Hoddinott, points out, the new hotel will be the nucleus for the "new Magalluf". He says that it will be a "stupendous product", a "spectacular" development, and the most important piece in the whole project to transform Magalluf: " a genuine transformation of the resort".
Hoddinott adds that there are two challenges. One is the updating and transforming of the non-hotel complementary offer and the other is a change in the perception of Magalluf among residents and the media. For this, the new Jamaica, right in the heart of the tourist area between the Magalluf and Olivera avenues, will spearhead the process of updating the complementary offer: its ground floor will be devoted to shops and to restaurants.
The old hotel was three star and had 300 rooms. The new four star will have 200 rooms, though the capacity will still be 600 in order to accommodate a "significant change in the profile of family tourism", according to Hoddinott. Among its features will be a rooftop pool, while there will also be an underground car park for 200 vehicles.
The hotel's redevelopment entails an investment of between 35 and 40 million euros and is said to be an example of the collaboration of and harmonious relationship with the town hall.