THE number of hotels open this winter in Playa de Palma has been cut by 20 percent.

Only 35 hotels will stay open this year compared to 42 in 2007.

The resort, near Mallorca’s airport, is a favourite for Spanish pensioners and also is a winter destination for Britain’s Saga Holidays, which specialises in breaks for the over-50s.

The closures have been blamed on a slump in bookings – despite several offering cut-price long-stay deals – and more hotels needing to remain closed for refurbishment.