Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca (Areas + Hotels) – Sand In My Suitcase

We love Mallorca! In fact, we’ve recently returned from yet another visit to this part of the world.

One of the most popular Spanish vacation destinations in Europe, this Balearic Island gem is packed with so much to do.

Old Town of Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca’s Old Town is the place to stay in the city, especially for first-timers.

Why? It’s stuffed full of all the top sights, eateries and charm that the island’s capital has to offer (not to mention some great hotels).

Wander the cobbled narrow streets, watching life go by in shaded plazas and stopping off to enjoy refreshments at any number of cafés and eateries. It’s a joy to explore!

It’s called the Old Town for a reason. There’s plenty of historic architecture to discover, from Gothic churches to Moorish baths and palaces.

Two main highlights are the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and Palma’s 13th-century cathedral, known as La Seu (get your skip-the-line-tickets here).

You’ll find more than history in Palma de Mallorca too.

The Olivar Market has been hawking meats, cheeses, fruits and fresh seafood since the 1950s. Go there to eat, or simply browse.

As for accommodations, the Old Town offers lots of good choices, including luxury and boutique options. Some even boast top amenities like swimming pools and rooftop terraces.

1) Petit Palace Hotel Tres

For our first trip to Mallorca, we chose the 4-star Petit Palace Hotel Tres.

This minimalist boutique hotel is ideally located right in Palma’s Old Town, just a short walk to Palma’s landmark Gothic cathedral.

The 41 moderately-priced rooms are split between two buildings, one a 16th century palazzo (which we prefer) and the other a modern block.

In the middle is a stone courtyard sprouting a towering palm tree, under which 30’s-something guests linger, checking out emails on their phones and laptops.

Guest rooms are snug, but the open bedroom/bathroom design helps make them feel bigger, and the Hotel Tres signature table that rolls over the bed is a clever space-saver.

White walls, wood floors and lots of glass lend a clean spare look.

Several rooms have king-size beds – hard to find in Mallorca.

2) Can Bordoy

At Hotel Can Bordoy, tucked away in the Old Town of Palma de Mallorca, you’re stepping into a slice of 1940s Hollywood.

The place oozes glamor with its crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes and black painted wood floors, complemented by gold fixtures.

We stayed here in Palma on our most recent trip trip to Mallorca.

Our loft-stye room was very atmospheric, with an aqua velvet fainting couch, mood lighting and a large vintage radio that served as the mini-bar. The extra-huge king bed had individual controls to raiser and lower the shoulder and hip sections.

The large bathroom had an oval-shaped free-standing tub as well as a separate rain shower with gold fixtures.

There aren’t too many Palma de Mallorca hotels with pools in the Old Town. But Can Bordoy has two. They’re tiny, mind you – but big enough for a dip.

What’s cool: Breakfast (included in the rates) can be enjoyed anytime up until 11:00 pm at night.

3) Can Cera

If your accommodation wish list includes an exquisite luxury boutique hotel in Palma’s Old Town – one that oozes history and has a prime location too – get thee to Can Cera!

(And sorry, little ones. This hotel is just for grown-ups.)

The hotel has 14 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites. They’re decorated with a mix of antiques, carved woodwork and hand-woven bed covers.

Check out the grand wood-paneled library. And take in the spectacular views of the city from the rooftop sun terrace.

Located off Santa Eulalia Placa, Can Cera is within steps of Palma’s lively bars, cafés and antique bookshops. The cathedral, Almudaina Palace and Parc de la Mar are just a brisk five-minute jaunt away.

4) El Llorenc Parc de la Mar

Its Moorish-inspired contemporary design is catnip for design enthusiasts and luxury hotel aficionados.

The rooftop beach club is winner.

Soak in the panoramic views of Palma Bay as you lounge poolside on a Balinese sun bed underneath emerald-green feathered parasols. While you’re at it, enjoy a refreshing drink and bistro snack from the terrace cocktail bar.

Renowned local chef Santi Taura runs both of the hotel’s restaurants.

DINS offers a fine-dining experience with gastronomic Majorcan cuisine that gets rave reviews.

Cala Major

A little over two miles to the west of the Old Town lies Cala Major.

Famed for its beautiful Blue Flag-certified beach, this part of Palma de Mallorca is ideal for beach bums and families alike.

But it’s not just about days on the sand.

Staying here also means you’re just a short distance (a 5-minute taxi ride) from the city’s main attractions back in the Old Town. 

Cala Major has a couple of its own attractions too.

There’s the Fundacio Miro Mallorca (or Miro Museum). It showcases paintings, sculptures and studio works by the famous Spanish painter and sculptor, Joan Miro.

You’ll also the find the Palace of Marivent – a lavish estate built for the Spanish Royal Family in the 1920s. Come here to stroll its lush, perfectly manicured gardens.

Days at Cala Major are the perfect balance between coastal hangout and city exploration. Best of all, there are a couple of great options we recommend for hotels in this resort area.

Set right next to Cala Major Beach, and within easy walking distance to sights like the Marivent Palace, it’s not only chic but convenient to boot.

The air-conditioned rooms here are fresh and modern. Think big comfy beds, relaxing seating areas and spacious bathrooms – all decked out in a calming color palette. 

Some rooms have their own sun-drenched terrace overlooking the ocean – a dreamy way to spend your downtime.

Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, unwind with a treatment in the hotel’s spa or you could even work up a sweat in the gym.

You don’t have to go far to find a delicious bite to eat – Nixe Palace has three onsite eateries.

6) Castillo Hotel Son Vida

Castillo Hotel Son Vida perches high above the Bay of Palma. Located in the prestigious residential Son Vida neighborhood – the “Beverly Hills of Mallorca” – it’s about three miles north of Cala Major.

It’s a peaceful retreat, surrounded by cypresses and pines. Yet it’s only 15 minutes by car, bus or taxi from the buzz of Palma de Mallorca Old Town.

Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the 13th century castle hotel (complete with a knight statue in full shining armor in the lobby) has 164 rooms and suites.

Interiors include gilt-framed mirrors, Juliet balconies overlooking the twinkling lights of the city, and fresh-cut long-stem roses on antique dressers.

By day, take a dip in the grand outdoor pool set amid palms and pine trees, or tee off on any one of three nearby championship golf courses.

At night, dine on the outdoor stone terrace, lit by crystal oil lamps.

A spa features a state-of-the-art gym and light-filled treatment rooms with underfloor heating.

Santa Catalina

If you like vacation destinations to be hipster-friendly, come to Santa Catalina.

This fishing village turned fashionable enclave is easily the coolest place to stay in Palma de Mallorca. In recent decades, the once rough-around-the-edges area has come alive with trendy cafés, cool eateries and late-night bars and clubs.

It’s also within easy walking distance of the Old Town. (It took us about 15 minutes to get from the cathedral to Santa Catalina.)

You’ll have fun exploring this part of town. It’s bursting with energy, endlessly photogenic with Instagram opportunities round every corner. It’s also ideal for insatiable foodies who love trying the hottest places to eat and drink.

7) Hotel Bordoy Continental Palma

Occupying an ornate historic building, Hotel Bordoy Continental Palma is perfectly situated among the trendy streets of Santa Catalina.

This 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms that pair period features with modern simplicity. It’s the ideal bolthole to return to after a busy day of sunbathing and exploring.

But really, one of the best parts about staying at this hotel is the Old World grandeur of it all. Take a seat in the lobby and soak it all up, sipping a cocktail before heading out into the city.

Amenities include a fitness room and hot tub.

Portixol

To the east of the Old Town, you’ll find Portixol.

This polished part of town sits proudly on a curving bay, hugging a long stretch of sandy beach and its very own yacht club.

It’s a piece of paradise in Palma de Mallorca. There’s a cosmopolitan feel in the air, thanks to its exciting mix of restaurants, beach area and coastal walks, not to mention the upscale vibes.

Portixol has its fair share of luxury resorts and hotels too.

Life in this part of Palma de Mallorca revolves around the beachside promenade.

Stretching for 8 miles from Palma and beyond Portixol to El Arenal, this attractive bicycle-and-pedestrian walkway is lined by terrace eateries and beaches. Sun worshippers, bicyclists and roller bladers alike revel in the sunshine and glistening sea views.

8) Portixol Hotel & Restaurant

For comfortable rooms and sea views alike, book yourself a few nights at this stylish hotel.

Portixol Hotel & Restaurant is the ideal spot for unwinding in style.

The rooms here are immaculately decorated. They combine mid-century modern design touches and splashes of Balearic aesthetics for an effortlessly cool result.

Many rooms come with their own private balcony – which means a morning coffee with a view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great start to the day!

Continue with a dip in the sunny outdoor swimming pool, take a stroll to the nearby beach or sun yourself on a lounger without having to lift a finger.

Playa de Palma

This is our top choice for where to stay in Palma for families.

Family-friendly beaches, plenty of resorts and a number of child-friendly activities keep everyone entertained in this slice of the capital.

Be sure to bicycle along the seaside promenade that winds along the coast from the Old Town to El Arenal. It’s a fun way to explore with kids in tow.

Note that this part of town does get lively – and pretty busy – in the height of summer. That’s thanks to the number of bars and restaurants, particularly nearer the El Arenal end of town. 

9) Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma

If you’re not traveling with kids, this adults-only hotel in Playa de Palma is a great place to stay in a grown-up setting near the beach.

Every aspect of the 185-room hotel has been tastefully and carefully decorated. It’s a masterclass in interior design.

That’s it for our guide on the best areas and hotels in Palma de Mallorca!

With hotels galore, each one serving up all kinds of chic, there’s no shortage of places for you to pick for your urban adventure in Palma.

Whether it’s a relaxing beachside spot, or a palace fit for royalty, there’s a hotel that’s just right for you!

---

---

Photo credits: 3, 4, 8, 10, 23 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Other hotel photos courtesy of the respective Palma de Mallorca hotels

---