In the last 20 years the city of Palma has become an important urban tourism destination. Although its major hotel offer is still concentrated in the Paseo Marítimo, Ca’n pastilla and Playa de Palma, the deep restoration of the city center has opened the possibility for the installation of a good number of hotels.
Why stay in Palma?
Palma offers many attractions beyond the beaches of its municipality. On the one hand, it has emblematic monuments such as the cathedral, Bellver castle and the fish market. The historic quarter itself, where traces can be seen from the Roman foundation to the Renaissance and Modernist city, is an open-air monument that deserves to be explored at leisure, discovering archaeological treasures in the most unsuspected alleyways.
But it is also a modern city, with a large number of shops selling both traditional crafts and major international brands. The good climate enjoyed by Mallorca and its capital make shopping in Palma a pleasant experience.
And we must not forget the cultural side. Monuments apart, Palma has a wide range of museums on offer: the Es Baluard modern and contemporary art museum, the Juan March Foundation museum, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, the San Carlos Military Museum and the Balearic Lighthouse Museum are just some of the museums to be found in Palma.
Staying in the centre of Palma allows us to move around the city comfortably, without the need for a car, and with easy access to public transport to get around the city, or to travel to other towns by train or bus.
How much does a hotel in Palma cost?
The range of hotels in Palma is varied enough to suit all budgets. Luxury and four-star hotels abound, but there are also good budget options in three-star, two-star and even hostels and guesthouses. The cheapest options would be around €50 per night, while three and four star establishments would be between €130 and €250, depending on the time of year and the type of room and type of accommodation.
10 suggestions for good hotels in Palma
In this small selection you can find everything from luxury establishments to simple hostels, but always with the reward of offering a good experience and the best value for money.
Es Príncep
This luxurious and elegant hotel is located next to the Baluarte del Príncipe, and enjoys magnificent views of the bay of Palma and the Renaissance city walls
It has three gastronomic spaces where you can taste local specialities: the Zaranda restaurant, Es Príncep Rooftop, and the Gremium bistro and cocktail bar.
Its location is strategic to easily visit the old town of Palma and its most characteristic monuments, and at the same time it has all the luxuries and comforts to enjoy and relax on your return to the hotel.
Facilities: car park with charging point (for a fee); two swimming pools (one outdoor and one indoor heated); restaurant and bar; spa; gymnasium
Services: car rental; organisation of cultural, sports and leisure activities (for a fee); personal trainer; beauty treatments and massages (for a fee)
Gloria de Sant Jaume
Right in the centre of Palma, this luxurious hotel is located in a stately 19th century mansion. The architecture and decoration evoke that period of splendour and luxury, with the comforts of the 21st century
It has a cosy restaurant, a luxurious bar that reminds us of the Belle Époque, and an upper terrace with a swimming pool that is a real urban oasis. But one of the highlights is the spectacular spa, with a heated pool and all the relaxation services you could wish for.
Facilities: two swimming pools (one outdoor and one indoor); restaurant and bar; spa
Services: car rental; organisation of cultural, sports and leisure activities (for a fee); beauty treatments and massages (for a fee)
Hotel Basílica
This centrally located boutique hotel takes its name from the nearby Basilica of San Francisco. In fact, the original building, dating from the 18th century, was erected on the site of the former orchard of the Franciscan monks
The renovation carried out in 2015 preserved as much as possible original elements such as wooden beams and stone walls, giving the hotel a special character.
On its upper terrace there is a swimming pool and a solarium with spectacular views of Palma’s old town, the cathedral, the bay and the Tramuntana mountains. It is undoubtedly a magnificent place to relax.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool; snack bar
Services: car rental
Posada Terra Santa
If you are looking for maximum comfort and relaxation in the old town of Palma, one of the options to consider is this boutique hotel located in an old 16th century mansion
One of its strong points is its magnificent spa with heated pool, sauna and treatment cabin.
But there is even more. Its gastronomic offer, La Despensa del Barón, has become a benchmark in Palma, offering tapas and dinners in a unique setting, fully integrated into the 14th century Gothic architecture that has been preserved.
Facilities: car park (with charge); two swimming pools (outdoor and indoor); bar-restaurant; spa; gymnasium
Services: car rental; beauty treatments and massages (for a fee)
Araxa – Adults Only
This three-star hotel is located in a quiet residential area of Palma, very close to Bellver Castle. The complex offers good facilities for rest and relaxation, and at the same time it is well connected to the centre of Palma for walking, shopping or exploring its rich heritage
It has a restaurant with menu and à la carte options, and offers a good variety of services for its guests.
Facilities: swimming pool; restaurant, bar and café; spa (surcharge); gymnasium
Services: car and bike hire; live music and entertainment; beauty treatments and massages; Pilates classes; and a variety of other services
Samaritana Suites
Staying in an aparthotel in Palma is also possible. This complex, annexed to the hotel Posada Terra Santa, is close to both the beach of Ca’n Pere Antoni and the historic centre of Palma
Its facilities are excellent, and the service is luxurious.
Its comfortable and fully equipped flats give us total independence when it comes to organising our schedules in an environment of maximum comfort and tranquillity.
Facilities: solarium terrace
Services: car rental; organisation of sports activities (with charge)
Abelay
Very close to the Plaza de España we find this economical but comfortable two-star hotel, recently refurbished
It has from single to triple rooms suitable for a family. It also has a menu restaurant.
Due to its location (close to the Intermodal Station) and prices, it is ideal for families, sportsmen and women who want to explore the island, as well as for business trips.
Facilities: car park (for a fee); restaurant; gym; meeting rooms
Services: car and bicycle rental
Apuntadores
This simple but comfortable establishment is located, as its name suggests, in Apuntadores Street, in the heart of the historic quarter, near the Lonja, just a few metres from the Paseo Marítimo
It is an area with many leisure and restaurant establishments, ideal for getting to know the more casual side of the city.
It has 24-hour reception and bar service, and breakfast can be enjoyed from its terrace overlooking the cathedral and the city.
Facilities: bar
Services: bicycle rental; organisation of sports activities
Hostal Pons
This hostel, more than 70 years old but completely refurbished, occupies an old house from the 19th century. It is located in the historic centre of Palma, very close to the cathedral and the Almudaina Palace.
The place is quiet, cosy and spotless. The main drawback is the lack of a lift.
Facilities: shared bathroom
Services: tourist information
Regina Selfcheck-in Smart Rooms
This establishment is one of Palma’s historic establishments, in fact it is the oldest accommodation still in operation. It is located in the central San Miguel street, just a few metres from the Plaza de España
The rooms are comfortable and modern, and the place is perfect for those who are just looking for a good place to sleep, without the need for additional services.
Facilities: rooms with private bathrooms
Services: car rental; left-luggage office
