The best known tourist area of Mallorca is undoubtedly its coast: its beaches, its coves, its leisure and restaurant offer. But away from the crowds and the overcrowding of the large hotel complexes there is a whole world of small hotels located in historic buildings, in the countryside or in small villages, family-run and welcoming, and with a first-class personalised service: the charming hotels.
What do we call a “charming hotel”?
These are hotels that have something special that distinguishes them from the rest. They are usually located in unique buildings: old stately homes, palaces, even castles. Old convents or monasteries, or rural estates are also common.
Modernisation must have been carried out by harmoniously integrating the original architectural elements with modern materials and facilities. Because a charming hotel does not have to be an old-fashioned hotel, it also has to be a comfortable and convenient hotel.
Part of the charm is the close and personal service, which is achieved in hotels with only a few rooms. A hotel with 200 rooms can hardly have charm, overcrowding cannot have charm.
The environment is also fundamental. We can be in the best and most welcoming hotel, but if when we leave the hotel we find a dirty, neglected and crowded environment, the magic is broken.
Charm is not just one thing, it is a combination of factors, and that is why there can be many different types of hotels, each with its own charm.
Why stay in a charming hotel in Mallorca?
Charming hotels have the added bonus of being located in historic buildings and unique settings. Their small size allows a close and familiar treatment, making your stay even more pleasant. Being away from crowded places provides what many people are looking for on their holidays or getaways: peace and quiet, relaxation.
How much does a charming hotel in Mallorca cost?
Charm does not have to mean great luxury, but obviously these hotels will have an above-average level of service. Otherwise, they would not be charming hotels. Although it is possible to find very good deals, especially in low season, they are usually around €200-400 per night in three or four star establishments. Obviously, five-star hotels will be more expensive and can easily reach €600 or €700 per night.
Charming hotels in Mallorca
From among the dozens of unique establishments with charm that can be found all over Mallorca, this is a small selection.
Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only
In the historic centre of Alcudia, in the north of Mallorca, we find this exceptional four-star hotel located next to the old Roman forum of the city. On its upper terrace there is a swimming pool and solarium with magnificent panoramic views
It also has a coffee bar where breakfast is served with natural local products. Massages and beauty treatments can be booked at the spa. For the more sporty guests, there is a bicycle room (and the possibility of renting them), organisation of outdoor activities, and discounts on nearby golf courses.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool; bicycle room; spa with whirlpool bath, sauna and steam bath.
Services: car rental, bicycle rental; organisation of sports activities (guided excursions, cycle touring; for a fee); massages and beauty treatments (for a fee).
Posada Terra Santa Hotel Boutique
This charming boutique hotel is located in a former 16th century stately palace in the heart of Palma, but in a quiet area. The restoration of the building involved a great deal of historical and archaeological work, recovering Gothic and Renaissance elements that were thought to have been lost in Palma, and which are now visible in some of the hotel’s spaces
For example, its fabulous spa, which can be booked for private use, is housed in a former grain warehouse. It also has a sun terrace with a swimming pool. The decoration of both the rooms and the common areas harmoniously integrates modern elements with the architecture of 500 years ago. In its restaurant La Despensa del Barón we can enjoy intimate and romantic dinners with exquisite dishes.
Facilities: private parking (with charge); two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor); restaurant; spa.
Services: car rental; massages and beauty treatments (for a fee).
Ynaira Hotel & Spa
This four-star boutique hotel is located in the small village of Ariany, in the interior of the island, on a hill from where we can enjoy exceptional views. It is an old manor house that has been completely modernised, but retains the typical character of Mallorcan architecture
It is ideal to get away from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe peace and tranquillity. In its modern wellness centre you will find a heated swimming pool with jets and waterfall, sauna, whirlpool bath, hammocks for relaxation and massage cabins.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor pool; restaurant (breakfast and dinner); spa, sauna, gym;
Services: car rental; massages and beauty treatments (for a fee).
Hotel Basílica
This is a four-star hotel located in an old manor house in the centre of Palma built in the 17th century, almost next to the Basilica of San Francisco. In fact, the site where the mansion was built formed part of the Franciscan convent’s orchard
From its terrace with swimming pool you can enjoy magnificent views of the bay of Palma and the cathedral. There is also a small bar-café with an interior terrace. In the restoration of the building, local materials were used as close as possible to the original materials. These details, together with the exquisite decoration, the historic setting and excellent service, provide a unique experience.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool
Services: car rental, bicycle rental; organisation of sports and cultural activities (for a fee).
Sa Cabana Hotel Rural & Spa Adults Only
This charming rural hotel, located in an old 16th century villa, is located near Consell, among vineyards and olive trees, in a setting that conveys peace and calm. Its wellness centre surprises with a curious circular spa with a swimming pool with jets, sauna, steam bath and sensation showers
Here we can enjoy different massages, or in the room, or in the gardens. It also offers a variety of body and facial treatments. The hotel has a restaurant and snack bar, where you can enjoy a variety of tapas. There is also a wine cellar with an excellent selection of wines.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool; restaurant; cocktail and snack bar; spa; sauna; gymnasium.
Services: car rental; bicycle rental; massages and beauty treatments (for a fee); organisation of sports activities (hiking, canyoning, coasteering).
Son Borguny
This three-star, seven-bedroom hotel is located in the coastal town of Banyalbufar, in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range, just a 5-minute walk from the sea. It occupies a 15th century manor house, which has retained all its character, but has been completely modernised and tastefully decorated
There is also a small restaurant attached to the hotel where a fantastic breakfast of local produce is served, as well as dinner.
Facilities: private parking; restaurant
Services: tourist information
Can Mostatxins
This four-star hotel occupies two old buildings dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries that have been meticulously restored, with surprisingly well preserved original stone architecture
The spa area has two small pools with jets, one indoor and one outdoor. You can book various massages and facial and body treatments from the varied menu. A delicious continental breakfast is served every morning to start the day off right.
Facilities: spa
Services: massages and beauty treatments (with charge).
Son Brull
Near Pollensa, in the north of the island, we have this magnificent five-star rural hotel built in what was once an 18th century monastery. It is located on the same estate that was cultivated by the monks more than 200 years ago, surrounded by orchards and vineyards that we can discover on guided tours
Its facilities offer maximum comfort and luxury, preserving the original architecture and elegant decoration. It includes a fantastic spa where we can hire a wide variety of body and beauty treatments. For greater intimacy we can stay in one of its four villas suites, each with a private pool.
The hotel also has a restaurant where in the evenings it offers a couple of tasting menus. There is also a bistro and cocktail bar. Its elegant ambience in the middle of nature offers an unforgettable experience.
Facilities: private parking; two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor).
Services: guided tours of the estate; discount on golf course; beauty treatments.
Es Petit Hotel de Valldemossa
In a selection of charming hotels we could not miss one in Valldemossa, one of the most charming villages in Mallorca. This three-star family-run establishment occupies an old house that has been completely refurbished and modernised, but retains all the characteristic elements of the architecture of the Tramuntana mountain range
It has a terrace with spectacular views of the village and mountains, and a cosy inner courtyard. It offers a breakfast buffet, and has a bar service. The friendly and welcoming service of the owners is particularly noteworthy.
Bodega Can Feliu
This four-star agritourism is located near the village of Porreres, and is a 17th century estate dedicated to the cultivation of vines. Traditional materials were used in the restoration and modernisation of the house, thus preserving all its traditional charm
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has an outdoor swimming pool. It offers a buffet breakfast, with many local products, and a snack bar service all day. You can also get first-hand knowledge of the wines produced here by booking wine tastings, guided tours of the winery, aperitifs with wine tasting, or even a barbecue washed down with our own wines.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; snack bar; shared kitchen.
Services: cooking classes and themed dinners (for a fee); cyclotourism excursions (for a fee);
