Palma de Mallorca—where Mediterranean charm meets modern comfort in the most dreamy way possible. This Balearic beauty isn’t just about beaches (though they’re amazing); it’s got Gothic cathedrals, buzzing tapas bars, yacht-filled marinas, and hotels that range from historic palaces to ultra-modern design havens. This guide’s gonna help you find the perfect place to stay, whether you’re balling on a budget or ready to drop serious cash on luxury.
Why Stay in Palma de Mallorca?
Palma’s got everything you want in a Mediterranean getaway. The Old Town is straight-up gorgeous with its Gothic cathedral (La Seu) dominating the skyline, winding cobblestone streets hiding tapas bars, and the marina packed with superyachts. The beaches are pristine, the food scene’s incredible (we’re talking fresh seafood and local wine), and the nightlife can get pretty wild if that’s your thing.
Getting here is easy—Palma International Airport connects to basically everywhere in Europe, and ferries run to mainland Spain if you’re island-hopping. The best time to visit? Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) give you perfect weather without the crazy summer crowds. Summers are hot and packed, but that’s when the beach scene really comes alive.
Best Areas to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
Old Town (La Seu & La Lonja)
This is Palma’s historic heart and, honestly, the most magical place to base yourself. You’re walking distance from the cathedral, museums, and centuries-old architecture. La Lonja is the artsy quarter with galleries, bars, and that authentic Mallorcan vibe. The downside? It can get touristy, and some streets are noisy at night.
Santa Catalina
The trendy neighborhood everyone’s talking about. It’s got the island’s best restaurant scene, cool cocktail bars, and a hip local vibe without feeling too polished. Perfect if you want to eat and drink your way through Palma.
Portixol
Seaside living at its finest. This former fishing village turned chic neighborhood has modern hotels right on the waterfront, cute cafés, and a more laid-back atmosphere than central Palma. Great for morning runs along the promenade.
El Terreno
A bit more residential and local, which means better prices and fewer tourists. You’ll get a real feel for how Mallorcans actually live, though you might need to walk or taxi to the main attractions.
Playa de Palma
Beach lovers, this is your spot. Miles of sandy beaches, waterfront hotels, and that classic Mediterranean beach resort vibe. It’s further from the Old Town but perfect if your priority is beach time over sightseeing.
Best Hotels in Palma de Mallorca by Category
Luxury Hotels in Palma
Ready to live your best life? These hotels deliver the goods.
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is a five-star stunner in Palma’s Old Town with just 42 rooms, making it intimate and exclusive. The contemporary artwork mixed with traditional architecture creates this cool contrast, plus the rooftop terrace has killer cathedral views.
Hotel Antigua Palma is where we need to talk about actual luxury. This elegant property has courtyards, cozy corners everywhere, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant that’s basically perfection. The monochromatic suites are Instagram gold, and the service is next-level.
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar houses a 1 Michelin Star restaurant (DINS Santi Taura) and has this infinity pool with insane Balearic Sea views. It’s right by Parc de la Mar, so you’re close to everything but feel removed from the chaos. They won a Michelin Key in 2024, which is basically hotel industry gold.
Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden is a converted former convent school (how cool is that?) with contemporary design and vintage touches. The suspended glass plunge pool is worth the stay alone.
Castillo Hotel Son Vida sits in the hills overlooking Palma and gives you that castle-living fantasy. Think luxury resort vibes with golf, spas, and old-world elegance.
Worth the splurge? If you want rooftop pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, spa treatments, and that “I’ve made it” feeling, absolutely.
Mid-Range Hotels
Great value without sacrificing comfort—these are the sweet spot.
Nakar Hotel is a modern boutique property with a rooftop bar, pool, and central location. The design’s sleek, the staff’s helpful, and you’re walking distance from everything important.
Hotel Cort sits right on Plaza Cort in the heart of Old Town. It’s got that boutique hotel vibe with stylish rooms and a small rooftop terrace—perfect for sundowners.
HM Jaime III is on Paseo Mallorca and combines contemporary design with urban sophistication. They’ve got a spa, outdoor terrace, and that cosmopolitan Palma feel. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious rooms and convenient location near the cathedral and marina.
INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Center features a free daily-restocked minibar (yes, free!), rooftop terrace with bar, small pool, and central location. Modern rooms with city views and you’re near all the attractions.
Average mid-range prices run €100-200 per night, which is solid value considering the quality and location.
Budget Hotels
You don’t need to blow your budget to stay somewhere decent.
Brick Palma is a trendy budget option that doesn’t feel cheap. Modern design, clean rooms, and prices that won’t make you cry.
Hotel Amic Horizonte delivers reliable budget accommodation with the basics covered—clean rooms, decent location, and friendly service.
Meliá Palma Bay offers surprisingly good value for a larger hotel—modern rooms, rooftop pool, spa access, and it’s opposite the beach with easy access to the city center. Reviews praise the spacious rooms and great service.
For hostels, look at places in the Old Town or near Santa Catalina—you’ll find dorm beds for €20-35 and private rooms starting around €60. Book early for high season (June-August) to avoid price surges.
Boutique Hotels
These properties bring personality, unique design, and that special something.
Puro Hotel Oasis Urbano is ultra-stylish with a happening rooftop bar scene. It’s got that sexy, designed-to-the-nines vibe perfect for couples and style-conscious travelers.
Hotel Glòria de Sant Jaume mixes historic architecture with contemporary design in a 17th-century building. It’s intimate, beautifully designed, and located right in the Old Town action.
Posada Terra Santa offers personalized service in a converted historic mansion. The attention to detail and local flair make it special.
Concepció by Nobis is another Old Town gem with Nordic-influenced design meeting Mediterranean architecture. Clean lines, thoughtful touches, and that boutique hotel magic.
Boutique hotels typically run €150-300 per night, but the experience is worth it if you appreciate design and unique stays.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Traveling with kids? These places make family travel way easier.
INNSiDE Palma Bosque has indoor and outdoor pools, free minibar, pool bar, and spacious rooms with balconies. The multiple pool areas keep kids entertained while parents relax.
Meliá Palma Marina offers spacious rooms with modern design, peaceful marina views, and a free minibus to Old Town. The location’s quieter than central Palma, which families appreciate.
Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa (opening June 2025) will have 160 rooms, 2 pools, restaurants, sports areas, and wellness facilities—basically a family paradise.
Look for hotels with family suites, pools, kids’ activities, and proximity to beaches or attractions. Many properties offer connecting rooms or family packages during high season.
Adults-Only and Romantic Hotels
Couples’ getaways deserve special treatment.
Hospes Maricel & Spa in Cas Català is pure luxury—the world’s best breakfast (seriously, reviewers rave about it), infinity pool, summer sea spa, and exclusive rooms. The “Cozy Experience” package is designed for romance.
Pleta de Mar is an adults-only (+16) property with direct sea access, cuisine by Marc Fosh, and that intimate, private vibe couples crave. It’s integrated beautifully into nature.
Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá has stunning marina and cathedral views, elegant decor, a beautiful pool area, and a chic terrace bar. The Red Level Lounge service includes exceptional cocktails and snacks.
Many luxury hotels in Old Town, like Sant Francesc or Can Bordoy, work perfectly for romantic stays with their intimate size, rooftop terraces, and upscale amenities.
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Palma
Location matters most—decide if you want Old Town charm, beachfront access, or neighborhood vibes, then pick accordingly. First-timers should stay in Old Town or nearby for easy access to attractions.
Match your budget to reality—luxury hotels run €300-600+ per night, mid-range €100-200, budget €60-100. High season (June-August) costs way more than the shoulder seasons.
Book 2-3 months ahead for spring and fall, even earlier for summer. Last-minute deals exist in winter, but selection is limited.
Read recent reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com—look for consistent themes about cleanliness, service, noise levels, and actual location convenience.
Avoid tourist trap hotels far from attractions with vague “near city center” descriptions—check maps and walking distances.
Practical Travel Tips for Staying in Palma
Getting around is easy—Old Town’s walkable, buses run frequently, and taxis are reasonable for short trips. Many hotels offer bike rentals or are near bike-share stations.
Where to eat near top hotels: Santa Catalina’s got the best restaurant scene, Old Town has tapas bars and traditional Mallorcan spots, and Portixol offers waterfront dining. Ask your hotel for local recommendations—they know the good spots away from tourist traps.
Local customs: Siesta is real (shops close 2-5pm), dinner happens late (9pm+), and Spanish is appreciated, though most tourism workers speak English. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
Palma offers accommodations for literally every type of traveler—from backpackers bunking in hostels to honeymoon couples living it up in five-star luxury. The key is choosing a hotel that matches your travel goals and budget, then booking early enough to secure the best rates.
Whether you’re waking up to cathedral views from Sant Francesc, sipping cocktails at Nakar’s rooftop bar, or letting kids splash in INNSiDE Palma Bosque’s pools, you’re gonna have an amazing time in this Mediterranean paradise. But don’t just hide in your hotel (even if it’s gorgeous)—get out there and explore Palma’s cobblestone streets, hit the beaches, eat all the tapas, and soak up that Balearic sunshine. That’s what Mallorca’s all about.
