Best places to stay in Palma
To be in the heart of the old town, and steps from all the historical attractions, aim to stay in the central districts like La Llonja (also known as La Llotja-Born), Avinguda Jaume III, Sant Nicolau and La Calatrava, to the east just beyond the cathedral. These districts are home to the best (designer) shopping, food and architecture, and also home to some of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the city – although you’ll find some more budget-friendly options in the right season. For harbour views and fabulous food, make a beeline for Santa Catalina, a formerly neglected district that experienced a cool resurgence, making it a hub for market culture. El Jonquet is similarly delightful, retaining some of its colourful, fishing-village look – only the fishing boats have been replaced by enviably swanky yachts. As you head west along the Paseo Maritimo, with its fabulous sea views, you reach modern El Terreno and elegant, seafood-focussed Portopí. Here you can find glitzy hotels to match the gourmet ambience, but also some surprisingly affordable-yet-chic hotels.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions
Many of Palma’s main bucket-list attractions are in the historic centre, around La Llonja and La Calatrava. This is also where you’ll experience that delightful atmosphere that comes from a thriving European capital where old meets new. Jaume III is similarly lively, with a good dose of shopping, and La Missio is also just steps from the main action. To be walking distance from attractions but with a slightly less hectic vibe, try Santa Catalina. This artsy and foodie district has plenty to recommend it and often a lower price tag. Perhaps choose to stay in El Terreno or Portopí if you’d like to intersperse your sightseeing with a few laid-back beach days. Here, you’re not far from the beautiful, sandy shore of Cala Major and it’s still an easy bus ride into the old town.
Where to stay with your family in Palma
Families looking to max-out on cultural attractions should make a beeline for the central districts of Palma, but perhaps consider being close to parks like Parc de Sa Feixina, Parc de Sa Riera and Parc Krekovic – Sa Feixina being the most popular. The Hotel HM Jaime III is very close to Sa Feixina and has handy triple and quadruple rooms for families. Just along the coast, overlooking the port and still very close to the heart of Palma, you’ll find Hotel Victoria Gran Melia. You can add two additional beds or a cot to your family room – which boasts a private terrace – or book a connected family room for the luxury of two bathrooms. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, with a sun terrace, and breakfast is buffet-style so you can fill your boots for a day’s exploring.
Where to find cheap hotels in Palma
There are a good number of cheap hotels in Palma de Mallorca if you know where to look and hostels should be your first port of call for very cheap, friendly and easy-going accommodation. The Boc Hostels has two venues just outside the main city ring road, boasting far cheaper room prices than those inside the historic centre. The Boc Hostels - Palma has rooms for £40 per night and has a roof garden, hang out area, rooms with balconies and a cool urban aesthetic. The Boc Hostels - City goes one better, with a shady courtyard, sunny roof terrace and outdoor pool (rooms start at £60). Brick Palma is a three-star hotel, close to Placa Major with rooms from £70 per night. It’s well rated for its urban-chic interior, with dormitories, private rooms and a roof terrace space. If you’re looking for the more-budget end of luxury, check in to MHOUSE Hotel Palma. While not cheap, £100–150 per night is a decent price for a serene and beautifully decorated, modern oasis in La Missio, with a secluded rooftop pool and mouth-watering menu.
Where to stay as solo traveller
For your solo trip to Palma, you deserve a little luxury. Look no further than cool Brondo Architect Hotel, just off Passeig del Born and with a delightfully aesthetic interior. The Petite Rooms are perfectly proportioned for solo travellers on a weekend jaunt. Sant Jaume Design Hotel is a five-star luxury option tucked down a quiet side street. It has a chic, quiet-luxury interior, uniting local, modern art with grand original features, plus exceptionally spacious rooms and a photo-worthy breakfast offering. There’s also a gym, private rooftop terrace and secluded spa. For something more budget-friendly but no less boutique, try the Boutique Hotel Petit Montisión, close to the Banys Arabs and Basílica de Sant Francesc. It’s design-focussed with a stylish interior and high-tech amenities in the rooms, and dining at the intimate restaurant here feels like a true treat.