The Best Hotels in Palma for a Short City Break

Much of this high-end hotel occupies buildings dating to even before King Jaume I conquered the island – over 700 years ago. Refurbished over the years and most importantly during the Italian Renaissance, Can Cera’s stunning architecture has been maintained in the style of a 17th-century palazzo, with exposed beams, high sculpted ceilings, and a wonderful sweeping marble staircase. It’s also set in the heart of Palma’s old town, and so it’s a short stroll from all the city’s most historic attractions.

The Brick Hotel is one of Palma’s more budget-friendly options, but still centrally situated enough to make a great base for a short city break. An old pottery factory has been transformed into a sleek vision of industrial-chic accommodation, with both private and group rooms offering en-suite bathrooms, free wi-fi, and air-con – some also have balconies. The top-end Deluxe Rooms are particularly impressive duplex loft-style rooms sleeping up to four, and add flat-screen TVs. A hip and buzzy bar can also be found on the ground floor, opening to a street-front patio perfect for soaking up some inner city atmosphere.

With its impeccably stylish interiors that combine Moorish patterned tiling, traditional ikat fabrics, and cosy wood panelling, Hotel Cort is indeed one of Mallorca’s most handsome hotels. Each one of the 16 guest rooms is a secluded and peaceful oasis from the buzzing hub outside, plus its free a la carte breakfast is practically worth the stay alone. Its restaurant’s cobblestone terrace occupies one of the city’s prettiest squares, featuring an ancient olive tree and the town hall’s magnificent facade – the location is also about as dead centre as you can get so perfect for exploring the city.

Set in a quieter side of Palma’s richly historic Old Town, the Hotel Sant Francesc oozes effortless style from its beautiful period-chic reception to its gorgeous rooftop terrace overlooking the eponymous church. Most of the original neoclassical features of this 19th-century mansion have been meticulously restored, but with a light contemporary touch that makes for achingly eye-pleasing results. But it’s not all aesthetics, with an outstanding fine dining restaurant, high-tech in-room amenities, and a rooftop swimming pool with a poolside sushi bar that puts the icing on one very luxurious cake.

Occupying a former mansion dating back to 1576, this upscale boutique hotel is also located within a super-short stroll of Palma’s main central plaza. The property’s ancient character has been expertly updated with a fresh contemporary polish, while retaining plenty of original medieval charm. The 26 rooms are luxuriously put together, with top-end comforts such as king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets. Space to unwind comes in the form of a cosy lounge, beautiful library, and rooftop terrace with fabulous views over the city’s rooftops. They’ve even squeezed a sauna, massage room and heated splash pool in the hotel’s basement.

For those wanting to be within easy reach of Palma’s highlights as well as transport links, the UR Palacio Avenida is an excellent choice. A 1940s cinema in its previous life, this adults-only hotel overlooks the busy avenidas ring road just on the outskirt of the Old Town. It’s also a stone’s throw from the city’s main bus and train station with speedy connections to the airport (as well as all over the island). There’s not much in the way of facilities, but on a short city break you won’t need much beyond the hotel’s smart comfortable rooms with the free and speedy Wi-Fi for researching your day’s exploring the Mallorcan capital.