Palma is not one hotel area. That is the booking trap.
A hotel beside the Cathedral is not the same trip as a hotel on Paseo Marítimo. Portixol feels different again. Cala Major gives you a real beach, but you are no longer sleeping in the old town.
This 2026 guide is curated, not sponsored. It focuses on hotels that make sense for a Palma stay, not just properties with high ratings and nice photos.
Why you can trust this guide
- Personally curated Hotels are chosen by our team — not by an algorithm or the hotels themselves.
- No sponsored placements No hotel can pay to appear here or to rank higher.
- Updated for 2026 Checked and refreshed for the 2026 season.
- 12 hotels compared We reviewed 12 hotels before choosing this shortlist.
- Editor-reviewed Reviewed by an editor before publishing.
Quick answer: best hotels in Palma de Mallorca
- Best overall: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, because it gives you old-town location, five-star polish and a rooftop pool without feeling like a large city hotel.
- Best historic boutique hotel: Can Cera, for a 17th-century palacete feel in the centre of Palma.
- Best luxury hideaway: Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, because the old-town setting comes with a rare garden and rooftop pool.
- Best rooftop pool: El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, for its adults-only policy and rooftop infinity pool near the old city walls.
- Best for food and spa: Es Princep, for a strong Calatrava location, rooftop terrace and serious dining angle.
- Best adults-only central stay: Can Alomar, for a Paseo del Borne address and small urban-luxury feel.
- Best modern central hotel: Nakar Hotel, for Avenida Jaime III, shopping and a more contemporary style.
- Best seafront neighbourhood stay: Portixol Hotel & Restaurant, for a calmer harbour-side base away from the old-town crowds.
- Best beach hotel in Palma: Nixe Palace, because Cala Major gives you proper beach access without leaving the Palma area.
Best hotels in Palma de Mallorca: quick comparison
| Hotel | Best for | Area | Location style | Why book it | Room / feature to check | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sant Francesc Hotel Singular | First-time luxury stays, couples, old-town exploring | Old Town / Sant Francesc | Historic city centre | Five-star townhouse hotel with a rooftop terrace and pool. | Rooftop access, view category, larger room categories. | Not a beach hotel. |
| Can Cera | Historic boutique stays, quiet luxury, couples | Old Town | 17th-century palacete | Small, characterful hotel in the heart of Palma. | Current age policy, spa access, room size. | No large pool scene. |
| Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden | Luxury hideaway, garden lovers, special occasions | La Lonja / Old Town | Historic palace with garden | Rare old-town hotel with both garden and rooftop pool. | Suite category, garden-facing options, spa terms. | High-end pricing and a more intimate hotel rhythm. |
| El Llorenç Parc de la Mar | Rooftop pool, adults-only stays, Calatrava location | Calatrava / Parc de la Mar | Old town edge near the sea | Adults-only hotel with rooftop infinity pool and wellness centre. | Sea-view rooms, rooftop access, spa access. | Not directly on a swimming beach. |
| Es Princep | Food, spa, rooftop drinks, old town edge | Calatrava | Sea-facing old town edge | Rooftop terrace, spa and strong dining credentials. | Sea-view rooms, rooftop terrace, spa opening times. | Beach access still needs a walk or taxi. |
| Can Alomar | Adults-only city breaks, shopping, galleries | Passeig del Born | Golden Mile city address | Small luxury hotel on one of Palma’s best streets. | Terrace room, rooftop plunge pool, current adults-only rules. | More city townhouse than resort hotel. |
| Hotel Cappuccino Palma | Central location, Plaza de Cort, social city stays | Plaza de Cort / Old Town | Very central old town | Open-air pool and one of the most convenient central locations. | Room facing, rooftop pool, noise exposure. | Central location can mean more street life. |
| Nakar Hotel | Modern design, shopping, short city breaks | Avenida Jaime III | Central shopping street | Contemporary hotel with rooftop pool and easy access to shops. | Rooftop pool, spa access, street-facing rooms. | Less historic charm than old-palace hotels. |
| Hotel Basilica | Quiet old-town stays, rooftop pool, boutique value | Old Town | Historic centre near Basilica de Sant Francesc | Small boutique hotel with rooftop pool and strong location. | Rooftop pool season, room size, view category. | More modest than the top five-star palaces. |
| Portixol Hotel & Restaurant | Seafront walks, relaxed couples, harbour atmosphere | Portixol / Molinar | Harbour-side seafront | Outdoor pool, restaurant and a calmer promenade setting. | Sea-view balcony rooms, pool access, bike hire. | You are outside the old-town core. |
| Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá | Marina views, larger luxury hotel, Paseo Marítimo | Paseo Marítimo | Marina-facing city hotel | Large five-star hotel with bay and marina views. | Balcony sea-view rooms, RedLevel options, pool access. | Less intimate than old-town boutique hotels. |
| Nixe Palace | Beach access, sea views, Palma-plus-beach holidays | Cala Major | Beachfront near Palma | Proper beach location with spa and outdoor pool. | Sea-view room, beach-facing balcony, spa access. | Not in central Palma; expect taxis or buses. |
Old Town, Paseo Marítimo or beach: what are you actually booking?
Most travellers searching for hotels in Palma de Mallorca are not choosing between similar hotels. They are choosing between different versions of Palma.
The old town is best for restaurants, Cathedral views, galleries, shopping and walking. It is the safest choice if this is your first stay in Palma and you want the city outside the door.
Calatrava and Parc de la Mar sit on the edge of the old town, closer to the sea walls and Cathedral views. These hotels often feel calmer than the busiest shopping streets, but they are still city hotels rather than beach resorts.
Paseo Marítimo gives you marina views and larger hotel footprints. It works if you want balconies, pools and a more classic hotel feel, but you will walk or taxi into the old town.
Portixol and Molinar are better for sea walks, cycling and a slower neighbourhood feel. Cala Major is the pick if you want an actual beach. Just do not book Cala Major expecting old-town Palma at your doorstep.
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Old Town
Editorial verdict: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is best for travellers who want a polished old-town hotel with a rooftop pool, not for anyone expecting a beach-resort stay.
Quick snapshot:
- Five-star hotel in Palma’s old town.
- Set in a mansion dating from the mid-19th century.
- Rooftop terrace with pool, sundeck and bar.
- Good base for walking to the Cathedral, galleries, restaurants and shops.
Best for:
First-time Palma stays · Couples · Old-town luxury
Not ideal for:
Beach-first holidays · Families wanting resort facilities
Room / feature to check:
Check larger room categories and any room with a terrace or better city outlook before booking.
Good to know:
The rooftop is a major part of the appeal, but this is still a city hotel. Pool space will not feel like a resort pool.
Insider tip:
Book this if you want one hotel that covers most Palma-first scenarios: location, comfort, rooftop and enough atmosphere without overcomplicating the decision.
Can Cera, Old Town
Editorial verdict: Can Cera is best for travellers who want historic Palma in a small, quiet hotel, not for guests who need a large pool, gym and resort-style facilities.
Quick snapshot:
- Located in the heart of Palma’s old town.
- Set in a 17th-century palacete.
- Designed around intimate spaces rather than large-hotel facilities.
- Good for couples who prefer character over scale.
Best for:
Historic boutique stays · Couples · Quiet old-town weekends
Not ideal for:
Pool-focused trips · Travellers wanting a big hotel atmosphere
Room / feature to check:
Check room size, spa access and the current age policy before booking.
Good to know:
Can Cera is strongest when you want the hotel itself to feel part of the old-town experience. If you want rooftop-pool energy, Sant Francesc, El Llorenç or Nakar may suit you better.
Insider tip:
Choose this for a short, atmospheric Palma stay where you plan to spend most of your time walking, eating and returning to a calm room.
Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, La Lonja
Editorial verdict: Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden is best for a luxury hideaway in the old town, not for travellers who want a conventional hotel with predictable room layouts.
Quick snapshot:
- Luxury boutique hotel in Palma’s historic centre.
- Set in a 16th-century palace.
- Has a garden pool and rooftop pool.
- Located close to La Lonja, the port and old-town restaurants.
Best for:
Special occasions · Luxury couples · Garden-in-the-city stays
Not ideal for:
Travellers who prefer simple modern hotels · Budget-conscious city breaks
Room / feature to check:
Check suite size, garden-facing options and spa access before choosing.
Good to know:
The hotel’s strength is atmosphere and privacy. If you want a more straightforward city hotel, Nakar or Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá may be easier choices.
Insider tip:
Book this when the hotel is a major part of the trip, not just somewhere to sleep between restaurants.
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, Calatrava
Editorial verdict: El Llorenç Parc de la Mar is best for adults who want a rooftop-pool hotel near the old town and sea walls, not for travellers who want a sandy beach outside the lobby.
Quick snapshot:
- Adults-only hotel for guests aged 16 and over.
- Located in the Calatrava area near Parc de la Mar.
- Rooftop infinity pool is one of the main reasons to book.
- Wellness centre and restaurants are part of the hotel setup.
Best for:
Adults-only breaks · Rooftop pool time · Cathedral-area stays
Not ideal for:
Families · Beach-first travellers · Guests who dislike compact city pools
Room / feature to check:
Check sea-view rooms, rooftop access and spa conditions for your dates.
Good to know:
The location is very useful for Palma, but not for swimming straight from the hotel. Think city edge with views, not beach resort.
Insider tip:
Choose El Llorenç over Sant Francesc if adults-only and rooftop pool time are higher priorities than classic old-town mansion atmosphere.
Es Princep, Calatrava
Editorial verdict: Es Princep is best for travellers who want Palma’s old-town edge with rooftop drinks, spa time and a stronger food angle, not for those chasing the quietest small hotel.
Quick snapshot:
- Located near the old city walls in the Calatrava area.
- Rooftop terrace with sea views and a swimming pool.
- Spa facilities are a meaningful part of the stay.
- Good fit for couples who want city access without staying on a busy shopping street.
Best for:
Food-focused couples · Spa weekends · Rooftop drinks
Not ideal for:
Travellers who want old-town silence · Beach-resort expectations
Room / feature to check:
Check sea-view room categories, rooftop opening hours and spa access.
Good to know:
Es Princep makes sense if you want Calatrava rather than the busiest central streets. It may feel less convenient than Passeig del Born if shopping is your main plan.
Insider tip:
Compare Es Princep with El Llorenç if you want this part of Palma. Pick Es Princep for food and spa; pick El Llorenç for adults-only rooftop-pool focus.
Can Alomar, Passeig del Born
Editorial verdict: Can Alomar is best for adults who want a small luxury hotel on Palma’s Golden Mile, not for travellers who want big-hotel facilities.
Quick snapshot:
- Located on Passeig del Born in central Palma.
- Set in a 19th-century palace building.
- Rooftop terrace is part of the hotel’s appeal.
- Strong fit for shopping, galleries, restaurants and short city breaks.
Best for:
Adults-only city breaks · Shopping · Couples who want location first
Not ideal for:
Families · Travellers wanting resort pools · Beach-first stays
Room / feature to check:
Check terrace rooms, rooftop plunge pool access and the current adults-only policy before booking.
Good to know:
This is a city hotel in a prime location. The trade-off is that it feels more urban and compact than waterfront or resort-style options.
Insider tip:
If you want to step outside into shops, galleries and restaurants, Can Alomar’s location is hard to beat.
Hotel Cappuccino Palma, Plaza de Cort
Editorial verdict: Hotel Cappuccino Palma is best for travellers who want to be right in the middle of Palma, not for guests who are sensitive to central-city noise and movement.
Quick snapshot:
- Located on Plaza de Cort in Palma’s old town.
- Offers an open-air swimming pool all year.
- Strong base for restaurants, Cathedral walks and shopping.
- Works well for short stays where location matters more than space.
Best for:
Central city stays · Short breaks · Travellers who like a social location
Not ideal for:
Very light sleepers · Travellers wanting a quiet residential feel
Room / feature to check:
Check room facing, rooftop pool access and whether your chosen room is away from the liveliest side.
Good to know:
This is one of those hotels where location is the product. If you want calm above all else, look at Portixol, Can Cera or Nixe Palace instead.
Insider tip:
For a first Palma weekend without a car, this location keeps logistics simple.
Nakar Hotel, Avenida Jaime III
Editorial verdict: Nakar Hotel is best for travellers who want a modern, central Palma hotel with rooftop pool access, not for guests looking for old-palace character.
Quick snapshot:
- Located on Avenida Jaime III, one of Palma’s main central shopping streets.
- Modern design hotel rather than historic townhouse hotel.
- Rooftop pool and city views are part of the appeal.
- Good for short breaks, shopping and easy old-town access.
Best for:
Modern city breaks · Shopping · Travellers who want central convenience
Not ideal for:
Historic-hotel lovers · Beach-first holidays
Room / feature to check:
Check street-facing room categories, rooftop pool access and spa terms.
Good to know:
Nakar is more practical and contemporary than romantic. That can be a strength if you want easy movement around the city.
Insider tip:
Choose Nakar if you want Palma to feel easy rather than ceremonial.
Hotel Basilica, Old Town
Editorial verdict: Hotel Basilica is best for travellers who want a small old-town hotel with a rooftop pool, not for those expecting the full luxury-service layer of Palma’s top five-star properties.
Quick snapshot:
- Boutique hotel in Palma’s old town.
- Rooftop pool and terrace with city views.
- Close to historic sights, including the Cathedral area.
- Good choice if you want character but not necessarily a palace hotel.
Best for:
Boutique value · Old-town walking · Rooftop pool without top-tier pricing
Not ideal for:
Travellers wanting spa-heavy luxury · Resort-style pool days
Room / feature to check:
Check rooftop pool season, room size and any view category before booking.
Good to know:
This is a useful middle ground: more charming than a generic city hotel, usually less grand than Sant Francesc, Can Bordoy or Can Cera.
Insider tip:
If you like the old-town location but the top luxury hotels are over budget, Hotel Basilica is worth checking early.
Portixol Hotel & Restaurant, Portixol
Editorial verdict: Portixol Hotel & Restaurant is best for travellers who want a relaxed seafront neighbourhood stay, not for those who want the old town immediately outside the door.
Quick snapshot:
- Seafront hotel in the Portixol harbour area.
- Outdoor pool and restaurant are central to the stay.
- Some rooms have balconies and sea views.
- Good for walking, cycling and a slower Palma rhythm.
Best for:
Seafront walks · Couples · Travellers who know Palma already
Not ideal for:
First-timers who want the Cathedral area on the doorstep · Beach-resort expectations
Room / feature to check:
Check sea-view balcony rooms, pool access and bike hire if you plan to use the promenade.
Good to know:
Portixol feels like its own mini-neighbourhood. That is the point. If you want to be in the old town every night, factor in taxis or longer walks.
Insider tip:
Choose Portixol when morning sea walks matter more than being next to the main shopping streets.
Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá, Paseo Marítimo
Editorial verdict: Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá is best for travellers who want marina views and a larger five-star hotel, not for guests seeking a small old-town boutique stay.
Quick snapshot:
- Five-star hotel on Palma’s Paseo Marítimo.
- Many rooms face Palma Bay and the marina.
- Indoor and outdoor pools are part of the hotel setup.
- Useful if balconies, views and larger-hotel facilities matter.
Best for:
Marina views · Larger luxury hotels · Balcony-focused stays
Not ideal for:
Old-town boutique travellers · Guests who want to walk everywhere in the historic centre
Room / feature to check:
Check sea-view balconies, RedLevel options and current pool access details.
Good to know:
Paseo Marítimo is not the same as the old town. You get views and hotel facilities, but the Cathedral and La Lonja are not right outside.
Insider tip:
Book this if you want a proper hotel base with views, not a converted palace with compact city spaces.
Nixe Palace, Cala Major
Editorial verdict: Nixe Palace is best for travellers who want a Palma-area beach hotel, not for those who want to sleep in the old town.
Quick snapshot:
- Located next to Cala Major Beach.
- Five-star hotel with outdoor pool and spa facilities.
- Useful if beach access matters more than old-town walkability.
- Good for combining Palma sightseeing with sea views.
Best for:
Beach access · Sea views · Palma-plus-coast stays
Not ideal for:
Travellers who want old-town restaurants outside the door · Car-free city weekends
Room / feature to check:
Check sea-view rooms, balcony categories and spa access before booking.
Good to know:
Cala Major is part of the wider Palma stay, but it does not feel like staying in the city centre. Plan for taxis or buses if you want old-town evenings.
Insider tip:
Choose Nixe Palace when the beach is non-negotiable. If Palma restaurants and shopping matter more, stay central and visit the beach separately.
How to choose the right area
| Area | Choose it if… | Avoid it if… | Best hotel picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town / Sant Francesc | You want historic streets, Cathedral access, restaurants and walking. | You want beach access or large resort pools. | Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Can Cera, Hotel Basilica |
| La Lonja / Born | You want galleries, shopping, restaurants and a refined central base. | You want a quiet seafront neighbourhood. | Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, Can Alomar |
| Calatrava / Parc de la Mar | You want old-town access with sea-wall atmosphere and rooftop views. | You want to be on a sandy beach. | El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, Es Princep |
| Avenida Jaime III | You want shopping, transport convenience and a modern hotel feel. | You want a romantic palace-style hotel. | Nakar Hotel |
| Plaza de Cort | You want to be as central as possible for a short city break. | You are sensitive to central-city noise. | Hotel Cappuccino Palma |
| Paseo Marítimo | You want marina views, balconies and larger hotel facilities. | You want the old town outside the door. | Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá |
| Portixol / Molinar | You want seafront walks, cycling and a calmer harbour-side mood. | You want maximum old-town convenience. | Portixol Hotel & Restaurant |
| Cala Major | You want a real beach and sea views while staying in the Palma area. | You want to walk everywhere in central Palma. | Nixe Palace |
How we selected these hotels
- Verified Palma location and relevance to a city-stay search intent.
- Included different types of Palma stay: old town, rooftop, adults-only, seafront, marina and beach.
- Favoured hotels where the location, room category or facility clearly affects the booking decision.
- Removed weak matches outside the practical Palma travel area.
- Used cautious wording where policies, room names or facilities may change by season.
- No sponsored placements.
For this update, we checked whether each hotel genuinely fits the theme of this guide, whether the relevant location or facility is clearly part of the booking decision, and whether there is a practical trade-off travellers should know before booking.
Which hotel should you choose?
Choose Sant Francesc Hotel Singular if you want the safest all-round luxury choice in Palma’s old town.
Choose Can Cera if you want a quieter historic boutique hotel with palacete character.
Choose Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden if you want old-town luxury with a rare garden and rooftop pool.
Choose El Llorenç Parc de la Mar if adults-only rules and rooftop-pool time matter most.
Choose Es Princep if you want the Calatrava area, spa facilities and a stronger dining angle.
Choose Can Alomar if you want a small adults-only hotel on Passeig del Born.
Choose Hotel Cappuccino Palma if you want Plaza de Cort and maximum central convenience.
Choose Nakar Hotel if you prefer modern design and shopping access over old-palace atmosphere.
Choose Hotel Basilica if you want a smaller old-town boutique hotel with rooftop pool access.
Choose Portixol Hotel & Restaurant if you want a relaxed seafront neighbourhood rather than the busy old town.
Choose Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá if marina views, balconies and larger-hotel facilities are your priority.
Choose Nixe Palace if you want a proper beach hotel in the Palma area.
Good alternatives if you are still unsure
- If Sant Francesc Hotel Singular feels too formal, check Hotel Basilica for a smaller boutique alternative.
- If you like Can Bordoy but want a more central shopping address, choose Can Alomar.
- If you are choosing between El Llorenç and Es Princep, pick El Llorenç for adults-only rooftop focus and Es Princep for food and spa.
- If you want old-town character but not a large luxury bill, compare Can Cera and Hotel Basilica early.
- If you want sea views but not Cala Major, choose Portixol Hotel or Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá.
- If the beach is non-negotiable, choose Nixe Palace instead of trying to make an old-town hotel work as a beach hotel.
FAQ
What is the best hotel in Palma de Mallorca overall?
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is the safest overall pick for most luxury travellers because it combines old-town location, five-star comfort and a rooftop pool.
Which area of Palma is best for first-time visitors?
The old town is the best first-time area if you want restaurants, shops, galleries and the Cathedral within walking distance. Sant Francesc, Can Cera and Hotel Basilica are good shortlists.
What is the best adults-only hotel in Palma de Mallorca?
El Llorenç Parcde la Mar and Can Alomar are the clearest adults-only picks in this guide. Choose El Llorenç for rooftop pool and wellness, and Can Alomar for Passeig del Born location.
Which Palma hotel is best for a rooftop pool?
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar is the strongest rooftop-pool pick. Sant Francesc, Can Bordoy, Hotel Basilica and Nakar are also worth checking if rooftop time matters.
What is the best hotel in Palma near the Cathedral?
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Hotel Basilica, Es Princep and El Llorenç Parc de la Mar are all useful for the Cathedral area. Hotel Cappuccino is also very central, close to Plaza de Cort.
Which hotel in Palma is best for beach access?
Nixe Palace is the best pick if you want a proper beach in the Palma area. Portixol is better for seafront walks and harbour atmosphere, but it is not the same as staying directly on a sandy beach.
Is it better to stay in Palma old town or by the marina?
Stay in the old town if restaurants, shopping and historic streets are the priority. Stay by the marina if you want views, balconies and larger hotel facilities, such as at Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá.
Which Palma hotel is best for couples?
For couples, start with Sant Francesc, Can Cera, Can Bordoy, El Llorenç, Es Princep or Can Alomar. The right choice depends on whether you prefer old-town atmosphere, rooftop pool time, food, spa or shopping.
Which hotel in Palma is best without a car?
Hotel Cappuccino, Can Alomar, Nakar, Sant Francesc and Hotel Basilica are the easiest without a car because you can walk to most city sights and restaurants.
Is Portixol a good place to stay in Palma?
Portixol is a good choice if you want a calmer seafront neighbourhood, cycling and promenade walks. It is less convenient if you want the old town outside your door every evening.
Is Cala Major still Palma de Mallorca?
Cala Major is in the Palma area and works well for beach access, especially at Nixe Palace. It does not feel like central Palma, so plan transport for old-town dinners and sightseeing.
When should I book hotels in Palma de Mallorca?
Book early for spring, summer, Easter and major event periods. Palma’s best boutique hotels are small, so the best room categories can disappear before the cheapest rooms do.
Final thoughts
For a first Palma trip, choose the old town unless you have a strong reason not to. Sant Francesc, Can Cera, Can Bordoy, Hotel Basilica and Hotel Cappuccino make the city easy.
For rooftop pool and spa time, compare El Llorenç and Es Princep. For seafront atmosphere, look at Portixol or Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá. For beach access, Nixe Palace is the cleanest answer.
The main mistake is booking the right hotel in the wrong Palma. Decide whether you want old-town walking, marina views, seafront calm or a real beach before you compare rooms.
Alison is a travel writer with a passion for solo adventures, photography, and Mediterranean escapes. She enjoys exploring Mallorca’s scenic coastline, charming villages, boutique hotels, and hidden gems, sharing stories that inspire curious travelers to discover the island beyond the obvious. Her work has been featured in outlets including Forbes, CNN, Travel + Leisure, and Yahoo.
