8 Best Hotels in Palma, Ibiza and the Balearic Islands

A favorite among budget urban travelers, this lodging in the heart of the old town, within strolling distance of the bustling Passeig des Born, has a rooftop terrace with arguably the city's best view—overlooking the cathedral and the sea. The recently spruced-up bedrooms may not wow with closet space or amenities, but they are a decent size for the price, and all have heating and air-conditioning, a desk, and a mini fridge; ask for one with a balcony. Open year-round, the hotel draws a mix of young and older couples, from Spain and elsewhere in Europe.

What was once a 19th-century military fortress has been converted into one of Mallorca's—and arguably Europe's—most distinctive hotels, on a rocky outcrop some 25 minutes from Palma. The sprawling complex of redoubts, ramps, and stone-walled vaulted armories covers 70 acres in a protected nature reserve; guests can get around in electric carts. The interior design, courtesy of owner-architect Antonio Obrador, pays homage to the property's past with, for instance, stylized bullets for door handles and lamps made of old cartridge cases, as well as touches of Morocco and Turkey: carpets, divans, and wall hangings. The suites have huge bathrooms, locally sourced upholstery and textiles—including soft curtains in earth tones and specially commissioned carpets—and individual rooftop terraces. The two restaurants are open to the public; the more informal waterside Sea Club, with its own boat landing, is perfect for romantic candlelit dinners. If you decide to relax by the saltwater infinity pool, there's a push bell on the table by your deck chair to summon your drink.

In an ideal location in the old part of Palma, a minute's walk to the cathedral, this town house, dating back to the 15th century, was the Sancho Moragues home until 2001, when the family opened it as a hotel. Most of the furniture, paintings, and decoration were their own, handed down for generations, but with modernization came enormous whirlpool tubs in the tile bathrooms and a pleasant rooftop terrace with a knockout view of the cathedral. Weather permitting, a basic breakfast is served in the lovely interior garden, overgrown with bougainvillea and orange and lemon trees.

Business travelers from the mainland favor this comfortable, central hotel, and it's an excellent choice for vacationers as well. Rooms have pebbled white walls, with furniture and color schemes in soothing tones of brown, cream, and orange, and, though the rooms are mostly singles and doubles, there are also a few family-friendly ones for three or four guests. Open year-round, the Almudaina has just three of its own parking spaces, which are understandably hard to reserve. You might want to pay a little more for the "Double Star" Room 804: the hotel's rooftop terrace-solarium is right next door, with wonderful views of the cathedral, the old town, and the harbor.

Romanesque arches and a giant palm tree spectacularly cover the central courtyard and reception area of this shabby-chic hotel, which occupies the former mansion of a noble Mallorcan family. Guest rooms are modest, though some have the original coffered and painted ceilings and traditional Mallorcan furnishings. The rates are more than reasonable, and a buffet breakfast is included.

Opposite Sant Francesc church, this namesake hotel keeps the bones of a 19^th-century mansion – vast vaulted ceilings, frescoes, checkerboard floors – and elegantly adorns them with an international art collection, bright bedrooms, and a rooftop pool with majestic old-town views. The overall feeling is calm, stylishly minimal, and grown-up. Outside, you’re a saunter away from all of Palma’s attractions, particularly the Arab Baths and Palau Reial de l’Almudaina. Inside, the beige-hued rooms could come straight out of Architectural Digest magazine, while thoughtful touches, such as providing waterproof bags for wet swimwear, demonstrate the level of detail at play.  

With an enviable location in Palma's old town, close to the cathedral and some of the best shopping in the city, M House is a true urban oasis. Created by renowned Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the hotel blends modern and classic Mediterranean elements and features a cozy interior patio and a rooftop terrace with an infinity pool. Guest rooms offer high-end amenities including rainfall showers and Rituals bath products. 

Warm Mediterranean tones and crisp, clean lines give this boutique hotel in the center of the shopping district an atmosphere very different from anything else in the city. Occupying a 16th-century former Episcopal palace, it has rooms with linen curtains and plump comforters, and bathrooms with posh amenities. From the terrace in the tower, you have a 360-degree view of Palma's old quarter.