Accommodation Options in Mallorca: Holiday in Majorca

A Note on... Accommodation and Hotels in Mallorca

Here in our accommodation pages we have tried to only select the best hotels, villas, and romantic getaways in Majorca. There is a wide selection of hotels, from the grand old dames in Palma, to the more intimate boutique style hotels and fincas (traditional farmhouses). Hostals, with fewer facilities than hotels are often just as comfortable and have a rating from one star to three stars.  It is worth noting that all accommodation in Spain is strictly classified and graded by the government.

Hotels are rated from one to five stars but we have found there is a lot of variation in comfort and appeal, even within each grade. Note that stars awarded to a hotel are related to room size rather than luxuriousness. A hotel residencia or hostal residencia is one that does not serve evening meals.

Holiday villas are another popular choice, and you can choose from owners-direct properties, or book through a UK based operator. 

Unique Luxury Hotels in Mallorca

Mallorca is dotted with imposing historic buildings that have been converted into luxury hotels. Ancient monasteries, manor houses, forts, convents & castles have all been lovingly restored and refurbished to create a wide choice of luxurious accommodation in some of the most spectacular settings on Majorca. These hotels do tend to be pricey, but the level of service & the quality of the surroundings justify the expense. Many have spas and gourmet dining restaurants, and the designer bedrooms are equipped with the latest technology.

Luxury Resort Hotels in Mallorca

Mallorca is home to several large five-star luxury resort hotels – well known brands such as Starwood, Sheraton, Melia & Marriott all have grand hotels dotted around the island. Some are new builds, others are converted manor houses & castles and all offer everything you could need for your summer holiday. A choice of swimming pools, restaurants, spas & fitness centres and a host of sports & activities to try make these hotels a one-stop-shop for high quality tourism. These hotels also have preferential access to some of Mallorca’s top golf courses. You’ll be able to find family-friendly resorts, which offer kids clubs & entertainments alongside elegant reception rooms, and adults-only hotels for a more tranquil & refined experience.

Boutique Hotels in Mallorca

In addition to those found in the capital city Palma de Mallorca, many of Mallorca’s villages also now offer a selection of boutique hotels. These tend to be in converted town houses or manor houses within the village centre. Do not be deceived by a seemingly dull façade – behind the entrance more often than not lies spacious reception areas, terraces & courtyards, and sometimes, gardens and a swimming pool. Traditional features mix with modern fixtures & fittings and service levels range from simple bed & breakfast to full on concierge services – expect a corresponding difference in price! Villages with boutique hotels include Soller, Fornalutx, Deia, Alcudia, Pollenca and Santanyi. Confusingly, some rural hotels also call themselves ‘boutique hotels’ and essentially offer a similar style of small hotel but in the countryside. These rural hotels are also referred to as ‘fincas’ which is the Spanish word for farmhouses. A finca-boutique hotel tends to be more traditionally decorated and will pretty much always offer swimming pools and gardens. A car is often recommended for stays in these more remote locations.

Rural Retreats & Fincas in Mallorca

The interior of Mallorca is mainly agricultural, with much of the land given over to the main crops of vines, almond trees and fruit trees (oranges & lemons, apricots, figs & olives). This agricultural heritage has resulted in many of the old manor & farmhouses being turned into rural tourist accommodation, and are also known as fincas. Some of these rural hotels are truly amazing. Fully modernised but retaining the character & charm of the original buildings, these fincas offer a luxurious & peaceful escape at extremely good prices. Generally the fincas will have an informal atmosphere, with between four and ten bedrooms, and will provide breakfast (dinner may have to be requested), have pretty gardens and a swimming pool, and provide modern facilities in the bedrooms (including wifi & satellite TV). The level of service included will be proportional to the price of a room. You will likely need to hire a car to access these retreats, and of course, a car will also be useful to explore the countryside or visit the coast and the beaches. Mallorca is relatively small and wherever you choose to stay, you are unlikely to be more than 20 minutes drive away from the sea. Choose fincas to the west of the plain to be close to the mountains and all the outdoor pursuits on offer here. The east offers the best beaches and a more tranquil pace of life.  

Villa Rentals in Mallorca

Villa holidays are hugely popular in Mallorca, particularly with families looking to obtain the best value accommodation for their summer holiday. Many of the villa rentals are to be found in the north west of Majorca, in the area surrounding Pollenca but you can secure villas throughout the island. You can book via a local rental agent, tour operator or via the owner directly – whatever you feel most comfortable with. 

Apartment Rentals in Mallorca

There are literally thousands of apartments for rent, most of them are in the purpose built resorts. These apartment blocks have been specially designed and built for tourists so will have plenty of facilities for those with children. Most of the big tour operators offer weekly apartment rentals and will sort out all your transport and linens for you. For more exclusive and larger apartments you will probably have to go through a local rental agent or just browse apartments directly and arrange your rental privately. There are some amazing penthouse suites if your wallet will stretch, but the choice is endless – you just have to choose which part of Mallorca you want to base yourself.

And to completely get away from it all...

Several of Mallorca's former monasteries rent out old monks' and pilgrims' cells to travellers. You may not get a shower but you will find peace, a sense of history and unforgettable hilltop views. The best known, at Lluc, is now virtually a hotel; for real solitude, head instead for the Ermita de Bonany, Puig de Maria or the Santuari de Montesio at Porreres.