Hotel Calatrava is a small boutique stay on the seaward edge of Palma's old town, in a period building that has been restored with a calm, modern touch. It is run as an adults-only hotel, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere that suits couples and friends on a city break. The location is a major asset: the cathedral and the Almudaina palace are a short walk away, the Es Baluard museum and the old walls are close by, and the lanes of the Born district with their shops and tapas bars are just beyond the door. After a day of sightseeing, the hotel offers an easy retreat with comfortable rooms, a relaxed lounge and, in the warmer months, outdoor space for a drink as the sun sets over the bay.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits in the historic centre, close to the old fortifications and the seafront promenade. Nearly everything you will want to see on a first visit is within a fifteen-minute walk, including the cathedral, the Arab baths, the Passeig des Born and the market streets of Santa Catalina to the west.
Taxis can reach the front of the building, but the lanes are narrow, and there is no easy parking, so use a public car park if you have a hire car. The airport is about twenty minutes away by taxi or bus.
The rooms
Rooms are individually decorated in a tasteful style that mixes original features such as beams and stone with contemporary fittings. Some have views over rooftops or toward the sea, which are worth requesting. Expect air conditioning, private bathrooms and quiet, as this is an adults-only property. Room sizes vary in an older building, so look at the details when you book if space matters to you.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and solo travellers who want a quiet, characterful base without the scale of a large hotel. It is less suited to families, since children are not accepted, and to anyone who wants a pool and a large gym. Light sleepers should ask for an inner room, as old-town nights can be lively in summer.
Good to know
Breakfast arrangements and extras depend on the rate, so check when you book. The hotel is in a part of the old town where many streets are pedestrian, so arrive by taxi at the nearest point and walk the last stretch. In winter the hotel is a cosy base for visiting the cathedral and museums, and in summer it is a short walk to the sea for a swim or sunset.
Before you travel, it helps to message the hotel with your arrival time, since small hotels sometimes have limited reception hours. If you are visiting in summer, ask about the quietest rooms, and in winter ask about heating options. The nearby Santa Catalina and Born districts have excellent coffee, brunch and dinner spots, which means you rarely need a taxi in the evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Adults-only boutique hotel
- ✓Restored old-town building
- ✓Rooms with air conditioning
- ✓Private bathrooms
- ✓Walk to the cathedral
- ✓Near the old walls and seafront
- ✓Quiet, intimate atmosphere
- ✓Concierge help with plans
Good questions
Is Hotel Calatrava adults only?+
Yes, it is an adults-only hotel, so children are not accepted.
How far is it from the cathedral?+
The cathedral is a short walk away through the old town, usually under ten minutes.
Does the hotel have parking?+
There is no easy parking in this part of the old town, so most guests use a public car park nearby or arrive by taxi.
