Boutique Hotel Calatrava

This 16-room boutique hotel located in an artfully restored 19th century building that was once aligned with the city's ancient Arab wall oozes traditional Mallorcan elegance. Guests are greeted with a glass of Cava in a relaxed and homey lobby set with beautiful exposed beams, contemporary local art, and a few seaside flourishes. Most guests are international couples on vacation. Aside from a small business center with a computer and printer, everything about the space is aimed at creating a feeling of relaxation and a chance to enjoy what the Spanish call, "la buena vida," or "the good life," -- good wine, good food, the sea and the sun. 

Located in the heart of Palma's historic center, the Boutique Hotel Calatrava is just meters away from the city's La Seu Cathedral and the sprawling Paseo Marítimo, perfect for strolling, jogging, or biking along electric blue Mediterranean waters. Passeig del Born, Palma's exclusive shopping street, is just a 15-minute walk away, as is the magnificent Es Baluard Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. Palma Airport can be reached in 15-minutes by taxi, and in under 30-minutes by public bus. There isn't any parking at the hotel, and it can be difficult to find a spot on the street. 

The 16 rooms at the Calatrava completely follow suit with the hotel's overall luxurious, airy, and modern feel. Decorated in a crisp white with sharp contrasts of either blue or salmon, they are cheerful and elegant with lots of natural light. Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and small refrigerators with glass bottles of water are standard. Chrome fixtures in the bathroom positively sparkle, and the shower and tub are separated by a wall of geometric white tiles that artfully tie the space together. Exposed wooden beams add a rustic splash, while long elegant curtains separate the bedroom from a beautiful terrace overlooking a quiet street lined with giant trees. Ocean views are available for higher category rooms, and might be worth the splurge for access to a radiant blue landscape punctuated by striking palm trees. 

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Gastro Gourmet Calatrava, feels plucked straight out of the trendiest districts of Barcelona. It has a small epicerie (grocery store) selling fine Spanish wines, olives and spreads, as well as a sunny but very private outdoor dining area surrounded with lush green plants. The hotel's breakfast room on the fifth floor is stunning, and with its unobstructed views of the bay of Palma and Portixol, it is one of the hotel's most outstanding features. Though small, the spa is impeccably clean and has a treatment room. A large jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, and spread of luxuriant products make it an indulgent place to spend an afternoon. Private yoga classes can be arranged, but there isn't an on-site fitness center. Wi-Fi is free throughout.