Palma Suites Hotel Residence

Built in 1823, the Palm Suites was recently transformed and opened as Palma's first upscale-feeling apartment hotel in 2013 to much fanfare, which included a royal inauguration by Princess Birgitta of Sweden. The Swedish-owned property caters to extended stays and particularly appeals to sun-starved Scandinavians seeking to escape the cold. The gorgeous modern interiors favor contemporary design, clean lines, and Scandinavian aesthetics which are brought to life with funky, bright pops of modern art scattered throughout, such as an oversized copper silhouette of a bull in the lobby and colorful Miro-inspired paintings throughout. A distinctly Spanish flavor is retained through details such as decorative tiled flooring and plenty of potted plants, including a towering palm tree in the high-ceilinged lobby. The light and airy common areas promote a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere that feels far from the hustle and bustle of city life, despite being located in its center. 

The Palma Suites are located just off Plaza del Mercadal, a pedestrian square in the historic center of Palma. The Carrer del Sindicat, a well-known shopping street, is just around the corner. It's become slightly rundown in recent years, but is still populated with shops, restaurants, and bars. Some guests complain of unsavory characters in the vicinity of the hotel, but overall the area is safe and central. The Plaza Mayor is a four-minute walk away, and home to the Teatro Principal, art galleries, a weekly market, street performers, and nightly entertainment. Winding cobblestone lanes and labyrinthine alleys emanate from this epicenter and are lined with cafes and boutiques. The Le Seu Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and there is a bus stop right around the corner. The Palma Airport is a nine-minute drive away.

The spacious and modern suites at the Palma Suites provide the comforts of home with a contemporary, Scandinavian spin. Light and airy spaces (many of which are open-plan duplexes or triplexes) feature stylish, modern decor in soft hues that are accented by vibrant bursts of color via pillows on crisp, white bedding and Miro-inspired art on the walls. Each unit has a spotless, fully-equipped kitchen that includes two-burner stoves, ovens, fridges, dishwashers, and Nespresso machines, though a limited number of coffee pods are supplied and they aren't replenished during guests' stays. Larger units even have washers and dryers. Cozy living rooms are decked out with plush sofas, ottomans, and large flat-screen TVs, as well as small dining areas. Large windows illuminate rooms with lots of natural light, but most have lackluster street views. Spacious bathrooms have walk-in marble showers with glass doors, but limited selections of toiletries. It's worth noting that the Supreme Penthouse has an extra guest bathroom on its ground floor. 

The Palma Suites has a lovely rooftop with a tiny pool surrounded by padded loungers and panoramic views over the city. There is also a small fitness center with modern machines and a large flat-screen TV. The Bistro Bar in the lobby serves coffee and cocktails in an elegant space with crystal chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings. The charming adjacent breakfast room, where a daily breakfast buffet is available with an added charge, overlooks the quiet street outside and is stocked with a wide selection of predominantly Swedish-language magazines. As an added perk, the Palma Suites are one of the main sponsors of Palma's Teatro Principal, and guests who stay more than three nights are often entitled to free or discounted tickets. Extended stays at the Palma Suites are catered to with such thoughtful features as coin-operated laundry facilities, a closet stocked with cleaning tools, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.