Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa

While the Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa is situated in a historic 17th-century building, the interiors are surprisingly sleek and contemporary with lots of metal and glass. The reception area has a sculpture comprising a metal beehive of neon letters by Majorcan artist Pep Llambias above a circle of chic brown and yellow leather chairs and wood-block tables. A little farther into the hotel, stairways leads up through more lovely old masonry and connect to just three upper floors -- two with landings decorated with bright walls and colorful artwork. It's the top floor that's arguably the hotel highlight -- a wonderfully peaceful, two-tiered rooftop terrace that overlooks the Santa Clara convent and its gardens. It also offers stunning panoramic views of Old Palma and its Gothic cathedral, the Mediterranean sea, and even Bellver Castle in the distance. The quiet and romantic vibe attract mostly couples.

The hotel has an enviable location nestled in the narrow cobblestone streets of Palma's charming Old Town, and it's right next door to an old convent with which it shares a name. Situated in La Calatrava neighborhood southeast of the city center, it's set away from the main tourist thoroughfares and feels particularly peaceful. Old Palma's main tourist attractions are still within easy walking distance, including the 10th-century Arab Baths and Gothic cathedral, just a few minutes away on foot. The start of Palma's main stretch of sandy beach is a 10-minute walk, as are the bustling shopping lanes around the Placa Major. Palma de Mallorca Airport is 20 minutes away by car; the hotel is also well-positioned for the airport bus, which has a stop on the main road a five-minute walk away.

This boutique hotel has just 20 rooms, all of which are fresh and contemporary, featuring king-size beds, modern white furniture, high wood-beam ceilings, exposed ancient stone, and tile floors; some rooms have modern art and olive-green or red accents to provide splashes of color. Amenities include coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and flat-screen TVs; though minibars don't carry liquor and the only English-language channels are news channels. Junior Suites and Suites add espresso machines. Modern bathrooms have spacious walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and quality bath products, plus bathrobes and slippers. Most rooms overlook the rear convent garden (which is a little overgrown), though some have small balconies overlooking the street. One opens to a small internal courtyard terrace with seating (though no view). Reports suggest some rooms are prone to noise from the elevator.

Though there's no on-site gym, the hotel does have a spa area located in the basement with a whirlpool tub, two hot-stone beds, a multi-directional jet shower, sauna, and steam rooms. Massage and beauty treatments are also available, though the spa is small and lacks a pool. A highlight is the property's two-tier rooftop terrace providing a genuinely tranquil haven, with superb cathedral and partial sea views. It's furnished with soft seating and lounge chairs, and a phone is available to request drinks and light meals. While there's no restaurant on-site, there is a small breakfast room (overlooking the rather scruffy convent gardens) that serves a hot and cold buffet (for a fee) with traditional Majorcan pastries, sausage, and cheese. Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.