Accommodation options in Mallorca

Apartment rentals are often favoured for being a budget-friendly accommodation choice. They also give you more independence and flexibility when holidaying in Mallorca. There are numerous holiday apartments available, the majority are purpose-built flats found within top tourist holiday resorts managed by tour operators. These apartment blocks have been specifically designed for tourists, and therefore offer fantastic facilities for families with young children. Many can be found in Port de Pollença, Alcúdia, Cala d’Or, Cala Millor, Palma Nova and Magaluf.

Large individual apartments have seen a growing demand in recent years due to people looking for a home-away-from-home style of accommodation. You will find traditional Mallorcan style flats with exposed beams as well as luxury penthouse suites, which are worth a look if your wallet will stretch.

It is worth knowing that the Balearic government have imposed laws forbidding the existence of holiday apartment lets in private residential buildings. Thus, essentially any apartment located in a structure where there are private residences can't be let out for short periods of time. This measure is currently being fought back by owners in Mallorca, but it is being enforced by the authorities for the time being.

Villa holidays have been popular in Mallorca for decades. There is quite a collection of villas on the island, with an array of sizes, prices and styles available. It is a particularly popular choice of accommodation for families and groups of friends looking for flexibility and privacy. Villas can often spark interest amongst such groups seeking the best value for money accommodation.

Villas are quite evenly distributed around the island, although they are particularly prominent in the north-west. Long-standing favourite hotspots include Port de Pollença, Son Vida in the north of Palma, Port d'Andratx and Santa Ponça. Many villas are in remote destinations, so we would highly recommend renting a car so that you and your party can get to the closest towns, beaches or generally do some exploring on the island.

A variety of luxury hotels are on offer in Mallorca, particularly in the south-west surrounding Palma and Puerto Portals. From exclusive adults-only hotels for a tranquil and refined experience through to family-friendly resorts with more facilities, kids’ clubs and entertainment.

Mallorca also has its fair share of historic buildings that have been converted into luxury hotels. Ancient monasteries, manor houses, forts, convents, and castles, you name it, Mallorca has it! You will find that many of the island’s celebrated landmarks have been lovingly restored and refurbished to create luxurious accommodation in some of the most spectacular settings on the island. These hotels do tend to be at the pricier end of the scale although the level of service and the quality of the surroundings justify the expense. Many have first-class spas, gourmet dining options, and stylish bedrooms equipped with the latest technology.

Within this category, you'll also see several well-known international brands with their five-star luxury resort hotels have made an appearance on the island. Expect the best restaurants, swimming pools, spas and fitness centres along with sports facilities, some even include preferential access to some of Mallorca’s top golf courses.

Mallorca is a top destination for boutique hotel accommodation. Palma, the island’s historic capital city boasts an array of critically acclaimed boutique hotels in its old town. Fancy a quieter setting? The island's villages also offer a remarkable collection of boutique hotels. It is common for this type of accommodation to exist in historical buildings with many of their original features remaining firmly intact, whether it be a converted townhouse, a manor house, an old convent or another historical landmark.

Do not be deceived by a seemingly rustic façade, behind the entrance more often than not lie stylish reception areas, handsome terraces, courtyards, gardens and even the odd swimming pool. Historical features are often juxtaposed with contemporary fixtures and fittings, while services range from simple bed & breakfast to 24-hour concierge amenities. You will find quaint villages with boutique hotels tend to be in the west of the island with Sóller, Fornalutx, Deià, Alcúdia and Santanyí being the more obvious choices.

The interior of Mallorca is mainly agricultural, with a high proportion of the land dedicated to vines, almond and fruit trees. This agricultural heritage has resulted in many of the old manor and farmhouses being turned into rural tourist accommodation. Many of these rustic hotels, also known as 'fincas' the Spanish word for estates, are overflowing with character. Fully modernised but retaining the charm of the original buildings, they offer a unique and peaceful escape at an exceptionally good price.

Generally, fincas have an informal home-from-home atmosphere with between four and ten bedrooms, pretty gardens and a swimming pool. These hotels provide modern facilities in the bedrooms, including WiFi and satellite TV, as well as breakfast and sometimes evening dining options.

Some of the most beautiful fincas are situated to the west of the plain, close to the mountains with a magnitude of outdoor pursuits on offer, including cycling and hiking, on your doorstep. The east offers the best beaches, caves and a more relaxing pace of life. Keep an eye out for the rural hotels within close proximity to famous beauty spots of Sóller, Deià, Valldemossa and Pollença, and be sure to scope out the hidden treasures around Campos, Binissalem, Llucmajor, Santanyi, Alaró, Artá and Felanitx.

It is strongly recommended to rent a car whilst staying in these retreats, allowing you the freedom to get to and from local villages and towns, explore the countryside and visit the island's beautiful beaches. Mallorca is relatively small and wherever you choose to stay, you are unlikely to be more than a 20-minute drive away from the sea.

Mallorca used to be famous for its good quality cheap and cheerful budget hotels, whether you are in the north, south east or west, every purpose built beach resort will offer this type of good value for money accommodation.

Budget hotels are usually located on or near a beautiful beach and offer a good standard of accommodation with all the facilities to suit the typical needs for a relaxing holiday. Rest assured these places will offer clean rooms and bathrooms, fully stocked hotel bars, and large swimming pools. Budget adult-only, all-inclusive hotels can be found in the popular resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova, whilst family friendly all-inclusive hotels converge around Port d'Alcúdia, Cala Millor and Playa de Palma (S’Arenal).