Formerly an ironmonger's shop and residence, this terraced townhouse was given a new coastal-chic lease of life by the enterprising Felix and his family. They gutted the interiors (cleverly incorporating the original wrought-ironwork and 1930s tiles where possible), and reconfigured the rear elevation to create a simply stylish apart-hotel, which opened in 2015. Floors are white-washed, wooden and wicker furniture has been reclaimed and restored, and the painted bed headboards are a lovely touch.
Arranged over 4 floors are 5 one and 2-bedroom apartments, all with terraces or patios and well-equipped kitchenettes for easy self-catering. The two largest also share the roof terrace, which has views across Santa Catalina to the harbour. Uncluttered white interiors with splashes of blue, red or green induce instant relaxation, and there's lots of space to unwind. If cooking feels like a chore, breakfast baskets are available on request, or there are a wealth of eateries in the neighbourhood. Palma's oldest and best market is just 100m away - the artisanal heart of the area.
Highs
- Great value - and prices include free bikes
- Hip, lively Santa Catalina is the 'Soho' of Palma, with great cafes, bars and boutiques
- Close to the harbour and an easy stroll from the historic centre for sights and shopping
- In a quiet one-way residential street, 2 minutes from the covered market for grocery shopping
- Suits couples, friends, solos and families alike
Lows
- A 5 night minimum stay normally applies but exceptions are sometimes possible depending on their calendar
- No twin beds
- Not for those who want 24hr concierge services on tap; staff are available daily to deal with any queries, but you're generally left to your own devices
- No real communal space so you're unlikely to hobnob with fellow travellers (a bonus for some!)
Best time to go
Palma's a great year-round destination, although the summers can be very hot and winters rainy.
Our top tips
Take a little time to stroll the alleyways and byways of Santa Catalina's Es Jonquet district, akin to a small Andalucian village, complete with 2 (non-working) windmills, and authentic bars and eateries.
- Boutique Apart-hotel
- 5 apartments for 2-5
- Breakfast baskets, self catering, restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry facilities
- Twice-weekly cleaning included
- Beach towels
Rooms
The 5 apartments are arranged over 4 floors, and share a common aesthetic of white-washed floors and bespoke hand-painted bed headboards. There's vintage furniture, custom-made tables with inlaid coins, and cedar doors are reclaimed from the original building.
On the ground floor are 2 Patio Studios, which mirror each other in layout, and give onto a terrace with planters to the rear. The next 2 floors have a 2-Bedroom Apartment apiece, with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, the largest living/dining/cooking spaces, and either a terrace or a covered porch to the rear. Best for families or friends, these also share the roof terrace which has fine views over Santa Catalina, the windmills and the harbour beyond.
We slept blissfully in the Penthouse; its second bedroom is a single, so the apartment is ideal for a couple or family of 3. We appreciated the luxury of having 2 terraces, to front and back, for alfresco meals and wonderful light.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast baskets are available from 8am (our complete i.e. large basket was consumed on our private terrace in the sunshine listening to church bells). You get a comprehensive selection of cheese, Iberico ham, freshly-squeezed orange juice and pastries, along with warm boiled eggs, olives and muesli. The continental basket is offered as a smaller alternative.
Each kitchenette has a coffee machine and full gamut of equipment from blender to microwave for you to prepare meals. Handily, you're around the corner from the excellent covered Market (open 7am-5pm Mon-Sat) for groceries. Nearby Thomas' Bakeshop sells excellent sourdough bread.
Santa Catalina is renowned for its restaurants; there are dozens to choose from. As a cool breakfast/brunch alternative, hip cafe Santina serves delicious healthy local fare with a creative vibe. Felix also recommended authentic tapas tavern Patxi for dinner, 3 minutes away, where you can dine on Basque-style squid, padron peppers and black pudding topped by a dainty quail's egg.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kids' meals
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
- Breakfast basket on request
Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Art classes
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Wine tasting
Kids
Mallorca is a superb family destination, and Palma works well for children. Sights in the Old Town are all easily walkable, there are shops and restaurants galore, and the airport is only 20 minutes away in a taxi.
This self-catering apart-hotel has everything a family would need to make themselves at home. All 3 of the apartments that can host families occupy an entire floor so no need to worry about the neighbours. You're on a quiet one-way street.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Apartments 3 and 4 are the largest with 2 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms apiece (one with a bath). They share access to the roof terrace with sunloungers and outside shower. The Penthouse Apartment has a double bedroom and single bedroom so is perfect for families of 3 (shared shower bathroom). These apartments each have a washing machine.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Baby equipment:
- Baby cot
- High chair
- Box of toddler toys including a train set, push cart and play tent
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
You've everything you need to create family meals, from a blender to a microwave; there's even a small dishwasher. Buy provisions at the covered market or head out to family-friendly restaurants along pedestrianised Calle Fabrica
Kids Activities nearby:
- Playground 50m away, and another a 5-minute stroll away next to Es Baluard Modern Art Museum
- Promenade and harbour
- Take a horse and cart around the historic centre
- Explore the medieval monuments including unique circular Castell de Bellver
- Head south of the airport to Aqualand El Arenal
Families Should Know:
There's a lift to all floors, and all terraces and balconies have proper balustrades and railings
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes' drive
- Hospital: 10 minutes' drive
- Shops: a 1-minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
StayCatalina is in the gentrifying neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, to the west of Palma de Mallorca's historic centre.
By Air:
Fly to Palma de Mallorca (11.5km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From the Airport
A taxi takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively the Airport Bus number 1 stops in Avenida Argentina, 300m from the apart-hotel.
By Car:
For car rentals, click here to see our recommendations. You can collect your car at the airport when you land and park on the street 50m away for free.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca 11.5 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 1.5 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape