L'Avenida

Ultra-stylish, retro-chic mansion in the old town of Soller

There's no doubt that the opening of L'Avenida has dramatically upped the hip quota of Soller, the picturesque town on Mallorca's northwest coast. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, with cute cafés and funky boutiques on your doorstep and a sandy beach a tram ride away, the setting is stunning. But what makes this hotel (also available as an exclusive rental during winter) really stand out is the visionary design and personal approach of owners Tania and Paul Slijper, who have added their own glamorous-chic styling to this Modernist mansion with great success.

Etched glass doorways and an art nouveau reception desk sit next to contemporary-print wallpapers and urbane-chic Kartell lamps. A sweeping marble staircase leads to 9 elegantly modern bedrooms which feature original frescoes on high ceilings. Most have decadent chandeliers, Parisian fabrics, Bonnaccina chairs, luxurious Philippe Starck bathrooms and perfectly framed views of the Tramuntana peaks. To top it off, there's a courtyard pool with sail-covered gazebo, and mod-Med dining served al fresco in summer.

Highs

• It's an intriguing blend of early 20th and 21st century style and comfort
• The great location means you're only a 3-minute walk from Soller's pretty main square and a 10-minute tram ride to its scenic port and beach
• There are picturesque views of the mountains from most bedrooms
• The courtyard garden swimming pool has a shady gazebo and an all-day bar for sybaritic lounging
• The hip in-house restaurant is open for lunch every day
• You won't get ripped off on your phone calls: the SKYPE system will keep calls abroad inexpensive

Lows

• During July & August there is a children's summer camp next door each morning and the noise does carry. The hotel have arranged alternative sunbathing spaces at a nearby hotel In Port Soller
• There's no private parking at the hotel but there's a public car park across the street
• Being in the town centre, the garden is surrounded by other buildings
• To ensure a peaceful ambiance, no children under 14 years are accepted (unless the hotel is taken over exclusively)
• There's no lift, but there is a ground floor bedroom for those with limited mobility
• There's a minimum three-night stay from 1 May to 30 September (but you'd kick yourself if you booked for less)