Climb the stately stone staircase with its exquisite bannister to a chill-out terrace at the top… and views of rooftops, belfries, harbour and sky. High above the boats and bustle of Mahón’s old town, within strolling distance of the cathedral, this rose-pink townhouse exudes an air of slightly faded grandeur. The 14 rooms are beautifully restored and simply adorned, with high beamed ceilings and whitewashed walls, modern art and modernist pieces, white muslin and boho touches. The feel throughout is laid-back.
There’s no reception, no lift and no in-room TVs; just friendly service, good-value rates, a lounge with books and games, and a shared kitchen where you can help yourself to tea, coffee and fruit. We've yet to visit, but we love its sister property Jardi de ses Bruixes, and past Alberti guests heap praise on the small team here, who help you connect with Menorca. If you fancy a bike, a boat trip or a table at a nearby restaurant, it’s yours in a trice. The honesty bar is well stocked with local wines; breakfast, served in the shaded courtyard garden, is a spread of breads, pastries, fruits, salamis, cheeses and jams so good you’ll linger long into the day.
Highs
- A perfect location in the old town, 5 minutes’ walk from the harbour; there are fold-up electric bikes to hire for exploring
- Creative, light-filled interiors with a stylish blend of contemporary and vintage pieces
- Two peaceful courtyards and a roof terrace with loungers for chilling
- Breakfast is a bounty of local produce, and there are restaurants all around
- A happy, homely feel that suits couples, families and friends
Lows
- This is an 18th-century building, and the soundproofing could be better
- Reasonably priced parking is a 10-minute walk away
- No pool, but beaches and coves abound on Menorca (the nearest is 5km away)
- It’s a trek up to the third-floor rooms
- Only ages 12 and up allowed - a plus for peace-seeking couples
Best time to go
Mahón is at its best during spring and early autumn, when the weather is fine but the summer crowds are absent; try the first weekend in September, when the Nuestra Señora de Gràcia festival takes over town, and dancing horses entertain. July and August can be extremely busy, and the hotel normally closes over winter (November-April).
Our top tips
Gin has been made in Menorca since the British arrived in the 18th century, and you can learn all about it at the Xoriguer distillery. Taste some, buy some, mix in lemon juice and ice, and you’ve got yourself a pomada.
- Boutique Hotel
- 14 rooms
- Breakfast only (restaurants nearby)
- Over 12s only
- 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
- Bicycles Available
- Shared kitchen
Rooms
The 14 serene and uncluttered bedrooms are spread across 3 floors, ranging from a standard Cozy Room next to the roof terrace to a larger Deluxe Room by the ground-floor courtyard and a few super spacious Suites. There's also a Terrace Suite with a large sitting room that can become a second bedroom, sleeping 4-5. All are awash with light thanks to muslin curtains, whitewashed walls, high ceilings, and tiled floors that are cool underfoot. Simple furniture with a sprinkling of retro pieces (a Modernist chair, a Deco mirror, a pale vintage mobile) adds to the sense of calm.
This being an old house, the shutters squeak a bit when the wind is blowing, and the soundproofing between floors isn’t perfect, but the beds are comfy, the sheets are crisp, and air-con runs throughout. Ensuite bathrooms are white with heated towel rails and immaculate showers (two rooms have baths too), and you get a hairdryer and a few toiletries. Note that some rooms lack wardrobes.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Radio
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served on the charming patio and is ample, delicious and different every day. The cold cuts and cheeses come from the best farms on Menorca; the breads and pastries are from the only wood-fired oven on the island. The coffee is very good, and the fruits, tomatoes and jams are organic.
Next to the patio is the kitchen, tiled in aquas and greens. You’re welcome to use it - a big plus for those who like to feel at home when they’re away. It has a Nespresso machine for coffees, and an honesty fridge stocked with Menorcan wines. Take a glass of the island's finest up to the terrace at sunset to watch the sun sink over Mahón's red rooftops.
For other meals, Mahón has a wealth of restaurants, cafés and bars. For creative tapas, head for Ses Forquilles.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Rent one of the electric bikes and explore town. The first British governor moved the capital of the island to Mahón in 1722 – hence the grand houses with their fanlights and brass knockers, and the Georgian clock on the town hall
- Borrow towels and parasols and head for the beach. Closest is Es Grau, whose warm, shallow waters are great for families and snorkellers; here too are the dunes of the S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve
- Hire kayaks and drive 20 minutes south, to pine-fringed coves with white sand and turquoise waters. Families will like Cala Binibequer, with sun loungers and a snack bar. Purists may prefer the natural beauty of tiny Cala Binidali
- Walk to the bus station and head off to Ciutadella’s lively port and picturesque old town, on the other side of the island - the express bus takes 55 minutes
- Head to nearby sister hotel Jardi de Ses Bruixes for a relaxing afternoon at their spa
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
Kids
To maintain Can Alberti's relaxed atmosphere, only kids aged 12 and up are allowed.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Terrace Suite has a sitting room that can become a bedroom for 2, and it can also accommodate an extra bed. The suites can take a rollaway bed.
Distances:
- Airport: 15-minute drive
- Hospital: 15-minute drive
- Shop: 2-minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Can Alberti is in the old town of Menorca's capital, Mahón (Maó). It's on the east coast of the island.
By Air:
Mahon (5km away) is Menorca's only airport. It's served by a range of airlines.
From the Airport
You can take a taxi from the airport, but if you plan to explore the wider island you might want to hire a car. Street parking in Mahón is metered, but there is a cheap car park a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Mahon (Maó) 5.0 km MAH
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape