When strolling the shaded and storied lanes of Palma’s historic quarter, my mind soon wandered to what might lie hidden behind the imposing entrances of its numerous centuries-old mansions. With its chunky wood and polished brass knockers, Portella is as grand and anonymous as any – just a small stone sign announces its presence. As we stepped over the threshold and the door quietly clunked shut, we found ourselves in an immaculate inner courtyard that instantly imbued a sense of intimate, almost ethereal calm.
Former residence and studio of renowned artist Joaquím Torrents Lladó, this 17th-century manor house has been immaculately renovated free from typical hotel trappings. With no reception and consummate yet unobtrusive service, we felt like welcome guests in a friend’s beautiful home. Designed by a young Parisian duo, the 14 rooms and suites are fresh and airy yet opulent and inviting. Miró lithographs adorn a relaxed dining-lounge area, where guests chill and chat among themselves over late breakfasts and evening aperitifs. A lift floats up five floors to a sunny rooftop terrace, where views of the cathedral on one side and Arab Baths garden on the other are a reminder of this oh-so-privileged Old Town address.
Highs
- An uber-eye-pleasing blend of 17th-century architecture and soothing interior design, with soundproofed guest rooms boasting deluxe touches
- The central Old Town address is just steps from numerous historic highlights
- An excellent breakfast menu until late, plus lunch and dinner service with local and seasonal produce
- Rooftop terrace with cushioned loungers, a drinks service and spectacular views
- Free access to a subterranean steam room and a small fitness room
Lows
- No swimming pool or spa (though a steam room and in-room massages are available)
- Some of the lower-ground rooms have small windows
- No under 12s, but there are flexible accommodation options if coming with teens
Best time to go
The Mallorcan capital is a great city to visit year-round, though the best time is when temperatures mellow around spring and autumn. Even in the shade of the Old Town, summer months can be sweltering, and popular attractions can get overcrowded. If you don’t mind the possibility of rain, winter weather is much milder than most of Europe, plus the festive season ushers in a busy calendar of events.
Our top tips
Bibliophiles should seek out English Fine Books, located just a block or so from the hotel. This fabulously atmospheric bookstore is brimming with antique tomes and first editions, plus old maps, etchings and other printed curios.
- Boutique Hotel
- 14 rooms
- Restaurant and bar, open daily
- Over 12s only
- Closed: January
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The 14 rooms and suites are individually styled, but all follow the same beautifully balanced blend of terracotta floors, soft white walls and antique touches. Most also combine architectural features, such as marble-trimmed fireplaces or sloping wooden beams, with original artworks. Comfy kingsize beds are dressed with top-quality bedding which, paired with excellent soundproofing, ensures a great night’s sleep – even on the lower, street-facing floors.
Doubles are the smallest (23-27 sqm) but each has enough room for a couple to relax comfortably. Junior Suites come with more floor space (37-40 sqm) and the addition of a small living area, while Suites (37-58 sqm) also add kitchenettes and lounges with inviting sofas. While accommodation is perfect for couples' getaways, an abundance of interconnected options and a two-bedroom Apartment also cater brilliantly for groups or families with teens. All rooms can be set up as doubles or twins.
Five-star in-room amenities include Nespresso machines, Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers and minibars with free soft drinks. The deluxe feel extends to the Carrera marble bathrooms, too, with premium products by Diptyque, fluffy robes and, in many, freestanding tubs in addition to showers.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Dining at Portella leans into traditional Balearic flavours, with menu highlights including gnocchi with cured Menorcan cheese and the classic roast Mallorcan suckling pig. The menu changes every few weeks to keep it seasonal, and it's available both for lunch and dinner.
A homestyle dining room includes a small kitchen and a large table where breakfast buffets are laid out, with hot options cooked to order. An adjoining lounge offers smaller, more intimate tables, plus there are comfy couches for pre- or post-dinner tipples. We loved the fact that breakfast extends until 1 pm every day, so you can have a lazy and laid-back morning if you desire.
Set in the heart of Old Town, you’re also just minutes from a dozen or so cafes and restaurants, mostly scattered around nearby leafy Santa Eulalia Square.
Features include:
- Bar
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- You’re perfectly positioned for a walking tour around the Old Town, including the Cathedral, Arab Baths and Parc de la Mar, just minutes away
- Arrange a bike or e-bike hire through the hotel and cycle along the seafront to the charming former fishing village of Portixol
- Museu de Mallorca, one of the island’s best museums, set in a Gothic palacio, is just around the corner
- Want to feel sand between your toes? Grab a basket and beach towel from the hotel and hit the local Can Pere Antoni beach
- If you’re feeling lazy, on the hotel’s roof terrace comfy loungers await with cityscape vistas and a drinks service
- If visiting in the cooler months, you might like to warm up your bones with a session in the hotel’s subterranean steam room
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Only children over the age of 12 are permitted, and there’s a grown-up feel about the hotel. However, a two-bedroom apartment and a choice of interconnected rooms cater to families with teens.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Many rooms and suites can interconnect to accommodate families of four or more, and there's also a two-bedroom apartment.
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Portella is located in the Monti-Sión neighbourhood in the historic centre of Palma, Mallorca's capital.
By Air:
Most major European hubs have direct flights to Palma de Mallorca Airport (11.5km).
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer, or you can take a taxi, which takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, airport buses take around 30 minutes and stop at Plaça de la Porta del Camp, a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
By Car:
You won't want a car to get around Palma itself, but if you're exploring the island, see our car rental recommendations. The hotel has valet parking and its own parking spaces.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca 11.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 0.9 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km