Hotel Basílica, Palma de Mallorca — Old Town Charm at Its Best
If you’re the kind of traveller who gets genuinely excited by old buildings, worn stone, and the feeling that the walls around you have centuries of stories to tell – Hotel Basílica in Palma’s Old Town might just be your perfect match. It certainly was ours.
Tucked away on a tiny, quiet street between Plaça de Sant Francesc and Plaça del Quadrado, the location couldn’t be better. You’re right in the heart of the old town, yet just far enough from the busiest streets to enjoy a sense of calm. Step outside, and within just a few minutes’ walk you’ll reach several cafés, shops, and sights in every direction – dangerous for both your schedule and your wallet 😊
The building: A place with history
The building dates back to the 17th century and was beautifully renovated around 2019. What I love most is that the restoration didn’t erase the character – quite the opposite. Architectural details have been carefully preserved and complemented with original Mallorcan ceramics and handmade tiled floors throughout. The lobby and breakfast area are cozy and inviting – more like a stylish home than a typical hotel.
Communication & booking: Easy from the very first click
For this stay, we chose to book directly through the hotel’s own website — something we don’t always do. We usually check reviews and compare rates across different platforms, but the deal we found there was genuinely better than anything else we came across… Whether it was a special deal or just their best-rate policy, the choice felt easy.
We did need, however, to change our reservation two weeks after booking, and it couldn’t have gone more smoothly. The hotel was easy to reach by email, responded promptly, and confirmed the new dates without any fuss. A small thing, maybe — but good communication before you even arrive really does set the tone for the whole stay.
The room: An unexpected and very welcome upgrade
Upon arrival, we were offered an upgrade, from a Colonial Room to the Suite Duplex. Not a bad surprise at all. The suite, located on the third floor, was absolutely beautiful, with views over the rooftops of Palma and the Church of Santa Eulalia.
The layout is split over two levels: a spacious bathroom and small living area on the lower floor, and the bed upstairs. It’s worth noting that there are 16 steps between levels, so it may not be ideal for everyone – but for us, it added charm.
One of the first things we noticed as we stepped into the room was the beautiful handmade tiles, which gave the space a distinct and inviting character. The soundproofing was excellent – or perhaps we simply had the quietest neighbors imaginable, making it feel calm and undisturbed throughout our stay. Remote-controlled curtains allowed us to adjust the light effortlessly, creating just the right atmosphere at any time of day.
But what’s a beautiful hotel room without a great bed? At first glance, I found myself wondering how it would compare to Hotel Cappuccino — our benchmark for the best beds in Palma. The gorgeous setting on the upper floor certainly got our hopes up! The verdict? A split decision. I found it just the right firmness, while Mel would have preferred something a little softer. As always, it comes down to personal taste.
The bathroom was generously sized, with an excellent shower — strong, hot, and the kind you don’t want to leave — and toiletries from Molton Brown, which is always a nice sign of attention to detail.
Two TVs – one on each floor – also helped avoid any “what should we watch?” negotiations, even though this is rarely a problem for us.
A minibar stocked with a few complimentary drinks and snacks was a thoughtful touch, the small detail that tells you the hotel actually cares about your arrival experience.
The rooftop pool: Small but perfectly formed
On the roof you’ll find a small pool – ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day. Sun loungers, towels, chilled drinks, and that fantastic view over the church of San Francesc and Palma’s Old Town all over again. It’s not a sprawling resort pool, but it’s exactly what you need after a long day of exploring, and the setting is more than makes up for the size.
The staff: The kind that makes a real difference
Overall, what really elevated the stay was the staff. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful, they made everything feel easy. A special mention to Angie, the front manager, who ensured everything ran smoothly. The general attitude seemed to be: “No problem, we’ll fix it” – and they meant it.
The verdict
So, to sum it up: did Hotel Basílica live up to our expectations? Absolutely. With a location that’s hard to beat, a unique building full of character, and service that makes you feel genuinely looked after, it’s an easy choice. Would we stay here again? Without hesitation.
One small minus worth mentioning, for those who care about such things: there’s no proper espresso machine at the bar. For most guests this may be a minor footnote. For those of us who consider a well-pulled espresso or a proper cortado to be a non-negotiable part of any good morning – well, you’ll know what I mean. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a gap worth filling, Hotel Basílica! ☕
Have you stayed at Hotel Basílica or have your own favourite spots in Palma? Drop your recommendations in the comments, I’d love to hear them!
Nearby tips
The hotel’s location puts a remarkable amount of good eating and drinking within easy walking distance. A few places we’d happily recommend:
- Neapoletan Pizza: Santa Chiara
- Burgers: Raimundo Burgers
- Italian: Osteria de Plaça Sant Francesc
- Café & Bakery: Forn de Sestació
