Among all the boutique hotels in Palma’s lovely Old Town district, El Llorenc is the most impressive for its sea-view rooftop pool, destination dining, and Moorish design aesthetic
Location
Palma’s 16th-century, sea-facing walls and bastions are among the Mallorcan capital’s grandest landmarks. El Llorenc sits alongside them in the Old Town’s Calatrava neighbourhood, giving it views across palm-lined Paseo Maritimo to the sea. Behind the walls, a maze of traffic-free streets twist their way towards central squares and galleries, shops and visitor attractions.
Two icons, La Seu (the cathedral) and La Almudaina (royal palace) are a 10-minute stroll away. The nearest stop for the airport bus is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and from there, Palma de Mallorca airport is reached in 15 minutes.
Read more: The best hotels in Palma de Mallorca, from boutique boltholes to stays with rooftop pools
The vibe
The two buildings that house El Llorenc were formerly residential blocks that have been renovated, united and reconfigured as a 33-room boutique hotel.
The decor downstairs is best described as modern Spanish meets Moorish Revival, with lots of marble, original art and interesting use of lighting. Although you might expect a hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant to be serious and stuffy, the atmosphere is anything but.
Service
The atmosphere is generally laidback and friendly, thanks in no small part to the front desk team’s warm welcomes. They are charming and knowledgeable, with lots of local recommendations.
Then there’s the breakfast staff, who are bright and upbeat, with cheerful greetings for every guest. But at the rooftop bar? Employees were disengaged, chatting together while guests waved for attention (though one of the more switched-on staff members stepped in to save the day). Given the slickness overall though, this quibble was likely just an anomaly.
Bed and bath
The Moorish occupation of Mallorca lasted for over 300 years, until the reconquest in 1229 under King Jaume I. Find elements of that history in the guest rooms via pattern-embossed doors, towels and tiles, which call to mind the design details in Arabic mashrabiya screens.
Entry-level Standard Patio Rooms (of which there are six) face into the internal courtyard and have lovely parquet flooring, high ceilings and a palette mixing oatmeal, taupe and bright metallic accents. Bathrooms, while compact, have generous walk-in showers. Need more space? Upgrade to a signature room for sea views and a balcony.
All rooms come with tablets loaded with useful information on things to see, do, eat, drink, buy and experience in Palma and around the island.
Read more: A former military fort is now one of Mallorca’s most stylish five-star hotels
Food and drink
The lobby level restaurant serves a light breakfast buffet of cold cuts, cheese and cakes (with a predominance of local ingredients such as island-made sobrasada sausage and oranges from Soller), plus an a la carte offering of porridge, pancakes, omelettes and avocado toast.
Later, this same space becomes DINS Santi Taura, where a seasonal tasting menu has earned Michelin-star status.
Alternatively, start with cocktails at rooftop Urba (arrive early to snag a table with sunset views) before tucking into its fusion of Asian and Mallorcan flavours. Highlights of the small-plate sharing concept might include lamb satay, fish with kimchi, or tuna tartare with seaweed crackers. Dishes presented in fun and creative ways, and there are several vegetarian options on offer.
Facilities
For such a small property, El Llorenc is surprisingly well-equipped. Its most outstanding facility is the rooftop infinity pool, where loungers and cabanas provide ample space for reclining. There’s another pool (this one’s heated) down in the basement level spa, which also offers steam facilities and a well-equipped gym.
A car is unnecessary in Palma but, should you hire one, valet parking can be arranged (at a fee) with advanced notice.
Read more: This stylish Mallorcan hotel is the perfect low-key luxury escape
Accessibility
One of the rooms has an adapted bathroom, and all public spaces but the rooftop restaurant are accessible via lifts and ramps.
Pet policy
No pets allowed.
Check in/check out
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is 12pm.
Family-friendly?
The hotel is adult-only.
At a glance
Best thing: The fantastic rooftop pool.
Perfect for: City slickers, thanks to its central location by the sea.
Not right for: Families.
Instagram from: The very highest rooftop level as the sun sinks behind Mallorca’s mountains.
Address: Plaça de Llorenç Villalonga, 4, 07001 Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Phone: +34 971 677 770
Website: elllorenc.com
Read more: The best luxury hotels in Mallorca, from private infinity pools to celebrity chefs
James was a guest of El Llorenc
