Araxa Hotel

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests will walk through a pleasantly relaxed garden to the striped awning marking the building entrance. The structure was designed by renowned Catalan architect Francesc Mitjans, and the well-maintained and stylishly retro facade points to the hotel's late-1950s origins. A relaxed and understated vintage styling also pervades the lobby, a bright and airy space that combines natural wood floorboards and comfy seating with a array of antique pieces, modern artworks, and quirky curios. Although the lobby is dotted with hip midcentury design classics and decor, not all the property is quite so tastefully done, with hallways and rooms feeling distinctly more dated than vintage. The vibe at this adult-only boutique hotel is grown-up -- without being stuffy -- and the quiet, genuinely secluded feel attracts mostly couples looking for a cool and secluded urban hideaway. 

The hotel is located in the quiet and largely residential Son Armadams neighborhood in the west of Palma. While it is certainly a less happening part of town, there are a few bars and restaurants within walking distance. Several of these (including a Hard Rock Cafe) can be found along the marina-front Paseo Marítimo, 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. From here, buses regularly run to outside the Gothic cathedral and the start of Palma's charming Old Town. The trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood is also about a 12-minute walk away and brimming with dining and nightlife. The entrance to the pine-covered hill atop which the 14th-century hilltop Bellver Castle stands is just a block away. The sandy beaches at Cala Major and Palma Beach (Can Pere Antoni) are both around a 10-minute drive, while Mallorca Airport is about 20.

The hotel's 72 rooms are all spacious and similarly decorated in a more traditional than vintage combination of carved wood furnishings, art prints, and parquet floors. Around half of the rooms open to spacious furnished balconies overlooking the pretty garden and pool. Rooms on the other side, however, look out over balconies of the neighboring block and windows can be quite small. Amenities include either 22- or 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, and Wi-Fi is free of charge; small safes are available for a fee. White tile bathrooms are clean and bright, with either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, plus wall-mounted hairdryers and simple toiletries. 

Breakfast is included in the rate and includes a good variety of continental and hot options (though no dishes are cooked to order). The dining room is pleasantly bright and opens to a garden patio where guests can eat (which is candlelit in the evenings). A lunch menu is also available and a half-board option includes a three-course evening meal. In the garden high hedges create a secluded feel where guests can take a dip in the decent-size pool, or relax on plentiful loungers. There's also a cozy bar, with a TV lounge and log fire for cooler months. While not the most modern, spa facilities include a sauna and whirlpool tub, plus there's a fitness room and regular classes such as Pilates, Zumba, and yoga.