Brondo Architect Hotel

Once occupied by the office of an architecture company, the group decided to create this charming boutique hotel, and in 2012 the Brondo Architect Hotel opened its doors. Stepping into its small reception area, dominated by a colorful wall-length scene of 19th-century debauchery, it's immediately clear the place tilts toward the unorthodox. The property is actually spread over three buildings, two with strikingly contrasting facades (classical 17th-century meets stark minimalist) and the annex just opposite. Interiors are a wildly eclectic combination of original features like patterned floor tiles, wrought-iron stairwells, and molded cornices with stripped-down industrial chic details (think: bare concrete and exposed pipes and wiring). Contemporary artwork -- from both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions -- adds even more personality. The result is undoubtedly distinctive, bohemian, and artsy. The relaxed hotel-slash-gallery vibe attracts creative-industry types as well as curious couples looking for something a little left field.   

The hotel is nestled among the narrow, cobbled lanes in the heart of Palma's Old Town, which are packed with fashion boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry shops. The area isn't exactly accessible by car, and the hotel lacks parking, but nearly all of the city's main tourist attractions within walking distance. A two-minute walk west is the broad, leafy Passeig del Born, lined with cafes and high-end designer outlets, while there are dozens of restaurants and bars minutes' walk in any direction. Five to 10 minutes away on foot is Palma's grand gothic cathedral, which overlooks the Parc de la Mar artificial lake and sea beyond. A swift 15 minutes' walk takes guests to the start of the city's stretch of sandy beach, while the buzzing Santa Catalina district is 10 minutes on foot in the other direction. Taxis are available a few minutes' walk away and it takes about 15 minutes to reach Palma de Mallorca Airport by car.

Each named after a celebrated architect, there are 33 guest rooms in all, starting with the entry-level Petite -- which can be as small as the name suggests -- and up to a trio of extravagant suites. While no two are identical, they are all styled to one of five themes: music, travel, time, architecture, and nautical. Most interiors are done in contemporary furnishings and original artwork set against a backdrop of exposed architectural accents that include stark gray concrete, ancient Moorish arches, and original wood beams. There are even a few vintage pieces tossed in for good measure. Suites do tend to be more 'finished,' with crisp white walls and plenty of natural light, while some rooms also extend to terraces with double daybeds. Each floor also has a common terrace area with seating. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and large 50-inch flat-screen TVs (though with minimal English-speaking channels); some guests complain of an inconsistent Wi-Fi signal. Suites add some extra touches such as kitchenettes, and the Louis Suite features a white baby grand piano. While mostly on the small side, bathrooms are stylish and modern with quality toiletries, proper hairdryers, and walk-in showers -- some also add separate roll-top tubs.

As an boutique design-focused hotel, don't expect too much in the way of leisure or fitness facilities -- there's no pool or spa and the gym is on the small side. What is does have is a fabulously airy and stylish dining area scattered with eclectic vintage seating and 20th-century design classics, as well as featuring the high ceilings and exposed architecture of a cinema dating from the 1950s. One wall is almost entirely glass and steel, and overlooks a sunny decked terrace with cascading plants and plump-pillowed sofas; in the evening the space takes on a secluded and romantic vibe. Breakfast features an impressive selection of local produce, including juice, sausage, eggs, and olive oil all sourced from the island, as well as smoothies and cereals; the concept is a help-yourself kitchen while eggs can be cooked to order (though it's not included in the rate). A tapas menu is also available throughout the day, plus a salad buffet, sandwiches, and burgers. The bar serves one of the best gin tonics in town, and has a decent cocktail and wine list. Bikes are free to use, and Wi-Fi is also free, if spotty. A meeting room and computer corner are also available. There is no parking, but the nearest public lot is about a 10-minute walk away.