Hoposa Bahia Hotel

The sign still on display from the hotel's previous incarnation as a hostel is just one of numerous preserved pieces that give the Hoposa Bahia Hotel its timeless charm. Originally a vacation retreat dating back to the 19th century, the Hoposa became a guesthouse in the 1960s and most recently made the transition from hostel to hotel in 2013 -- the same year as its last major renovations. A sea-facing balconied facade with an elegant columned entrance is kept freshly whitewashed and welcoming. Check-in is at a marble-top desk supported by carved wooden cupids. An eclectic scattering of curios includes a gilded altar, maritime-theme etchings, amphora vases, and other objects rescued from the deep. Original stained-glass ceiling and window panels add colorful elements, while wood-shuttered windows look out over the terrace and beach just beyond. While it can feel a little jumbled and old-fashioned, the result is also a homey and historic boutique hotel atmosphere that appeals mostly to older vacationing couples.

The hotel is located in the heart of Majorca's popular resort town of Port de Pollensa, in the northeast of the island at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. Its setting right on the peaceful seafront promenade of Passeig Vora Mar means direct access to a lovely strip of beach that's partly shaded by pine trees and overlooking Pollensa Bay's calm and clear waters. This also means access can be tricky by car, as no vehicles are allowed on Passeig Vora Mar and there is no on-site parking; however, free street parking can be found a couple of blocks away. There are numerous bars and restaurants a short stroll away and the main square, which hosts a weekly market, is just five minutes away on foot. The unspoiled beach of Formentor, and stunning views from the headland beyond, is less than a 20-minute drive away. Palma and its beautiful Old Town can be reached in just under an hour by car, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The hotel has just 34 rooms (spread over four floors), most of which open to furnished balconies and half of which feature lovely views over the bay. Rear-facing rooms overlook a generally quiet street. Renovated in 2013, all rooms have identical styling, with wood veneer floors, simple dark-wood furnishings, and green and blue accents; pointed chair backs and headboards add a Moorish flourish. Amenities include mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a few English-language channels). Upgraded rooms are larger and have bigger balconies; they also add robes and slippers. While modern and clean, bathrooms tend to be on the small side, and all have walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and unbranded toiletries; some also have pretty original tiling. 

There's not a great deal in the way of facilities at the Hoposa beyond the Restaurant Bahia, which has a breakfast room, a semi-covered patio, and a beachside terrace. A free breakfast comprises a hot-and-cold buffet that includes eggs, bacon, local meats and cheeses, and bean-to-cup coffee machines. The restaurant also serves light lunches and a dinner menu focused on seafood (guests of the hotel receive a small discount). There's also an impressive, chunky marble bar where drinks are served throughout the day and a colorful TV lounge sits adjacent. The lovely sandy beach, complete with lounge chairs shaded by palapa-style umbrellas (available for a fee) is right by the hotel. Wi-Fi is free of charge and reliable, though it's not fast enough for solid video streaming.