Hotel Born

This 36-room budget hotel is set in a beautiful renovated palace that has more style than some of the competition in this category. Details like marble floors, period furniture, wood-beam ceilings, and large exposed stone arches all add a nice dose of historic charm that's a bit romantic. There's peaceful interior courtyard for guests to read or relax -- it's one of the highlights here -- and breakfast can also be served there. However, with its lack of features and sometimes spartan rooms, this hotel still falls squarely in the budget category. Families with kids are a rarity here, which adds to the relaxed, quiet vibe. Instead, expect to see lots of couples and the occasional group of friends passing through the hotel. 

Located in Palma's historic center, Hotel Born is right in the middle of all of the city's action. There's even a great tapas and wine bar just next door that many previous guests have happily stumbled upon. Palma's exclusive shopping street, Passeig del Born, will take three minutes to reach on foot, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to be found there (and all around). The hotel is a seven-minute walk from the central square, Placa Major, and 10 minutes from Palma's historic cathedral on foot. Paseo Maritimo, on the sea, is a great spot for cycling, jogging, or walking and is around a 12-minute walk from the hotel. Castell de Bellver is a 15-minute drive away, and those looking for wilder nightlife can reach the town of Magaluf in around 25 minutes by car or cab. Palma's airport (PMI) is a 20-minute drive away, and around 30 minutes away by public bus. There's no parking available at the hotel and finding free spaces locally can be tricky. 

The Born's 36 rooms are a mix of Single, Standard, and Superior Rooms, some of which have courtyard views. Decor is traditional and muted, though not without moments of charm. Pops of natural exposed stone work add some personality to the mostly brown and white palette, and in some rooms -- like the Standard Room with Patio View that we visited -- a bit classic art makes the finish more elegant. Marble or tile floors look classy, though the older bedspreads are less inspiring, and the furniture includes large, ornately carved dark-wood pieces. The best rooms (arguably) have beautiful four-poster beds and more elaborate accents like heavy wooden mirrors -- these generally come with windows opening up to the courtyard. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, and the larger units have seating areas. Bathrooms are modern, with an abundance of white tiling, and up-to-date fixtures and fittings. They include stall showers or shower/tub combos plus hairdryers and toiletries. Counter space can be limited. 

This hotel is well located in the center of historic Palma, but features overall are fairly limited. The dining room has a traditional, dated look and is only open for a free buffet breakfast that includes typical continental offerings like meats, cheeses, breads, and yogurts, along with the usual tea, coffee, and fruit juice. There's a charming tree-lined outdoor patio in the hotel's courtyard, with intimate seating areas for guests to escape the busy city center. It's a highlight for many previous guests. The Born has no elevator, so expect a climb stairs to reach bedrooms on the upper floors. There is no parking available on-site and spaces can be difficult to locate in the surrounding streets. Airport transfers can be arranged by contacting the hotel (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there's a single computer terminal in the lobby for those needing it.