Innside by Melia Palma Center

Originally built in 2002 primarily as a business hotel, there's little architecturally exciting about this functional-looking corner building. Much has changed since it first opened, however, primarily due to a total renovation in 2015, an extension, and renaming (it was formerly called the Tryp Palma). Stepping inside, the once dowdy lobby has been transformed into a fresh, bright, and contemporary space that tastefully combines cool grays, blonde woods, and a selection of mid-century furniture. 

The open-plan lobby area curves around the length of the building and contains a small front desk, a long relaxed dining area, and a snug mezzanine library area with a gas fireplace for cooler months. Despite its muted palette and trendy design, rows of potted cacti and numerous vintage toys -- together with dozens of child-like drawings adorning the walls -- create a playful tone. Art is also clearly an important element at the hotel, with regular displays of colorful, modern pieces dotted around its pristine hallways. A pair of marble-floored elevators transport guests -- mostly vacationing couples -- to one of seven floors, from the deluxe basement spa up to the superb rooftop terrace with views over the city and the sea beyond.

The hotel is tucked away amongst the relatively quiet streets in the northern fringe of Palma's city center. While the immediate surrounds aren't the most interesting, it's a short walk to a wide array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Around 10 minutes on foot -- along lively, largely pedestrianized shopping streets -- is the main square of Old Palma. The city's majestic cathedral La Seu is around a 15-minute walk away and just beyond is the popular seafront promenade that runs the length of the city. Set just a block from the Avenidas road also means easy access to the Intermodal Station transport hub, as well as buses direct to Palma Airport which take 20 to 30 minutes (it's otherwise around 15 minutes by taxi).

A 2015 extension to the property brought the number of rooms from 77 up to 101, with older rooms all updated to be in line with those in the new section. Decor is bright, minimalist, and contemporary, consisting of stylish designer furnishings, modern mood lighting, and stained wood flooring. Some rooms also feature original artwork by a local artist. In-room tech is impressive, with free and fast Wi-Fi, 50-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and multifunctional bedside chargers (though they are integrated into the wall and their presence is not obvious). Other amenities include laptop-sized safes and minibars with free soft drinks restocked daily, though there are no coffee- and tea-making facilities in entry-level units. Premium Rooms add Nespresso machines and smart TVs with internet functionality.

Bathrooms in the older part of the hotel have all been updated, while maintaining their original green marble, and have shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent toiletries. Bathrooms in newer rooms are more integrated into the bedroom areas, and many have views directly into the walk-in shower that make them less than ideal for those not traveling as couples. A handful of rooms on the sixth floor also extend to small furnished balconies; these cannot be specifically booked, but they can be requested.

The bright lobby-side Garabato restaurant serves an excellent and varied breakfast buffet of hot and cold items (including some traditional Majorcan products). It's also open for lunch and dinner, with daily set menus and quality a la carte options. There are also two bars: one is a popular spot for relaxing with coffee, while the other is located on the impressive seventh-floor rooftop terrace and serves signature cocktails into the evening (note that it's also open to non-guests). 

The rooftop area also features a swimming pool with partial sea views, plus an extra level for sunbathing -- though the rooftop is only open during warmer months. At the other end of the hotel, a stylish basement spa offers a small heated pool, a whirlpool tub, and glass-fronted saunas and steam rooms (though no massages or other treatments). Adjacent to the spa is a small gym with up-to-date cardio machines and free weights.