La Mimosa Guesthouse

La Mimosa Guesthouse's first and most obvious distinguishing feature is the building itself -- a charming, three story manor house built in 1885, with a whitewashed facade, terra-cotta tile roof, and wood-shuttered windows. And stepping inside, its period character has largely been preserved, with a high ceiling, wooden floors, and traditional patterned tile floors. It's homey, but also a bit scruffy. Paintwork needs a refresh, furniture is often mismatched, and some will find the old-fashioned atmosphere on the gloomy side. Others enjoy the characterful and authentically Old Spain vibe of the place, along with the personal touch provided by the family who run it. To the rear is a pretty garden with mature palms and fig, mandarin, and orange trees, lined with artificial grass and overlooked by the neighboring apartment block. Clientele is a mix of nationalities, but one of the more popular hotels for solo travelers.    

La Mimosa Guesthouse is set in a largely residential neighborhood, just off the main road west of Palma that runs most of the length of Majorca's southern coast. While the immediate area is quiet and not particularly touristy, there are bars and restaurants within a few minutes' walk. It's a five-minute stroll from the hotel to an elevator that leads to the (rather exaggeratedly named) Playa Incredible beach. The twin sandy beaches and small resort of Cala Major are within walking distance, which also offers some nightlife. The hotel is additionally well-located for buses into the buzzing island's capital, around 15 minutes away by car, as well as the airport, about a 20-minute drive away. 

Decor doesn't come much more basic that in the hotel's 16 guest rooms, though pretty blue floor tiles in most do brighten up the otherwise dated interiors that could politely be called rustic. There are knotted-wooden headboards and some attractive traditional furniture, stripped bedspreads, and side chairs covered in rather stuffy floral fabrics. Several units extend to spacious terraces with seating and loungers overlooking the street, while some rooms have peeks of the nearby marina and bay beyond. Amenities are minimal, lacking even TVs, telephones, and air-conditioning, though fans are provided and windows usually open to a breeze. Tiled bathrooms are just functional, with shower/tub combos, towels, and basic soap, though some are showing signs of age and guests have to supply their own hairdryers. Mixed dorms with shared bathrooms are also available. 

A simple buffet breakfast of cereals, bread, croissants, cold cuts, and yogurt is provided each morning, with tea and coffee made to order. The dining space is sunny with tall windows overlooking the garden, and breakfast is included in the room rate (but not all dorm rates). There's no full restaurant, but the bar serves reasonably priced drinks and is popular with the locals. The outdoor pool makes for a pleasant place to cool off, though it isn't large enough for a proper swim, with a handful of loungers and a spacious sun terrace lined with greenery. Wi-Fi is available free of charge around the reception area, where there's a lounge with a flat-screen TV, a computer workstation, and a book-lending library. There's also bike storage and a tool bench. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator, and there are several floors.