Calatrava Mediterranean Sea House, Palma, Mallorca

The hotel is in the Calatrava neighbourhood in the Old Town but somehow seems a bit detached from it. Being in a quiet corner will be attractive for some, but others will want a bit more action. It's a 15-minute walk from the nearest beach, and Palma airport is a 15-minute drive. Palma's huge cathedral at the Parc de Mar is just a five-minute walk.

By plane: there are direct flights from London (2 hours 25 mins), Manchester (2 hours 40 mins) and Edinburgh (3 hours). The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca airport. Paid parking available nearby for €34 per day. Book flights to Palma.

This sea-facing 19th-century building has been renovated and transformed into a stylish retreat with a minimalist style. Contemporary art is in place throughout the hotel, by leading Mallorcan artists such as Carolina Amigó and Guillem Nadal. The cream-coloured lobby area has a couple of small areas with sofas, armchairs and wooden beams to give a bit of character. The small roof terrace with views to the sea has a couple of sofas, and several tables and chairs, but surprisingly there are no sun loungers.

This small hotel has more facilities than may at first seem apparent. As well as a well-regarded restaurant, there's a small roof terrace, as well as a cosy spa with a treatment room, sauna and whirlpool baths. There's a small business centre, and the hotel can arrange excursions by the sea in the hotel's boat, as well as cycle hire and express laundry.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Adults-only
• Coffee house
• Terrace
• Wellness centre
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Most of the spacious rooms have a terrace or balcony, beech flooring, exposed wooden beams and plain white walls, which may be a bit characterless for some and cheerful for others. Typically there will be a plain black marble desk, a sofa bed, coffee machine, a couple of armchairs and a coffee table. Bathrooms have large separate shower rooms.

Room types: Deluxe, Junior Suite Terrace, Suite Sea Views Terrace

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, Bluetooth speaker, hairdryer, hair straighteners, TV, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, while the ground floor restaurant specialises in Mallorcan-inspired dishes, resulting in an informal yet sophisticated menu. It also has an outdoor dining area. There is also a 24-hour room service menu.

Calatrava's Kitchen: Mediterranean restaurant. Tapas and small plates, including manchego, Iberian ham and olives. Open daily, 1-11pm.