The French door is ajar and the friendly tune of an accordion echoes Placa De Cort. The chime of the church bell beyond drifts into our hotel room whilst wrapped in fluffy white gowns, and elegantly branded slippers; we savoured a local Rioja. Found in the innermost of Palma’s old town, Hotel Cort is one of the city’s newest boutique hotels. Carefully considered, this design focused hotel is a stylish addition to the 19th Century building, whist all the same maintaining charm and character. Lazaro Rosa-Violan is the award winning designer from Barcelona and the vision of Hotel Cort which houses 14 large suites and two double rooms. His intuitive and examined concept from floor to ceiling makes this hotel a stylish, glamorous and contemporary element of Palma.
In the bathroom hand painted tiles lined our boastful rain shower which was stocked with bottled ceramic Molton Brown products, while a grand mirror reflected our spacious room beyond, overlooking Placa De Cort. To be found on almost everything, Hotel Cort’s smart and striking logo features on the coasters and towels to the large white pillows and sheets. Through white wash shutter doors our enormous bed proudly consumed the bedroom and tested tricky to get out of. The maze of hallways is made of blue-white Ikat-tapestry and is a continuation of the bold but fresh colour scheme. Hung on the walls, historic maritime maps evoke the island’s seafaring traditions whilst the rooms and suites, varying between 26 and 70 square meters each, have their own unique character. Some rooms feature fireplaces or spiral staircases while others balconies or terraces. Conscious to reflect the natural hues of Mallorca, rooms are saturated in colours of pine green, terracotta, ultramarine and petrol blue.
Sat out on the plaza below our room, we ate breakfast whilst the city started to wake. We sipped on foamy cappuccinos and freshly squeezed orange juice and tucked into generous eggs Benedict and cheesy omelettes; ensuring leaving our crisp sheets was worthwhile. Through the elegant bar and restaurant aside from the square, a lift to the top floor reveals a private roof terrace. Again featuring elaborate blue and white tiles, and a plunge pool for cooling off, the modest terrace is adorned with a handful of cushioned sun loungers; a private sunshine saturated oasis, skimming the partnering rooftops. Hotel Cort also services itself as a destination dining spot, attracting visitors from across the city after some modern glamour. A mixture of gleaming chandeliers and mirrors contrast against dark oak and leather sofas, all under a rustic light. The menu is made up of fresh, local seafood delicacies served alongside the best Spanish Cava.
Looking over Placa De Cort, one of the city’s main plazas, Hotel Cort is just steps from the cobbles that lead onto the city beyond making it quick and convenient to explore the heritage of Mallorca’s historical capital. The famous, noble cathedral characterises the charisma of this small, captivating city whilst pop up markets, street artists and humble tapas bars border the streets. Alternatively and in contrast, the nearest beach is said to be just a 15 minute walk away.
This delightful hotel hits the nail on the head offering a glamorous and sophisticated city break. Perfectly and elegantly considered, every inch of this hotel has been carefully thought out for guests to effortlessly enjoy. A member of the Design Hotels, this organisation represents and markets carefully selected independent hotels in over 50 countries across the globe. Described as more than just hotels, it is said to be a collection of stories with each showcasing the ideas of a visionary hotelier.
Address: Plaça de Cort, 11, 07001 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain, +34 971 21 33 00, hotelcort.com
