Back in Mallorca’s roaring heyday – when the island was basking in an economic boom and an anything-goes attitude – Palma Bay was the crown jewel of the high-end holiday scene. The Hotel Victoria first opened in the 1920s as Villa Victoria, an extension of the legendary Gran Hotel de Palma. It quickly became a magnet for artists, celebrities and personalities who helped shape Mallorca’s golden age, especially through the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
Fast forward to today, and the Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá has undergone a meticulous renovation. What’s emerged is a rebirth that blends the glamour of that era with contemporary comforts, where no detail has been left to chance. The hotel has kept its grand salons and its unmistakable air of an urban palace, but it now also caters to travellers who want to relive that lifestyle in one of the island’s most elegant areas.
Why stay at the Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá?
For starters: the views. From the hotel’s prime perch, you get front-row seats to Palma’s glamorous marina, filled with sleek yachts bobbing gently on the Mediterranean. Look a little further and you’ll spot the island’s crown jewel, Palma Cathedral – better known as La Seu. If you stay here, a visit is pretty much non-negotiable.
But the location doesn’t only suit sightseers. Being so close to both the historic heart of Palma and the coastline means the Victoria Gran Meliá works as a hub for travellers who want the full Mediterranean mix: beaches, city life and culture all within walking distance. Wander the neighbourhood and you’ll stumble upon luxury boutiques, high-profile clubs and bars, and a load of nice restaurants serving up both Mallorcan cooking to international fare.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá?
With more than 170 rooms, there’s plenty of choice – whether you want sweeping views over the marina, La Seu or Bellver Castle, or simply more space to stretch out. The entry-level Deluxe Single Rooms (22 square metres) are classically styled with wooden panelling, queen-sized beds with upholstered headboards, exterior views and full bathrooms. At the other end of the spectrum sits the RedLevel Presidential Suite: over 100 square metres, a sprawling lounge with sofa bed, two bedrooms with king-sized beds, two terraces, a separate living area and a whirlpool tub. It’s essentially a palatial apartment – one that channels the hotel’s old-school grandeur, reinterpreted for today’s traveller.
Across the board, rooms are equipped with air con, flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi and all the thoughtful touches you’d expect: robes, slippers, quality toiletries, hairdryers, minibars and fresh towels. The feel is refined and a little regal – but never fussy.
How’s the food?
Dining at the Victoria Gran Meliá is all about the backdrop. With two distinct spaces, gastronomy is firmly part of the experience here, and the views make it all the more memorable. After all, it’s not every day you get to tuck into dinner overlooking the Mediterranean and Palma’s Gothic cathedral glowing in the evening light.
Start the day with the buffet breakfast, where the star attractions are unmistakably local: pillowy ensaimadas and crumbly crespells, surrounded by an array of pastries, nuts, cakes and fruit. For lunch and dinner, head to the newly launched Victoria Grand Café. Its menu leans into Mediterranean tradition while adding a contemporary flair – think fresh seafood, grilled meats and inventive takes on classic recipes. You can eat under the sunshine, or wait for evening at candelit tables on the terrace.
What’s the service like at Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá?
The staff have been honing their approach for decades, and it shows. Check-in is smooth, with a welcome drink to start things off, and from there it’s detail after detail, always polished but warm. The team are on hand around the clock, whether you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, island excursions or insider tips.
For guests looking for something extra, the hotel offers its RedLevel service: personalised attention, butler service and a luxury upgrade to the whole experience. It’s essentially the VIP lane to Palma.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The Victoria Gran Meliá works just as well for a winter city break as for a summer getaway. In summer, the outdoor pool takes centre stage. Open from May to October, it’s surrounded by a spacious terrace with sun loungers and Balinese daybeds. The adjacent pool bar keeps the cocktails coming, perfect for sipping while basking in the sun or watching the day slip into dusk.
If the weather turns cooler – or you’re more in the mood for spa time – there’s also an indoor glass-walled pool with views of the gardens. The wellness area includes a sauna, solarium, relaxation loungers and a treatment menu offering massages and body therapies. There’s a well-equipped gym too, ideal whether you’re looking to burn off some tapas or stick to a training routine.
Business travellers aren’t forgotten: the hotel has a business centre, meeting rooms, conference facilities and audiovisual equipment, making it as practical for corporate trips as it is indulgent for leisure stays.
What’s the area like around the hotel?
Being on Palma’s Paseo Marítimo might sound like you’re in the middle of the action – nightlife, tourists, thumping beats – but step inside the Victoria Gran Meliá and the atmosphere is pure calm. Of course, if you do want to dip into Palma’s party scene, it’s all on your doorstep. Palma’s Paseo Marítimo is one of the city’s beating hearts. By day it’s a lively promenade lined with palm trees, by night it pulses with cosmopolitan energy. Staying here means you’re within easy reach of historic sites, top dining spots and endless shopping.
And the views don’t get old either. Watch the cathedral illuminated against the night sky, yachts sailing in and out of the harbour, and the endless sparkle of the Mediterranean. The Victoria Gran Meliá sits in the thick of it, but offers a bubble of tranquillity whenever you want to retreat.
Why should you book the Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá?
Because it’s a Palma icon, reborn. This isn’t a trip back in time, but rather all the glamour of decades past, just with the modern touches you want from a resort like this. The result is an elegant, welcoming hotel that has it all: knockout views, a prime location, refined dining and a strong sense of history. For travellers who want a little bit of everything – city buzz, seaside relaxation, and a touch of timeless sophistication – the Victoria Gran Meliá delivers in spades.
DETAILS
Address: Avinguda de Joan Miró, 21, 0701M4 Palma de Mallorca
Price: Rooms from €186 per night
Closest transport: Bus lines 4, 20 and 47 stop nearby on Avinguda de Joan Miró; Palma Airport is about 15 minutes away