Honestly, most people booking a trip to Mallorca’s west coast make the same mistake. They look at the glitzy, clifftop giants with the five-figure-a-night price tags and assume that’s the only way to "do" the Tramuntana mountains properly. But if you’ve actually spent time in Port de Sóller, you know the real magic isn’t always found in the most expensive lobby. It’s found in the spots that actually let you live like a local without sacrificing the thread count.
That brings us to Aimia Hotel Soller.
It’s a four-star boutique spot tucked about 50 meters back from the Playa d’en Repic. If you aren't looking for it, you might walk right past the entrance. But that’s kinda the point. While the "first line" of the port is a chaotic mess of day-trippers and ice cream queues, the Aimia feels like a private residence where someone happened to leave a world-class spa in the basement.
The "Beloved" Vibe: Why Aimia Hotel Soller Hits Different
The name "Aimia" actually comes from a Mallorquín word meaning beloved. It was originally opened by a local family, and even though it’s now part of the Alvotel group, that sense of being a personal project hasn't really evaporated. You can feel it in the architecture. It was designed by Gabriel Santos, a Sóller native, who used a lot of translucent glass and natural wood to keep the place feeling airy.
Most hotels in this part of Mallorca are either "old world" rustic or "ultra-modern" cold. Aimia sits in that weird, comfortable middle ground. It’s got 43 rooms. Not 400. That means the staff actually remembers if you prefer a cortado over a cafe con leche.
What You Need to Know About the Rooms
If you’re looking at the room categories, don’t just book the cheapest one and hope for the best. Here’s the breakdown:
- Standard Doubles: They’re about 18 square meters. Perfectly fine for sleeping, but if you’re the type who travels with three suitcases, you’ll feel cramped.
- Superior with Side Sea View: This is the sweet spot. You get about 25 square meters and a balcony.
- Junior Suites: These are the heavy hitters. 50 square meters, top floor, and huge balconies with views that make the steep price of Majorcan real estate make sense.
One thing that surprised me? The soundproofing. Port de Sóller can get noisy with the vintage tram clanging by and the late-night diners, but once you shut those balcony doors, it’s dead silent.
Beyond the Bed: The Spa and the Food
A lot of people skip the hotel spa in Mallorca because, well, the Mediterranean is right there. But the Aimia Spa is actually worth a look, especially if you’ve just spent six hours hiking the GR221 trail. They’ve got a heated indoor pool, a hammam, and those sensory showers that make you feel like you’re standing in a tropical storm.
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Then there’s Airecel.
That’s the on-site restaurant led by Chef Mateo Lobillo. Now, look, I’m usually skeptical of hotel restaurants. They’re often overpriced and under-seasoned. But Airecel is one of those rare exceptions where locals actually show up for dinner.
They do a Mediterranean menu that isn't trying too hard. You’ll find things like stuffed ravioli with spinach and ricotta or a burrata salad with red pesto. They focus heavily on local products—think Sóller oranges, island-grown tomatoes, and Mallorcan wines. If the weather is even remotely nice, sit on the outdoor terrace. The courtyard is super luminous and feels a world away from the tourist traps on the main promenade.
Location: The 50-Meter Rule
The Aimia Hotel Soller is located at Carrer Santa Maria del Camí, 1. If you’re driving, they have free private parking, which is basically worth its weight in gold in Port de Sóller. Parking in the port during July or August is a nightmare I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Being 50 meters from the beach is actually better than being on the beach. You avoid the "fishbowl" feeling of people staring at you from the sidewalk while you try to eat breakfast. You’re close enough to hear the sea, but far enough that you don't have to listen to a street performer play "Wonderwall" for the tenth time that hour.
Getting Around Without a Car
One of the best things about staying here is the accessibility.
- The Tram: The orange-scented vintage tram stops just a short walk away. It takes you right into Sóller town in about 20 minutes.
- The Train: Once you’re in town, you can hop on the 1912 wooden train to Palma. It’s slow. It’s bumpy. It’s incredibly beautiful.
- The Water: The marina is a five-minute stroll. You can charter a boat to Sa Calobra or Cala Deià.
The Reality Check: Who Is This For?
Let’s be real—Aimia isn't for everyone. If you’re looking for a massive resort with a kid's club, a swim-up bar, and 24/7 entertainment, you’re going to be bored out of your mind here. This is a place for couples, hikers, and people who actually like to read books on their vacation.
It’s sophisticated but not stuffy. You can wear your hiking boots through the lobby and nobody is going to give you a side-eye. But you’ll also feel comfortable dressing up for a nice bottle of Binissalem red at night.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Breakfast is a must: They do a buffet with freshly squeezed Sóller orange juice and ensaimadas. Don't skip it to save a few Euros.
- Book the spa in advance: It’s small. If three couples decide to go at the same time, it feels crowded.
- Check the season: Port de Sóller basically goes to sleep in the winter. Some facilities at the hotel might have limited hours or close entirely between November and March. Always double-check if you're planning a "low season" escape.
- Hiking access: The hotel is a great base for the Muleta lighthouse walk. It’s an easy loop that gives you some of the best cliff views on the island without needing elite-level fitness.
Ultimately, the Aimia Hotel Soller works because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a clean, well-designed, quiet sanctuary in one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean. It’s for the traveler who wants the luxury of the Tramuntana without the pretension.
To make the most of your trip, start by looking at the trail maps for the Serra de Tramuntana before you arrive. Most guests at the Aimia find that their best days start with an early morning hike into the mountains and end with a slow, drawn-out dinner at Airecel.