Cristine Bedfor Hotel, Menorca

Pros

• The hotel's owner, Cristine, handpicked all the furniture and decor, so each room has an individual look and every detail is unique.
• A quiet location within the historic Old Town puts the Port of Mahón and landmarks like the cathedral within easy walking distance.
• Each bed features a pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, plus tailor-made, embroidered sheets from Bassols, one of Europe's oldest textile manufacturers.
• The hotel's significant sustainability focus includes reusable shopping bags, refillable glass water bottles, and plastic-free and eco-friendly toiletries. 
• Relax by the outdoor pool, book a bicycle rental, or borrow a beach kit and head for the coast.
• The on-site restaurant is helmed by one of Europe's best young chefs and supplied by local Menorcan farmers and fishermen.

Cons

• The rooms don't have TVs, but you can always ask reception for a tablet. 
• The property can arrange parking, but it must be booked ahead of time and isn't at the hotel.

Authenticity

The hotel shares a first name with its owner, Cristine Lonzano, who, along with her interior designer friend, spent years searching for the perfect antiques to fill the historic 19th-century property. Interiors look straight out of a magazine spread, with decor and furnishings pulling in elements of English, French, and Spanish design to reflect the island's history as a crossroads of the Mediterranean. Rattan furniture, chintz sofas, and painted wooden ceilings create a homey, lived-in feel, and even the smallest details are carefully curated: from the books lining the shelves in the guest rooms to the coasters in the lounge.

Location

The hotel sits on a charming street lined with colorful buildings, right next door to the city's Center of Art and History. A quick 3-minute stroll takes you to Mahón's historic city center, where you'll find Plaça d'Espanya, the cathedral, and a few markets. Keep going another seven minutes, and you'll reach the lively Port of Mahón and its many eateries. In less than 20 minutes by car, you can get to the airport and popular swimming spots, including the beautiful Cala Binidalí. There's no parking available on-site, but the hotel can help you arrange spaces nearby with advance notice.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the 30 rooms is unique, but all feature inviting interiors that reflect the island's relaxed feel. Expect wicker furniture, woven rugs, wispy curtains, embroidered sheets, and colorful textiles. Suites and Superior rooms add sofas, and some units, like Cristine's Choice, have access to the garden and a private patio. Bathrooms are just as special as the rooms, with sculpted sinks, local tiles, and handmade Menorcan toiletries tucked into embroidered cotton bags. Extras like fresh flowers, Bluetooth speakers, and cotton robes are standard, and though all rooms are TV-free, you can borrow tablets from reception. 

Amenities

The on-site restaurant La Cocina de Cristine is a destination in itself, helmed by star Menorcan chef Pau Sintes. Imaginative menus showcase the freshest of ingredients, sourced from island suppliers whenever possible. You can enjoy meals and snacks throughout the day in the dining room, on the patio, or around the small outdoor pool. Other amenities include a yoga lawn, a small gym, bicycle rentals, beach kits, a library with books and games, and a "corner shop" with handpicked items. There's no spa, but you can book a treatment room for massages, facials, and other wellness therapies. 

Family-Friendliness

This is a welcoming spot for children, with high chairs and cribs available upon request. Larger Superior rooms are a good fit for families with an extra twin or sofa bed; larger groups can book adjoining rooms. 

Sustainability

The entire hotel lives by a plastic-free philosophy, and you'll notice this in all the details. Instead of plastic water bottles, you'll receive glass bottles, which you can refill with taps around the property offering filtered water. You won't find much plastic in your room, including within the toiletries and minibar, plus each unit gets a reusable tote bag if you go shopping. The hotel also uses native plant species in its elaborate garden, which reduces water consumption.