Visiting Mallorca early May for mountains, and general touring on our way to Menorca. Will arrive from US so don't want to drive more than 20 minutes to a restful hotel. No budget but not a fan of glitz, more rustic. Any suggestions for the first few nights to then spend a few nights in Soller?

Soller is only about a 30 minute drive. A bit closer, I'm fond of Valldemossa. There's also Deia but you might consider just going directly to Soller.

A twenty minute drive really restricts you to Palma itself, where there are lots of hotels to fit your needs. If you're driving from the airport I'd head North to Pollenca, which IMO is one of the best small towns on the island. Nice little hotels, restaurants and atmosphere.

I wouldn't advocate driving straight after a long haul flight, particularly up to the mountains where the roads are steep and bendy. Trying to negotiate the hordes of cyclists and sudden appearances of buses around corners requires full attention and sharp responses, something in short supply after a long haul flight.

I would suggest taking a taxi into Palma and staying the night there. It's a fantastic city with plenty to keep you occupied and lots of choice for accommodation. The folllowing day you can take the opportunity of travelling to Soller on the old wooden train, a perfect start to your stay in Soller.

Pollenca isn't in the mountains and is easily reachable on a good motorway from Palma. Maybe 40 minutes door to door.