Must-see hotels in Spain

  • 60 Balconies Atocha

    Madrid

    As convenient for Atocha train station as for the city's major art galleries, and well connected to the rest of the city on foot or by metro, 60 Balconies…

  • Pestana Plaza Mayor

    Madrid

    Taking advantage of one of the most sought-after addresses in downtown Madrid, this fine hotel has been stunningly renovated with exposed brick and blue…

  • Gran Hotel Son Net

    Serra de Tramuntana

    This award-winning romantic 17th-century mansion is as sublime as the wild Tramuntana views. Luxury is at every turn – from the handmade Mallorca fabrics…

  • Villa Venecia

    Benidorm

    Up high opposite the old town’s church and lording it over the seething beach crowds below, this plush five-star hotel has it all. Each room has sweeping…

  • Hotel Arts Barcelona

    Barcelona

    A sky-high tower by Bruce Graham, looming above the Port Olímpic, the swish Arts is one of Barcelona’s most fashionable hotels. Its 483 rooms are kitted…

  • Parador de Lorca

    Murcia Province

    Memorably situated in the castle complex way above town is this modern, spick-and-span parador (luxurious state-run hotel, often set in a historic…

  • Hotel Barosse

    Aragón

    In a quiet hamlet 2km south of Jaca, Hotel Barosse has five individually styled rooms with lovely attention to detail, from exposed stone walls and…

  • Parador de Plasencia

    Extremadura

    One of Extremadura's finest, Plasencia's parador (luxury state-owned hotel) is a classic – oozing the atmosphere and austerity of its 15th-century convent…

  • La Casa del Tío Americano

    Albarracín

    A wonderful small hotel, 'The House of the American Uncle' proffers brightly painted rooms and friendly, impeccable service. The village views from the…

  • Ca N’Aí

    Sóller

    Nestling among orange groves, family-run Ca N'Aí is a blissful escape, with its serene pools, garden hammocks and turtle-filled ponds. The nine spacious…

  • Parador de Olite

    Navarra

    The most spectacular lodging option in town is set in a wing of Olite's restored medieval castle (though some rooms are in a newer extension). Part of the…

  • Hotel Amadeus

    Catedral & Barrio de Santa Cruz

    A soothing oasis of calm in the heart of the old judería (Jewish quarter), this delightful hotel charms with its ceramic-tiled lobby, period furniture and…

  • Hacienda del Cardenal

    Toledo

    This wonderful 18th-century former cardinal's mansion has pale ochre-coloured walls, Moorish-inspired arches and stately columns. Some rooms are grand and…

  • Casa Annette

    Cortelazor

    A longtime labour of love for Scottish-Danish duo Stuart and Annette, this delightful guesthouse features four comfy and colourfully decorated (if mostly…

  • Margot House

    L'Eixample

    In the thick of L'Eixample, this elegant, intimate, supremely peaceful nine-room designer bolthole is styled in fresh minimalist whites and natural woods…

  • Parador de Jarandilla

    Extremadura

    Be king (or queen) of the castle at this 15th-century castle-turned-hotel with a warm, welcoming feel. Carlos I stayed here for a few months while waiting…

  • Iberostar Grand Mencey

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    With its period airs, this superb hotel – the sole five-star hotel in town – is a swish first-rate choice if you choose to reside at the top end in Santa…

  • Hostal Antigua Morellana

    Valencia

    This friendly, family-run, 18-room spot occupies a renovated 18th-century posada (where wealthier merchants bringing produce to market would spend the…

  • Hotel Casa 1800 Granada

    Granada

    Hidden in a venerable 16th-century building, the Casa de los Migueletes, this elegant 25-room boutique property charms with its delightful old-world…

  • Hotel del Oso

    Picos de Europa

    The ever-popular, flower-fringed Oso comprises majestic twin stone houses facing each other across the Río Deva and the road. Spacious, rustic-style rooms…

  • Biniarroca

    Menorca

    Crank up the romance at this rambling, whitewashed, adults-only retreat, 1.5km northeast of Sant Lluís. Draped in bougainvillea, the 18th-century…

  • Pensión Bellavista

    Northern Mallorca

    A spiral staircase twists up to simple rooms jazzed up with one-of-a-kind marine life illustrations and lamps in this rambling house that has welcomed…

  • Gecko Beach Club

    Formentera

    Formentera slips into the glam shoes of Ibiza at this gorgeous beachside beauty of a hotel, recently sleekly remodelled. It occupies what was originally…

  • Casa del Organista

    Santillana del Mar

    The 14 rooms at this elegant 18th-century house, once home to the Colegiata’s organist, are particularly attractive, with plush rugs, antique furniture,…

  • Hotel Casa de Colón

    El Centro & El Arenal

    A superb location, warm service, and quirky decorative features combine to winning effect at this charming, family-run hotel. Look out for white cast-iron…

  • Casa de Cisneros

    Toledo

    Across from the cathedral, this seductive hotel is built on the site of an 11th-century Islamic palace, which can be best appreciated by visiting their…

  • Casa de Trillo

    Costa da Morte

    Deep in green Galician countryside about 8km south of Muxía (well signposted along the country lanes), this charming 16th-century manor house has history,…

  • Casa Morisca

    Granada

    Live like a Nasrid emir at Granada's original boutique hotel, an exquisite late 15th-century mansion in the lower Albayzín lovingly restored by architect…

  • Parador de Cardona

    Catalonia

    Rooms occupy an adjoining modern building, but that doesn't dim the magic of sleeping like a lord at this parador within Cardona's medieval castle…

  • Casa Fontequeiroso

    Costa da Morte

    This restored, century-old stone house, 2km above Praia de Nemiña, is a welcoming and very well-run place to stay, with six thoughtfully designed rooms…

  • Palacio Guendulain

    Pamplona

    Inside the converted 18th-century former home of the viceroy of New Granada, this sumptuous hotel is Pamplona's most atmospheric place to stay. On arrival…

  • Casa Rural El Recuerdo

    Extremadura

    Birdwatchers won't want to miss this lovely six-room casa rural just 12km southeast of Trujillo. It's run by expert birdwatchers, Martin and Claudia, who…

  • El Jardín del Convento

    Extremadura

    Bordering the Jewish quarter, this is one of Extremadura's most fabulous hotels. The gorgeous garden – all roses, vegetables and tranquil seating – makes…

  • Hotel Convento Aracena

    Andalucía

    Glossy, modern rooms contrast with flourishes of original Andalucian baroque architecture at this thoughtfully converted 17th-century convent, Aracena…

  • Palau dels Alemanys

    Girona

    A stay at this intimate historical beauty of an old-town hotel revolves around four exquisite 'suites' (mini-apartments with kitchenettes), under the…

  • Atzaró

    North & Interior Ibiza

    Combining Japanese Zen with tribal Africa and farmhouse Ibiza, Atzaró is the ultimate in rural-Ibiza luxury. Some rooms have private terraces, fireplaces…

  • Son Mas

    Central East Coast

    A fine romance of a finca (rural estate), this 17th-century farmhouse in the almond groves is light years from Porto Cristo's anonymous package-tour…

  • Hostal El Olivar

    Costa de Almería

    Friendly owners Alberto and Michaela have completely revamped this stylish boutiquey hostal, with new paint, curtains, bedspreads, mini-fridges, handmade…

  • Casa El Siroco

    Southern Gran Canaria

    With just the sound of pigeons cooing in the morning, this ultra-charming B&B in an 18th-century former schoolhouse has been creatively transformed by the…

  • Hotel Palacio Marqués de la Gomera

    Sevilla Province

    Live like nobility at this palatial four-star hotel, elegantly housed in one of Osuna’s finest baroque mansions. Tiled floors and sandstone arches remain…

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