Best Boutique Hotels in Spain

Perhaps one of Malaga’s most revered boutique hotels; the Palacio Solecio was once the former residence of distinguished public figures. The 18th Century Andalusian Palace has been carefully renovated and is very much in keeping with its original architectural and artistic style. Centrally located in the unique Calle Granada, in the old Jewish quarter, the Palacio Solecio boasts a selection of elegant and inviting rooms ranging from bright and airy doubles through to The Tower – a secluded and intimate room with access to a private rooftop terrace.  Gastronomy at the Palacio Solecio is a sophisticated experience at the Balausta restaurant where Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García’s showcases the finest Andalusian dishes through his passion for local produce, tradition and innovative techniques. Breakfasts, aperitifs, lunches and dinners can all be enjoyed in the restaurant’s exquisite interior arcaded courtyard under the light of the glass-domed roof. Relax with an exceptional cocktail, sip on a glass of champagne in the atmospheric cocktail bar.

Soho is the creative nexus of the Mediterranean city of Malaga, and at the heart of this artsy city-centre neighbourhood is the Icon Malabar, a 4-star boutique hotel with style flair and a playful sense of creativity. Icon Malabar Malaga is a flagship property, 70 stylish rooms in a classic building in the vibrant Soho quarter, just a block away from the new Antonio Banderas Theatre, and minutes to the city’s Contemporary Art Centre.

Casa del Limonero is a remarkable boutique guesthouse hotel, set in a historic Sevillian mansion, meticulously restored to highlight its striking architectural features including Mudéjar arches and central courtyard fountain. Tucked away on one of the Santa Cruz quarter’s quietest streets, near the Royal Academy of Literature and within sight of the Giralda bell tower and Seville Cathedral, it surrounds guests with layers of culture, design, and history.

Sierra Nevada starts the winter season with the much-anticipated arrival of a new destination hotel, Maribel. This reimagined alpine ski chalet opens under the new ownership and management of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club, responsible for the renowned El Lodge Ski & Spa. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, Maribel is the sophisticated ski and après ski chalet with a mix of high-altitude fun both on and off the piste for families, friends, and winter sports enthusiasts. With a season that lasts until the start of spring and coincides with the winter sports period of the Sierra Nevada resort, Maribel will have 29 rooms and suites, including the signature Maribel Penthouse Suite. Situated at 2,250 metres, with direct access to the Maribel and Águila slopes, Maribel offers its guests the perfect plan on and off the pistes. Once at this alpine lifestyle hotel, guests will find a compelling blend of wellness and dining. The hotel’s lounge and bar, with a ski-in/ski-out outdoor terrace, promises a unique après ski atmosphere. Maribel’s restaurant provides a ‘dining club’ experience with an alpine flavour. There’s even a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can rest their weary muscles after a day on the slopes and unwind under the stars.

A boutique ski-season hotel, El Lodge’s architecture is modelled on the traditional chalet, but with a chic personality infused by its owners, Marbella Club. Inside the Finnish wood building, you’ll find 20 bedrooms with Natura Bissé bath products, iPads, iPod docks and Nespresso machines, decorated with cowhide rugs, fur cushions and antler chandeliers, plus a Smeg fridge on every floor with refreshments. Outside is a pool and wooden hot tub (from which steam rises invitingly on a cold day) and a sauna with impressive views. The main restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace all serve dishes crafted with low-mileage ingredients and there’s a games room to keep the kids busy.

This sleek venue was born in the 1970s as a restaurant. Enjoying spectacular success, it held two Michelin stars for 25 years, before securing a third in 2007, which it retained. Of course, the food is a massive draw, but in 2017, the arrival of rooms and a spa, made it the complete boutique dine and stay experience. Circular wooden terraces take advantage of the panoramic seaside views, as do private indoor/outdoor heated plunge pools in exclusive suites. Cantabrian multi-sensory cuisine is served in the top-class restaurants, Akelarre and Espazio Oteiza, with chef Pedro Subijana at the helm.

A region popular for wine tourism, Rioja Alavesa (specifically the village of Samaniego) is home to this boutique two-storey establishment, part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage portfolio. The stunning front elevation features wrought iron balconies and with just 9 rooms, it feels more like you’re a mansion guest as you climb the 17th-century original stone staircase to bed. Suites are named after wines, designed using natural regional materials and filled with local crafts and artworks. Chef Bruno Coelho blends French and Basque flavours with farm-to-table dishes at Tierra y Vino Restaurant. Two terraces accommodate a charming spot for drinks and a stone-clad pool.

The Avante-Garde Hotel Hospes Amerigo Alicante occupies a refurbished Salesian convent making it a magnificent place from which to explore Alicante and let down your hair. Its playful and light rooms seamlessly blend Mediterranean architecture and modern comforts. The hotel’s Bodyna spa is unique as one can enjoy a massage all whilst gazing out over the city. Its Fondillon restaurant is a gastronomic delight serving marvellous local dishes with chefs using only the best local ingredients. For guests wanting a more relaxed dining experience the Barra Fondillon tapas bars provides guests with a casual dining and drinking experience inside a traditional Alicante bar. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy delicious cocktails and house music all whilst watching the sunset over Alicante. After a night of good food and drink guests can visit the hotel’s dedicated breakfast restaurant Terraza Calle Mayor which is the best way to start your day, on Sunday it even hosts a relaxed brunch.

Welcoming guests for a quarter of a century, this hotel is housed in a Renaissance palace. The vibe is discrete and classy, rather than glitzy, with excellent, unobtrusive service. It’s small and intimate; there are 13 classically decorated bedrooms (replete with Bulgari toiletries and coffee makers), plus there’s a private lounge, but no restaurant. But as the Rector is right in the heart of the city, there’s a wealth of culinary options on the doorstep and staff will gladly provide recommendations to suit your preferences. The lounge is the place to relax post-sightseeing, drink in hand — its stained glass window and oriental rugs are stunning.

The Hotel Villa Favorita is the height of luxury and style. Located in the iconic La Concha Beach it seamlessly blends the life of San Sebastian with the tranquillity of a 19th-century Villa. The rooms are elegant, spacious and inviting, with many boasting fabulous views of La Concha Bay. Yet the Hotel’s piece de resistance is its two Michelin-starred restaurants Amelia curated by expert chef Paulo Airaudo. The food is exceptionally fresh and locally sourced with Paulo paying homage to his Italian and Argentinean roots in his cooking whilst also emphasising the use of local produce as well as forgotten ingredients in his cooking. The hotel also offers guests personal assistance when arranging excursions around the Basque country, its concierge service is nothing less than exceptional. The hotel is home to a spa and wellness centre which provides world class massages and wellness treatments for guests.

Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo, Santander comprises 64 luxurious guestrooms and suites. This boutique hotel is ideally located in the heart of the bustling city and is less than two kilometres from the beautiful sands of Playa Peligros and Playa El Sardinero II. A stay here ensures guests have all of the modern comforts they require while offering a contemporary sanctuary away from such a vibrant city. There is a breakfast buffet with gluten-free menus available to ensure all guests are catered for. This hotel truly extends a warm welcome to all, including furry friends – dogs are invited to accompany guests. Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo offers an activity booking service including visits to Santander Festival Palace, the Casino, or the beautiful shores of Playa El Puntal.

Every one of the 44 exterior bedrooms at the Gran Hotel La Perla has balconies looking onto Estafeta Street and Plaza del Castillo. There are also attic bedrooms and suites dedicated to former notable guests (including Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Julián Gayarre and Víctor Eusa). Other famous names to have graced its corridors since its opening in 1881, are Charles Chaplin, Julio Iglesias and  Woody Allen. The hotel, the first five-star in the city, is set on Plaza del Castillo and has a breakfast room, as well as several meeting spaces.