Best Boutique Hotels in Spain

Guests who choose to stay at this luxurious seaside establishment can be sure that they will receive plenty of pampering. The Le Petit Nice Passedat boasts a three Michelin-starred restaurant and no visit is complete without taking the opportunity to dine in style on the terrace while gazing out at the ocean. Those who demand nothing but the best will also want to secure one of the two secluded villas that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.

Stay on the Gran Via just a 12-minute walk from the Prado Museum, where sun-drenched landscaped terraces, stunning views, a wellness centre, delectable cocktails and intuitive cuisine await. This characterful hotel, part of the international and chic Principal chain, has 76 bright and airy rooms including whirlpool tubs, designed to make you feel right at home. The colour palette mixes neutrals, with darker shades and accents of rich colour in the public areas. Tuck into haute cuisine in the destination restaurant and sip cocktails from a lounger on the roof, with panoramic views of the region.

One of Madrid’s most historic and elegant boutique hotels, the Gran Hotel Ingles’ rich history and charm has attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf and continues to attract travellers seeking an authentic boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid. Situated in Madrid’s vibrant Barrio de las Letras, the Gran Hotel Ingles is the perfect place for guests wishing to immerse themselves in Madrid’s rustic charm. The hotel’s 48 rooms combine the sophistication of the 1920s with modern artistic additions like furniture designed by the renowned David Rockwell, all of this makes the rooms feel distinctly luxurious and open. As the first of Madrid’s Hotels to boast a restaurant, the hotel’s gastronomic history shines through to this day. Guests can dine in the Casa Lobo restaurant which is currently hosting a pop-up Thai market restaurant. The hotel also offers a daily afternoon tea service in its lavish main hall and on weekends provides a delicious brunch service. Yet the hotel’s ‘piece de resistance’ is its exquisite LobByto cocktail bar which serves some of the city’s best cocktails and on Fridays and Saturdays even hosts Rock and Roll and Swing Nights for guests wishing to indulge in a night of musical excellence.

Located in a former 19th-century palace, Can Alomar preserves much of the elegance of the original building. A lesson in understated style and luxury, the hotel combines the splendour and space of a palace with contemporary furnishings and finishes. With only 16 rooms which include 9 suites, this hotel is truly boutique in size. Décor is sophisticated and discreet – walls are painted in neutral tones, adorned with modern art, and textiles are kept sumptuous and luxurious. We adore the discreet but attentive luxury concierge, whilst the plunge pool and solarium on the roof is an ideal spot for chilling out with views of the cathedral and bay of Palma. There is even a charming tower at the top of the hotel available for private massages and celebrations. Dinner takes place in the stylish De Tokia a Lima restaurant, serving up a creative and unique selection of Mediterranean, Peruvian and Japanese gastronomy either in a relaxed brasserie-like interior or on the tranquil terrace overlooking the Paseo del Borne.

A 14th-century Dominican monastery, this hotel has historic river view rooms (singles through to suites) in its Casa Grande and minimalist self-catering villas overlooking the vineyards. Christopher Colombus once stayed in the Tuscan inspired property, which is located in the lush Duero Valley, just 10 minutes from the city centre. It incorporates a winemaking hacienda – frequent guided tours are offered – and from which the hotel’s wine cellar is stocked. Produce from the onsite organic farm is also served in gourmet restaurants. Hacienda Zorita exudes understated luxury, with two pools, a terrace and open-air movie nights in the summer.

Rooms at Hospes Palacio De San Esteban come with hardwood floors and sleek furnishings accented by mid-century and antique pieces. The five-star amenities include minibars, pillow menus, robes and slippers. Dine on Castillian sharing dishes at El Monje restaurant, which features a roaring fire, an indoor tree and stunning high ceilings with dramatic original stone arches. Or eat alfresco, at the contemporary styled El Patio de Los Olivos. Enjoy a drink beside the vintage fountain, or recline on a poolside lawn lounger. Once the San Esteban Salesian Convent, the hotel’s modern ethos is to ‘find, feel and belong’.

Very sleek and modern, with a hint of urban chic and simple Scandi design influence, this stylish boutique hotel has a bayside position in Santa Cruz de Oleiros, close to La Coruña’s centre. It’s fully committed to sustainability, with a strong environmental focus — geothermal energy is used throughout. 32 airy, open-plan bedrooms have extra long beds, blackout drapes, terraces and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. NOA Gastro Lounge is its award-winning restaurant, complemented by the alfresco NOA at la Taberna. Climb to the rooftop to experience the highlight of an Insta-perfect infinity pool and jacuzzi. Noa Boutique Hotel also offers in-room massages, a gym and a Wellness Club.

Another property from a well-known chain, Autograph Collection’s Hotel Palacio Del Retiro is a 50-room boutique hotel. The building is just over 100 years old, having been re-imagined into its current form, from its original purpose as a grand home. Its location in the city’s magical art triangle is reflected in the eclectic design, fusing traditional Spanish style with contemporary simplicity. The Suite Bar serves light snacks and elaborate Mediterranean dishes, while the spa’s extensive menu provides everything from ayurvedic treatments to massage lessons, to fitness counselling. Guests can relax in the plunge pools and therapy baths and even get married in the hotel.

Relais and Chateaux handpick the finest international properties, each with its own personality, individuality and renowned gastronomy. The Heritage Madrid is situated in the heart of Madrid, on the leafy Barrio de Salamanca, a pleasant stroll away from the boating lake. Designed by Lorenzo Castillo, the style is somewhere between a stately home and a hip boutique hotel. The 46 rooms each have hardwood or parquet flooring, jacuzzis and many of the suites boast balconies. A meal at chef Mario Sandoval’s Restaurant Haroma is a must, with a choice of executive, tasting and hunting menus, as well as high tea and brunch.

Gloria de Sant Jaume boutique hotel is an exquisitely restored Mallorquin mansion that has been thoughtfully reimagined as a 14–room small luxury hotel, with a beautiful rooftop terrace with pool, and a striking basement spa with a 14-metre pool. El Patio de Glòria is amongst the city’s destination restaurants. This café, restaurant and cocktail bar is open for sophisticated, seasonal dining. Almost hidden amongst the honey-coloured streets and saffron-hued alleyways of the old town quarter, boutique hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume Palma is tucked away from the city bustle in the quiet Carrer Sant Jaume street between Avenida Jaime III and the city’s elegant Rambla, making it perfect for guests looking to enjoy the cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions of the city.

A converted 19th-century building homes the airy Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which sits as part of a façade of buildings that used to form an ancient Arabic wall in Palma. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary Spanish style – there is a lot of natural wood throughout, interesting art adorns the clean walls, and the furniture is a stylish mix of modern and vintage. There are only 16 rooms for a truly boutique experience, all of which have King size beds and spacious closets. We recommend going for a suite if you can as you are guaranteed a view over the bay of Palma from your private balcony, perfect for lazy holiday breakfasts. The Boutique Hotel Calatrava also offers a comprehensive luxury concierge to ease the stress of travelling – from organising day excursions to booking your private yacht, their staff can do it all for you.

This hotel is a modern structure within the remnants of a 16th-century palace that mixes rustic Majorcan style with contemporary design. The rooms are bright and airy, have marble floors, crisp white bedding, and sensual art hanging above the beds. The simple white décor is punctuated with leather or cow hide and chrome accessories lending a more modern feel to the bedrooms. The plant-filled patio nestled between the buildings provides the perfect spot for a relaxing glass of wine lounging under the palm tree. The encouragement to relax at this hotel continues to the rooftop terrace which houses an infinity splash pool with great views over the city, a sundeck and a sauna with a difference. There aren’t many saunas that have a window that provides an unrivalled view over the rooftops towards the Palma cathedral. Although the feel of the hotel creates a very tranquil atmosphere, there is a gym just off the courtyard for those interested.