Best Urban Hotels in Spain

Walking distance from the railway station, a couple of nice beaches and beside the port, Casa Alberola Alicante is found within a pretty neo-classical building with wrought-iron balconies. Inside, the decor is modern – in keeping with the Hilton style – but with hints of art deco style. Catering to adults only, rooms here come with crisp white bedding, padded velvet headboards and parquet floors – some have freestanding bathtubs and sea views too. Its restaurant, Blacky, serves Mediterranean-meets-Chilean cuisine and there’s a buzzing bar for a post-dinner drink.

Converted from a hospital first built in the year 1499 and commissioned by King Ferdinand, this used to serve walkers who came here on pilgrimage. Hospital Real De Santiago De Compostela still caters to visitors but in the form of a luxe hotel – one of the oldest in the world. Ideally located in the Plaza do Obradoiro beside the cathedral, it immerses visitors into a bygone era. Cloisters, thick stone walls, an outdoor terrace overlooking the square and a manicured courtyard garden help evoke the ancient atmosphere. Rooms come with wifi, satellite TV, air-con and mini-bars, and there are two restaurants.

Located in the heart of Ciutadell, looking out over an ancient harbour lies a remodelled palace. Hotel Can Faustino aim to give you a true Menorcan experience. They offer luxurious accommodation and delicious, locally sourced meals. They warmly welcome you aboard their boats for a sailing or motoring experience. Alternatively, you may prefer horse riding or a yoga session. The spa offers a range of treatments as well as an impressive indoor pool and Hammam. Hotel Can Faustino really is an amazing place to relax and enjoy.

This hotel had an unenviable opening date in September 2020 during one of the toughest periods ever for hospitality. Yet this hasn’t prevented the stunning new hotel in Plaza de Canalejas from becoming a huge success. A total of seven historic buildings were brought together over an eight-year refurbishment period to form the Four Seasons in Madrid. The results are impressive – a four-level spa (arguably the best in the city) with a dreamy indoor pool, a massive art collection, a lobby eatery, a gastro bar and a stunning rooftop restaurant. Many of the buildings’ original features have been maintained adding to the now single building’s authenticity. 

Next to the historic centre and an easy stroll to the beach, this hotel brings together classic and contemporary design. Every room at the NH Collection comes with a hydro-massage bath and a minibar, with spacious family suites available. Dinner at the hotel can be taken at La Terraza, accompanied by stunning views and live music, or at the Novo Restaurant, both offering vegetarian and child-friendly dishes. Guests staying here have access to multiple pools, a gym and sports courts and you can bring your pooch along for the stay too, with NH’s accommodating pet policy.

AC Hotel Cartagena, located in the historic port city of Cartagena in the Murcia region, offers contemporary accommodation in a convenient city-centre setting. With 107 guest rooms and suites. The design is minimalistic, with neutral tones, clean lines, and large windows allowing natural light to flow through.

Guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and light bites at the hotel’s restaurant and bar, which serves both local specialities and international dishes. A wellness area with a sauna provides a space for relaxation, while a well-equipped fitness centre is available for those who wish to maintain their exercise routine during their stay. The property also offers an outdoor pool, ideal for cooling off in the Spanish sun.

Positioned near Cartagena’s historic attractions, like the Roman Theatre and city walls, the hotel caters to both leisure and business travellers.

People who want the chance to feel like royalty should not miss the chance to stay at this grand former palace of the Marqués de Caro. This unique building can be found in the Old Town and the city walls have been incorporated into the design. Each of the guestrooms is as unique as the building itself and it is worth taking the time to check out all of the available options. Each of the rooms also has a story behind it and The Cat’s Room was once the main domain of the former owner’s precious cat. Unwinding on one of the large sunbeds that are set around the outdoor swimming pool while sipping a cocktail or two is the perfect way to spend an hour or two, while the Caro Hotel Valencia is famous for its excellent dining opportunities. Food is presented at art at the Michelin-starred restaurant Sucede and food lovers can be sure that they will be in for a real treat here.

Hang out downtown, steps from many of the city’s best restaurants at El Môderne Hotel. This central boutique property takes on a cool and contemporary urban style, with moody colours, all set in a historic building. There’s a Technogym, a solarium terrace on the roof of the hotel and a Champagne Bar that’s open every day from noon. Breakfast is served onsite, but for other meals, you’ll need to discover the host of options at your disposal on the doorstep. Book a suite for a little more space to work, dine or lounge in an armchair.

Located in the very heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Oriental is just seconds away from the city’s luxury boutiques and only a 2-minute walk from the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló. Fusing modern interiors and timeless style from Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the 120 rooms are bright and airy. Book a suite for a freestanding whirlpool tub, terrace and even kitchen. Gourmet Michelin-star dining is available in three restaurants – one of which is al fresco. The addition of a  relaxing spa, first-floor terrace, indoor pool for year-round dips and a rooftop pool with views out over the city makes the hotel one not to be missed.

Found on the city’s main boulevard surrounded by shops, the NH Collection Vigo is housed in a 20th-century building with a Neoclassical façade, designed by the French architect, Michel Pacewicz. Accommodating 108 bedrooms including jacuzzi loft suites, the four-star property is pet, family and business traveller friendly. Guests have access to their own Nespresso machine, NH branded toiletries, babysitting services, a pillow menu, fluffy duvets and super comfy mattresses. Valet parking, a small gym and an onsite restaurant — the elegant Irati — are all available. Plus there’s a bar with a charming alfresco terrace overlooking the church.

Housed in a 16th-century palace, this stone building contains smooth pillars, curved ceilings, Juliet balconies, hardwood and tiled floors and an inner sanctum-like courtyard. It’s found opposite Plaza San Juan and some of its 86 bedrooms overlook the medieval square and church. Guests can make use of the onsite gym, meeting rooms, the La Cava del Emperador bar and the Yuste Taperia-Restaurante, set on a street-level terrace. While encapsulating the local heritage, this property brings the NH Collection’s signature contemporary style and slick standard of service to Cáceres.

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’.