Best Urban Hotels in Spain

Alfonso XIII, great-grandfather of the present king, ruled until Spain declared itself a republic in 1931, and commissioned this centrally-situated hotel during 1929’s Expo 29 in Seville. Modernity mixes with Moorish and Spanish tradition in its elegant interior and stunning facade while dining outlets complement the meeting and function rooms. Sample authentic Andalusian cooking in the restaurant, or share tapas favourites in ENA by Carles Abellán. Meanwhile, as you might guess, the Bar Americano shakes (or stirs) a mean cocktail in an Art Deco setting.

The Hotel Hacienda de Abajo can be found nestled in the heart of La Palma’s Tazacorte area. Spread over four buildings, the former 17th century sugar plantation has undergone complete refurbishment to become the first emblematic hotel in the Canary Islands. The interior garden of the hotel is the former orchard of the hacienda and offers a unique setting for your Canarian getaway. Choose from a collection of lavish guestrooms and suites complete with regal and traditional décor including 18th century French tapestries. Be sure to enjoy the island’s finest offerings on site for breakfast and brunch in La Salita or opt to savour gourmet Atlantic dining at El Sitio restaurant. The hotel boasts a heated swimming pool for guests looking to escape reality and relax. For those wishing to take it a step further, the spa & wellness centre offer beauty treatments and massages to enhance your stay.

The former Ritz Hotel Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona, is perhaps one of the most famous hotels in Barcelona attracting celebrities, prominent figures and guests from all over the world to indulge in a place that oozes timeless glamour. With a striking and ornate façade the hotel is even more beautiful on the inside from the sweeping staircase to the grand Great Hall every turn presents elegant detail.  The hotel comprises six spacious suites – each individually designed and with marble bathrooms that house a Roman bath inspired mosaic shower – all 120 guest rooms are inspired by a neo-classical style.

The impressive rooftop garden and terrace, which features a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, with 360-degree views over the city is the social hub of the hotel – a place to relax by day and party by night. AMAR Barcelona is the hotel’s brasserie serving fresh seafood with an extensive wine in a stylish art deco setting and The Great Hall – a grand and formal setting is where Afternoon Tea is the order of the day and live music can be enjoyed in The Bluesman Speakeasy bar. El Palace Barcelona is also home to the Mayan Luxury Spa which as its name suggests is inspired by the Mayan culture, offering guests traditional Mayan treatments designed to bring the mind, body, and soul together as one.

Located in the Eixample District of bustling Barcelona, El Palace offers guests convenient access – walking or via metro – to many of the city’s main attractions. El Palace Barcelona has been recognised for its outstanding quality and distinctive character and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

The gilt, palms and fan-shaped mirrors of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz make clear the Art Deco influence on the decor. It’s the work of French designers Gilles and Boissier, who have augmented this loose theme with lashings of modern opulence. The building dates back to the Belle Epoque era of 1910, but underwent a recent grand refurbishment, giving the 153 rooms a new lease of luxurious life. Opt for the higher-end suites to receive dedicated butler service (although all guests receive VIP treatment). The Mandarin has five venues in which to eat and drink, including the glamorous Champagne Bar and the contemporary Deessa fine dining restaurant, offering gourmet dishes.

Set in a nineteenth-century palace in the lively El Arenal district, this twelve-room hotel is four minutes along a narrow cobbled street from the Plaza Nueva metro station, and slightly further to the cathedral. Rooms have all amenities, with some boasting balconies, or terraces complete with orange trees. Other facilities include a rooftop bar next to a plunge pool and an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. A lounge area is overlooked by a traditional courtyard and fountain, featuring the original marble spiral staircase in one corner.

Once you step across the threshold of Es Princep, you immediately notice you’re somewhere special – you are embraced by the warmth of welcome you’d expect from this Mediterranean island, but you also become immersed in the sophisticated vibe of a capital city hotel. Es Princep is a full-service luxury hotel. There’s the urban flair of its destination cocktail bar, Gremium (where mixologist and bar manager Andreu Genestar works his magic, bringing genuine cocktail flair to Palma’s vibrant bar scene); fine-dining at the hotel’s Bala Roja restaurant (named after the hotel’s historic district, overlooking the city walls); and the upscale pampering of ‘Coco’, Es Princep’s luxury oasis spa – whilst the capacious guest rooms boast sea views.

The new 200 bedroom Madrid EDITION follows the launch of the brand’s Barcelona property back in 2018. Encapsulating the city’s spirit and essence, the fashionable interiors are by Ian Schrager Company, with unique pieces crafted using salvaged and recycled materials, along with rich fabrics and artistic handicrafts. There are two restaurants; Jerónimo, and the rooftop Oroya serving Peruvian-influenced fare, as well as a seductively decorated nightclub and atmospheric bars. Just across from the very centre of the country (Kilometre Zero) EDITION offers views of a 16th-century Royal Monastery and close access to the city’s highlights. Stay in the hotel’s top room – Madrid Penthouse – for a private infinity pool and eight-seater marble dining table.

Found in a restored and renovated 19th-century mansion that used to belong to the Aloma Femenia family, the Saint Francesc is right at the heart of Palma’s historic town centre. The building itself is of neo-classical 19th-century style although inside the décor is paired back and contemporary with classic touches. The use of light marble and wood textures, stone checkerboard or stained wood parquet flooring, and huge arched glass windows, create a luxurious but warm feeling – the lobby looks more like the entrance to a beautiful modern art gallery than a hotel. Most of the 42 rooms and suites have exposed wood beams, covered verandas, and original frescos and mouldings. There is an impressive collection of modern art and photography, some of which have been privately commissioned for the hotel. There is of course an obligatory roof terrace with particularly impressive panoramic views over Palma’s old town. For the night owls and those who are more active, the Spa and fitness area are open 24/7.

Part of the Ritz Carlton group, the Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the city’s original luxury hotels, mixing tradition luxury service with minimalist aesthetics. The iconic building was designed by architects Bruce Graham and Miguel Ruano, originally for the Olympic Games. Providing outstanding views out to sea and across the city, its location on the seafront is ideal for those seeking to fuse a city and beach break (you will need to take a taxi into the city centre). A great swimming pool, 483 rooms spread over 44 impressive stories, 5 restaurants (from bistro to two Michelin-starred Enoteca) and impeccable service place this hotel at the premium end of the contemporary luxury scale.

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. 

For a luxury city centre stay, in the heart of Seville’s labyrinthine old town, then choose the family-owned Hotel Corral del Rey Seville, a historic property full of eclectic, creative style and upscale elegance. Corral del Rey is one of the most established boutique hotels in the city. Created by a family with a consistent track record in luxury hospitality, the property is within converted ‘Casa Palacios’; striking noble houses once homes to the city’s wealthy when Seville was at the epicentre of world trade with the Americas.