Best Urban Hotels in Spain

The Mercer Barcelona is an oasis of calm in the heart of the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. It’s housed in a building with architectural styles ranging from Roman times to the present day and finished with contemporary sympathetic features. Two restaurants and a rooftop plunge pool make this a perfect hotel for a weekend shopping and sightseeing break. Service is unpretentious and polished and rooms are set around a quiet breakfast patio.

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.

With its concept deeply rooted in the island’s culture, S’hotelet Des Born is centrally located in Ciutadella de Menorca, close to the infamous Plaza del Borne, found on Menorca’s stunning south eastern coast. Exquisitely designed, this five-star hotel truly is a sophisticated sanctuary. Enjoy the spacious rooms, nearby restaurants and spa. The Thalis Spa, built in an ancient cave forming part of the hotel’s basement, provides a peaceful oasis in which to relax and replenish.

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.

Hidden along a quiet street in Madrid’s elegant Chamberí district, Hotel Orfila offers the intimate charm of a grand private residence. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the 19th-century mansion houses 32 individually styled rooms and suites filled with antiques, silk drapes, and classic art, creating an ambience of refined serenity.

The hotel’s tranquil inner garden serves as an oasis amid the city bustle — a rare luxury in central Madrid. Culinary excellence is at the heart of the experience, with El Jardín de Orfila, led by Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval, serving exquisite Spanish cuisine in a romantic garden setting. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or cocktails in the drawing-room bar.

Moments from the Prado and Retiro Park, Hotel Orfila combines old-world elegance with discreet, personalised service the embodiment of Madrid’s cultivated soul.

The bold hotel El Llorenç, Parc de la Mar in Palma’s historic Calatrava neighbourhood adds style and sparkle to the area. This unique design hotel has superb interiors and guestrooms by Swedish designer, Magnus Ehrland; destination dining by acclaimed and self-assured Mallorca chef Santi Taura; a luxe spa; and a truly wow-factor triple-level roof terrace with an infinite pool that elevates the hotel design to new heights. This latest opening confirms Palma as the Mediterranean’s hip hotel hot spot.

Set in the centre of Seville, one of Europe’s most captivating cities, is the sparkling new Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla. This property, Spain’s first Radisson Collection Hotel, is a place of distinctive contemporary elegance, and exquisite attention to detail, offering guests and city visitors outstanding signature dining, with its Eneko Basque restaurant, created by Michelin Star chef Eneko Atxa, as well as the Justa Rufina ‘taste & sky’ restaurant and rooftop bar.

Just off Passeig de Gràcia, a stone’s throw from Gaudí’s Casa Milà and close to Avinguda Diagonal, home to most of Barcelona’s designer boutiques, sits Barcelona’s the Sir Victor Hotel. Its ever-evolving design has kept its cutting edge since it opened in 2003 and the hotel’s restaurant Moo is one of Barcelona’s best. The communal areas are a work of art, with the 91 rooms taking a crisp and fresh design and featuring original artworks, Bose sound systems, Nespresso machines and rainfall showers The hotel’s rooftop terrace and plunge swimming pool are the pinnacles of urban living.

The AC Hotel Alicante is a great choice for business and recreational guests alike. Situated a stone’s throw away from the nearby commercial centre, city centre and Paseo de la Explanada the AC Hotel Alicante is a good base from which to explore Alicante. The rooms are sleek and modern to give guests optimal comfort. The hotels fully equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool gives guests the opportunity to stay fit and relax after a day of work or recreation. The Hotel also has an onsite lounge where guests can work in during the day and enjoy a cocktail in at night. Whilst the lounge does offer some limited food options there is no onsite restaurant, yet this encourages guests to go out and explore the culinary delights of Alicante.

The traditional Majorcan patio with magnificent arches and lush plants welcomes you to the Can Cera hotel. The layout of this hotel hints to its past as a family home and although the building has been renovated, there are still plenty of original features. There are lots of common spaces in the hotel including the Recibidor meeting room, the intimate Salon Dorado, the comfortable Bibliotecca or reading room, and the top floor Terraza with views over the old city rooves. With only 14 rooms this hotel is small and elegant. The rooms are spacious and bright with traditional Majorcan influences. French doors lead out onto Juliette balconies and the bathrooms are simple and modern in muted tones. Each room has a different character much like the rooms of a house, adding to the feeling of comfortable luxury. The hotel is also home to a spa which includes a Finnish sauna, Hamman sauna and a Jacuzzi.

The Hotel Santo Mauro is a 19th-century luxurious hotel in the heart of Madrid. It has recently undergone renovations with new and improved interior design. The hotel offers a unique experience – it was the residence of Duke of Santo Mauro, an influential figure in shaping Madrid’s 19th-century society. It neighbours the district of Chamberi and has a 1,000 square metres garden offering the beautiful scents of rose bushes and horse chestnuts. The lavish restaurant was formerly the library and with a suite of meeting rooms, Santo Mauro is popular with business travellers. Additionally, the five-star hotel has a Chinese Lounge and a Gin bar where you can relax after a long day of Spanish sightseeing.

Located on the newer Barcelona boardwalk area, with views looking out to sea this hotel has the WOW factor from start to finish. Away from the city centre, this is perfect for beachgoers but like the Hotel Arts Barcelona, you will need to take a taxi to reach the city centre. With a nod towards Dubai’s Burj al Arab, the W looks like a giant sail at sea. The funky poolside area feels like you’re in Miami. And with three restaurants and a super trendy lounge bar, this a great hotel to feel instantly in the holiday party mood.