Best Urban Hotels in Spain

Situated right in the centre of bustling Madrid, on the infamous Gran Via, the NH Collection Madrid of Gran Via is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to explore Madrid’s thriving historical city centre. The must-see Plaza Mayor and iconic Prado Museum are all in walking distance.  Guests can easily travel further afield as the Gran Via underground station is situated right next to the hotel’s elegant façade. The NH Collection Madrid’s 94 soundproofed and modern rooms allows guests a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, with ever-friendly staff on hand to provide advice on where to visit. Guests can also dine on the delicious Mediterranean cuisine of the hotel’s acclaimed Picalagartos restaurant as they gaze over the city’s skyline. For a more casual dining experience, guests can enjoy tapas and cocktails made by the in-house mixologist on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.

With interiors akin to the kinds of superyachts that come and go from the adjacent marina, NH Collection Ibiza is a little alternative (by Ibizan standards) and very trendy. 38 rooms come with Bang & Olufsen speakers, Illy coffee machines, Balearic-sourced Ayurvedic essential oils and Dead Clean bath products. At the heart of the resort is a triangular saltwater pool; a challenge for lengths, but a triumph for Instagramming, a cocktail in the hand and designer sunnies on the head. Izakaya has a bohemian edge and serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion food, including sushi and Sakana small plates, while The Butcher restaurant does a mean Aberdeen Angus beef burger and serves drinks till well after sunrise.

This Grand Luxe hotel occupies what was once the Palau Vedruna, dating back to the 19th century. In 1992 it was completely remodelled to create 124 suites, resplendent in Brazilian rosewood panelling, silk and leather upholstery. Make free calls and use the data on your in-room mobile, and enjoy White Company toiletries. Fans of art, Egypt and all things Avant-garde will especially appreciate the aesthetics here – the owner Jordi Clos is an Egyptologist, with a selection of his collection forming a small museum on the first floor. Dine at the East 47 first-floor restaurant, grab some delectable dim sum at Mr Kao or eat on the rooftop with a view, when the weather is clement.

Only YOU Hotel Málaga is conveniently located in the city centre in the symbolic La Equitativa building and is the perfect base to explore the capital city of the Costa del Sol. The vibe throughout the hotel is relaxed yet sophisticated combining an art deco style with an urban Mediterranean touch. Room options range from classic through to spacious suites – all of which present refined Mediterranean décor with warm tones, natural light, stunning views and soundproofing – for private outdoor space opt for a Terrace suite. Residents and non-residents have the choice of two restaurants within the hotel; Carmen Restaurant is more informal, with gastro-pub style all-day dining through to late drinks. Lola Restaurant serves the finest Mediterranean dishes, with a local and seasonal menu – located on the seventh floor the views are stunning and the atmosphere stylish. The rooftop bar, Lolita with the infinity pool is the crowning glory in this stylish hotel; sweeping views across the city, a chill-out area, extensive bar and light bites make it the perfect place to unwind and admire the beauty of Malaga.

Located in a 19th-century building in Valencia’s Eixample Noble District this chic boutique hotel perfectly reflects the elegance and charm of Valencia. Each of the stylishly appointed 66 rooms and suites offers guests plenty of space, modern amenities and natural light. Valencian gastronomy crafted using local produce is served in the traditional Andalusian style Ampar restaurant with a welcoming and charming atmosphere. Al fresco dining and drinks can be enjoyed on the terrace and informal garden space. Within the hotel is Bodyna spa, the ultimate place to relax and enjoy wellness experiences along with an indoor pool-jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a fitness area. The boutique hotel is within easy walking distance of the historic centre where guests will find themselves in one of the most vibrant and enchanting areas of the city.

Part of the Marriott group, this hotel is one of the finest in the city. Declared an artistic and historic monument, the building was once the Santa Paula Convent (in the 16th century) and the Casa Morisca (in the 17th century). Its restaurant, El Claustro, is the former convent refectory, now home to a modern dining concept. 66 rooms and seven suites (some of which offer full accessibility) now occupy a total of five floors, with minibars and cable TV alongside beamed ceilings, wooden floors and views framed by arched windows. There’s also a fitness centre on-site and around-the-clock room service.

Dating back to the 18th century, this building accommodates 302 bedrooms across classic and premium categories and seven levels of suites, the highest featuring a huge panoramic terrace). The decor offers plenty of nods to its heritage, with antique and vintage pieces alongside modern comforts. It’s also home to the award-winning El Jardín restaurant, serving traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist by Chef Miguel de la Fuente (the Sunday buffet brunch here is quite the spread). The Caroli Health Club comprises a fitness centre, a sauna, treatment rooms and a Turkish bath.

Tucked away in amongst the narrow medieval streets of the old centre of Palma is Posada Terra Santa – an unassuming boutique hotel housed in the Boixador Baron’s former stately home (dating back to 1576). A large central patio leads off to the reception area as well as peaceful interior patios which reflect the out-door/in-door feeling that many traditional Spanish homes are known for. Follow the flower-filled urns that adorn the stairs up to the main body of the hotel. The Posada Terra Santa has kept the original layout of the 26-bedroomed home, each of which are decorated in taupes, greys, and light luxurious neutrals, keeping a comfortable and cool elegance running throughout the hotel. There is an almost Scandi-inspired design element to the hotel with modern furniture design and lots of wood. The rooms are situated higher up in the townhouse so most have views out across the terracotta tiled rooves. La Despensa del Baron restaurant is a lovely place to chill out – the original 14th-century gothic arches provide for a shady arcade under which to enjoy some local wine and tapas. The hotel too has an abundance of common space including a terrace with a solarium and small heated swimming pool, a cosy library, and an honesty bar perfect for midnight snacks.

Situated within the Santa Cruz historic and artistic district of Seville, amongst Royal Citadels and the world’s oldest bullfighting ring, La Mastranza, is your next luxurious stay – Hotel Colón Gran Meliá. Showcasing a chic and minimalistic design, each of the 156 guestrooms and 28 suites are adorned in red and gold tones with award-winning furnishings that blend the two aesthetics seamlessly into their own. With room options to suit any kind of traveller, you can immerse yourself in each floor of the hotel which is dedicated to a different Spanish artist, such as El Greco.  Its ideal and scenic location isn’t all it has to offer, with top-class dining experiences available at the El Burladero combining traditional Andalusian cooking with a dose of modernity, and Fitness facilities to keep your body and mind in shape During your next stay in Seville, at Hotel Colón Gran Meliá you are the star, with red carpet-worthy hospitality awaiting you.

Set right on the edge of the pristine white sand of the Playa del Inglés, this five star establishment treats guests to a taste of the finer things in life. As the name suggests, this establishment boasts several spacious suites for guests to choose from and one of the choicest options is the Sky Suite. In addition to providing guests with a huge freestanding tub in the bathroom as well as an Illy espresso machine, this decadent suite also comes complete with a complimentary Audi A1 Sportback hire car. The balcony is also set with comfortable chairs that light up at night and couples are sure to want to take advantage of the decadent room service menu so that they can spend plenty of time here gazing out at the scenery.

Portella occupies a restored 17th-century palace in Palma’s old town, a few steps from the Arab Baths and within easy walking of the Cathedral. Beyond the discreet entrance you find a leafy courtyard, a roof terrace with city views, a small wellness area with a stone hammam, and a home-style kitchen led by an in-house chef. The 14 rooms and suites include connecting options that form generous family apartments. Private kitchenettes in select suites.

This palatial 18th-century mansion house turned boutique hotel will suit urban explorers wishing to soak in the city’s heritage. 14 bedrooms have their original sash windows and beams, complemented by Farrow and Ball palettes. The hotel may be small, but there are several places for guests to gather; in the sophisticated lounge beside the modern wood burner, at the bar, over a tasting menu in the bistro, in the walled courtyard garden and on a deckchair beside the plunge pool. Descend to the restored cellar, where you’ll find a “hidden” serene spa with limestone walls.