
Best Urban Hotels in Spain
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a urban hotel in Spain. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of urban hotels in Spain is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
Community of Madrid, Madrid, Centro, Opera
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá
(5 stars)The Hotel Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques is found in the refined Hasburg district, a short distance from The Royal Palace, Opera House and Cathedral. This modern resort is housed in a 13th-century convent and a 19th-century palace. It’s a popular choice for families, with 160 spacious rooms and a babysitting service. There’s also a valet, concierge, four eateries, 24-hour room service, a translation service, private tours, personal shoppers, a spa, a fitness centre and a lush peaceful garden. Plush textiles, period features and geometric patterns all merge to create a contemporary urban vibe. The hotel is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, and part of the wider Melia Group.
Community of Madrid, Madrid, Centro
Hotel NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa
(5 stars)Originally designed by Juan de Villanueva (whose other work included the iconic Prado Museum), this 18th-century mansion house has been given new and stylish interiors by the NH Collection. The brand is skilled at preserving the charm of heritage buildings while infusing a playful trendiness and this is no exception — an especially nice touch are the glass-covered exhibits on the ground floor. Single bedrooms through to family suites can be booked, there are 85 rooms in total, with those on the top floor providing skylights and wooden cathedral ceilings. The hotel is surrounded by theatres and other points of interest.
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Palma
Calatrava Mediterranean Sea House
(5 stars)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.
Cantabria, Santander
Gran Hotel Sardinero Santander
(4 stars)Occupying a refurbished building in the centre of Santander the Gran Hotel Sardinero is the perfect place from which to explore the delights of Santander with the Gran Casino and Magdelena Palace only moments away. Whilst the hotel occupies a historic building its interior is modern and has a maritime feel to it. Its rooms are elegant and welcoming with many boasting glorious sea views and some having private terraces where guests can sit out and watch the sunset over the glorious Bay of Biscay. The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on its gastronomic excellence offering guests a range of traditional meals which are made only with the finest local produce. The restaurant is open and spacious making it the perfect place for fine dining. The Gran Hotel Sardinero is a great choice for travellers who like relaxed luxury and who want to explore all the sites Santander has to offer.
Andalucía, Seville, Old town
Querencia de Sevilla, Autograph Collection
(4 stars)As part of the Marriott’s Autograph Hotel Collection, you can immerse yourself in true Spanish culture at Querencia de Sevilla while staying opposite to the famous Gothic Cathedral in the city’s most famous square. On top of its ideal location, you can find comfort like no other in their warm bedrooms and suites which feature natural fabrics and local products while its Spanish influence continues to exude. From private terraces to separate living spaces, there’s an option for every kind of need during your stay. When you are not soaking in the atmosphere of Seville or enjoying a cocktail on the El Mirador de Querencia rooftop, you can savour the true culinary delights at La Maestría or create memories with your loved ones in the adjoining bar. As well as this Querencia de Sevilla offers dining packages, a fully equipped gym and outdoor rooftop pool.Regardless of your reason for being in Seville, add that extra bit of luxury by choosing to stay at the Querencia de Sevilla, part of the Autograph Hotel Collection.
Catalonia, Girona
Hotel Palau Fugit
Palau Fugit transforms an 18th-century baroque palace in Girona’s historic quarter into a contemporary boutique hotel where contemporary art and culture complements rich heritage. This intimate property, with characterful original stone walls and beamed ceilings is also home to local creativity, with commissioned murals, sculptures as well as custom room fragrances. The hotel’s philosophy centres on ‘La Vida Plena’ – living life to the full – encouraging guests to disconnect from routine and reconnect with culture, nature and the present moment.
Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, Corralejo
H10 Ocean Dreams Boutique Hotel
(4 stars)H10 Ocean Dreams Boutique Hotel is a tranquil, adults-only getaway in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. There are 94 spacious guestrooms and suites which have been stylishly decorated and include every contemporary comfort. The hotel is located approximately 500m from a beautiful white sand beach and near the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. There is a large outdoor heated swimming pool fitted with underwater massage beds. The hotel also boasts a solarium with Balinese beds and the indulgent Despacio Thalasso Centre with its dynamic pool, chromotherapy shower, Hammam, sauna, gymnasium, and lush treatment room. H10 Ocean Dreams features live music and professional performances at night time to entertain guests. Citrus Restaurant and the Tragaluz Bar and Terrace make for the perfect venues to unwind and enjoy a selection of delicious food and beverage options including tapas and cocktails.
Galicia, A Coruña
Meliá Maria Pita
(4 stars)On A Coruna’s seaside promenade stands the exquisite Melia Maria Pita A Coruna. This hotel is great for exploring A Coruna’s cultural sites and beaches as it is only minutes away from the old town and adjacent to Riazor Beach. The rooms are peaceful and modern, with many boasting glorious views of Orzan Bay. The hotel has a fully equipped gym as well as high-speed Wi-Fi and work areas in rooms which make it the perfect choice for those travelling for business. The hotel’s fabulous Trueiro Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine as well as local Galician delicacies to guests who want a more relaxed dining experience. The hotel also serves a delicious breakfast buffet every morning to fuel your day of adventures in A Coruna.
Catalonia, Barcelona, Ciutat Vella
Ohla Hotel Barcelona
(5 stars)Offering understated luxury, the Ohla Hotel is located on the busy Via Laietana, the border between Barri Gòtic and Born areas. The style here is hip, smart and chic, inviting to both holidaymakers and young professionals visiting for business. Games consoles, massages and round-the-clock room service are all part of the appeal at this 74-room boutique hotel. The awe-inspiring glass-sided rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind before enjoying a refined dinner at the Michelin-starred Caelis restaurant or sampling a sensory journey of different culinary traditions in the form of tapas and small plates to share at La Plassohla – both led by Chef Romain Fornell.
Balearic Islands, Majorca
Hotel Cappuccino – Palma
(5 stars)Each of the 32 bedrooms at this boutique hotel has been individually decorated, with interior design by Paris-based Jacques Grange. Splashes of bold colour are blended with quirky accents, classic luxe styling and comforting conveniences including blackout drapes and soundproofing. Look out from your balcony onto the ancient olive tree of the Plaça de Cort below, or head up to the chic rooftop pool and terrace where you’ll be afforded far-reaching views over the old city. A calming stone-walled wellness zone with a gym and jacuzzi is found inside, along with a Japanese eatery and a bijou in-house cinema.
Community of Madrid, Madrid, Chamberi
NH Collection Madrid Abascal Hotel
(4 stars)Housed in a 19th-century building in the capital’s commercial district, the NH Collection Madrid Abascal Hotel was formerly an embassy and home to one of the city’s wealthiest families. Now its 193 bedrooms are decorated in an all-white palette, with premium suites adding furnished terraces. Guests can sip cocktails by Diego Cabrera in the bar, dine from Spanish seasonal menus in the restaurant and relax with a book in the cool courtyard. There’s a bijou gym on the premises, but those staying here also have access to a larger fitness centre across the road.
Community of Madrid, Madrid, Centro, Sol
Gran Hotel Ingles
(5 stars)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.
