Best Urban Hotels in Spain

The Serras is what luxury boutique hotels are made of. It is a jewel that is carefully tucked away in Barcelona with stunning views of Port Vell. The rooftop has a cocktail pool and a sitting area that affords guests gorgeous sights. There are sunbeds around the swimming pool where you can lie and soak in the sun. At night, you can sip cocktails at the bar as you watch the hotel’s Michelin-Star chef prepare different delicacies. On weekends, the bar has live DJ sessions to change things up. At The Serras Barcelona, you get to appreciate the lively neighbourhood of the El Born district and the Gothic Quarter.

This is another converted palace with a view of the bell tower, but this one dates from the fifteenth century. Despite the recent renovation, the original features and style have been respected, with rooms grouped around the central indoor courtyard, while another patio has its own well. The attention to detail continues with the care and attention that staff give to their visitors, with even kettles being provided. Terracotta flooring cools the bedrooms, some of which contain carved wooden ceilings; spaces range from standard double to suites, and there is disabled access. A Basque restaurant features a charcoal grill, and in another nod to that region, there’s also a Pintxos Bar.

Another property from a well-known chain, Autograph Collection’s Hotel Palacio Del Retiro is a 50-room boutique hotel. The building is just over 100 years old, having been re-imagined into its current form, from its original purpose as a grand home. Its location in the city’s magical art triangle is reflected in the eclectic design, fusing traditional Spanish style with contemporary simplicity. The Suite Bar serves light snacks and elaborate Mediterranean dishes, while the spa’s extensive menu provides everything from ayurvedic treatments to massage lessons, to fitness counselling. Guests can relax in the plunge pools and therapy baths and even get married in the hotel.

Soho is the creative nexus of the Mediterranean city of Malaga, and at the heart of this artsy city-centre neighbourhood is the Icon Malabar, a 4-star boutique hotel with style flair and a playful sense of creativity. Icon Malabar Malaga is a flagship property, 70 stylish rooms in a classic building in the vibrant Soho quarter, just a block away from the new Antonio Banderas Theatre, and minutes to the city’s Contemporary Art Centre.

The latest boutique property to open in Valencia, Hotel Palacio Vallier can boast it all: the best location, in the heart of old town; history, dating back to the Romans; stunning interior design; 31 charming guest rooms & suites; a chic rooftop bar, La Terraza; and a superb restaurant, La Perfumería – oh, and the team are great too. Hotel Palacio Vallier is part of a small Valencian group, MYR Hotels, of which Hotel Palacio Vallier is their flagship property, and understandably so as it truly defines what is a boutique luxury hotel.

The Cotton House Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, is housed in the former headquarters of the city’s cotton guild – a stunning 19th-century neo-classical property. We fell in love with this hotel from the second we walked through the door. Perfect for a romantic break, it offers easy access to the city’s major attractions, 83 refined rooms including some four-poster beds, divine Mediterranean cuisine, and even its own library. The communal areas are rich in history with original features and antique furniture. The rooftop pool with a view looking out to the Sagrada Familia is stunning as is the elegant terrace dining area and cocktail bar.

The Seda Club Hotel is situated in the very heart of Granada’s historic centre and is in close proximity to the Cathedral. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and boasts a collection of twenty lavish guestrooms, five suites and the exclusive La Alcoba Real – regal living quarters with plenty of space and every modern comfort with traditional design features. There is the sophisticated The Seda Club Restaurant offering local gastronomy with exciting international influences and a tasting menu. There is also the El Clandestino bar area serving a range of beverages and cocktails while the rooftop terrace has a cocktail bar and stunning views over the Plaza de la Trinidad and its exquisite baroque fountain. Hidden behind a bookshelf is the secret speakeasy-inspired private club where guests can relax in a chic and relaxing setting. The spa and wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and a selection of treatments.

This elegant establishment originally opened its doors to guests in 1929 and boasts a charming mix of ‘20s charm and luxurious modern conveniences. Sun worshippers are sure to enjoy soaking up the rays on the hotel’s private beach, while a pretty jetty can be found just a short stroll away. The hotel’s slightly elevated position provides guests with uninterrupted views of the bay from the main terrace, which is the perfect place to indulge in the generous daily breakfast buffet. The hotel also features tennis courts for guests to play a set or two on and special lessons are provided for guests on request so that they can brush up on their game during this special luxury break.

The flagship hotel of the VP chain, Plaza Espana Design prides itself on the unique design of its 214 rooms and mesmerising contemporary art. Minimalist in style with clean lines, the decor by Cuarto Interior, is award-winning. But there are plenty more reasons to stay here – the views, the spa, the sky bar and the stunning pool being just a few. The 12th-floor Ginko Restaurant provides wonderful vistas and the ideal spot for a sundowner, while the uber-modern spa is quintessential for urban relaxation. 1400 metres squared of meeting spaces ensure the Plaza Espana Design is regularly frequented by business travellers too.

Proving Alcudia isn’t all about young families, this is a hotel catering exclusively to adults. Exposed natural stone walls, pine beams, clean lines, Scandi furnishings, contemporary watercolour artworks, oversized freestanding tubs and industrial-chic lighting all contribute to a peaceful sophistication at Forum Boutique, which first opened in 2018. Guests can swim in an outdoor saltwater pool, relax in the interior garden and stargaze from the terrace hot tub. Forum Boutique has 16 bedrooms in total, a shared lounge and a bar and is located along a pretty cobbled street, a few minutes walk from the town marketplace.

An exceptional, contemporary hotel within an eighteenth-century palace, with spectacular rooms and suites that benefit from high ceilings, wooden floors and an elegant, residential style of interior design. Amenities are in keeping with its well-deserved five-star rating. CoolRooms Palacio Villapanes Hotel has Junior suites have sitting areas, while suites have expansive living areas, richly decorated with art, and a curated choice of coffee table books, and even iMac computers. Guests can also choose rooms with balconies and views over the city. Clients can take advantage of the wellness facilities, including a steam bath and a gym, and then relax in one of three typically Spanish courtyards. Or take a dip in the rooftop pool and enjoy the sight of the iconic Giralda tower.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is the luxurious Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas, situated along Gran Canaria’s Playa de las Canteras. This adults-only hotel boasts 306 luminous rooms and suites with the option of beach or sea views and spacious terraces. The accommodation offers feature ‘The Romance’ – a stunning sea-view room with a whirlpool bath for two. Guests can dine in the morning or in the evenings in the Areca Restaurant. There is also the option to lounge in the Lobby Bar or soak up the sun in the Beach Club Pool Bar. This 5-star escape offers an outdoor heated swimming pool and a solarium for guests to relax in style. Guests can make the most of the fully equipped gym and state-of-the-art event spaces the hotel has to offer. Hotel Cristina by Tigotan is conveniently located near to the city’s commercial district and shopping centres.