Best Historical Hotels in Spain

A former nobleman’s home dating from the 1900s, Can Albertí 1740 Boutique Hotel has grown from a six-bedroom residence to offering 14 bedrooms across its three stories. Recognisable by its salmon pink and white front elevation with wrought iron balconies, it’s both striking and romantic. Inside, vintage styling — nodding to the building’s heritage — melds with contemporary Mediterranean furnishings. Guests can access an honesty bar, a leafy courtyard and a terrace perfect for sundowners, and the concierge is on hand to arrange spa treatments and dish out parasols and towels for beach use.

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.

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.

Personal service, exclusivity, and tranquillity. These are just some of the words that describe family-owned Atzaró, which has made a name for itself as a carefully crafted bubble of peace and tranquillity on an island known for adventure. Atzaró brings together authentic design with modern comfort, offering a gentle oasis filled with private hideaways. Known for its stunning pools and lily ponds, Atzaró is a firm favourite amongst those who want a secluded retreat. Situated slightly away from the party avenues, Atzaró is perfectly primed for those wanting to explore the countryside.

The grand five star establishment sits across from Playa de los Peligros beach, looking out imperiously over the Bay of Biscay from its hilltop location. Stay here for classic grandeur – majestic French-style hallways, marble bathrooms, wrought-iron balconies, floor to ceiling windows, heavy drapes, Queen Anne furnishings and parquet floors are all found within. The hotel has 123 bedrooms, gardens featuring no less than 80 varieties of rose, a large terrace and the 12 table El Puntal Restaurant, dressed in white linen and silver. Eurostars Hotel Real is also home to one of Europe’s most advanced thalassotherapy centres, the Talasoterapia wellbeing centre, with sauna, Turkish bath and jacuzzi.

Sensitively restored, this 17th-century palace retains its original charm and character, oozing with atmosphere while offering modern amenities. Guests are accommodated in 46 elegant and serene bedrooms in soft neutral colours with tactile fabrics. The in-house restaurant competes ably with local options, offering drinks and food by the glamorous outdoor pool. And the columned spa with its bamboo feature art, hydro jetted pool and hot tub is a real oasis — the perfect antidote to a hard day’s sightseeing. Hotel Hospes Palacio de Arenales makes for a lovely city spa break, or for a cultural mini-moon.

Back in the 16th century, this mansion house on the Passeig de Colom was the home of a nobleman. Now restored as a boutique hotel, it riffs on minimalism, making the most of local wood and stone in the decor. Rooms come with welcome cakes and chocolates and Nespresso coffee machines, some with views of the port. Dine on tapas dishes in the restaurant or on the rooftop terrace (where you’ll also find its two open-air pools). Take light night drinks in the monochrome cocktail lounge and have a tinkle on its grand piano — snacks and pastries are provided here during the afternoons.

Mas de Torrent captivates as an elegant, timeless sanctuary in the Empordà countryside of Costa Brava. This distinguished Relais & Châteaux property centres around an 18th-century Catalan masía (farmhouse) that has been restored while preserving its authentic character and soul. The estate encompasses sophisticated suites distributed between the historic main building, garden bungalows and two signature suites, some featuring private pools and secluded terraces with sweeping views across the golden landscape.

There’s the signature Mas de Torrent restaurant showcasing Catalan culinary heritage, to rejuvenating treatments at the spectacular 600m² standalone Mas Spa with its heated indoor pool.

C’an Beneït offers authentic agrotourism at the foothills of the UNESCO Tramuntana mountains in the Binibona valley. This historic fortified medieval farmhouse sits on over 70 hectares with 10 distinctive guest rooms, each reflecting the estate’s unique architecture. The estate grows its own produce including citrus fruits, vegetables and herbs, with resident gardener Sebastià tending the orchards. A separate 500m² private villa accommodates six guests with three bedrooms, private pool and full kitchen.

Finca Serena offers a refined escape to authentic Mallorca, set on a 40-hectare estate of vineyards, olive groves and rolling countryside near the village of Montuïri. This 25-room boutique resort combines traditional architecture with contemporary design and sophisticated hospitality. Dine at Jacaranda Restaurant on estate-grown produce, unwind at Único Spa (Spain’s Best Resort Spa 2024), and explore walking trails through vineyards. Just 30 minutes from the airport on quiet rural roads.

Can Lluc offers authentic Ibiza away from the party scene. This 300-year-old family estate near the village of Sant Rafel provides 25 rooms, suites and villas across rolling countryside. Dine on traditional recipes under the stars, relax by the infinity pool, and explore vineyards and pine forests. The perfect base for discovering the island’s quieter side.

Hacienda de San Rafael is a classic Spanish hacienda surrounded by rural estate farmland, close to the romantic Andalusian capital of Seville. This palatial estate is a luxe Andalusian retreat. Guest rooms and duplex suites are found within the main manor house; whilst in the landscaped grounds are individual villa suites or ‘casitas’ with access to a dedicated pool. Facilities include a restaurant, bar; and sports like tennis and padel, as well as swimming pools, yoga and massage. Activities on offer embrace horse-riding, and cultural tours to nearby cities such as the sherry wine city of Jerez, and Seville, the capital of Andalucia.