Best Historical Hotels in Spain

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.

An air of the aristocratic combines with a botanical theme, as greenery climbs oil-painting clad walls inside the Can Bordoy Grand House. 24 bedrooms have opulent gilt touches, sparkling chandeliers, ornate mirrors, rich contemporary fabrics and freestanding tubs. As with the decor, plants and sustainable ingredients are central to the cuisine served at its restaurant, Botànic. The candlelit spa features the iconic building’s original 12th-century natural stone walls and offers treatments using vegan SCENS products and therapies by Swiss Perfection. And a rooftop terrace provides cathedral views; a lovely spot to sunbathe and sip on champagne.

Found in a restored and renovated 19th-century mansion that used to belong to the Aloma Femenia family, the Saint Francesc is right at the heart of Palma’s historic town centre. The building itself is of neo-classical 19th-century style although inside the décor is paired back and contemporary with classic touches. The use of light marble and wood textures, stone checkerboard or stained wood parquet flooring, and huge arched glass windows, create a luxurious but warm feeling – the lobby looks more like the entrance to a beautiful modern art gallery than a hotel. Most of the 42 rooms and suites have exposed wood beams, covered verandas, and original frescos and mouldings. There is an impressive collection of modern art and photography, some of which have been privately commissioned for the hotel. There is of course an obligatory roof terrace with particularly impressive panoramic views over Palma’s old town. For the night owls and those who are more active, the Spa and fitness area are open 24/7.

Hotel Cort is truly unique in its style. The hotel is reminiscent of seaside retreats with subtle nods towards traditional Spanish abodes whilst retaining a luxurious feel. It is obvious that when designing the hotel, they aimed to keep it feeling homey and comfortable. The rooms themselves have a relaxing ambience and each room is unique in design, from the lemon tree-filled suite, to the Hamptons-like room with sailing-inspired pieces. As for exploring the rest of the hotel that is an adventure for each visitor to partake in – there are multiple bars and terraces tucked away in corners and up staircases that are just waiting to be discovered!

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.

Located in a listed 19th-century building in the Catalan modernist style, and in the same block as La Pedrera, the H10 Casa Mimosa is an exclusive superior four-star hotel that opened its doors in 2016. The elegant, timeless interior combines cosmopolitan design with the building’s original modernist structure. There are 48 spacious rooms, the El Til•ler Restaurant, a lobby bar with access to a leafy garden with a swimming pool and sun lounger area, as well as a stunning chill-out terrace on the top floor, El Cel de Gaudí, complete with a plunge pool and stunning views of La Pedrera. The hotel also has a meeting room located in a former coach house, enabling guests to combine business and pleasure.

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.

Part of the collection of Curio by Hilton Hotels, the designer boutique Hotel Alexandra is located in a renovated 19th-century building near Passeig de Gracia, the fashion and cultural heart of the city. The 116 rooms feature traditional features such as original mosaic flooring mixed with contemporary fixtures and furnishings in a warm but neutral palette of greys and browns. The hotel is minimal but still warm and comfortable and full of the added extras expected of a luxury residence. Suites here are extra special, many with terraces and outdoor bathtubs, and for the budding foodies, the hotel is home to a two-floor brasserie and an amazing charcuterie bar – the best place for some wine and nibbles after a hard day sight-seeing!

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.

A former 19th-century military fortress carved into golden cliffs overlooking Palma Bay, Cap Rocat stands as one of Mallorca’s most extraordinary hotels. This clifftop retreat features just 30 unique rooms and suites built into the original fortress structure. Dine at La Fortaleza restaurant for avant-garde cuisine, unwind at the Sea Club’s waterfront setting, and rejuvenate at the underground spa carved 12 metres into the rock.

In a dreamy location in the Galatzo nature reserve, with the Tramuntana Mountains as a backdrop and just a short walk from Puigpunyent village is Gran Hotel Son Net. This beautifully Spanish country house is resplendent with marble floors, tall vaulted ceilings, and sumptuous textiles, walls are adorned with quirky artworks by the likes of David Hockney interspersed with antiques and historic bits and pieces. The main lobby is a cavernous space with lofty ceilings, tiled floors and comfy sofas. The 31 rooms are uniquely styled and super spacious. They each have a lovely romantic rustic charm about them, many with beamed ceilings, patios all with stunning marble bathrooms. The hotel boasts an intimate cocktail bar, a 30-metre pool set amongst lush manicured gardens, wellness centre for treatments and massages which can also be carried out alfresco, plus an incredible treehouse that can accommodate up to 8 guests for special occasions! For gourmet dining, Oleum is the hotel’s offering, a restaurant with exposed stone walls and old wooden beams. Gran Hotel Son Net is the ideal Spanish countryside retreat.

Deià maybe just a small mountain town on the island, but it is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire region the Belmond Le Residencia. Surrounded by lush greenery and uninterrupted views, La Residencia has a relaxed and artistic feel that is worlds away from the more generic international hotel chains we have grown used to. Every single one of the hotel’s rooms, suites and villas is decorated in a specific style, and no two parts are the same. Guests will love the facilities on the property, which include a full spa, several restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a full fitness facility, an art gallery and even a shuttle that goes directly into the heart of Deià.