Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain

Cristine Bedfor Malaga is a creatively restored and decorated 1871 mansion, a new boutique 27-room guest house hotel that resonated with an imaginative world of storytelling and elegant hospitality. Opened this June at the corner of Calle Granada and Calle Méndez Núñez in Malaga’s historic old town, this enchanting property is the latest creation from Cristina Lozano. Each Cristine Bedfor property tells a chapter from the fictional life of Cristine Bedfor, and here in Malaga, we discover her childhood adventures on the floating island of Clementine

Found right across from the Guggenheim, this hotel occupies a prime position. Opened in 2002, it was considered the first to have been fully ‘made in Spain’. Designed by Javier Mariscal, it’s colourful and ultra-modern, presenting an impressive art collection. In addition to its overnight guests, it welcomes those wishing to frequent The Artist Grand Hotel of Art’s impressive roof terrace. The 145 rooms here are both soundproofed and air-conditioned, spread across its seven floors. Plus there’s a sleek spa and health club, lobby bar, cafe and restaurant – all complimenting the cutting edge contemporary aesthetic that runs throughout the building.

UMusic Hotel Madrid, located just a few steps from the Puerta del Sol, combines accommodation in a five-star hotel with the best entertainment of the refurbished UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz. The choice of a renowned and well-known property within the epicentre of the city’s music and entertainment scene is part of UMusic Hotels’ firm commitment to recover a historic building and bring it back to life for the local community. The hotel, boasting 130 guestrooms and suites (including accessible rooms), has undergone careful renovation, elevating it into a distinguished 5-star establishment renowned for its design and comfort across every guestroom and suite.  With two exquisite lobbies, the esteemed “El Albéniz” restaurant, an inviting outdoor swimming pool, and the exclusive rooftop “Nota Alta” offering breathtaking views of Madrid’s skyline, along with well-appointed meeting rooms and direct access to the iconic theatre within, the accommodation sets a new standard of hospitality. This marks an international debut for UMusic Hotels, uniting with other projects across Europe, the United States, and Latin America to craft immersive music-centered experiences.

With far-reaching views across Toledo (which are particularly spectacular after dark when the city is lit up), this suburban estate has some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the region including a pond with a water feature. Stay in one of 33 bedrooms or four exclusive jacuzzi villas; all of which are soundproofed, with fine linens and private terraces commanding views of the lake, the grounds, or the swimming pool. The architecture is in keeping with a traditional countryside finca, featuring original stone walls, timber beamed ceilings and authentic tiled roofs. Cigarral de las Mercedes is especially popular as a wedding destination.

Hang out downtown, steps from many of the city’s best restaurants at El Môderne Hotel. This central boutique property takes on a cool and contemporary urban style, with moody colours, all set in a historic building. There’s a Technogym, a solarium terrace on the roof of the hotel and a Champagne Bar that’s open every day from noon. Breakfast is served onsite, but for other meals, you’ll need to discover the host of options at your disposal on the doorstep. Book a suite for a little more space to work, dine or lounge in an armchair.

Sierra Nevada starts the winter season with the much-anticipated arrival of a new destination hotel, Maribel. This reimagined alpine ski chalet opens under the new ownership and management of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club, responsible for the renowned El Lodge Ski & Spa. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, Maribel is the sophisticated ski and après ski chalet with a mix of high-altitude fun both on and off the piste for families, friends, and winter sports enthusiasts. With a season that lasts until the start of spring and coincides with the winter sports period of the Sierra Nevada resort, Maribel will have 29 rooms and suites, including the signature Maribel Penthouse Suite. Situated at 2,250 metres, with direct access to the Maribel and Águila slopes, Maribel offers its guests the perfect plan on and off the pistes. Once at this alpine lifestyle hotel, guests will find a compelling blend of wellness and dining. The hotel’s lounge and bar, with a ski-in/ski-out outdoor terrace, promises a unique après ski atmosphere. Maribel’s restaurant provides a ‘dining club’ experience with an alpine flavour. There’s even a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can rest their weary muscles after a day on the slopes and unwind under the stars.

Embedded into the stunning island of La Gomera, Bancal Hotel & Spa blends the essence of luxury with environmentally conscious design and practices to give you a tranquil retreat with every modern comfort. There is an array of modern and stylish guestrooms and suites which enhance the beauty of the nature that surrounds you and invites in glorious sunlight. There are three dining venues to choose with options of gourmet dining with panoramic views, a buffet with show cooking, or a poolside terrace overlooking the sea. Each of the hotel’s five bars offer something distinct including live music at Silbo or poolside relaxation at Maraire. Guests are invited to completely unwind in AUALA Wellness & Spa and make use of its hydrotherapy circuit and treatment menu. There is also a 24-hour gym with indoor and outdoor fitness classes. The hotel boasts three adult pools and two children’s pools surrounded by sun decks in addition to the private adults-only Nudist Sun Deck.

Rising above a canopy of pines, with 360 views across the island, Teranka has emerged as a haven not only for a tranquil Mediterranean escape but for wellbeing retreats too. The 35-room property has a stunning infinity pool, a Garden Restaurant, and a Rooftop bar lounge. Drawing inspiration from the concept of terre d’ancrage – a secure haven amidst the elements of earth, sea, and sky – the essence of Teranka lies in its laid-back, natural aesthetic, which evokes Formentera’s free spirit. Teranka has also emerged as a well-being destination.

Casa del Limonero is a remarkable boutique guesthouse hotel, set in a historic Sevillian mansion, meticulously restored to highlight its striking architectural features including Mudéjar arches and central courtyard fountain. Tucked away on one of the Santa Cruz quarter’s quietest streets, near the Royal Academy of Literature and within sight of the Giralda bell tower and Seville Cathedral, it surrounds guests with layers of culture, design, and history.