Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain

In the leafy Calle de Claudio Coello, in Madrid’s chic Salamanca District, is Hotel Único, one of the capital’s most iconic and sought-after boutique properties. Once a noble private mansion, Hotel Único epitomises the understated elegance of this 19th residential neighbourhood, originally built with the help of the 1st Marquess of Salamanca. The guest rooms have recently been beautifully remodelled by designer Maria Santos. This is the capital’s most upscale and desirable area, where the streets are lined with elegant boutiques, designer stores, galleries, and the most fashionable places to eat and drink. The perfect location for an elegant stay in the city.

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.

Situated in the beautiful and buzzing Santa Cruz District of Seville is your next luxurious stay, EME Catedral Mercer Hotel, where opulence meets history. Selected by the MICHELIN Guide Spain 2024, a 5-star stay has never been this desirable. Each room and suite are designed to allow you to get lost in your Seville dream, bring relaxation to your stay, and allow you to soak in the city from the comfort of your own room. Inspired by Almohad art and fused with contemporary and minimalistic design, the EME Catedral Mercer Hotel brings serenity to a busy visit. With a commitment to gastronomy, the EME Catedral Mercer Hotel blends tradition and avant-garde to make your meals the most memorable explosion of the senses, with various restaurant options on-site: AL LADO, Mi Arma, and The Corner Lobby Bar. The Hotel also offers extraordinary Spa packages to relax and rewind during your stay. Choose perfection at the heart of stunning Seville by renewing yourself at the EME Catedral Mercer Hotel.

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.

Located in a former 19th-century palace, Can Alomar preserves much of the elegance of the original building. A lesson in understated style and luxury, the hotel combines the splendour and space of a palace with contemporary furnishings and finishes. With only 16 rooms which include 9 suites, this hotel is truly boutique in size. Décor is sophisticated and discreet – walls are painted in neutral tones, adorned with modern art, and textiles are kept sumptuous and luxurious. We adore the discreet but attentive luxury concierge, whilst the plunge pool and solarium on the roof is an ideal spot for chilling out with views of the cathedral and bay of Palma. There is even a charming tower at the top of the hotel available for private massages and celebrations. Dinner takes place in the stylish De Tokia a Lima restaurant, serving up a creative and unique selection of Mediterranean, Peruvian and Japanese gastronomy either in a relaxed brasserie-like interior or on the tranquil terrace overlooking the Paseo del Borne.

The Gran Hotel Miramar has brought 5-star glamour back to Malaga capital, the birthplace of Picasso. Opened in 1926 by Alfonso XIII, the hotel has been completely restored and the new interior design is different for each floor being decorated in a different style, these being either Arabic, Mediterranean or Modernist. Book one of the extraordinary signature suites, the Crown Suite (with a circular bed!); or the Royal Suite with its exceptional and expansive private, sea-facing terrace. This hotel is situated in the heart of the city of Malaga, so there are plenty of shops and museums within walking distance.

With more than a hundred years of history, this five-star hotel has played host to an impressive number of celebrities over the years. While the original majesty and glamour of the hotel has been preserved, the décor and furnishings, along with its 253 rooms and suites, many of which present beautiful sea views or spacious outdoor terraces, have received a modern update. Boasting a comprehensive Spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, fitness centre and seasonal outdoor pools, there are plenty of facilities to relax and re-energise in. The hotel concierge can also arrange for guests to use nearby golf courses. Restaurants include Brasserie Sorolla serving traditional cuisine that is creative and beautifully presented whilst less formal al fresco dining can be enjoyed at KIOSKO Chill & Grill with tapas dishes and favourites from the grill served to the summer beats of resident DJ. Located directly on Las Arenas Beach and with easy access to Valencia’s city centre this hotel is a great choice for those who enjoy a resort vibe and the independence to explore the local area.

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.

With its concept deeply rooted in the island’s culture, S’hotelet Des Born is centrally located in Ciutadella de Menorca, close to the infamous Plaza del Borne, found on Menorca’s stunning south eastern coast. Exquisitely designed, this five-star hotel truly is a sophisticated sanctuary. Enjoy the spacious rooms, nearby restaurants and spa. The Thalis Spa, built in an ancient cave forming part of the hotel’s basement, provides a peaceful oasis in which to relax and replenish.

Hidden along a quiet street in Madrid’s elegant Chamberí district, Hotel Orfila offers the intimate charm of a grand private residence. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the 19th-century mansion houses 32 individually styled rooms and suites filled with antiques, silk drapes, and classic art, creating an ambience of refined serenity.

The hotel’s tranquil inner garden serves as an oasis amid the city bustle — a rare luxury in central Madrid. Culinary excellence is at the heart of the experience, with El Jardín de Orfila, led by Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval, serving exquisite Spanish cuisine in a romantic garden setting. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or cocktails in the drawing-room bar.

Moments from the Prado and Retiro Park, Hotel Orfila combines old-world elegance with discreet, personalised service the embodiment of Madrid’s cultivated soul.

The bold hotel El Llorenç, Parc de la Mar in Palma’s historic Calatrava neighbourhood adds style and sparkle to the area. This unique design hotel has superb interiors and guestrooms by Swedish designer, Magnus Ehrland; destination dining by acclaimed and self-assured Mallorca chef Santi Taura; a luxe spa; and a truly wow-factor triple-level roof terrace with an infinite pool that elevates the hotel design to new heights. This latest opening confirms Palma as the Mediterranean’s hip hotel hot spot.

The Lopesan Baobab Resort is a five-star sanctuary in Gran Canaria’s Meloneras area. The hotel uniquely features African-inspired architecture and décor throughout. It boasts a marvellous selection of expertly decorated rooms and suites and features the Lopesan Baobab Royal Suite and its luxurious balcony offering spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and a private whirlpool. There are four innovative dining venues, including Akara and Baobab restaurants, serving African-inspired and international cuisines. There is also an array of bars to choose from featuring Henry Stanley – located by the waterfalls in a scenic cave. Guests can lounge in a hammock by the pool or make the most of the fully equipped gym and the table tennis and water polo facilities. The hotel is family-friendly and provides a kids’ club and fun-filled facilities such as a mini disco and a water park. There is on-site entertainment for all guests to enjoy.