
Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a independent style hotel in Spain. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of independent style hotels in Spain is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Sant Miquel de Balansat
Ca Na Xica
(5 stars)Encapsulating the image of Baleriac bliss, Ca Na Xica is a vision of secluded loveliness. Drawing its inspiration from the heart of historic Ibiza, Ca Na Xica is set apart from the bustle of Ibizan nightlife in the sanctuary of the countryside. Ca Na Xica has a tick for every box, meaning that the hotel provides a one-stop retreat for those who want to do nothing more than relax. A particular architectural theme of the hotel is to blend the indoors with nature, which is achieved by open glass panels and quiet enclaves, allowing the natural sounds and scents to flood the lightly enclosed spaces.
Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, Maspalomas
Casa León Royal Retreat
(4 stars)The luxurious Casa León Royal Retreat has everything you need for a much-needed getaway to the stunning island of Gran Canaria. Each of the hotel’s 27 guestrooms and suites feature expansive windows to allow you to make the most of the year-round sunshine. Guests can dine in style in the on-site restaurant serving gourmet cuisine using the finest locally sourced, traditional Spanish ingredients. The Lion’s Bar invites guests to savour a cocktail by the fireplace or enjoy the views from the terrace. There is a spectacular outdoor infinity pool overlooking the island’s scenic landscapes. The hotel spa offers a range of treatments and wellness facilities to leave you feeling refreshed. There is a fully equipped fitness studio complete with classes and activities such as yoga and Pilates. Guests can stay in touch with nature from the comfort of this resort in the tranquil and expertly landscaped gardens of Casa León Royal Retreat. The hotel is pet-friendly.
Catalonia, Barcelona, Eixample
Hotel Claris Barcelona
(5 stars)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.
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Pollença
Son Brull Hotel & Spa
(5 stars)People who like to be active during their holiday while surrounding themselves with luxury are sure to appreciate all that the Son Brull Hotel & Spa next to Pollensa has to offer. In addition to the signature spa with its sauna and steam room, the hotel also feature a large tennis courts and a huge outdoor swimming pool complex, both of which are set in a picturesque garden. Lovers of fine dining are also sure to be in their element here as gourmet cuisine is served in a stylish setting. Wine enthusiasts are sure to be in their element as a winery is attached to this luxurious hotel. Special wine tours and tastings are available on request and this special experience is sure to help make staying in this hotel truly memorable.
Community of Madrid, Madrid, Centro, Sol
Gran Hotel Ingles
(5 stars)One of Madrid’s most historic and elegant boutique hotels, the Gran Hotel Ingles’ rich history and charm has attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf and continues to attract travellers seeking an authentic boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid. Situated in Madrid’s vibrant Barrio de las Letras, the Gran Hotel Ingles is the perfect place for guests wishing to immerse themselves in Madrid’s rustic charm. The hotel’s 48 rooms combine the sophistication of the 1920s with modern artistic additions like furniture designed by the renowned David Rockwell, all of this makes the rooms feel distinctly luxurious and open. As the first of Madrid’s Hotels to boast a restaurant, the hotel’s gastronomic history shines through to this day. Guests can dine in the Casa Lobo restaurant which is currently hosting a pop-up Thai market restaurant. The hotel also offers a daily afternoon tea service in its lavish main hall and on weekends provides a delicious brunch service. Yet the hotel’s ‘piece de resistance’ is its exquisite LobByto cocktail bar which serves some of the city’s best cocktails and on Fridays and Saturdays even hosts Rock and Roll and Swing Nights for guests wishing to indulge in a night of musical excellence.
Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Ibiza Town
Hotel La Torre del Canónigo
(4 stars)Follow the labyrinth-like streets upwards until you’re high above the UNESCO-listed city of Dalt Vila. Here you’ll find a collection of three 16th-century buildings, comprising secret passageways and old watchtowers, that make up the historic Hotel La Torre del Canónigo. On its grounds are a pool and solarium and the Corsair Restaurant & Terrace, set in a 10th-century building. Guest bedrooms are simple but very fashionable in terms of decor, sporting original features such as exposed stone walls and wooden beamed ceilings.
Andalucía, Seville, Old town
CoolRooms Palacio Villapanés 5 GL
(5 stars)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.
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Palma
Hotel Can Cera
(5 stars)The traditional Majorcan patio with magnificent arches and lush plants welcomes you to the Can Cera hotel. The layout of this hotel hints to its past as a family home and although the building has been renovated, there are still plenty of original features. There are lots of common spaces in the hotel including the Recibidor meeting room, the intimate Salon Dorado, the comfortable Bibliotecca or reading room, and the top floor Terraza with views over the old city rooves. With only 14 rooms this hotel is small and elegant. The rooms are spacious and bright with traditional Majorcan influences. French doors lead out onto Juliette balconies and the bathrooms are simple and modern in muted tones. Each room has a different character much like the rooms of a house, adding to the feeling of comfortable luxury. The hotel is also home to a spa which includes a Finnish sauna, Hamman sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Palma
Hotel Cort
(4 stars)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!
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Port de Pollensa
Hotel Miramar
(4 stars)This charming family-run establishment is set right on the main pedestrian promenade and boasts a private strip of golden sand for guests to sun themselves on. Hotel Miramar is famous for its dining opportunities and the main restaurant takes full advantage of the abundance of freshly caught seafood while blending classic Mediterranean and Mallorcan flavours. The Miramar Sea Lounge is the perfect place to unwind in the evening while having a gin and tonic or a glass of locally produced wine while watching the world go by. While there are five different categories of rooms to choose from, luxury lovers will want to make sure that they book one of the spacious suites so that they can take advantage of stunning ocean views from their private balcony.
Andalucía, Seville, Old town
Hotel Boutique Casa del Poeta
(4 stars)Said to be the birthplace of the poet Ximinez de Enciso, this boutique hotel in the Barrio de Santa Cruz is a short walk from the Gothic cathedral and the Alcázar palace. The seventeenth-century building has been carefully restored and retains the typical architectural style of a central courtyard with a fountain. Guests can look forward to daily live guitar music and can enjoy an art gallery and a roof terrace with views to the cathedral and its baroque bell tower, the Giralda. Rooms vary in size, with suites and duplexes available, and there is also a luxury apartment.
Balearic Islands, Majorca, Canyamel
Pleta de Mar, Luxury Hotel by Nature
(5 stars)30 suites at this adults-only barefoot-chic retreat are furnished with Bang & Olufsen TV and sound systems, minibars, Nespresso machines, L’Occitane and Bulgari toiletries. The seaside property’s airy decor takes its cue from both Japanese and Scandi influences, creating a modern, soothing effect. The resort has three saltwater swimming pools (one infinity-style that’s semi-hidden and overlooking the ocean) within its grounds. Dine indoors or alfresco at Asador de Mar, on meaty feasts cooked over an open fire. Pleta de Mar is found a 15-minute walk from the east coast town of Canyamel and is an hour’s taxi ride from the airport.
