Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain

Located in a 19th-century building in Valencia’s Eixample Noble District this chic boutique hotel perfectly reflects the elegance and charm of Valencia. Each of the stylishly appointed 66 rooms and suites offers guests plenty of space, modern amenities and natural light. Valencian gastronomy crafted using local produce is served in the traditional Andalusian style Ampar restaurant with a welcoming and charming atmosphere. Al fresco dining and drinks can be enjoyed on the terrace and informal garden space. Within the hotel is Bodyna spa, the ultimate place to relax and enjoy wellness experiences along with an indoor pool-jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a fitness area. The boutique hotel is within easy walking distance of the historic centre where guests will find themselves in one of the most vibrant and enchanting areas of the city.

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.

Only YOU Hotel Málaga is conveniently located in the city centre in the symbolic La Equitativa building and is the perfect base to explore the capital city of the Costa del Sol. The vibe throughout the hotel is relaxed yet sophisticated combining an art deco style with an urban Mediterranean touch. Room options range from classic through to spacious suites – all of which present refined Mediterranean décor with warm tones, natural light, stunning views and soundproofing – for private outdoor space opt for a Terrace suite. Residents and non-residents have the choice of two restaurants within the hotel; Carmen Restaurant is more informal, with gastro-pub style all-day dining through to late drinks. Lola Restaurant serves the finest Mediterranean dishes, with a local and seasonal menu – located on the seventh floor the views are stunning and the atmosphere stylish. The rooftop bar, Lolita with the infinity pool is the crowning glory in this stylish hotel; sweeping views across the city, a chill-out area, extensive bar and light bites make it the perfect place to unwind and admire the beauty of Malaga.

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.

Tucked away in amongst the narrow medieval streets of the old centre of Palma is Posada Terra Santa – an unassuming boutique hotel housed in the Boixador Baron’s former stately home (dating back to 1576). A large central patio leads off to the reception area as well as peaceful interior patios which reflect the out-door/in-door feeling that many traditional Spanish homes are known for. Follow the flower-filled urns that adorn the stairs up to the main body of the hotel. The Posada Terra Santa has kept the original layout of the 26-bedroomed home, each of which are decorated in taupes, greys, and light luxurious neutrals, keeping a comfortable and cool elegance running throughout the hotel. There is an almost Scandi-inspired design element to the hotel with modern furniture design and lots of wood. The rooms are situated higher up in the townhouse so most have views out across the terracotta tiled rooves. La Despensa del Baron restaurant is a lovely place to chill out – the original 14th-century gothic arches provide for a shady arcade under which to enjoy some local wine and tapas. The hotel too has an abundance of common space including a terrace with a solarium and small heated swimming pool, a cosy library, and an honesty bar perfect for midnight snacks.

Set right on the edge of the pristine white sand of the Playa del Inglés, this five star establishment treats guests to a taste of the finer things in life. As the name suggests, this establishment boasts several spacious suites for guests to choose from and one of the choicest options is the Sky Suite. In addition to providing guests with a huge freestanding tub in the bathroom as well as an Illy espresso machine, this decadent suite also comes complete with a complimentary Audi A1 Sportback hire car. The balcony is also set with comfortable chairs that light up at night and couples are sure to want to take advantage of the decadent room service menu so that they can spend plenty of time here gazing out at the scenery.

Portella occupies a restored 17th-century palace in Palma’s old town, a few steps from the Arab Baths and within easy walking of the Cathedral. Beyond the discreet entrance you find a leafy courtyard, a roof terrace with city views, a small wellness area with a stone hammam, and a home-style kitchen led by an in-house chef. The 14 rooms and suites include connecting options that form generous family apartments. Private kitchenettes in select suites.

A converted 19th-century building homes the airy Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which sits as part of a façade of buildings that used to form an ancient Arabic wall in Palma. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary Spanish style – there is a lot of natural wood throughout, interesting art adorns the clean walls, and the furniture is a stylish mix of modern and vintage. There are only 16 rooms for a truly boutique experience, all of which have King size beds and spacious closets. We recommend going for a suite if you can as you are guaranteed a view over the bay of Palma from your private balcony, perfect for lazy holiday breakfasts. The Boutique Hotel Calatrava also offers a comprehensive luxury concierge to ease the stress of travelling – from organising day excursions to booking your private yacht, their staff can do it all for you.

METT Marbella – Estepona is the perfect place for any traveller seeking to relax and rewind in luxury. Nestled between the majestic Andalusian mountains and the glistening waters of the Costa Del Sol, METT Marbella – Estepona is the definition pf a contemporary lifestyle resort. Guests have a great choice of rooms with some facing the sea, others the sunset and there are even a few which open onto swimming pools. The resort is a foodie’s dream with restaurants and bars offering guests a plethora of options. The Azure Beach is a bar concept imported straight from the Luxury hotels of Dubai, The Azure Beach provides guests with an area where they can swim, relax and celebrate all whilst enjoying excellent cocktails and Asian cuisine. The hotel’s Isola Italian restaurant uses all the best ingredients from across Italy and the nearby Ammos restaurant provides guests with a welcoming Greek restaurant for any occasion. Finally for guests wishing to fully disconnect from the outside world the MOI Spa offers guests luxury massages and treatments.

Offering understated luxury, the Ohla Hotel is located on the busy Via Laietana, the border between Barri Gòtic and Born areas. The style here is hip, smart and chic, inviting to both holidaymakers and young professionals visiting for business. Games consoles, massages and round-the-clock room service are all part of the appeal at this 74-room boutique hotel. The awe-inspiring glass-sided rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind before enjoying a refined dinner at the Michelin-starred Caelis restaurant or sampling a sensory journey of different culinary traditions in the form of tapas and small plates to share at La Plassohla – both led by Chef Romain Fornell.

Close to the yachting paradise of Marina Rubicón, this resort has been styled on a traditional island village. 251 rooms are spread across 20 buildings, interspersed by four pools, three restaurants and a snack bar, as well as boutiques lounges and recreation areas. Additionally, guests can take advantage of extensive children’s facilities, or chill out in the adult-only zone, Club Volcán.

Occupying a refurbished building in the centre of Santander the Gran Hotel Sardinero is the perfect place from which to explore the delights of Santander with the Gran Casino and Magdelena Palace only moments away.  Whilst the hotel occupies a historic building its interior is modern and has a maritime feel to it. Its rooms are elegant and welcoming with many boasting glorious sea views and some having private terraces where guests can sit out and watch the sunset over the glorious Bay of Biscay. The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on its gastronomic excellence offering guests a range of traditional meals which are made only with the finest local produce. The restaurant is open and spacious making it the perfect place for fine dining.  The Gran Hotel Sardinero is a great choice for travellers who like relaxed luxury and who want to explore all the sites Santander has to offer.