Best Luxury Hotels in Spain

Nestled in the heart of Mallorca’s idyllic countryside the historic Zoetry Mallorca occupies a restored 14th-century country estate boasting its very own neo-gothic chapel, windmill and Mallorcan manor house. Its 101 rooms and suites are inside these architecturally preserved buildings and seamlessly blend Mallorcan heritage with modern amenities. Zoetry’s Pure Spa by Natura Blisse offers guests many different world-class treatments and is the perfect way to switch off and relax. Yet Zoetrys piece de resistance is its restaurant Mediterranean created by the renowned chef Andreu Genestra. It not only boasts a Michelin star but also has a green Michelin star, the restaurant prides itself on its use of local produce and has its own farm and vineyard. Zoetry also offers The Endless Privileges package which offers guests the height of luxury, with bespoke and attentive service, unique experiences and endless dining and drinks. Zoetry is the perfect luxury boutique hotel for guests wishing to soak up the beauty of the Mallorcan interior and relax.

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.

The Ercilla de Bilbao Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, offers a distinctive blend of 1970s glamour and modern elegance. Located in central Bilbao, it features 325 stylish rooms and suites, designed with a mix of Basque and British influences. Guests can enjoy the sophisticated rooftop terrace, La Terraza, which provides panoramic views of the city. The hotel also houses a chic bar, restaurant, and fitness centre, making it ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Ercilla de Bilbao is known for its vibrant history and connection to Bilbao’s cultural scene.

The Palacio Arriluce Hotel, a 5-star establishment in Getxo, Bilbao, is housed in a historic building blending early 20th-century charm with contemporary luxury. The hotel offers 49 distinct rooms, each with its own character, equipped with high-end amenities. The on-site restaurant, led by chef Beñat Ormaetxea, serves innovative Basque cuisine. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s wellness spa, relax on the terrace with a swimming pool, or enjoy the croquet club. The hotel is also an ideal venue for events, providing various exclusive experiences like wine tasting, sailing, and cultural tours. Its proximity to the beach and the Bizkaia Bridge enhances its appeal as a premier destination.

Part of the Marriott group, this hotel is one of the finest in the city. Declared an artistic and historic monument, the building was once the Santa Paula Convent (in the 16th century) and the Casa Morisca (in the 17th century). Its restaurant, El Claustro, is the former convent refectory, now home to a modern dining concept. 66 rooms and seven suites (some of which offer full accessibility) now occupy a total of five floors, with minibars and cable TV alongside beamed ceilings, wooden floors and views framed by arched windows. There’s also a fitness centre on-site and around-the-clock room service.

Situated right beside San Lorenzo beach and close to the old town, Hotel NH offers the opportunity for sun, sea, sand and sightseeing. It has 64 bedrooms, of which many enjoy sea views (some also have a hot tub and balcony). Summer days are best spent at the rooftop terrace and pool, plus there’s a wellness area with a spa, Turkish bath, fish spa, treatment rooms and a gym on hand for the less clement weather. A daily morning buffet is presented in the breakfast room, with lunch and dinner served Cantabrian style in Amares. The hotel is pet-friendly and accessible.

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.

The Hotel Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques is found in the refined Hasburg district, a short distance from The Royal Palace, Opera House and Cathedral. This modern resort is housed in a 13th-century convent and a 19th-century palace. It’s a popular choice for families, with 160 spacious rooms and a babysitting service. There’s also a valet, concierge, four eateries, 24-hour room service, a translation service, private tours, personal shoppers, a spa, a fitness centre and a lush peaceful garden. Plush textiles, period features and geometric patterns all merge to create a contemporary urban vibe. The hotel is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, and part of the wider Melia Group.

Originally designed by Juan de Villanueva (whose other work included the iconic Prado Museum), this 18th-century mansion house has been given new and stylish interiors by the NH Collection. The brand is skilled at preserving the charm of heritage buildings while infusing a playful trendiness and this is no exception — an especially nice touch are the glass-covered exhibits on the ground floor. Single bedrooms through to family suites can be booked, there are 85 rooms in total, with those on the top floor providing skylights and wooden cathedral ceilings. The hotel is surrounded by theatres and other points of interest.

Another property from a well-known chain, Autograph Collection’s Hotel Palacio Del Retiro is a 50-room boutique hotel. The building is just over 100 years old, having been re-imagined into its current form, from its original purpose as a grand home. Its location in the city’s magical art triangle is reflected in the eclectic design, fusing traditional Spanish style with contemporary simplicity. The Suite Bar serves light snacks and elaborate Mediterranean dishes, while the spa’s extensive menu provides everything from ayurvedic treatments to massage lessons, to fitness counselling. Guests can relax in the plunge pools and therapy baths and even get married in the hotel.

Relais and Chateaux handpick the finest international properties, each with its own personality, individuality and renowned gastronomy. The Heritage Madrid is situated in the heart of Madrid, on the leafy Barrio de Salamanca, a pleasant stroll away from the boating lake. Designed by Lorenzo Castillo, the style is somewhere between a stately home and a hip boutique hotel. The 46 rooms each have hardwood or parquet flooring, jacuzzis and many of the suites boast balconies. A meal at chef Mario Sandoval’s Restaurant Haroma is a must, with a choice of executive, tasting and hunting menus, as well as high tea and brunch.

This hotel had an unenviable opening date in September 2020 during one of the toughest periods ever for hospitality. Yet this hasn’t prevented the stunning new hotel in Plaza de Canalejas from becoming a huge success. A total of seven historic buildings were brought together over an eight-year refurbishment period to form the Four Seasons in Madrid. The results are impressive – a four-level spa (arguably the best in the city) with a dreamy indoor pool, a massive art collection, a lobby eatery, a gastro bar and a stunning rooftop restaurant. Many of the buildings’ original features have been maintained adding to the now single building’s authenticity.