Beautiful, vibrant and rich in history, culture and cuisine, Spain has long been a favourite destination for our Gurus — and for travellers from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a food-focused weekend in a one of Europe’s liveliest cities, a luxury hotel amid stunning scenery, a laid-back week at the beach with family, or a hiking holiday in the verdant mountains, Spain really does have it all. Check out our pick of the best places to stay in Spain for a flavour of the country’s vast possibilities for visitors.

Spain’s biggest cities — Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia — are fabulous. Each oozes history, with impressive buildings, marvellous museums and a buzzy foodie scene, reflecting the freshest produce from their respective regions. Other highlights include Seville and Granada, as well as romantic San Sebastián, the gateway to the dazzling Basque Country.

Escape to the seaside in the boutique boltholes of the Costa Blanca and Costa Brava, or zip across to one of Spain’s beautiful islands. The Balearics are glorious, with trendy party spots and wellness retreats alike on Ibiza and Mallorca, and there are charming hotels in the Canary Islands too. This is a country to return to again and again — ideally experiencing some of the best places to stay in Spain on each trip!

The Best Places to Stay in Spain

For City Style

• Gran Hotel Inglés is proud to be the oldest hotel in Madrid, having opened in 1886. In its current incarnation, it is a beautiful blend of old and new, with striking Art Deco spaces, David Rockwell-designed fabrics and a sense of timeless sophistication in guest rooms clad in white, grey, warm red and gold. The spa is sensational, too.
• Mercer Hotel is a forward-thinking design hotel with 28 pristine rooms and suites in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Sophisticated spaces feature exposed stone walls, glass partitions, stand-alone bathtubs and modern art pieces. There’s a stunning rooftop bar and a tapas restaurant. A sure-fire hit with design buffs and romantics.
• Lasala Plaza Hotel, on the edge of San Sebastian's La Concha Bay, boasts a splendid rooftop pool and bar, as well as a modern restaurant with brilliant Basque dishes. Pick this place for the uninterrupted sea views, and the chic contemporary interiors, clad in fresh white and blue tones. Lovely.
• Hospes Palau de la Mar, in the heart of Valencia's hip L'Eixample district, offers chic, minimalist interiors set behind the imposing façade of a former palace. A luxurious five-star stay complete with gourmet fare and a superb spa.
• Gran Hotel Domine, near to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, is an upmarket urban retreat, with seriously cool rooms reflecting different design eras — from Bauhaus to '90s minimalism. Think rooms decorated in pale greys, with crisp white linens and marble bathrooms, and an impressive art collection in communal areas. A five-star hotel with terrific cuisine, a lively buzz and a rejuvenating spa.

For Intimate Charm

• Casa del Embajador, a former diplomat’s residence in Lanzarote's Playa Blanca, has 12 simple yet charming rooms with terracotta-tiled floors and blue or white-painted walls. With restaurants, shops and two beaches within walking distance, it's a lovely base for relaxed couples who might prefer not to hire a car. The sea-facing terrace is wonderful.
• Son Viscos is a stylish six-bedroom B&B in a restored 18th-century inn in Mallorca. Whitewashed walls, exposed beams and antiques add to the classic Mediterranean appeal. Five minutes from Valldemossa, it's the perfect starting point for hiking and cycling excursions after generous homemade breakfasts. Very relaxing.
• Corral del Rey is a gorgeous hotel with a terrific roof terrace featuring a cooling plunge pool. Set in Seville's Barrio Alfalfa, this 17-room boutique bolthole sits within a lovingly restored heritage building. Rooms are individually decorated, with limestone bathrooms and rain showers. Sip wine and sample tapas as the sun sets over the rooftops. Divine.
• Hotel San Roque is a heritage property in Tenerife’s seaside Garachico. A red-painted 18th-century mansion, this elegant 20 bedroom hotel now has a superb courtyard pool and a characterful interiors with warm blue-green walls. The best rooms are spread across two levels, connected by a wooden spiral staircase. Beautiful and romantic.

For a Seaside Escape

• Avanti Boutique Hotel in Fuerteventura opened in 1969 as the only hotel on the beach in Corralejo. Following a substantial renovation, its 14 romantic blue-and-white guest rooms now have a light, relaxed feel, with striking sea views. The best rooms have private terraces, but the hotel's big draw is its lovely roof terrace, perfect for sipping sundowners. The excellent restaurant serves fresh seafood & local produce.
• Hostal Sa Rascassa has five simple guest rooms just steps from the beach in Catalonia. The big draw is the sensational restaurant — part of the reason that this little bolthole was twice voted best hotel in the world. Savour the fresh catch of the day with family and friends in a refreshingly relaxed setting.
• The Marbella Club is the stuff of dreams. With luxuriously-appointed rooms, a golf course, a tranquil spa, tennis courts and horse riding, as well as a private beach, this is a resort in the ultimate sense of the word. The hugely popular kids club offers everything from pottery to football, cooking to gardening, so there’s something for everyone.
• Hotel Aigua Blava, set right on the beach in the Costa Brava, has airy contemporary rooms, suites and apartments for couples, friends and families. Cool off in the saltwater pool, play tennis on the hotel's courts, or dine at the excellent restaurant. Brilliant for a beach break.

For a Rural Retreat

• Iturregi, a stunning country house hotel perched on a hill overlooking Getaria and the coast in the Basque Country, is perfect for a romantic escape. Sumptuous rooms and suites invite guests to unwind in luxury. Enjoy refreshing pool dips, and sip drinks from the honesty bar in the garden on warm summer evenings. A boutique favourite.
• Eco Finca De Arrieta is a fabulously friendly eco-retreat in Lanzarote, made up of a collection of yurts and villas set within mango, banana and lime groves. Just 300 metres from a sandy beach, it's a favourite for trips with friends and family. Collect eggs from the hens for breakfast with the little ones, who will also love the play area and sunken trampoline.
• Atzaro Agroturismo, on a 13-hectare estate in Ibiza with well-tended gardens, a farm and orange groves, is a real oasis of wellbeing. The 300-year-old finca oozes authentic character, with large Ibiza-chic rooms and suites, a splendid spa and and elegant restaurant showcasing the farm's produce. Very special.
• Son Siurana is a gorgeous historic finca, just inland of Alcúdia in Mallorca. Traditional interiors invite guests to unwind in absolute bliss, whilst extensive grounds feature a large swimming pool, well-tended gardens and a working farm, from which much of the restaurant's produce is sourced. A delight for families, small groups of friends or couples who can book houses, apartments or rooms and enjoy a plethora of activities.

For Foodies

• The Wittmore, hidden down a tiny street in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, has a seriously cool club-like feel and a real sense of privacy. The big draw is the restaurant, where local legend Albert Ventura crafts superb regional cuisine with a modern twist. One for hip foodies.
• Sant Joan de Binissaida has been transformed from a traditional farmhouse into a charming 12-bedroom hotel. Surrounded by verdant gardens and a long-established olive grove, it's an idyllic rural retreat. The gastronomic restaurant has received Michelin acclaim, and showcases freshly caught fish paired with garden-grown vegetables. A foodie favourite in Menorca.
• Akelarre is a fabulous five-star hotel near San Sebastian with sleek, minimalist interiors and uninterrupted ocean views from its hilltop setting. A beautiful escape for fans of contemporary design, the hotel is based around a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, where Chef Pedro Subijana dazzles and delights foodies with his innovative culinary creations.
• Ohla Hotel serves innovative French and Catalan dishes at Michelin-starred Caelis, under the guidance of chef Romain Fornell. This Barcelona hotel now has four highly regarded culinary spaces, as well as 74 elegant rooms and suites close to the cathedral.
• La Boella, a 12th-century estate inland of Tarragona, is a foodie's dream. A working vineyard, the property also produces its own olive oil. Take gastronomic tours, feast at the fine dining restaurant, and unwind in elegant rooms either in the contemporary wing or the traditional main house. A gem.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There are international airports dotted across Spain, including the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Bajaras Airport. Fly to one of these and travel on to your destination by bus, taxi or train. Alternatively, cross the border into Spain by train from France or Portugal, or arrive by ferry.
• Spain is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Spain is a year-round destination. Temperatures rise above 30°C during the day across many part of the country in July and August, but evenings tend to be much cooler. If you're looking for winter sports, travel between December and March. For exploring Spain's cities, consider spring and autumn, when the weather is lovely but there are fewer crowds.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Madrid.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in neighbouring Portugal.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.