Where to Stay in Spain
- Emily Anne
- Jun 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 7
SUMMARY
Spain is not only a country of rich history, passionate culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. It's also home to an incredibly diverse range of places to stay. From luxurious hotels overlooking historic plazas to cozy countryside Airbnbs and social hostels in bustling cities, there's something for every type of traveler and budget. For those trying to figure out where to stay in spain, this guide organizes into three categories; luxury, mid-range and budget to make your travel planning stress-free.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Best Places to Stay in Spain for Every Budget
Luxury Escapes
Hotel Legado Alcázar – Seville
Tucked just beside the iconic Alcázar, Hotel Legado Alcázar blends historical charm with modern sophistication in one of Seville's most atmospheric neighborhoods. Due to its central location within a pedestrian-only zone, guests typically arrive by taxi or local transport and complete the last short stretch on foot.
This elegant boutique hotel is set within a beautifully restored historic building. Past the modest reception area, a tranquil open-air courtyard serves as the heart of the property. Rooms wrap around two levels above the courtyard, each equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. At the same time, the dining area is discreetly tucked to one side, maintaining the hotel's quiet, intimate feel.
On the garden-facing side of the hotel, private balconies offer stunning views of Alcázar's Royal Gardens—complete with the occasional glimpse of the resident peacocks wandering below. This setting effortlessly connects guests to the city's rich heritage while offering a peaceful place to retreat.
Experiences to enjoy during your stay
Savor breakfast in the serene private courtyard
Wake to views of the Alcázar and the Giralda tower
Explore Seville's cathedral and Santa Cruz district just steps from your door
Mandarin Oriental Ritz - Madrid
A cornerstone of Madrid's luxury hospitality, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz is a historic landmark in the city's Golden Triangle of Art. This meticulously restored palace blends timeless grandeur with modern refinement, creating a uniquely indulgent experience.
From the moment you arrive, the sense of prestige is unmistakable. The building's intricate façade, adorned with decorative stonework and wrought-iron details, opens into an interior of high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and polished marble. Every space is designed to impress, yet nothing feels out of reach—service is warm, attentive, and intuitive.
Rooms and suites offer plush furnishings, thoughtful amenities, and elegant décor that incorporates contemporary comfort. Select accommodations include private balconies with views over the Prado Museum or the hotel's serene courtyard garden.
For culinary enthusiasts, Deessa, the hotel's Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, delivers a memorable dining experience under the guidance of acclaimed chef Quique Dacosta. Other on-site venues include a classic champagne bar, a palm-lined lounge for afternoon tea, and a relaxed garden terrace perfect for al fresco moments.
Wellness is equally well considered. The sleek indoor pool, luxury spa, and fully equipped fitness center provide a tranquil retreat after exploring the city's cultural treasures.
Experiences to enjoy during your stay
Dine at Deessa, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant
Unwind with a spa treatment or a swim in the serene indoor pool
Walk to the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and other nearby cultural landmarks
Marbella Club Hotel – Marbella
Set along Marbella's sun-drenched Golden Mile, the Marbella Club Hotel is a timeless retreat that marries aristocratic heritage with effortless Mediterranean luxury. Once the private seaside residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the hotel still exudes a sense of discreet glamour and old-world charm, elevated by modern-day comforts and an unwavering dedication to wellness and relaxation.
The property stretches across lush subtropical gardens filled with orange trees, hibiscus, and whispering palms, making it an ideal backdrop for morning strolls or quiet moments with a book. The layout feels like a secluded village, with whitewashed villas, flower-draped pathways, and breezy terraces that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Inside, accommodations reflect the hotel's legacy of understated sophistication. Each room and suite is individually decorated with a balance of traditional Andalusian character and refined contemporary touches. Some open directly onto private patios or gardens, while others offer sea views that make sunrise coffee a little more magical.
The wellness offerings here are as much a part of the experience as the setting. The on-site spa and holistic wellness center offer tailored programs focused on everything from nutrition and sleep to mindfulness and movement. It's a place where you can genuinely recharge—whether through a targeted massage, a beachfront yoga session, or an afternoon at the thalassotherapy pool.
Dining is equally memorable. From farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine to elevated beachside dining, meals here feel indulgent yet grounded in simplicity and quality. The hotel's proximity to the beach and Marbella's Old Town allows for effortless excursions, but many guests find little reason to leave the grounds.
Experiences to enjoy during your stay
Stroll or lounge in the property's beautifully maintained subtropical gardens
Enjoy direct access to a private stretch of Mediterranean beachfront
Rejuvenate through customized holistic wellness programs and spa treatments
Mid-Range Comfort
Only YOU Hotel – Valencia
In the heart of Valencia, Only YOU Hotel strikes a balance between high design and laid-back comfort. This stylish property combines modern aesthetics with a welcoming vibe, making it a solid choice for travelers who appreciate thoughtful details and a central location.
Arrival involves a short walk from the nearest parking garage, about five minutes away, as the hotel doesn't offer on-site parking or valet service. But once inside, the entrance makes an immediate impression. The revolving door opens into a sleek, contemporary lobby with the check-in desk tucked beside a swanky bar and an elegant flower shop adding charm across the way.
The hotel's design-forward rooms extend the stylish ambiance. Guests staying on higher floors are rewarded with sweeping city views—though it's worth noting that only two elevators service the entire hotel, so occasional short waits are possible.
Experiences to try during your stay
Sip a cocktail at the rooftop bar while taking in panoramic views of Valencia
Wander through Valencia's Old Town, just a short stroll from the hotel
Rent a bike and cruise the scenic paths of nearby Turia Gardens
Entire cottage in Coves de Vinromà, Spain
Set in the tranquil hills of Les Coves de Vinromà, this peaceful hideaway is perfect for travelers looking to disconnect and recharge. The check-in process is personal and relaxed: guests meet the host at the main house before following their golf cart down a short, bumpy path to the apartment tucked into the countryside.
This place is special because it blends rustic charm with thoughtful design. The apartment—once a humble donkey stable on a historic wheat farm—has been lovingly transformed into a cozy cottage. Inside, you'll find warm, inviting furnishings, a fully stocked kitchen, and comfortable beds that make it easy to settle in.
One of the standout features is the spacious deck that extends from the lower floor. Mornings often start with golden sunrises spilling over the hills, and evenings invite quiet moments scanning the landscape for foxes or wild rams that occasionally pass by.
This is a self-sustaining property, which means there are a few extra notes on how to use the amenities—like water and energy conservation and composting toilets—but the privacy and serenity you gain in return are well worth it. There's something grounding about being perched on a quiet hillside with nature as your only neighbor.
Highlights
Secluded and peaceful setting, ideal for slowing down
Unique cottage with a blend of rustic history and modern comfort
Outdoor deck with stunning countryside views and wildlife sightings
Excellent communication and support from the host
Easy access to hiking trails and natural attractions nearby
Elegant Zen Studio – Barcelona
Perched above the iconic Las Ramblas, the Elegant Zen Studio offers a unique mix of tranquility and urban excitement in the heart of Barcelona. Thanks to a digital key code sent in advance, the check-in process was seamless, with no need for face-to-face contact. The host can be very accommodating to those who arrive early, allowing for baggage drop-off and, sometimes, early check-in.
Surprisingly spacious and impeccably clean, the studio feels like a private escape from the crowd's energy below. Large windows fill the space with natural light and frame your views of Las Ramblas, making it an ideal spot for people-watching from the comfort of your own room. Despite the large windows and proximity to crowds of people, it is amazingly quiet.
Inside, the layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality. It includes a cozy sleeping area, a modern bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen. Despite its compact size, the studio offers everything needed for a smooth and comfortable stay.
Its unbeatable location puts guests at the center of the city's vibrant cultural scene while offering a peaceful, sunlit space to unwind. From this central base, guests can easily explore top attractions like the Gothic Quarter, La Boquería Market, and countless cafés and boutiques scattered throughout the city.
Highlights
Prime location overlooking Las Ramblas with unbeatable access to the city
Bright, airy interiors with excellent views for people-watching
Compact yet efficient layout with modern amenities
Smooth, contact-free check-in and excellent host communication
Budget-Friendly & Hostels
Welmoon Villas Landscape – Caravaca de la Cruz
At Welmoon Villas Landscape, rustic charm meets futuristic design. These innovative dome-shaped cabins, nestled in the peaceful countryside just outside Caravaca de la Cruz, offer an eco-friendly and unexpectedly luxurious escape.
The domes are designed with sustainability in mind but don't compromise on comfort. Each one features soft, inviting bedding, a compact yet fully functional kitchenette with a small dining nook, and sleek bathroom facilities. Light floods in through ceiling-to-floor windows on either side, giving the entire space a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
The star feature? A curved panoramic window that arches over the bed, offering a clear view of the night sky. Lying in bed while stargazing becomes part of the experience—just one of the small details that makes a stay here so memorable.
Outside, the spacious deck surprises with its size and versatility. It includes a second dining area and a comfortable lounge space—perfect for morning coffee or evening wind-downs. The breakfast basket delivered each morning is a lovely touch: simple, delicious, and thoughtfully presented.
Highlights
Unique dome architecture that blends innovation with rustic appeal
Eco-conscious construction with modern amenities
Expansive windows and stargazing views from the bed
Tranquil location with quick access to Caravaca de la Cruz's cultural sites
Generous private deck and charming breakfast delivery
TOC Hostel – Madrid
Located just steps from Puerta del Sol, TOC Hostel is a stylish, budget-friendly option in the heart of Madrid that caters to a younger crowd, solo travelers, and digital nomads looking for both comfort and community. The design is sleek and modern, with playful touches that give the space an energetic, urban vibe without feeling overdone.
Rooms range from private en-suites to well-kept dorms, all equipped with secure keycard access and thoughtful details like individual reading lights and lockers. The communal spaces include a trendy on-site bar, spacious co-working areas and a series of chic lounges perfect for relaxing between adventures or meeting fellow travelers.
TOC also organizes regular social events like city tours and pub crawls, which make it easy to plug into the local scene, especially if it's your first time in the city. The hostel's location makes exploring on foot a breeze, with Madrid's major attractions, shops, and nightlife all within easy reach.
Experiences to enjoy during your stay
Work remotely from the on-site co-working area
Sip cocktails or grab a bite at the hostel bar
Join guided city tours and nightly pub crawls
Hang out in stylish lounges designed for both downtime and connection
Tips for Booking Accommodations in Spain
Best Booking Times: Reserve for summer and festival seasons 2–3 months in advance.
Transportation Access: Prioritize proximity to metro/train stations in cities.
Language Tips: Not all hosts speak English, so Google Translate or basic Spanish can help.
Airbnb Laws: Some cities like Barcelona regulate short-term rentals, so check the legality and reviews.
Regional Variety: Coastal areas and rural inland towns offer very different experiences—mix both for a complete trip.
Conclusion
Spain's wide array of accommodations ensures there's a perfect place to stay for every type of traveler. From luxurious hotels in cultural hubs like Seville and Madrid to affordable, character-filled Airbnbs in rural towns, this guide has something for everyone. No matter your budget, Spain's warmth, hospitality, and charm await.
Have a favorite Spanish stay? Let us know in the comments below, or share your own travel tips!
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