Hôtels de luxe en Spain

L'Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona occupies a 1920s villa on the Avinguda del Tibidabo, halfway between the centre and the mountain. We sleep in just 15 rooms, all different, with oak parquet, velvet headboards and white marble bathrooms. The outdoor pool overlooks Barcelona, surrounded by palms and teak sun loungers, we linger there for hours. The spa offers massages and treatments in two cosy cabins, dim lighting, Catalan essential oils. The service is attentive without being intrusive, we feel like guests in the home of wealthy friends. From 326,7 € per night, a rate justified by the intimacy of the place and the 9.5/10 score on 860 reviews. We recommend it for a weekend off the tourist trails ✨

The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila occupies a neoclassical palace from 1886, on rue Orfila, a stone's throw from Paseo de la Castellana. There are 32 rooms spread over four floors, moulded ceilings, oak parquet, French 19th-century furniture mixed with contemporary pieces. The interior garden, planted with magnolias and orange trees, offers a rare respite in this part of Madrid, we take breakfast there from April to October. The El Jardín del Orfila restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine under a glass roof, short menu, seasonal produce, well-stocked Spanish wine cellar. From 593 € per night, a coherent rate for a Relais & Châteaux in the city centre. Service remains discreet, efficient, never obsequious. An address for those seeking the intimacy of a house rather than the pomp of a palace ✨

Hotel El Palace Barcelona occupies a 1919 building on the Gran Via, a stone's throw from Passeig de Gràcia. We sleep in rooms with 3.5-metre ceilings, oak parquet, neoclassical furniture, white marble bathrooms. The Mayan Luxury spa unfolds over 1 000 m² in the basement, with indoor pool and treatment cabins in a dimmed atmosphere. The rooftop pool offers unobstructed views of the Sagrada Família and the spires of the Eixample, cocktail service until midnight. Service is well-oiled, discreet, never obsequious. From 688 € a night, we pay for the central location and the complete infrastructure of a true Catalan palace ✨

Serras Barcelona has nine rooms on the Passeig de Colom, right at the corner of the Barri Gòtic and the waterfront. We bed down in compact volumes (18 to 35 m²) dressed in blonde wood, ecru linen, grey terrazzo bathrooms. The rooftop pool measures six metres, the water skims the sky, we see the masts of the Port Vell and Christopher Columbus's column at eye level. The Informal by Marc Gascons restaurant (one Michelin star) occupies the ground floor, contemporary Catalan cuisine, produce from the Boqueria. From 638 € a night, it's pricey for the surface area, but the view and location justify it. We recommend sea-facing rooms, otherwise you're paying for a corridor giving onto Columbus. Discreet little palace, thirty-something clientele, attentive service without protocol ✨

Primero Primera occupies a modernist villa in Sarrià, the upscale neighbourhood where Barcelona breathes away from the Barri Gòtic. We slept in rooms with generous volumes, blond parquet, white marble bathrooms, light filtered through wooden shutters. The rooftop pool remains the real draw, open from April to October, teak sun loungers, unobstructed views over rooftops and hills. The restaurant serves honest Mediterranean cuisine, nothing transcendent but sufficient to avoid going out in the evening. From 385 € a night, it's pricey for Barcelona, but the Booking score (9.4/10) reflects attentive service and an address that delivers on its promises. We recommend for a quiet weekend, not for being in the heart of the action ✨

The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid occupies seven 19th-century buildings united around a central patio, calle Sevilla, a stone’s throw from Puerta del Sol. We tested a courtyard-facing room: Spanish marble, light woodwork, limestone bathroom, king-size bed with Simmons bedding. The Wellness Center spa spans 450 m² with indoor pool, hammam, six treatment cabins. The rooftop pool remains the real draw: heated water, teak sun loungers, unobstructed view over Madrid’s rooftops and Gran Vía. Service is well-oiled, discreet, efficient, typical of the chain. From 1 391,50 € per night, we’re in Madrid’s top tier, but the offering delivers on the promise ✨

La Fonda Heritage Hotel occupies an eighteenth-century residence on Plaza Santo Cristo, in the maze of white alleyways of the casco antiguo. We tested a room overlooking the square, terracotta floor, exposed beams, second-hand furniture, local marble bathroom. The scale remains intimate, only 19 rooms, attentive service without rigid protocol. The restaurant serves contemporary Andalusian cuisine, produce from the bay and olive oil from the Sierra de las Nieves. Fontanilla beach is a ten-minute walk away, the marina fifteen. From 414,55 € per night, a rare value for money for a Relais & Châteaux on the Mediterranean coast ✨

The Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel occupies a building on Diego de León, Salamanca district, a stone's throw from the plaza de toros de Las Ventas. We tested a street-facing room: thick carpet, upholstered taupe velvet headboards, white marble bathroom with double sink. The atmosphere is hushed, almost confidential, without the glitz of Gran Vía addresses. The restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, short menu renewed each season. From 519 € per night, a coherent rate for a Relais & Châteaux in a European capital. The service is attentive without being intrusive, we sense the in-house training. An address for travellers who prioritise execution quality over the Instagram effect ✨

The VP Plaza España Design occupies a glass and steel tower on the renovated square, facing the Cervantes monument. We head straight up to the 12th for the infinity pool, clear views over the Madrid rooftops and the sierra in the distance. The rooms play Nordic minimalism, light wood, pearl-grey padded headboards, white marble bathrooms with Italian showers. The basement spa offers hammam and treatment cabins, nothing spectacular but effective. From 425 € a night, we pay mostly for the location and this rooftop that justifies the stay on its own. Service remains professional without being warm, typical of big chain hotels. An address for those who want Madrid at their feet ✨

El Fuerte Marbella occupies a rare stretch of coastline in Marbella, between the old port and Puerto Banús, with a garden that descends to the sand. We slept in a renovated room (2019), beige tones and light wood, balcony facing the Mediterranean, bathroom in Spanish marble. The 1 500 m² spa offers hammam, sauna and treatment cabins, the welcome is professional without being stiff. Three pools (one heated in winter), teak loungers, efficient towel service. From 510 € a night, it is one of the best value for money on the coast for a true 5★ by the sea. The clientele is international, many European families in summer, mature couples off season ✨

The Marbella Club Hotel occupies 42 000 m² of subtropical gardens facing the Mediterranean, legacy of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe who transformed this finca into a meeting point for the European Gotha. We stay in low villas with Andalusian architecture, whitewashed walls, patios blooming with bougainvillea, terracotta floors. The rooms mix colonial furniture and Ralph Lauren fabrics, some with terrace overlooking the umbrella pines and the sea. Two pools (one heated, one Olympic), spa, golf course 10 minutes by shuttle, private beach with restaurant feet in the sand. The service remains discreet, old-fashioned, without ostentation. From 1 918 € per night, we pay for the historic address and the rare land, not the contemporary design ✨

L'Anantara Villa Padierna Palace occupies a hill eight kilometres north of Marbella, in a 180-hectare resort planted with olive trees and umbrella pines. The architecture follows the codes of Tuscan palaces: ochre facades, colonnades, stone fountains, inner courtyards paved with marble. The rooms display a classic European style, damask fabrics, carved wooden furniture, travertine bathrooms. The Anantara spa extends over 2,000 m² with hammam, Finnish sauna, heated indoor pool and treatment cabins inspired by Thai rituals. Two outdoor pools (one Olympic, one family) overlook the valley, view as far as the Mediterranean on clear days. We tested the shuttle service to Puerto Banús (15 minutes), practical to avoid the car. From 660 € per night, a resort palace that bets on golf and well-being rather than on the beach ✨

The Gran Hotel Inglés occupies a 1853 building in the heart of literary Madrid, between Cervantes and Lope de Vega. We tested a Deluxe on the third floor: 28 m², solid oak parquet, upholstered navy blue velvet headboard, Macael white marble bathroom. Natural light filters through the double glazing, the neighbourhood stays lively until midnight without being noisy. The Sisley spa occupies the original vaulted cellars, 12-metre pool under brick arches, Moroccan zellige hammam. Lobo 8, signature table of chef Diego Guerrero, serves contemporary Spanish cuisine à la carte (starters 24-38 €, mains 32-48 €). Rates from 586,50 € per night, breakfast 35 € extra. We recommend for a long Madrid weekend, the address lives up to its promises of an intimate palace ✨

Brach Madrid occupies a neoclassical 1920 building in the heart of Gran Vía, reinvented by Starck with his usual vocabulary: smoked mirrors, forest-green velvet, brushed brass, vintage scoured furniture. The rooms play on contrasts, solid oak parquet against padded headboards, white terrazzo bathrooms. The top-floor pool draws in as many guests as Madrid's golden youth, Silencio vibe open to the sky. The Akasha spa offers hammam and treatment cabins in a dimmed glow. The Dani García restaurant (two stars to its name) serves technical Andalusian cuisine, precise plating, impeccable produce. We paid 701 € the night in a Superior room, rate in line with this level of finish and address. The service stays attentive without being stuffy, unmistakable Evok Collection tone ✨

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid occupies the former 1910 palace, Plaza de la Lealtad, facing the Prado and Retiro Park. We tested a garden-view room: solid oak parquet, restored original mouldings, Macael marble bathroom, light dimmed by ivory linen curtains. The 1 000 m² spa descends over two levels, pool tiled in golden mosaic, treatment cabins with lacquered wood panelling. The Deessa table bears the signature of Quique Dacosta (three stars in Dénia), technical Mediterranean menu, impeccable service. From 1 272 € per night, rate coherent with the standing and rarity of the address. The Palm Court bar under the glass roof remains Madrid's drawing room for tea or aperitif, sage green velvet armchairs, centenarian palms. We recommend without reservation ✨

L'Hotel Casa Sagnier occupies a 1902 modernist building by architect Enric Sagnier, father of Barcelona’s eclectic style. There are 28 rooms spread over six floors, all different, some with original bow-windows and restored mouldings. The fitness centre is compact but Technogym-equipped, the restaurant offers a contemporary Mediterranean menu signed by a chef trained at Moments. The 9,3/10 Booking score from 1 295 reviews reflects attentive service and meticulous execution. Rates from 416 € per night, coherent for a 5★ of this scale right in the Eixample. Airport shuttle available, on-site parking (rare in the district). We recommend for a stay where architecture matters as much as comfort ✨

The Palacio de los Duques occupies two 18th-century Baroque palaces on the Cuesta Santo Domingo, former residence of the dukes of Uceda. We pass through restored frescoed lounges, Carrara marble staircases, coffered gilt ceilings that recall Madrid's days as an imperial capital. The rooms blend period mouldings and designer contemporary furniture, some with views over the rooftops of the Royal Opera. The indoor pool under a glass roof, rare in historic Madrid, justifies the detour on its own. The restaurant offers a gastronomic Spanish menu, impeccable service, deep wine cellar. From 608 € a night, we pay as much for the address as the heritage ✨

Rosewood Villa Magna occupies a 1970s building on Paseo de la Castellana, business artery of modern Madrid. We are far from the historic palace: here, luxury comes through generous volumes, smoked grey marble, contemporary artworks hung in the corridors. The rooms play the chic minimalism card, dark wood and king-size beds, bathrooms in natural stone. The 650 m² spa offers hammam and treatment cabins, open until 22h. The gastronomic table Amós holds a Michelin star, technical Basque cuisine. From 1 400 € per night, we pay as much for the impeccable service as for the address: Salamanca district and its luxury boutiques are ten minutes on foot ✨

The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona occupies a Modernista building from 1905 that has been renovated, a stone's throw from the Casa Batlló. We head up to the rooftop: two pools, teak sun loungers, views over Gaudí's chimneys and the terraces of the Eixample. The rooms blend Catalan wood panelling and Asian minimalism, cream and grey tones, white marble bathrooms. The 1,000m² spa offers signature Mandarin Oriental treatments, heated indoor pool, hammam. The service is well-oiled, discreet, efficient, without excess formality. From 833 € a night, we pay for the Passeig de Gràcia location and the group's expertise. ✨

L'Ohla Barcelona occupies a 1920s building on Via Laietana, façade dotted with eye sculptures by Frederic Amat. We step into a lobby of black marble and brushed steel, dim lighting, four-metre ceilings. The rooms blend dark wood, leather and Macael stone bathrooms, some with freestanding baths facing the Gòtic rooftops. The rooftop with pool and bar offers clear views of Montjuïc and the Sagrada, rare at this address. Service remains discreet, efficient, never obsequious. From 459 € a night, coherent pricing for this level of finish and location. We recommend for a design weekend between Eixample and Born ✨

The Barceló Imagine occupies a glass tower north of Madrid, Chamartín district, a stone's throw from the Bernabéu. We tested a room facing Cuatro Torres, floor-to-ceiling windows, Jaime Hayón furniture in lacquered white and pale pink resin, bathroom in translucent Corian. The whole assumes a maximalist stance, between pop art and 1970s futurism, which divides: we love it or find it kitsch. The rooftop with pool opens onto the Madrid skyline, service correct without being warm. Business clientele weekdays, design-addict couples at weekends, from 233 € a night. We recommend for the architectural experience, not for the plush comfort of a classic palace ✨

The Sofitel Barcelona Skipper occupies a contemporary building on the Avenida Litoral, facing the Barceloneta beach. We are far from the Passeig de Gràcia, and that's precisely the idea: a beachside address fifteen minutes by taxi from the Barri Gòtic, with rooftop pool and rooms overlooking the Mediterranean. The interiors play the classic Sofitel card, light marble, blonde wood, French design furniture without excess. The service is professional, the clientele mixes weekend couples and executives on seminars. From 410 € a night, we pay for the view and the front-of-sea location, not the historic charm. The hotel works well for those who want to combine beach and city, less so for those seeking the Catalan soul ✨

The One Barcelona GL occupies a Modernist building from 1880 on Carrer de Provença, halfway between Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Família. We slept in a 38 m² room with oak parquet, buttoned leather headboard, Macael white marble bathroom. The rooftop pool offers a frontal view of Gaudí’s spires, rare at this distance. The 600 m² spa features hammam, Finnish sauna, massage cabins with Catalan oils. The restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, short menu, produce from the Boqueria market. From 495 € per night, a coherent rate for this level of service right in the Eixample. Attentive service without being stuffy, mixed international clientele (couples, business, families) ✨

L'ABaC H&R Barcelona Monument stands back from the city, on the slopes of the Tibidabo, in a modernist villa surrounded by pines. We come first for the table of Jordi Cruz, three Michelin stars since 2017, then we discover fifteen contemporary rooms in neutral tones, blonde wood and grey marble. The spa occupies 300 m² in the basement, heated indoor pool, treatment cabins, hammam. From 348 € a night, which remains reasonable for a gastronomic palace of this calibre. The service is attentive without being stuffy, we sense that the team knows its regulars. Private parking on site, airport shuttle on request. An address for gourmets who prefer the discretion of the heights to the tumult of the Rambla ✨

Boho Club Marbella occupies a 3-hectare estate in Lomas de Río Verde, between the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús. We are far from the usual glitz of Marbella: here, driftwood, raw linen, woven rattan, dense tropical vegetation. The rooms (some with private terrace and jacuzzi) mix vintage furniture and local craftsmanship, subdued lighting, sand and terracotta tones. The spa offers Ayurvedic treatments and Balinese massages, the two pools (one heated) are surrounded by palm trees and bougainvillea. The beach is a ten-minute walk away, but the shuttle drops you off directly. From 582 € per night, we recommend for a detox-chic stay without leaving the resort ✨

The Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club occupies a seafront to the east of the centre, on Avenida José Ribera, between low-rise residences and pine groves. We counted four pools in the gardens, one of which is heated in winter, and direct access to the beach via private walkway. The rooms overlook the sea or the gardens, contemporary light wood furniture, grey marble bathrooms. The spa offers hammam, sauna, treatment cabins, open until 9pm. Rates from 666 € per night, which remains reasonable for a 5★ on the beachfront in Marbella. The score of 9/10 from 538 reviews reflects the consistency of the service and the cleanliness of the facilities. We recommend for family stays or couples who favour the beach over the clubbing of Puerto Banús ✨

The Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella unfolds across a former Andalusian estate planted with umbrella pines, seven kilometres from the town centre. We appreciate the 50-metre Olympic pool, rare on the Costa del Sol, and direct access to a supervised private beach. The rooms blend light wood, natural linen and terracotta-tiled terraces, some with frontal sea views. The 1,200 m² spa offers hammam, sauna and treatment cabins facing the gardens. From 608 € a night, the address appeals to families seeking space and couples wanting the beach without the noise of central Marbella. The service remains attentive without being stiff, typical of the Kimpton spirit. We slept on the garden side, the nocturnal silence surprises at this proximity to the coast ✨

Nobu Hotel Marbella occupies a contemporary building on the Golden Mile, between Puerto Banús and the centre of Marbella. We come here as much for the table as for the beach, the Nobu DNA (Japanese minimalism, dark wood, light stone) runs through all the common spaces and rooms. The spa offers treatments and hammam, the pool opens directly onto the Mediterranean, private beach access included. The clientele mixes regulars of the house (who know the menu by heart) and travellers drawn by the promise of a 5★ beach hotel with real gastronomy. The service remains attentive without being stiff, from 1 045 € per night. We recommend a sea view room, the price difference is justified at the first sunrise ✨

ME by Meliá Marbella occupies a contemporary building by the sea, fifteen minutes' drive from the historic centre. We tested a sea-view room: polished concrete, light wood, sliding glass doors opening onto the beach. The infinity pool remains the focal point, with its white sun loungers and its swim-up bar. The restaurant offers a solid Mediterranean menu, without any particular signature. The Booking rating of 8,8/10 reflects the standing well: solid, modern, but without the soul of historic palaces. From 725 € per night, we come here for the private beach and relative calm, not for the buzz of Marbella Club ✨

Puente Romano Marbella occupies 15 hectares of subtropical gardens facing the Mediterranean, midway between Marbella and Puerto Banús. The architecture imitates an Andalusian pueblo, with low white buildings spread around four pools and a private beach. The rooms vary in size and style, some recently renovated, others more dated. We come above all for the concentration of tables (ten in total, including Nobu, Dani García and Le Bistrot), the tennis club and the Six Senses spa of 2 000 m². The clientele mixes European families, couples in their forties and regulars faithful since the 1980s. From 1 259 € per night, which remains high for Marbella, but the all-in resort formula justifies the rate. ✨