A trip to Granada allows you to explore the city's most famous site, the Alhambra Palace. Opt for accommodation overlooking the Alhambra to truly appreciate this architectural and historical gem. Our picks offer vistas of the palace from common areas like lounges and rooftop terraces or even from your own room.
If you're planning a family trip to Spain and have your sights set on Granada, know that you can find some of the best standard family-friendly hotels within walking distance of all the historical sites. Some of our top picks sit perfectly between Alhambra and the city center, making it easier for kids to explore the city.
Spain is an excellent destination for families who love to explore historical monuments, and Granada has one of the most famous sites: the majestic Alhambra Palace. But the city's unique history goes beyond its Nasrid palace, including the streets of the Albaicín neighborhood. You'll find plenty of the best mid-range family-friendly hotels within walking distance of all these famous sites.
Granada, with its compact Old Town, is a walkable and interesting city—a perfect place for a family trip. Enjoy wandering the historic streets of the Albaicín, learning about the city's unique past, and touring the grounds of the Alhambra, then relax in one of our picks for the best luxury family-friendly hotels in Granada.
As a city filled with history, Granada is an excellent destination for a family trip. Adults and kids alike love exploring the streets of the Albaicín, walking the grounds of the Alhambra, and discovering the city's unique history. On top of excellent locations, the best family-friendly hotels in Granada offer perks that kids love, such as extravagant breakfast buffets, spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and rooftop terraces.
Boutique hotels offer a quieter, more personalized experience that allows you to understand the city's history a bit better. The best standard boutique hotels in Granada have unique characteristics like charming historical elements, views of the Alhambra, and central locations in the Albaicín neighborhood and city center.
Some of the best mid-range boutique hotels in Granada repurpose buildings like 16th-century Arabic houses, 19th-century palaces, and those with facades covered in Neo-Pompeian. The city's history runs deep, and you can enjoy it starting with your accommodation.
In a city as historic as Granada, you can easily elevate your experience with luxury accommodation. But you can still keep your stay personal and intimate by booking one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Granada, all set in ideal locations and with perks like on-site gourmet restaurants and rooftop terraces with views.
You'll find much of Madrid's glamorous past in its luxury boutique hotels, many set on or near the city's famous boulevard, Gran Vía. Besides excellent locations, some of the best luxury boutique hotels in Madrid offer unique perks like rooftop terraces and in-house spas, so you get both a personalized and elegant experience.
Boutique hotels offer a slightly elevated atmosphere that feels personal, cozy, and historical at the same time, but you don't need to spend a lot to enjoy this type of stay. Some of the best mid-range boutique hotels in Madrid offer similar amenities to those in the luxury range, plus they're centrally located, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Madrid is a beautiful and diverse city with plenty of accommodation options that don't require you to splurge. Some of the best standard boutique hotels in Madrid are in our favorite neighborhoods, including the historic Literary Quarter, the central Sol, and the hip Lavapies. All our picks put you within walking distance of numerous city sites and still provide amenities like breakfast buffets and cozy lounges.
Madrid is an excellent city for family trips, with so many activities that kids will love, such as rowing boats in Retiro Park, exploring the royal palace, and eating churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. At the end of the day, you'll find several hotels that support families with amenities like pools, restaurants with kid-friendly grub, and spacious rooms (some with bunk beds).
Some of the best luxury family-friendly hotels in Madrid offer those necessary perks that make it a little easier to travel with your brood. With these amenities, you can explore the city, then return to your comfy hotel for plenty of entertainment, like splashing around in the pool, eating conveniently at on-site restaurants, and hanging out on a rooftop terrace.
When traveling with family, those kid-friendly perks that make the trip a little easier can be worth it, such as convenient restaurants right on the property and a swimming pool to keep everyone entertained. Some of Madrid's best mid-range family-friendly hotels offer those amenities, plus an excellent location.
Madrid is an excellent choice for a family trip, as this diverse city offers plenty to see and do, plus a few accommodation options that don't require a splurge. Some of the best standard family-friendly hotels in Madrid are in our favorite walkable neighborhoods, meaning even shorter legs can enjoy all the sites. Our top picks are affordable, keep you centrally located, and still provide family-friendly amenities like breakfast buffets and cozy lounges.
One of Barcelona's most historic and picturesque neighborhoods is the Gothic Quarter. Aptly named, it features medieval architecture and sites like the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Anna Church, Bishop's Bridge, and the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. Staying here means you'll be in the heart of the city's history and within walking distance to unlimited sites, parks, eateries, and tapas bars.
A beautiful rooftop terrace with cool amenities and incredible city views is the icing on the cake for luxury hotels. These elegant properties provide a range of perks from top to bottom, and relaxing on a rooftop terrace is the perfect way to end a busy day exploring Barcelona. Luckily, many luxury hotels in Barcelona have them, and all of our top picks are in the scenic Gothic Quarter, which only adds to the experience.
Hotels with rooftop terraces are pretty popular in Barcelona, as the city has one of the most beautiful historic skylines in Europe. As a bonus, you'll also get sea and mountain views. But it's not just the luxury hotels that offer this perk; you'll find plenty of mid-range properties with some of the best rooftops in Barcelona.
With excellent weather and one of the most beautiful historical centers in Europe, Barcelona has a reputation for incredible rooftop terraces, with many sitting atop the city's hotels. These rooftops can offer numerous perks, such as sun decks, outdoor pools, bars, eateries, live music, and views. While staying in the city, why not combine your hotel with a hip rooftop?
When traveling with family—especially with young kiddos in tow—you might want accommodation with larger rooms, bunk beds, a swimming pool, kid-friendly restaurants, and entertaining attractions within walking distance. Sometimes, luxury hotels are the way to go because they offer many amenities that appeal to kids and adults alike. Plus, the cushy feel and elegant vibe don't hurt!
What can make a family trip a little more manageable is the accommodation, but you don't necessarily need a posh 5-star hotel to stay comfy. Barcelona has several mid-range family-friendly hotels that offer kid-friendly perks that parents and the little ones will appreciate, like swimming pools, convenient on-site restaurants, and central locations next to the main sites.
Barcelona's historic center is the perfect place for families to stay, with so much to do in the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, and El Born neighborhoods. These areas also offer family-friendly accommodation for any budget. Some of the best standard hotels in Barcelona still provide those fun amenities that kids love, like rooftop terraces, convenient (and tasty) on-site restaurants, and cozy lounges for reading or playing board games.
Barcelona is an ideal location when traveling with kids. The city never seems to get old for families, with gondolas and funiculars, large sweeping parks packed with entertainment, and beaches right in the city. But when traveling with the little ones in tow, it helps to choose a family-friendly hotel in Barcelona, too, of which there are plenty of options.
Barcelona oozes elegance and charm, especially when it comes to its luxury boutique hotels. One of the best ways to elevate your trip to Catalunya's capital is to stay in an elegant yet small accommodation with unique perks like rooftop terraces, gourmet restaurants, and historical features. In Barcelona, you'll find several luxury boutique hotels to make your experience a grand and personal one.
When choosing a hotel in Barcelona, you'll find plenty of mid-range options that fit various budgets while still offering boutique perks, like historical elements, cozy lounges, and outdoor terraces. Whether traveling with your partner or bringing the whole family, some of the best mid-range boutique hotels in Barcelona provide amenities that suit any traveler.
Barcelona is known for its boutique hotel selection, meaning you'll find various options throughout the city, including those that fit any budget. Barcelona's best standard boutique hotels are in the central neighborhoods and still offer fun perks, like rooftop terraces, complimentary happy hours, and stylish rooms.
Coastal San Sebastián sits in Spain's scenic north, in Basque Country. Known as a foodie hub, you can enjoy the city's culture with walking or e-bike tours and dive into the renowned gastronomy with a cooking class. Get out of the city to visit farms, vineyards, and some of Northern Spain's most popular walking trails within this coveted region of Europe.
Many argue that Madrid is Spain's most cultural city, as its central location draws people, gastronomy, traditions, and customs from around the country. In Madrid, you can dive deep into Spain's history and culture with walking tours of its diverse neighborhoods, evenings experiencing its distinct tavern culture, and tastes of staples like jamón Ibérico and padrón peppers. Then, peruse the world-renowned Prado Museum, enjoy dinner in the world's oldest restaurant, learn all about Spanish royalty, or take a day trip to one of the nearby historic cities and villages.
A vibrant and modern port city, Valencia is Spain's third-largest metropolis. Valencia's most famous attraction is its City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic building complex hosting a planetarium, oceanarium, interactive museum, and more. In addition, you'll find an idyllic Old Town, Albufera (a beloved wetlands reserve and park), and gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches. Plus, Valencia is home to one of Spain's most famous dishes: paella.
The Costa Brava is a scenic stretch of Catalonia's coastline, extending from the French border in the north to the town of Blanes in the south. Dotted with rugged coves, medieval villages, sandy beaches, vineyards, and the works of Salvador Dalí, many travelers flock to this picturesque region of Spain. Explore the countryside with yacht excursions, e-bike ventures, and kayaking trips, or visit beloved towns and cities like Girona, Cadaqués, and Figueres.
One of the most popular white villages in Southern Spain, Ronda sits atop a dramatic cliff, providing stunning views of its surrounding countryside. You'll find a mix of relaxed vibes and exciting outdoor adventures in Ronda. Explore the Old Town, listen to Spanish guitar, and learn about ancient winemaking techniques while savoring a glass or two. Then head out into the countryside to climb the Via Ferrata or peruse charming villages.
Known as the "jewel of the Mediterranean," Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and offers a tropical-like coastline, chiseled mountain peaks, and a vibrant culture. Travelers flock to the island to combine relaxation with adventure. For example, enjoy a catamaran cruise while snorkeling in the Mediterranean, visit idyllic villages while hiking in the mountains, or explore caves while wine tasting. And when you need a break, dive into the island's unique and flavorful culinary scene or walk the streets of buzzy Palma.
Bilbao is known for gastronomy and the architecture of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. Combine modern art with the city's world-renown culinary scene, impressive architecture, and quaint historic core. Discover Northern Spain's gastronomy by savoring pintxos, learning how to make wine, or taking a cooking class. Pair a visit to the Guggenheim with a city tour and admire architecture beyond the quirky. Or, explore outside the city center and enjoy the Picos de Europa, a mountain range that rivals the Alps.
Seville is Southern Spain's jewel and the capital of Andalucía. This historic city with the perfect mix of culture, architecture, and gastronomy, as it's the birthplace of flamenco and where tapas reign. Taste your way through Seville with cooking classes, wine tastings, and visits to tapas bars and olive farms. Then, dive deep into the local culture by learning about art restoration, touring historic sites like the Alcázar, and watching the beauty of the flamenco unfold before your eyes.
As the final bastion of the Iberian Peninsula (Al-Andulas) ruled by the Moors, Granada offers a unique mix of architecture paying homage to its many historical influences. The most famous site, of course, is the Alhambra, an imposing Muslim fortress from the 9th century used by the Nasrid Dynasty and as Spain's Royal Court. Besides stunning architecture, Granada also features a vibrant gastronomic scene, the country's beloved flamenco dance, and mountainous countryside.
A bustling, vibrant city with deep Roman and medieval roots, Barcelona offers a little bit of everything. Discover a unique blend of architecture, from 20th-century modernism to avant-garde, while getting lost in buzzy market halls, wandering colorful gardens, and eating your way through the historic Gothic Quarter. Explore Gaudí's famous creations like the Sagrada Familia, spend a day at the beach, attend a Spanish guitar concert, or go wine tasting in the countryside.
Take it easy on this two-week trip around the sunny beaches of Spain! You'll start with a few days in Barcelona, then drive north to the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava, taking your time as you explore quiet coves and small villages by the sea. For the second part of the trip, you'll jet off to the Costa del Sol, basing yourself in seaside Marbella and quaint Ronda as you swim, sunbathe, hike, and relax.
This weeklong adventure offers a wonderful mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventures in and around Barcelona. Start with several days in the colorful coastal city, touring Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, and cruising offshore on a sailboat. Detour to the famous Monastery of Montserrat, home to a renowned boys' choir that you'll hear perform. Then spend the last part of the trip hiking between picturesque villages in the Pyrenees Mountains and exploring the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava.
Wine, cheese, tapas, pintxos — this gourmet tour around northern Spain is a treat for foodies! Start in the capital city of Madrid, where you'll go on a tapas tour around local bars to learn the proper way to order small plates paired with drinks. Then hop in a rental car and drive north to the wine country of La Rioja, where you'll tour family-run wineries and blend your own wine to take with you. Continue onward to the culinary hot spot of San Sebastian, sampling pintxos (Basque-style tapas) at traditional bars in the old city. Then finish the trip with a tour of Bilbao and an excursion into the surrounding countryside to see how Basque cheeses are produced.
Bilbao's hotel scene matches the city's reputation, blending history with eclectic modernity. The best hotels in Bilbao reflect this combination with historic buildings, chic interiors, unique art, authentic decor, and the most sought-after amenity: a view of the impressive Guggenheim Museum. After visiting numerous hotels in Bilbao, kimkim put together this list of the best of the best, from surprisingly stylish budget options to elegant luxury picks.
On a shorter visit to the Balearic island of Mallorca, basing yourself in the main city of Palma puts you in the center of the action, while travelers with a few more days to spend may want to head out to a countryside retreat to get away from it all. No matter what lodging you choose, all of these hotels have a story to share.
Despite being a small city, Córdoba's Old Town has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites—one being the historic core itself. You'll find some of the best boutique hotels in Córdoba right next to (or within) these monuments, including the Mezquita-Catedral and its surroundings.
Whether you want to stay right on the city's main boulevard, in the historic Albaicín neighborhood, or literally in the Alhambra, you'll find boutique options catering to a range of budgets. On top of location, the best boutique hotels in Granada offer amenities like outdoor courtyards, on-site eateries, and Alhambra views.
The best boutique hotels in Ronda make your stay truly memorable with perks like outdoor pools, spas, restaurants, and incredible views. Some of our top picks sit right on city cliffs, with many offering views of Puente Nuevo, El Tajo Gorge, the surrounding valleys, or even sites like the famous bullring.
Much like the city of Valencia blends the classic with the avant-garde, mixing the cobblestone Old Town and Gothic Valencia Cathedral with the bright white modernist architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, these hotels take the city's hybrid spirit to a new level. Enjoy the pairings of contemporary decor and Art Deco influences with historical buildings and ancient stone at these top accommodations.
Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, the Costa Brava has plenty of charming boutique hotels to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxurious options to mid-range and standard lodgings. Enjoy amenities like outdoor pools, spas, on-site restaurants, and direct beach access, and choose from historical villages like Begur, Palafrugell, and Girona, coastal locations, or countryside retreats.
The best boutique hotels in Málaga offer a more personalized experience while providing convenient, fun, and unique perks. Our picks fit a range of budgets, but all are centrally located, and most have amenities like rooftop terraces, swimming pools, and on-site eateries.
With one of the longest and most popular coastlines in Europe and a siesta every afternoon, Spain practically insists on its visitors relaxing. Add in one of Europe's most sensual dances, flamenco, an abundance of that ultimate sharing food, tapas and some devastatingly beautiful architecture, gardens and produce-rich countryside, and it becomes clear why this is among Europe's foremost honeymoon destinations, too. Here are the top places to visit on a honeymoon in Spain, and the top things to do in each.
San Sebastián's boutique hotel scene matches its foodie, with some of the best options offering hip downtown locations, delicious Michelin-starred restaurants, unique settings like restored 19th-century villas, and rooftop terraces with outdoor pools. As a bonus, as a laid-back city, some of San Sebastián's best hotels fall into the more affordable mid-range and standard categories. After visiting this Basque hub and searching for the top accommodations, kimkim staff recommends these 13 options.
By staying in boutique lodgings, you'll get a more personalized stay while enjoying amenities like on-site eateries, outdoor pools, and rooftop terraces. Some of the best boutique hotels in Seville offer all the perks right in the city center, so you can stay within walking distance of all the main sites.
