From the cosmopolitan hub of Barcelona to the vibrant streets of Seville, the best places to stay in Spain check all the boxes for the trip of a lifetime: a rich cultural heritage, fantastic cuisine, stunning sights…you get the idea.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream Spanish getaway.
In the meantime, check out the five best places to stay in Spain for travel inspo.
1. Barcelona: the best place to stay in Spain for first-timers & culture junkies
Barcelona tops many travelers’ Spain bucket lists as the quintessential Spanish travel destination. Mediterranean beaches, unique Old-World architecture, famous and diverse gastronomy — whether you're visiting Barcelona with kids or throwing a Spain bachelorette party, there’s a nearly endless amount of things to do in this cosmopolitan hub.
For most travelers, simply wandering the city’s storied (and beautiful) streets searching for the best tapas bars or stunning architectural works like the Basílica de la Sagrada Família is an unforgettable experience. And if you get tired of urban sights (we’re not sure this is even possible), Barcelona’s surrounding nature reserves offer a breath of fresh air and panoramic views of the city.
(BTW: if you’re visiting Spain with kids, check out our guide for family-specific fun.)
Where to stay in Barcelona, Spain: Hotel Neri, Almanac Barcelona and more
Whether you’re wondering where to stay in Barcelona for the first time or the 20th, Fora can help you decide on the right hotel for your stay.
Hotel Neri — one of the best boutique hotels in Barcelona — and Almanac Barcelona are a couple of our advisors’ favorites for their relaxed but elevated vibe. But there are tons of great hotels spread across the city’s most exciting districts. And remember, book with Fora to access VIP hotel perks and more.
Fora Perks at Almanac Barcelona:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Hotel Neri:
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
2. Madrid: the best place to stay in Spain if you want to tour the country
Madrid is one of the best places to stay in Spain for two reasons. On one hand, it’s an awesome city that, while not as popular as Barcelona, offers a culturally invigorating experience.
The city has preserved much of its historical roots, and it’s not uncommon to spy ornate buildings constructed centuries ago during the height of various ruling factions (like the Moors or Bourbon dynasty). But Madrid isn’t just ancient architecture and business centers — the Gran Vía and Chueca areas are especially lively with tons of shops, bars and restaurants. In fact, Madrid has a thriving culinary scene with traditional Spanish as well as international influences.
And on the other hand, Madrid’s central location and economic importance make it an excellent base for exploring Spain by train, car or even domestic flights if that’s preferable. Notable day trips include wine tours to Rioja, cultural excursions to Toledo, or, if you’re open to a longer segue, sojourns to other major cities like Valencia or Seville, which are easily accessible from Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid, Spain: URSO Hotel & Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid and more
Wondering where to stay in Madrid? If you want luxe, boutique-style accommodations, URSO is an excellent choice in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods (check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Madrid for more ideas).
If you want a more traditional hotel experience, the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is also conveniently located and features all the allure of a five-star hotel (the Four Season’s façade is gorgeous).
Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at either hotel.. And if neither fit your style, we’ll help you find one that does.
Fora Perks at URSO Hotel & Spa:
$100 hotel / resort credit..
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
3. Granada: where to stay in Spain for architecture & outdoorsy adventure
Granada earns its place among the best places to stay in Spain for its rare blend of gorgeous Moorish influences and access to the Sierra Nevada range.
Even in a country known for its architecture, Granada stands out with its heavy Moorish presence. And no landmark exhibits this style than the medieval Alhambra palace, once the symbol of Islamic rule in Spain. The imposing fortress-turned-royal-residence has stood above the city’s narrow, stone streets for nearly 800 years. It was once used as the seat of power in Granada, and today, Alhambra is one of Spain’s most interesting travel destinations.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip to Granada.
Where to stay in Granada, Spain: Hospes Palacio de Los Patos & La Bobadilla, A Royal Hideaway Hotel
Hospes Palacio de Los Patos and La Bobadilla are both opulent, five-star properties with lavish amenities and decor. The former is conveniently located in the heart of the city while the latter is a great choice for those looking to travel throughout Spain’s famed Andalusia region, as it’s equidistant from Granada, Málaga and Ronda — all of which are among the top 15 destinations in Spain.
Fora Perks at Hospes Palacio de Los Patos:
One complimentary dinner for two.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at La Bobadilla:
Select complimentary spa experiences.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Seville: the best place to stay in Spain for flamenco & exploring
Another one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers, Seville is a lively and charming city in Spain’s Andalusia region.
Since Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, you’ll regularly encounter dancers along the vibrant streets of neighborhoods like Triana or the major plazas. Festivals are regularly held throughout the year, and there are half a dozen major flamenco venues throughout the city as well.
Sightseeing in Seville won’t disappoint, either. A collection of impressive architectural works like the Seville Cathedral — the largest Gothic structure in the world — or the Royal Alcazar of Seville offer an intriguing juxtaposition with the city’s lush gardens, colorful avenues and otherwise cheery atmosphere.
Where to stay in Seville, Spain: Hotel Alfonso Xiii, A Luxury Collection Hotel & more
Hotel Alfonso Xiii is one of the best places to stay in Spain (and recommended by many Fora Advisors). Opulent decor, lavish accommodations and a distinct, Old-World style lend travelers the feeling that they’re staying in a small palace.
If you prefer more contemporary styles, though, don’t worry. There are more great places to stay in Seville — just connect with Fora to find and book your ideal Spanish escape.
Fora Perks at Hotel Alfonso Xiii:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. Ibiza: where to stay in Spain for nightlife & relaxation
Internationally recognized for its legendary nightlife scene, Ibiza is home to some of the most iconic clubs and DJs around the world. From epic sunset parties to all-night clubbing experiences, Ibiza's nightlife is nearly unparalleled.
The island is the absolute best place to stay in Spain for partying…but it’s also an excellent choice for travelers who want to kick back on a beach. The luxe beach setting is a favorite among celebrities and discerning travelers, much like its Greek counterpart Mykonos, one of the best places to stay in Greece.
Where to stay in Ibiza, Spain: The Standard Ibiza, 7pines Resort Ibiza & more
Some of our favorite properties include The Standard and 7pines Resort — Ibiza definitely does not lack awesome hotels and properties. In fact, deciding where to stay in Ibiza can be a little overwhelming — you’ll want to decide which part of the island matches your travel preferences as well as how close you want to stay to the “action.”
For instance, Ibiza Town is easily the most lively part of the island, so you might prefer an area like San Antonio or even one of the smaller villages if you desire a more relaxed vibe.
Connect with Fora to determine what makes the most sense for you.
Fora Perks at The Standard Ibiza:
Food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at 7pines Resort Ibiza:
$100 resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ready to stay at the best places in Spain with cool perks? Book with Fora
Still need help deciding where to stay in Spain? Your best bet is to book and plan your trip with Fora. We’ll not only help you land the perfect destination(s), but we’ll hook you up with VIP travel perks and pro one-on-one support along the way. Whether you want to check out the most unique places to visit in Spain or stick to the most famous sights, we have your back. Fill out the form below to get started.
Need more travel inspo? Check out our guides to these awesome destinations, too!