Kiwi Curated
Spain’s Must-See Cities
by Joy PecknoldTapas bars, flamenco bars, its art and architecture—Spain gives these and so many more reasons for the world to love it. While by no means an exhaustive list, these cities are our top 10 to see, from the inland capital of Madrid to the biggest little island of Ibiza. Our next stay in a sumptuous, central hotel is sure to make us fall for España all over again.
Spain’s Must-See Cities
A Spanish cities tour must kick off with Madrid, the country’s capital and most populous metropolis known for its art museums, grand boulevards and manicured parks. Right in the heart of it, Hyatt Centric Via Madrid is an extension of the city’s artful refinement. Its stylish suites feature custom furniture and terraces for taking in the view. Speaking of views, head up to the rooftop bar for one along with a refreshing cocktail or two.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
In Chueca, a lively district known for its originality and LGTBQ2+ community, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is perfectly placed. The design work of Lázaro Rosa Violán, the rooms are chic but with a splash of the unexpected. On the ground floor of this former 19th century townhouse, an old bookshop has become the hotel’s bar—alongside tapas and wines by the weight, it still sells books.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Next up, Barcelona. The country’s second biggest center is first when it comes to Gaudí architecture and transitioning from a beach day to big city nightlife. Here, Hotel MidMost Barcelona sets guests up close to main streets Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia. After a rigorous day of shopping, drop yours bags off at the room and head up to the stylish, sun-drenched rooftop plunge pool to cool off.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Along with its position in the very walkable and well-connected Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Kimpton Vividora is highly Instagrammable, thanks to its slick mix of wood, leather and tile with pops of color. Perhaps most photogenic is the rooftop with its big, blue pool backed by an even bigger city vista.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Positioned where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea, 2,000-year-old Valencia is known as the City of Arts and Sciences. The birthplace of paella also boasts astounding architecture and, just like Barcelona, an inviting stretch of sand. In its historic old town, with its own florist and tailor, Only YOU Hotel Valencia makes for one stylish home base.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
The Alhambra and its gardens are enough to pull you in, but Granada gives visitors so much more than that, including traditional tapas bars, teterías and, of course, that Sierra Nevada backdrop. Why not stay in a palace while you’re at it— Hospes Palacio de los Patos is a hotel converted from a circa 19th century one and the old rooms retain that regality thanks to fresco ceilings and mosaic floors.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
The birthplace of Pablo Picasso on the beautiful Costa del Sol is also known for another art form—music. Wherever you head in search of a lively act, you can count on chill tunes when you return to Only YOU Hotel Málaga. Occupying the Art Deco La Equitativa building, the boutique hotel is close to the water. For a staggering panorama of the port city, head up to the Lola Restaurant terrace and rooftop Lolita Skyview Pool and Lounge.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Famous for its Flamenco dancing, Seville also seduces with architectural landmarks, cultural festivals and incomparable charm. An iconic city like this one calls for an equally iconic hotel and Hotel Alfonso XIII is just that. Named for the King who presided over its opening in 1929 and renovated by the Luxury Collection brand in 2012, the property remains a perfect match for its historic home city.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
In Basque Country, Bilbao is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, a bounty of pintxos bars and the shimmering Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim. Settle yourself right across from the iconic museum at the Miro Hotel. With interior design by fashion designer Antonio Miro, its crispness complements the modern surrounds to a tee.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Spain is known for its cuisine, but the star of its culinary constellation is undeniably San Sebastián. It’s even been called the “Best City in the World for Gourmets.” On the Bay of Biscay, it’s also a surfing destination—talk about well-rounded. In the historic city center, a short stroll from its beaches and looking onto the Urumea River, Hotel Maria Cristina provides grand accommodation befitting all the fine dining that surrounds it.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
Cities hit different when they’re on balmy resort islands, and Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, doesn’t disappoint. Here, take in the Santa María cathedral, La Almudaina palace, miles-long seaside promenade and more. Es Príncep enjoys a privileged location in the historic center and boasts sea views, a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop terrace with an infinity pool.
VIEW HOTELSpain’s Must-See Cities
They call it Ibiza Town but it’s a city and what a city at that—boutiques, beaches, a bounty of nightlife, a castle, a cathedral and, recently added to the list, a Standard Hotel which is always a scene unto itself. The earthy tones of The Standard Ibiza rooms provide the perfect balance for whatever revelry goes on up at the rooftop pool—one of the only ones in Ibiza—and restaurant fittingly named Up.
VIEW HOTELA Spanish cities tour must kick off with Madrid, the country’s capital and most populous metropolis known for its art museums, grand boulevards and manicured parks. Right in the heart of it, Hyatt Centric Via Madrid is an extension of the city’s artful refinement. Its stylish suites feature custom furniture and terraces for taking in the view. Speaking of views, head up to the rooftop bar for one along with a refreshing cocktail or two.
VIEW HOTELIn Chueca, a lively district known for its originality and LGTBQ2+ community, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is perfectly placed. The design work of Lázaro Rosa Violán, the rooms are chic but with a splash of the unexpected. On the ground floor of this former 19th century townhouse, an old bookshop has become the hotel’s bar—alongside tapas and wines by the weight, it still sells books.
VIEW HOTELNext up, Barcelona. The country’s second biggest center is first when it comes to Gaudí architecture and transitioning from a beach day to big city nightlife. Here, Hotel MidMost Barcelona sets guests up close to main streets Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia. After a rigorous day of shopping, drop yours bags off at the room and head up to the stylish, sun-drenched rooftop plunge pool to cool off.
VIEW HOTELAlong with its position in the very walkable and well-connected Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Kimpton Vividora is highly Instagrammable, thanks to its slick mix of wood, leather and tile with pops of color. Perhaps most photogenic is the rooftop with its big, blue pool backed by an even bigger city vista.
VIEW HOTELPositioned where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea, 2,000-year-old Valencia is known as the City of Arts and Sciences. The birthplace of paella also boasts astounding architecture and, just like Barcelona, an inviting stretch of sand. In its historic old town, with its own florist and tailor, Only YOU Hotel Valencia makes for one stylish home base.
VIEW HOTELThe Alhambra and its gardens are enough to pull you in, but Granada gives visitors so much more than that, including traditional tapas bars, teterías and, of course, that Sierra Nevada backdrop. Why not stay in a palace while you’re at it— Hospes Palacio de los Patos is a hotel converted from a circa 19th century one and the old rooms retain that regality thanks to fresco ceilings and mosaic floors.
VIEW HOTELThe birthplace of Pablo Picasso on the beautiful Costa del Sol is also known for another art form—music. Wherever you head in search of a lively act, you can count on chill tunes when you return to Only YOU Hotel Málaga. Occupying the Art Deco La Equitativa building, the boutique hotel is close to the water. For a staggering panorama of the port city, head up to the Lola Restaurant terrace and rooftop Lolita Skyview Pool and Lounge.
VIEW HOTELFamous for its Flamenco dancing, Seville also seduces with architectural landmarks, cultural festivals and incomparable charm. An iconic city like this one calls for an equally iconic hotel and Hotel Alfonso XIII is just that. Named for the King who presided over its opening in 1929 and renovated by the Luxury Collection brand in 2012, the property remains a perfect match for its historic home city.
VIEW HOTELIn Basque Country, Bilbao is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, a bounty of pintxos bars and the shimmering Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim. Settle yourself right across from the iconic museum at the Miro Hotel. With interior design by fashion designer Antonio Miro, its crispness complements the modern surrounds to a tee.
VIEW HOTELSpain is known for its cuisine, but the star of its culinary constellation is undeniably San Sebastián. It’s even been called the “Best City in the World for Gourmets.” On the Bay of Biscay, it’s also a surfing destination—talk about well-rounded. In the historic city center, a short stroll from its beaches and looking onto the Urumea River, Hotel Maria Cristina provides grand accommodation befitting all the fine dining that surrounds it.
VIEW HOTELCities hit different when they’re on balmy resort islands, and Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, doesn’t disappoint. Here, take in the Santa María cathedral, La Almudaina palace, miles-long seaside promenade and more. Es Príncep enjoys a privileged location in the historic center and boasts sea views, a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop terrace with an infinity pool.
VIEW HOTELThey call it Ibiza Town but it’s a city and what a city at that—boutiques, beaches, a bounty of nightlife, a castle, a cathedral and, recently added to the list, a Standard Hotel which is always a scene unto itself. The earthy tones of The Standard Ibiza rooms provide the perfect balance for whatever revelry goes on up at the rooftop pool—one of the only ones in Ibiza—and restaurant fittingly named Up.
VIEW HOTEL