Comfort, gastronomy and design set the new standard for urban accommodation

The surge of urban tourism in Spain is driving a new generation of hotels that blend design, gastronomy and technology to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences in the very heart of the cities. From Barcelona to Seville, via Madrid and Palma, leading hotel chains are creating spaces that embody the local identity and captivate both business travellers and cosmopolitan explorers, transforming every stay into a new way of experiencing the destination. In Barcelona, Hesperia has completely restored several of its hotels. At Hesperia Presidente, all 151 rooms were redesigned, the lobby was completely renovated and nearly 1,000 m² of new dining and leisure areas were added. The centerpiece is Iluzione Diagonal, a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with a distinctive New York-inspired vibe that oozes the brand’s fresh urban spirit. Meanwhile, Hesperia Sant Just has revamped its communal areas and restaurants, adding a comprehensive wellness centre with a gym, yoga, pilates and cycling studios, a spa and a co-working space. Also in the city, the Grand Hyatt Barcelona has made a name for itself as a symbol of luxury hospitality following a major renovation of the former Hotel Sofía. With 465 rooms, including 49 suites, and a panoramic penthouse, it has an outdoor pool, a spa with sauna and Turkish bath, 22 meeting rooms, not to mention an 864 m² event space. Its culinary offers provide an experience unto themselves: Maymanta serves Peruvian cuisine with views from the 19th floor; Sofía Bar & Tapas serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes; and Leña, the grill by renowned chef Dani García, is set to open soon.

Grand Hyatt Barcelona has 465 rooms and a luxury penthouse © Hyatt Hotels Corporation

In Palma de Mallorca, Nobis Hotel has transformed a 12th-century stately palace into an elegant urban retreat with 37 rooms and suites. The building preserves original Muslim inscriptions alongside Gothic and Baroque elements that blend in perfectly with its contemporary interior design. It has a restaurant, the Mirall bar, a terrace, rooftop and spa, perfectly illustrating how history can blend seamlessly with contemporary style without losing its authenticity. In Seville, Only YOU Hotel is the perfect example of a new urban hospitality concept. With 209 rooms, a pool with a pool bar, an over 1,000 m² lobby and a meticulously curated culinary offer, the hotel has received the Re-Think Award for its sustainable design. Its design blends diverse cultures with a warm, cosmopolitan style, while its Trotamundos restaurant pays homage to local produce and zero-kilometre cuisine.

Only You Sevilla has been honoured with the Re-Think Award for its sustainable design © Only You Hotels

In Madrid, the Casa de las Artes Meliá Collection, located in the Literary Quarter, exemplifies the harmonious blend of culture, gastronomy and wellness. The 137-room hotel has a library, a thermal pool, not to mention a gym. Its restaurant, Maché, located in the former Spanish Railways Association building, serves haute cuisine with by live performances, strengthening the hotel’s role as a cultural hub. The new urban paradigm From panoramic rooftops to state-of-the-art spas, some Spanish hotels are designing truly immersive experience hubs. It is no longer just about staying overnight; it is about experiencing everything the city has to offer through the hotel itself, with signature cuisine, holistic wellness and a deep connection to the local culture. Urban hospitality is reinventing itself and Spain is at the forefront of this exciting transformation.