Come discover 100 of the most romantic small hotels and places in the world.
Located in the center of the Iberian peninsula, Spain’s capital city is home to the great Prado and Thyssen art museums.
The 5-star hotel opened in 1886 and was the first modern Madrid hotel. It was popular with well-known writers, artists and bullfighters in its early years. Today it has been renovated, recreating the vibe, sophistication and Art Deco character of the early years. It is a ten minute walk to the Prado.
T: +34 91 360 00 01. 48 rooms. US$ 300-
https://www.granhotelingles.com
You can horse ride, fish and enjoy dining overseen by one of Spain’s celebrity chefs, Santi Santamaria of Barcelona’s Can Fabes restaurant. Located in farmland 90 minutes outside Madrid, it is reminiscent of a chic English country house hotel.
T: +34 925 46 75 34. 27 rooms. US$ 450-
www.valdepalacios.es
A land of white mountain-top villages, bougainvillea, sidewalk cafes and romantic hotels. Remnants of Moorish civilization are still evident along the miles of Spain’s southern coast. Major cities include Granada, Cordoba and Seville.
Tasteful small mansion located next to the old Jewish quarters in the heart of Seville.
T: +34 955 422 158. 6 room b&b. US$ 168-
www.casanumero7.com
This 17th century house with small stylish rooms is only a five minute walk from the cathedral.
T: +34 954 227 116. 6 rooms US$ 410-
www.corraldelrey.com
This parador started life centuries ago as a luxurious guest residence on the grounds of the Alhambra. The rooms are contemporary style with some vintage touches.
T: 34 958 22 14 40. 36 rooms. US$ 350-
www.parador.es
Trasierra is set high in the Sierra Morena Mountains, 50 miles north of Seville in the heart of Andalucia. The white-washed 16th Century house stands in an aromatic garden surrounded by three thousand acres of olive and orange groves and has been the property of Madrid-born British ex-pat Charlotte Scott and her family for 35 years. Its charm is that it is a family house as well as an hotel.
Note: Since June 2019, Trasierra is only open to those wanting to take a minimum of 8-12 rooms.
T: +34 (0) 609 550 600. 18 rooms. US$ $250-
www.trasierra.eu
Castles, gothic cathedrals and vistas ringed with mountains. Major cities are Salamanca (European City of Culture 2002), Toledo and Segovia.
Located right in the heart of the Old Quarter, you can almost touch Segovia’s cathedral–Spain’s last major Gothic building and embellished to the hilt–from the windows of this 19th century stone town house.
T: +34 921 461-300. 27 rooms. US$ 64-
www.hotelinfantaisabel.com
In the 18th century Cardinal Lorenzana built this stately residence on lands fortified by medieval Muslims and gifted by the conquering Alfonso VI to the cardinals of Toledo. Located in the heart of Toledo. Decorated with ceramics, woods and an old coffered ceiling, it possesses an excellent restaurant.
T: +34 925 224-900. 27 rooms, US$ 60-. Dinner for two, $60-.
www.haciendadelcardenal.com
Spain’s rugged northwest coast has scenic bluffs, coves and inlets. It is the “green belt” of Spain. It is known for its seafood, wines, Celtic heritage, and the “End of the Way” pilgrim destination, Santiago de Compostela. Located north of Portugal’s border, cool, misty Galicia is one of—and the least well known—seven Celtic nations.
Along with Rome and Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela is one of Christendom’s three principal pilgrimage destinations. This parador, formerly a pilgrim’s hospital, is located in the plaza near the cathedral.
T: +34 81 582 200. 137 rooms. US$ 220-
www.parador.es
This Relais & Chateau hotel is located on a small river and is a ten minute taxi ride from city centre. The 51 individually styled colorful country-chic rooms have marble baths, oak floors and lacquered antiques.
Located in northern Spain between Galicia and Cantabria, rural Asturias has beaches, farms, quaint fishing villages and mountains. In the late 19th century Spaniards who made their fortunes in the New World—nicknamed “Indianos” from the Spanish name for the Americas (Indias)—returned here to build lavish mansions, a few of which are now charming hotels.
An art deco house built by a disciple of Gaudi for a wealthy Argentine Indiano. Located in small town on the border of Galicia, it has a lovely garden and river views.
T: +34 985 636-125. 22 rooms. US$ 120- (low season)
www.hotelpalacetepenalba.com
Mid-way between Barcelona and the French border is the beautiful medieval town of Girona, capital of the province of Girona. The province includes picturesque fishing villages, beautiful beaches and the Costa Brava, a dramatic rocky west Mediterranean coastline. Surrealist Salvador Dali was born and lived much of his life here.
This Relais & Chateau hotel is a beautifully renovated 18th century country house estate. Ask for a room in the original cozy farmhouse.
T: +34 902 550 321. US$ 600-
www.mastorrent.com
Located between France and the western Mediterranean, Catalonia is a proud region with a rich heritage. Its capital, Barcelona, is known for its century-long love of innovative architecture from Gaudi’s Modernisme to the present day Gehry and Meier’s musueums. Barcelona has two mountains and a beach and few cities can rival the medieval atmosphere of its Gothic Quarter.
Chic boutique romantic hotel and restaurant in a 19th century building renovated by architect Oriol Bohigas and decorated by Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Rooftop terrace with small pool. Overlooks the liveliest plaza in Barcelona and within walking distance of many favorite sites.
T: +34 934 81 36 66. 18 rooms. US$ 300-
This rugged and beautiful high mountain range separates France from Spain.
Built beneath the ruins of a 17th century fortress, the country inn features a fine restaurant and stunning mountain views.
T: +34 97 335 0704. 38 rooms. US$ 270-
www.hotelelcastell.com
Bordering Portugal and still undiscovered by tourists, the landscape resembles an undeveloped Provence or Tuscany. Important towns include the pilgrimage site of Guadalupe and the capital, Merida, with its well-preserved Roman ruins.
Located in a small whitewashed village, this former 17th century convent was recenty converted into a romantic and stylish hotel.
T: +34 924 682-692. 21 rooms. US$ 90
www.vivedespacio.com/laparra
The “soul of Spain”; a Spanish pilgrimage site second only to Santiago de Compostela. The town is dominated by a 14th century working monastery. This World Heritage Site is filled with relics, illuminated manuscripts and valuable works of art.
Portions of this intimate and romantic hotel date back to the 15th century. Located across the street from Guadalupe’s monastery.
T: +34 927 367 975. 40 rooms. $US 70-
www.parador.es
Bypass the packaged tour crowd and drive to the stunning setting of Deiá, a clifftop village overlooking the sea.
A former olive mill, the rustic inn boasts panoramic views of the valley and sea. Soller is a short distance from the arty, bohemian village of Deiá.
T: +34 971 638-280. 12 rooms. US$ 200-
www.casxorc.com
Unpretentious luxury inside two 16th century manor houses. A quartet of stone manor houses featuring oak beans, terra cotta rails and local art. On-site pool has views over the town’s lovely nest-like perch and the breath-taking Mediterranean coast beyond. The restaurant is set in an old olive press.
T: +34 971 639011. 63 rooms. US$ 415-, high season.
www.hotellaresidencia.com
Located in old town Palma’s historic Plaça Cort. Designed by Parisian designer Jacques Grange, renowned for his colorful, maximalist style.
White sand beaches in the most quiet and rural of the Balearic islands. Chic and low-key Menorca is a sharp contrast to throbbing, night-clubbing Ibiza.
Old white-washed farm buildings stylishly updated, set in 100 acres of vineyards and olive trees. Rooms with terraces, some with sea views. Known for its restaurant.
T: 34 971 37 72 11. 27 rooms. US$ 225-
www.torralbenc.com
Christopher Columbus lodged here on his way to the New World. Near-perfect climate and beaches; lush volcanic mountain scenery.
Arrive by ferry-boat from Tenerife to the mountain island, Gomera. This Castillian manor house-style hotel overlooks the picturesque village of San Sebastian and neighboring Tenerife Island.
T: +34 922 87 11 00. 58 rooms.US$ 150-
www.parador.es
