Hotel Don Carlos, Marbella

The Hotel Don Carlos is a familiar, iconic hotel that can be seen towering over the pine trees from the coastal road in the Las Chapas area, 15km east of Marbella. It has a long and distinguished history since opening in 1963. It is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is due to reopen in July 2025.

History of San Francisco Monastery, Alhambra

Under the Nasrids, it was the site of the early 14th century Palace. Later, when the Catholic Monarchs were besieging Granada, Queen Isabella I of Castile vowed that, after the victory, she would build a shrine in the Alhambra to her beloved Saint Francis.

Finca Cortesin Hotel

A five-star hotel, spa and golf resort, Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol is considered by many to be one of the finest hotels in Spain. Most of Andalucia's landmark hotels - ones which are well known for their unusual or visually stunning buildings - are housed in historic buildings: old convents, castles or palaces. But a few are in cleverly-designed modern structures - though you'd never know it.

Gran Meliá Sancti Petri Hotel

Located on La Barrosa beach, on the Costa de la Luz, this sleek, modern hotel with Andalucian features has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa, and is located near three golf courses. The Gran Melia Sancti Petri is the only five-star GL hotel in Cadiz province.

Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya Hotel

Built in the style of a traditional Alpine lodge, with a dramatic setting of snow-capped mountains, this hotel is located in the resort of Monachil at 2400m above sea level, and has direct access to ski runs – you can ski right to the door. It is the only five-star hotel in the Sierra Nevada.

Palacio del Bailio

Part of the excellent Spanish Hospes group (they also have hotels in Granada and Sevilla), known for their sensitive conversions of period buildings, excellent food and first-class spas, this was the first five-star hotel in the historic centre of Cordoba. Located near the Plaza de Colon, the hotel offers modern comfort in a historic setting.

Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella

This beachfront hotel is named after a Roman bridge, which is at the centre of its lush grounds. Situated on Marbella's Golden Mile, the Puente Romano boasts nine bars and restaurants, including Japanese and Italian.

Parador de Granada

The Parador of Granada enjoys one of the most unforgettable locations in Spain: inside the celebrated Alhambra complex of Christian and Moorish palaces, set high on a hilltop above Granada.

Palacio de los Patos

A 19th-century palace with a perfect blend of historic features and contemporary décor, plus an avant-garde wing of metal and glass. This magnificent period building, which sits behind wrought-iron gates, is surrounded by its own garden complete with palm trees - an oasis in a busy city, overlooked by the Alhambra palace.

Barceló Hotel La Bobadilla

This five-star GL hotel, near Loja in Granada province, is world-famous; it has been described as a cross between a parador and a pueblo blanco. Placido Domingo, Tom Cruise and King Juan Carlos of Spain have all stayed here.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

This hotel is a true landmark - a Mudejar palace built for a king, whose name it takes. Located near the Parque Maria Luisa, the Alfonso XIII has an important place is Seville's history, and in its affections.

Hotel Reina Cristina

The proudest hotel in the city of Algeciras is the Hotel Reina Cristina. Kings and Queens have stayed there. So have statesmen such as Churchill and Roosevelt and film stars like Rock Hudson and Deborah Kerr. Hotel Reina Cristina was opened in 1901 and the building includes ancient ruins. There are parts of an 8th-Century Mosque and a Moorish well. The hotel is next to Algeciras Port. The beach is 10 minutes drive away.