Zaragoza – capital of the Aragón region and fifth-largest city in Spain – makes for a fantastic city break. Here, the ancient architecture of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Palacio de la Aljafería sit alongside cultural musts such as the Goya Museum and Origami Museum. Base your endless days of exploration at one of these excellent hotels, which include design-forward retreats and traditional luxury stays.
The Hotel Catalonia El Pilar is a four-star hotel situated a stone’s throw from the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It has an elegant facade, covered in wrought iron balconies with graceful white embellishments surrounding the windows. The rooms are sleek and functional, decorated in muted tones with polished wooden floors. The hotel also offers a breakfast buffet of cold cuts, cheeses and baked treats, plus a bijou gym.
Hotel Sauce is just 100m (330ft) from the grand Plaza del Pilar. The hotel itself may not be big or grand, but it more than makes up for that with bags of character, friendly service and stylish rooms. Communal areas add quirky touches – like a side table made from an upcycled suitcase and a recommissioned caravan in the breakfast room – while the bedrooms are comfortable and bright, dressed in shades of white and cream. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, plus the attached cafe, Mi Habitación Favorita, is one of the best spots for breakfast in Zaragoza.
Hotel Oriente is right on the edge of the Casco Viejo district, within an easy walk of the Plaza del Pilar and Palacio de la Aljafería. It has an elegant feel, with a grand neoclassical facade and sleek marble decor in the lobby. The rooms are classic and comfortable, offering flat screen TVs, bathroom toiletries, wifi and a minibar. The hotel also serves a breakfast buffet to get your morning off to a good start.
If you’re looking for design-led luxury in Zaragoza, look no further than Hotel Reina Petronila. Sleek, glossy and sophisticated, the lobby features bright red statement furniture and staircases – while the rooms range from shades of white and cobalt blue to burgundy red. In-room comforts include rain showers, minibars, queen-sized beds and luxury bathrooms. There’s also a large business and service centre, plus a spa on the 11th floor which offers picture-worthy city views.
The chic Hotel Palafox stands just 800m from Zaragoza’s basilica. Inside, you’ll find urban glamour mixed with traditional Aragonese style – think bare-brick walls, large-scale handcrafted furniture and chunky wood beams on the ceilings. The rooms are plush and sumptuous, decorated with warm tones and lots of soft furnishings. Highlights of the hotel include the rooftop gym, sauna and outdoor pool. Come dinner time, head to Restaurante Aragonia for exemplary local fare.
One of the grandest hotels in Zaragoza, this establishment has beautiful high ceilings, glittering chandeliers, fine French mouldings, marble pillars and elegant staircases. The original hotel was designed by architect Antonio Rubio in 1929 and inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII. The rooms ooze contemporary style and sophisticated chic with pure white decor, while La Ontina restaurant offers gourmet cuisine based on seasonal produce.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you will certainly find it at Zrooms. It’s inspired by the boutique hotel concept that emerged from New York in the 1980s – the result is an intriguing environment that combines art installation, plush bespoke furnishings and an atmospheric vibe. Individually designed accommodation comprises just a couple of suites and loft-style apartments, offering home cinema projectors with Dolby surround sound. Plus, it’s just steps from the main city square, Plaza del Pilar.
Leon Beckenham contributed additional reporting to this article.