The Most Romantic Hotels in Spain for a Short City Break

Tucked away on the quiet backstreets of Barcelona‘s Gothic Quarter, the Hotel Neri overlooks a quaint and peaceful square that gives it its name. It occupies a 12th-century palace and retains plenty of its romantic medieval charm – period features have been carefully preserved and enhanced with subtle touches of contemporary styling. Carefully chosen music and signature scents set the scene, just be sure to pick one of the beautifully finished guest rooms with deep soaking tubs and secluded terraces.

For those looking to really impress, the very name of The Ritz conjures up images of old-world romance and class. And staying at the Ritz Madrid, you will be treated to the finest on offer, from its beautiful rooms with antique touches to its exquisite restaurant and afternoon tea. On warmer days, you can enjoy some tapas and drinks on the hotel’s terrace. And while you’re blowing the budget anyway, what’s more romantic than a flute of chilled champagne?

The traditional blends effortlessly with the chic and contemporary in one of the best known boutique hotels in the Andalusian capital. A classic interior design defines the rooms, which feature beautiful exposed brickwork alongside the most modern fittings and amenities. Lovebirds will especially appreciate the top-end suites featuring their own jacuzzis. The hotel’s 33 rooms are all located off an airy, light-flooded central courtyard in the traditional Andalusian style, and a lovely roof terrace offers views over the cathedral and the romantic old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.

The five-star Hotel Hospes Palacio de San Esteban is housed in a renovated convent built by Dominican Friars, with its roots stretching as far back as the 1600s. The romantic set-up with its thick, golden sandstone walls provides a most exceptional hotel experience and offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the bustle of the city – at the same time most major sights are within an easy stroll. With the original kitchen still in place, couples can indulge in freshly prepared local delicacies, take a hand-in-hand stroll through the Dominican Garden or relax in the hotel’s Turkish steam bath.

A true Belle Époque grand dame of a hotel, San Sebastian’s Hotel Maria Cristina has opened its doors to a veritable roll-call of A-listers, from the likes of Elizabeth Taylor to Brad Pitt. This 1910s-era hotel is only a stone’s throw away from the city’s best beaches and the historic centre, and it offers magnificent views over the Mediterranean Sea. Designed in a classic style, the Maria Cristina exudes elegance and sophistication. It’s also surrounded by beautiful gardens in which loved-up couples can stroll, while the the luxury suites feature terraces with a dazzling view over the city – where better to pop the question?

You have to book ahead for a room at the Parador de Granada, but your spouse/partner/lover will certainly thank you for it. Not only is it housed in a beautifully restored former monastery, but is also located inside the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the La Alhambra. Historical features delight at every turn, while many of the tastefully styled rooms featured wonderfully romantic views over the Generalife palace or the beautifully tended gardens.