My Spain Hotel and Hostel Recommendations

Prices Fluctuate

Based on how far in advance you book and the availability left in that particular hotel, a “mid-range” option in this guide might cost the same as (or even less than!) what I have listed as a “higher-end” option.

City Tax

In many touristic cities in Spain, and in many other European countries, visitors need to pay a tourist tax. This is per person per night and in cash only. Your host is not going to be able to accept neither credit nor debit card, and it’s not their fault. So have some small change on you whenever you check-in to a new place. This is often included in the booking details, but it can be easy to miss.

Things to Bring with You to Spain

You never know who is going to be sleeping in the room next door or above, nor how noisy they will be. So bring your own earplugs, and also an eye mask too, in case you find your curtains don’t darken your room as much as you would like.

If staying in a hostel, bring your own lock and towels. It’s true that some hostels offer lockers with their own locks and/or complimentary towels, most charge (way too much) to rent these two things out.

Finally, you should know that I have of course not stayed in all these places myself. (I have stayed in a few, and I will mention that where applicable.) But I’ve done all the research of:

• scouring the reviews on booking sites
• mapping out walking routes to and from train stations, while keeping in mind where I know the attractions are
• and combining that with my own knowledge of each city (what areas seemed sketchy, what parts of the city were uphill or cobblestone-y) and lessons learned over my time in Spain, both as a tourist and as a resident

Barcelona

Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace

Located just a hop, skip and a jump away from the famous Casa Batlló, this hostel offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms. You can use the communal kitchen to cut down on food costs and also enjoy a cute terrace with a seasonal pool. The hostel organizes activities, such as nightly pub crawls, which are a great way to meet others if traveling solo. A breakfast buffet is available as an add on, and the hostel has laundry facilities.

The Loft Hostel Barcelona La Pedrera

This hostel offers female-only and mixed dorms, as well as options for families. There is a shared kitchen for you to cook your own meals, and the bunk beds have curtains (always a huge plus in a hostel!). A simple breakfast is available to add onto your booking, and the hostel has laundry facilities available. They also put on events like walking tours and pub-crawls, which is always nice if you want to meet fellow travelers.

Budget Accommodation: Double Room

Praktik Rambla

This option offers a double room at the lower end of central Barcelona prices. The hotel is located in what was once a19th-century palace, and they’ve managed to modernly renovate it without compromising the aesthetics. Staying here, you can enjoy the bright common areas like the terrace and indoor area with floor to ceiling windows. Guests appreciate the complimentary coffee and fresh croissants in the morning, 

Praktik Garden

The economy double room at this hotel is another great budget option in central Barcelona. The hotel offers complimentary coffee and muffins in the morning, and there is a water machine to avoid buying plastic bottles. Rooms are decorated with a clean, minimalist style, and there is a super-cute garden for guests to lounge and enjoy. Guests love the location right in between the central tourist spots and the further away ones, as well as the hotel’s proximity to many train, bus, and metro stations.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Praktik Èssens

This boutique hotel offers a superior double or twin room with a sleek design and in a great location. If staying here, you can enjoy the rooftop patio, where the hotel serves complimentary wine and snacks in the evening, as well as coffee and tea all day in a separate lovely lounge area. Many guests comment that their rooms were very quiet from street noise, which is always nice to know!

Mosaic by Ona

This hotel offers a double room with balcony option as well as a double room with terrace option, to allow you that European-city-balcony experience we’ve all dreamed of! There is a rooftop terrace where complimentary coffee and water are available to enjoy. And there is the option of adding on breakfast to your booking. It seems to be ordered the night before and delivered in a box the next morning to your room. So this might be a good option for those looking for breakfast to-go on the morning of your departure. 

Higher-End Accommodation

Circa 1905

This option’s double or twin room with balcony offers cozily yet elegantly decorated rooms with those quintessential balcony views. Breakfast comes included (guests all seem very happy with it) and laundry services are available. The hotel’s blend of classic and modern features make it a wonderful choice for those who enjoy feeling like they’ve stepped a bit into the past. Be aware that there are steps to initially reach the elevator.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 7 minutes
• Price range: €186 – €345
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Hotel Jazz

This option’s double or twin room is decorated in a contemporary style. Guests really love the rooftop terrace, with its pool and bar, and a breakfast buffet is available as an add on to your booking. 

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 12 minutes
• Price range: €139 – €327
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Granada

Budget Accommodation: Hostels

Black Swan Hostel Granada

This option offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms. The bunk beds here have curtains (woohoo!), and the hostel does a nice job at blending modernity with traditional Andalusian decor. There are laundry facilities and a communal kitchen, which you can use to cook and save on meals. And the hostel organizes games and offers free dinner by volunteer staff (which is small, but….how cool?!). These are both great if you are looking to make some travel buddies.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 13 minutes
• Price range: €19 – €44
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

ECO Hostel

This option offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms, as well as twin rooms, triple rooms, and more. The hostel boasts cozily decorated and inviting communal spaces. And the communal kitchen has the cutest little balconies to enjoy your meal! They offer free (aka, tip-based) walking tours, which, as you know, are great for when traveling solo. Guests feel that the breakfast they offer as add on is a good value, and laundry facilities are available.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 14 minutes
• Price range: €16 – 37
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Budget Accommodation: Double Room

Catalonia Granada

This option’s double room is really quite good value for the price. With its simple yet stylish decor, the room is a lot more spacious and modern than you would expect for the price point and location. The hotel offers a rooftop bar with a small pool area and the option to add a breakfast buffet (which guests seem to like) onto your booking. Add to that the onsite spa and the fitness area, and this really feels like it should be a mid-range option!

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 9 minutes
• Price range: €73 – €191
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Hotel Granada Center

Like the previous option, this hotel’s double or twin room really feels like a mid-range option at a budget option’s price. The decor here is modern, yet inviting, and breakfast is available as an add on to your booking. There is an onsite restaurant and bar, but be aware that there are steps up to the level with reception and the elevator.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 7 minutes
• Price range: €85 – €196
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Mid-Range Accommodation

Quick note: Given that the budget options I just summarized above feel like mid-range options, it’s not a huge surprise that I really couldn’t find better mid-range options near the Granada train station! So for this section, I basically just recommend booking a nicer room in the same two hotels from the last section.

Catalonia Granada

This option’s superior double room with terrace comes with a lot more space and even a cabana on the private terrace. Again, this modern hotel offers a rooftop bar with a small pool area and the option to add a breakfast buffet (which guests seem to like) onto your booking. There is also an onsite spa and a fitness area.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 9 minutes
• Price range: €127 – €210
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Hotel Granada Center

This option’s double room with terrace offers a cozy terrace to put your feet up after a long day of walking up and down Granada’s hilly streets. Again, the hotel decor is modern, yet inviting, and breakfast is available as an add on to your booking. There is an onsite restaurant and bar, but be aware that there are steps up to the level with reception and the elevator.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 7 minutes
• Price range: €102 – 227
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Higher-End Accommodation

Quick note: If your priority is proximity to the train station, then I recommend booking one of the suites in either of the two options in the mid-range section of this guide. But if you are willing to take a cab ride to be further in Granada’s center, here are my two suggestions.

Seda Club Hotel

This option’s deluxe double or twin room is sophisticatedly decorated yet modern, giving this 5 star hotel a bit of a boutique look. The spacious room (with room for a table and small sofa at the foot of bed) is light but colorful. And an à la carte breakfast is included in your booking. The hotel boasts a spa (complimentary!),a restaurant, and two bars – one of which is located on the stunning rooftop deck. Guests really love the staff’s attention to detail and the level of service at this hotel.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 20 minute walk or 8 minute cab ride
• Price range: €253 – €572
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Palacio Gran Vía, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

This option’s deluxe room is colorful while maintaining a light and bright feel, likely due to all the open space. The elegant room comes with a desk, chair and table, and a breakfast buffet is available as an add on to your booking. Originally the first bank in Granada, this 5 star hotel has retained many of the original features and blended them tastefully with a stunning renovation. It offers guests a fitness center, a restaurant, a spa and hammam, and a rooftop terrace with loungers for relaxing. Guests enjoyed the attention from staff while staying here.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 22 minute walk or 6 minute cab ride
• Price range: €285 – €477
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Madrid

Budget Accommodation: Hostels

room00 Gran Vía Hostel

This option offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms located right in Madrid’s most famous area. The beds have curtains, which is always nice for some privacy! There is no communal kitchen, so you won’t be making your own meals here. But there is a nice common area with seating looking out over Gran Via. Breakfast is available as an add on to your booking.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 6 minute metro + 6 minute walk
• Price range: €24 – €58
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Far Home Atocha

This option offers female-only and mixed dorms, as well as doubles, twins, and triple private rooms. And it’s located on the border of my personal favorite neighborhood in Madrid. There is a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, but no stove to cook fresh meals. Laundry services are available, as well as breakfast as an add on to your booking.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 4 minute metro + 4 minute walk
• Price range: €17 – €28
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Budget Accommodation: Double Room

Hotel Mediodia

I used to walk by this hotel two times a day, on my way to work and back, during my first stunt as an English language assistant in Spain. Due to its size and prime location right across the street from the main train station, while still being within “el centro,” I thought it’d be bougie. But it actually is a nice option for those on a budget! The hotel offers a double or twin room with all the necessities but none of the frills. There is a minimum booking of two nights. Laundry services are available, as well as a simple breakfast that can be added onto your booking.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 6 minutes
• Price range: €83 – €200
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Hotel Mirador Puerta del Sol

This option is great for those looking to be in the center of it all while staying on a budget. It offers a double or twin room at a really reasonable price considering it’s location right off Puerta del Sol. Given its prime location, those sensitive to noise should consider packing earplugs, just in case you get a street facing room with a view. The main draw here is the location, and the hotel itself is simply decorated without any frills.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 5 minute metro + 3 minute walk
• Price range: €85 – €175
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Mid-Range Accommodation

Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol

This option’s double room is praised for being surprisingly quiet considering its location in Puerta del Sol. Guests rave above the location and feel that the breakfast available to add onto your booking is a good value. If you really want the full Sol experience, you can upgrade to an option with a terrace and enjoy views over Spain’s most famous plaza.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 6 minute metro + 4 minute walk
• Price range: €110 – €252
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol

This option, also just off Puerta del Sol, offers a double standard deluxe with a clean and modern feel. The property offers a rooftop bar, a microwave for communal use, as well as a small lounge with complimentary snacks. Guests also report finding a little bag on their door each morning, with water and pastry, even though it is not mentioned officially when booking. So that is a nice little touch! If you would like a chance at a balcony with a side view of Puerta del Sol, consider selecting one of the rooms with a terrace.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 6 minute metro + 2 minute walk
• Price range: €102 – €274 (though prices can spike higher on random days)
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Higher-End Accommodation

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

This option’s classic king room offers modern, 4-star accommodation with a convenient location that is walking distance from the main train station. Guests love the fun and positive vibes the hotel gives off. And it has a restaurant, as well as a breakfast buffet available to add onto your booking. There is also a pool with bar, and a rooftop terrace. But be aware that there are some stairs to get up to the main level from the street.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 10 minutes
• Price range: €164 – €291
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid

Located on Madrid’s most famous street, this option’s double or twin room offers calmly neutral and modern decor to return to after a long day of sightseeing. Though there is quite a wide range in its price, this 4 star hotel can be a really good deal if you book in advance. Guests appreciate the varied breakfast buffet, which is available as an add on. The hotel boasts a rooftop with a small pool and is located right across the street from hop-on-hop-off bus stop.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 6 minute metro + 4 minute walk
• Price range: €127 – €385 (though prices can spike higher on random days)
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Seville

Budget Accommodation: Hostels

Quick note: Unfortunately for those prioritizing proximity to the train station, Seville’s decent hostels aren’t located walking distance from it. So my recommendations below are in the center, requiring either a bus ride or a cab ride from the train center. If you really prefer to be walking distance, you can consider the single rooms from this option, which I list in a section below.

Black Swan Hostel Sevilla

This option offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms in the heart of Seville. Here, you have access to a shared kitchen, which will help you cut down on costs even further. The hostel organizes events like games and pub crawls, free family dinners, and cooking classes, which is amazing to help guests meet fellow travelers! It has a sunny rooftop with day beds to lay out on, a large lounge to hang out in, and offers laundry facilities. Keep in mind that only the 10 bed dorm rooms have curtains on the bunks.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 15 minute bus + 8 minute walk through center
• Price range: €21 – €26
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Toc Hostel Sevilla

This option, also located in Seville’s historic center, offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms, as well as private double and family rooms. While bunks don’t have curtains, they are slightly boxed, providing some privacy, especially around the head area. The hostel doesn’t offer a communal kitchen, but does have a space with a microwave, kettle, and toaster. So it will be a good option for those looking to warm up leftovers or make a quick snack as opposed to fully cooking their meals themselves. There is an onsite coffee shop, breakfast is available to book as an add on, and there are laundry facilities for your use.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 10 minute bus + 8 minute walk
• Price range: €20 – €43
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Budget Accommodation: Double Room

Hostal Sevilla Santa Justa

This option’s queen room with private bathroom and twin room with private bathroom offer modern, simple, and neat accommodation located halfway between Seville’s train station and historic center. It’s a great option for those prioritizing having as few transfers as possible between the train station and your check in desk! I actually stayed in one of the single rooms here on my first visit to Seville. I appreciated the Mercadona grocery store that was close by, and I can report back that I had a very comfortable stay here

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 12 minutes
• Price range: €65 – €131 (prices are higher if booking far in advance)
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

nüa santiago15

This option’s economy double room is a nice budget-friendly option in central Seville. The rooms in this 2 star hotel are simply yet tastefully decorated, and many guests report that their expectations were far exceeded. There is an interior courtyard where add on breakfast is served, and the hotel also offers free coffee and tea. This is a great choice if you don’t mind taking a bus or cab from the train in exchange for being a bit closer to all the action.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 8 minute bus + 9 minute walk
• Price range: €49 – €118
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Mid-Range Accommodation

AACR Hotel Monteolivos

This option’s double or twin room offers a cozy yet modern home-away-from-home while in Seville. The 3 star hotel is not only walking distance from the main train station, but also near the stop for the direct bus line to the airport. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, and a breakfast buffet is available to add onto your booking. They also offer single rooms, for those traveling solo.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 7 minutes
• Price range: €67 – 236
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Hotel Don Paco

This option offers a double or twin room in central Seville. The 3 star hotel has a truly lovely rooftop terrace, complete with sun loungers with umbrellas, tables with chairs, a pool, bar, and great views of the main cathedral. There is a large lobby with TV, and breakfast (which guests particularly seem to like!) is available as an add on to your booking.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 18 minute walk or 8 minute bus + 6 minute walk
• Price range: €106 – €434 (price normally is normally well below that higher end unless booking within 2 months out)
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Higher-End Accommodation

Only YOU Hotel Sevilla

This option’s premium double room remains modern while being colorfully inviting, with enough space to comfortably move around. The 5 star hotel offers a ground floor outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas and nice touches like complimentary drinks and chocolate in the room and pool area. There is a bakery at the front, as well as a restaurant and fitness center. Guests seemed to really enjoy the add-on breakfast.

This Option at a Glance:

• Walking time from train station: 6 minutes
• Price range: €225 – €326
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Catalonia Giralda

This option’s premium room with terrace and view offers modern accommodation with a pop of color and views over Seville from your balcony. This 4 star hotel has a fitness center, as well as a heated indoor pool with a waterfall and jets. They provide a buffet breakfast as an optional add on to your booking, and guests seem to really like it. There is also an onsite restaurant and snack bar.

This Option at a Glance:

• Travel time from train station: 17 minute walk or 5 minute cab
• Price range: €114 – €264 (price can spike to around €400 on random weekends)
• AC: Yes 
• Elevator: Yes

Let Me Know What You Think in the Comments!

This is only my second accommodation guide I’ve written up (I’m more of an itinerary-maker!), so I’d love to get your thoughts!