Basque Country Hotel Viura, Villabuena de Alava
Quirky yet cool boxy rooms are stuck together like a Cubist bunch of grapes. Set in the middle of a traditional village, it is a striking sight and just an hour’s drive from Bilbao in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa wine region. The hotel is ten minutes from the Marqués de Riscal winery and has a list of 200 wines in its restaurant, which serves complementary regional cuisine. The airy rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows, are stylishly decorated and have private terraces.
Details B&B doubles are from about £125. (00 34 945 609 000, hotelviura.com).
Galicia Parador Hostal Dos Reis Católicos, Santiago de Compostela
A less hostel-like place to stay is hard to imagine. Founded in 1499 by the Spanih Royal Family to give shelter and aid to pilgrims walking to the tomb of St James, it now holds the record as the oldest hotel in the world in continuous business and is one of Spain’s few five-star paradors. These days its four courtyards, enclosed by cool cloisters and spacious luxurious rooms, are a refuge for tourists as well as well-heeled pilgrims.
Details Double rooms with a lavish buffet breakfast are from £150 booked through Keytel (020-7953 3020, keytel.co.uk).
Andalusia Barceló La Bobadilla, Loja, Andalusia
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Clustered buildings are linked by paths and flower-filled patios like a typical white village of the region, but actually, this is a purpose-designed resort hotel. La Bobadilla’s location, between Málaga, Granada, Seville and Córdoba, makes it an ideal rest stop on a tour. It overlooks a private estate filled with olive groves, almond trees and holm oaks and offers riding on glossy Andalusian horses, cycle hire and a spa. The Finca restaurant serves the world’s first organically farmed Riofrío caviar from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Details B&B is from about £150 a night. (00 34 958 321 861, www.barcelolabobadilla.com).
Castilla-La Mancha Villa Nazules Hipica Spa Hotel, near Toledo
Show the children Don Quixote’s windmills at Consuegra from this relaxing base, only 15km southeast of historic Toledo. The 30-room boutique hotel prides itself on its Agua & Luz spa and large pool surrounded by lawns. While parents wallow, children have their own activities. The Mar de Olivos restaurant serves seasonal regional cuisine, and there are children’s menus.
Details Double rooms are from £73 when booked through Hotels.com (0800 0283948, hotels.com).
Valencia Hospes Palau de la Mar
Cleverly converted from a 19th-century mansion, with a courtyard garden overlooked by the terrace restaurant, this downtown hotel is on one of the city’s most attractive streets. It is a ten-minute walk from the historic centre and helpful staff are on hand with maps and advice. Ask for a room with a balcony at the front.
Details Double rooms from about £104. (00 34 967 162 884, www.hospes.com).
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Find our 2018 guide to the best beach hotels in Spain at thetimes.co.uk/spanishbeachhotels