Dinogo Readers' Top 8 City Hotels in Spain for 2024

Whether it's your first trip or your tenth to Barcelona and Madrid, there are always new experiences waiting for you. Spain's vibrant cities continually evolve, offering an endless selection of attractions, activities, and outstanding accommodations — from unique boutique hotels and iconic architecture (we're looking at you, W Barcelona!) to elegant historic establishments. Struggling to choose where to stay first? Let our readers guide you.

Voting Process Explained

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, providing insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and were rated according to the following criteria:

Room quality and amenities
Proximity
Customer service
Culinary offerings
Overall value

For each aspect, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these evaluations.

Highlights from Readers About Barcelona

Recently, Barcelona has welcomed a surge of new hotels in lesser-known barrios like the trendy Poblenou neighborhood. However, when it came to selecting their favorite accommodations in the Catalan capital, Dinogo readers favored central locations and timeless luxury above all. This doesn’t mean these top hotels lack character — on the contrary, these cherished retreats have discovered innovative ways to keep guests returning. For instance, our No. 5 pick, Almanac Barcelona, features one of the city's most imaginative plant-based restaurants. Our No. 4 selection, Cotton House, Autograph Collection, was originally built for a noble family during the 19th-century textile era. “What a pleasure to uncover this hidden gem in such a vibrant city,” enthused one guest. Another haven of tranquility is the Zen-inspired Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, which claimed the No. 2 position on this year's list. But the ultimate champion of 2024 is distinguished not by sleek minimalism but by its rich historic elegance. Read on to learn more.

Barcelona's Champion

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

The facade of a Barcelona hotel illuminated at night

Image courtesy of Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

As you stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, you can't help but notice this century-old landmark adjacent to Gaudí’s famous Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The magnificent hotel boasts a neoclassical balconied exterior, elegant doormen, and a classic ambiance. Even if you aren’t booking the $18,000 per night Majestic Royal Penthouse — the largest suite in the city — T+L readers assure you’ll receive VIP treatment. “From our arrival to our departure, the service was outstanding,” one survey participant shared. While guests appreciated the hotel’s close proximity to major attractions, they also enjoyed staying on-site, indulging in luxurious features like the rooftop terrace restaurant, La Dolce Vitae, and the newly upgraded Majestic Spa. “The rooftop pool and dining experience are essential,” remarked one visitor.

Complete List of Barcelona Hotels

1. Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Reader Rating: 92.80

2. Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Reader Rating: 90.78

3. W Barcelona

Reader Rating: 88.89

4. Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

Reader Rating: 88.80

5. Almanac Barcelona

Reader Rating: 88.26

What Readers Adored About Madrid

The Spanish capital is experiencing a remarkable surge, welcoming a record 14 million visitors last year, thanks to exciting new attractions like the highly anticipated Royal Collections Gallery and revitalized public areas such as Plaza de España. The city has also seen an influx of new hotels catering to everyone from budget-conscious travelers to those seeking aristocratic luxury (for them, we recommend Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel). When asked to share their favorites, Dinogo readers expressed strong opinions: “This is the best hotel in Madrid,” remarked one respondent about Four Seasons Hotel Madrid — ranked No. 3 this year — praised for its stunning rooftop restaurant, serene spa featuring an indoor pool, and proximity to high-end shops like Hermés and Dior. Travelers were equally enthusiastic about this year’s runner-up, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, a Belle Époque palace near the city’s major museums and the beautiful El Retiro Park. To find out the No. 1 winner, you’ll need to head to the elegant Salamanca district.

Madrid's Champion

Rosewood Villa Magna

Provided by Rosewood Villa Magna

For the third consecutive year, this iconic Madrid hotel has been named the winner of this survey. What’s the key to its enduring appeal? A blend of rich history and glamorous art-filled spaces, destination-worthy dining, and a constantly updating range of amenities, from seasonal pop-ups to a lavish new hair spa. “I adore this hotel,” exclaimed one reader. “It offers everything you need when visiting Madrid.” Another respondent highlighted the hotel’s open atmosphere, distinguishing it from some of the tighter accommodations found along Gran Vía. “There’s an abundance of space,” he noted, praising its private gardens, expansive front terrace, and its setting in the tranquil Salamanca district.