Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is famed for its distinctive architecture, rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. In 2024, Catalonia outpaced the national economy with a 3.6% growth in GDP (compared to Spain’s 3.2%) with tourism remaining a key driver, contributing around 14.0% of Barcelona’s GDP.
The coastal icon reveals the first phase of its multi-stage transformation, reaffirming its commitment to remain timeless for the travellers of tomorrow.
Following a seven-month closure, the Parador de Sigüenza reopened its doors on 9 May, unveiling a major renovation project valued at over €10 million. Housed within a spectacular 12th-century castle, the Parador now boasts fully modernised facilities while preserving its historic character. The renovation included the modernisation of 21 guest room bathrooms, replacing bathtubs with showers to enhance comfort and accessibility. The castle's exterior received careful conservation work including the restoration of the barbican and the creation of a new visitable rooftop terrace with stargazing activities available. A comprehensive redecoration refreshed the hotel's ambience with new lighting, textiles, and furnishings.
The newly opened Parador de Molina de Aragón has been thoughtfully designed to offer exceptional guest comfort while harmonising with its stunning natural setting in the Upper Tagus Natural Park. The opening of the new Parador was originally a commitment of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's government to revitalise the economy of this area after the fire in Guadalajara in 2005. The building characterised by traditional stone architecture, features guest rooms with modern amenities and design elements that balance rustic charm with contemporary comfort.
Accor, a world leading hospitality group, continues to bolster its leadership position in Europe and expansion across Spain by surpassing 100 hotels through several important openings across the country. The latest additions are part of the Group’s strategic expansion plan in Spain including its diverse portfolio of brands – from economy to luxury and lifestyle – and its commitment to grow in both sought-after as well as emerging destinations across the country.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by 2025 the travel and tourism sector in Spain could reach a new all-time high, with an estimated contribution of €260.5 billion to GDP, equivalent to almost 16% of the national economy.
The Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express brands are accelerating their growth on the Spanish market with four new signings: Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols, Vignette Collection Jerez, Hotel Indigo Gandia - Beach and Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian - Errenteria.
Following a comprehensive renovation, Meliá Costa Atlantis reopens as the latest addition to the Meliá Hotels & Resorts portfolio, marking a new chapter for premium hospitality in northern Tenerife. Formerly operating under the Sol brand, the hotel has undergone a complete transformation, part of a strategic repositioning by GMA Corporate for Atom Hoteles Socimi, involved an investment of nearly €4 million, to usher in a new era of elevated guest experiences, positioning itself as a benchmark in hospitality, wellness, and authentic connection with the Canary Islands' natural environment.
NH Collection Hotel & Resorts, Minor Hotels' premium brand, continues to execute its global growth and expansion plan, announcing a new opening: NH Collection Marbella. This new Spanish hotel marks the brand's début in Costa del Sol, one of the most exclusive and internationally sought-after destinations along the Mediterranean.
NH Collection Hotel & Resorts, Minor Hotels' premium brand, continues to execute its global growth and expansion plan, announcing a new opening: NH Collection Ibiza. This new Spanish hotel marks the brand's début in the Balearic Islands, one of the most exclusive and internationally sought-after destinations along the Mediterranean.
Persepolis Investments is pleased to announce the launch of sales for Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences, a historic architectural masterpiece in collaboration with Banyan Tree, boasting 24 residences in the Salamanca District. The building is a historic restoration designed by Julio Touza Sacristán that seamlessly blends the structure's original architecture while introducing new elements to welcome the surrounding environment. Residences range from 308 to 655 square meters, with prices starting under €3 million and reaching more than €16 million. Sales have officially commenced, marketed by Colliers and Knight Frank.
SLS Hotels & Residences proudly announces the opening of SLS Barcelona, an indulgent wonderland that is set to make a bold splash in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. Lavish design, culinary artistry and extraordinary experiences await guests from the moment they arrive via the undulating pink-neon runway entrance, a glamorous gateway to an urban resort that transcends anything the city has seen before. With an enviable waterfront setting at Port Fòrum, the 471-room hotel offers an unparalleled blend of opulent rooms and suites, six thrilling restaurant and bar concepts, three spectacular pools, and state-of-the-art event spaces, all framed by the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
Dalata Hotel Group plc ('Dalata' or the 'Group'), the UK and Ireland's largest independent four-star hotel operator, with a growing presence in Continental Europe, announces an agreement with Grupo Insur to lease a new 4-star Clayton hotel to be developed in Madrid. The hotel will be situated in Valdebebas, an emerging and vibrant neighbourhood of Madrid, which is adjacent to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, the 5th busiest airport in Europe. Grupo Insur is a leading Spanish real estate company in operation for over 75 years and listed on the Madrid stock exchange.
The Hotel Riu La Mola, located on the island of Formentera, opens its doors after undergoing a complete transformation to become part of the Riu Palace line, the hotel chain's top-of-the-line option, perfectly embodying the exclusive charm of the Mediterranean island. In addition, the hotel, which boasts an exceptional location next to Migjorn beach, has been upgraded from a four-star to a four-star superior hotel.
Meliá Hotels International and Summum Hotel Group have announced a new partnership to revitalize high-value tourism in the Costa Brava. This collaboration focuses on transforming the existing Etuu Begur Hotel into a luxurious, premium retreat. Set to join Meliá's Affiliated by Meliá portfolio, the hotel will be rebranded as Meliá Begur after a comprehensive renovation and expansion scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Projeto Biodiversidade and BIOS Cabo Verde, two environmental conservation organisations from Cape Verde, have presented the outcome of the 2024 loggerhead sea turtle nesting season. Both of these organisations receive support from RIU Hotels & Resorts, the hotel chain that operates six establishments in the destination and is involved in biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives as part of its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy. The births took place in the hatcheries set up by these organisations on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which help make Cape Verde home to one of the world’s most important nesting populations of this species.
Barcelona’s hotel industry recorded its highest-ever March average daily rate (ADR), with one night during the Mobile World Congress reaching the second-highest individual level in the market’s history, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá, an enduring symbol of Palma's elegance and social vibrancy, has reclaimed its spot at the heart of the city with its grand reopening on 31st March. Following an extensive renovation, the landmark hotel seamlessly blends its storied past with contemporary luxury, reaffirming its status as the city's cultural and social hub.
Murcia is set to expand its hotel offering with a new four-star hotel scheduled to open in 2027.
Meliá Hotels International has announced the addition of the Five Flowers Hotel & Spa in Formentera to its luxury brand, The Meliá Collection. This marks the first five-star property for Meliá in Formentera, expanding the brand's unique portfolio.