IT is one of the seminal hotels of southern Spain.
So it’s good news to see Marbella’s Don Carlos back at the very pinnacle of style.
After a giant €45 million renovation the landmark 1960s hotel has earned its place among the standout entries on this year’s Conde Nast Traveler Hot List.
Located by Elviria beach, it has been converted into a luxury high-end resort with tropical gardens, a large spa and with a range of upscale dining options.
It helps that the complex is also home to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre – the first on the Spanish mainland – and sits next to popular Nikki Beach, adding to its appeal as a lifestyle destination.
What makes the property particularly different – at least for Marbella – is that it remains one of just two high-rise buildings in the resort, standing out in a city otherwise defined by its low-rise skyline.
Across Spain meanwhile, Madrid has secured two places on the influential global ranking, underlining the capital’s growing reputation as a luxury hotspot.
The newly reimagined Metropolis hotel, crowned by its iconic Winged Victory statue, has been reborn as one of the most ambitious and visually striking hospitality projects in the capital in decades.
Meanwhile, the legendary Palace Hotel – where everyone from Michael Jackson to Ernest Hemingway and the Rolling Stones have stayed – has reclaimed its historically glitzy status following a full restoration.
Blending classic grandeur with modern luxury the attractive building has been at the centre of Madrid’s social life since 1912.
As reviewed by the Olive Press a few years ago (LINK HERE), the location and staff couldn’t be more perfect.
The Catalan capital also features on the list, with METT Barcelona marking a new chapter for a century-old hotel at the foot of the Collserola mountains, now fully redesigned with 70 rooms and suites and a far more contemporary feel throughout.
The big surprise is that Sevilla has joined the selection through its Cristine Bedfor Guest House, a character-led hideaway that feels more like staying in a stylish private home than a hotel, with relaxed spaces and an inviting pool.
READ MORE: IN PICS: New 5-star hotel is set to open on this iconic street in Spain’s Sevilla
Beyond Spain, neighbouring Portugal strengthens the Iberian Peninsula’s presence with two hotels also making the list: Vermelho Melides, a bold design-led escape owned by shoe designer Christian Louboutin, in Alentejo, and the amazing Six Senses hotel in north Portugal reviewed by the Olive Press last year.
The 30th edition of the Hot List includes 71 hotels worldwide, selected by experts who visited each property over the past year.
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