Explore the Vibrant Cities of Southern Spain for under $1,500
Take advantage of some of the amazing flight deals to Spain this September (see previous post for details). With air fare coming in under $600 round-trip, Spain is a great place to travel to if you are on a budget. Although this may be controversial, my favorite area of Spain is the Andalusia region. What is great about the region is it’s beautiful architecture, historic sites, mid size cities and affordability. There are great hotels to fit all budgets and it is very easy to travel between cities by train.
Price per person based on 2 people can be as cheap as $1,100, but to splurge on some nicer hotels the budget for 9 nights is $1,500 per person. See below for recommendations for each budget
The budget below is based on my recommended itinerary. Pricing will change depending on how you customize your trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
Day 2: Explore Madrid
Day 3: Travel to Granada (Train)
Day 4: Explore Granada
Day 5: Train to Seville (Train with optional stop in Cordoba)
Day 6: Seville
Day 7: Seville
Day 8: Train back to Madrid
Day 9: Fly home
Flight from Chicago to Madrid
There are a number of affordable flight options to Madrid this September, one of the best deals is with Iberia and comes in at $597 per person. The dates are departing Chicago September 10th and leaving Spain on September 19th.
Hotel Recommendations in Spain
Madrid
The hotels below are some of the most affordable in Madrid, but still located near the Palace and within walking distance to most of the sites and great restaurants.
Room007 Select Sol: This hotel comes in at under $100 a night and is a great budget friendly option. It may seem like a hostel at first glance, but every room has it’s own bathroom, and although the rooms aren’t large they are very clean and modern. The location also can’t be beat, especially at this price point.
Hotel Meninas: Another budget friendly hotel located in the middle of the action. This hotel offers some great amenities including a gym and sauna onsite. It also has a small restaurant that serves breakfast in the morning (additional fee). Slightly more expensive that Select Sol, the rooms in this hotel start at $125 per night.
Hotel Emperador: Slightly more expensive than the Hotels previously listed, but still budget friendly is the Hotel Emperador. This is one of my favorite hotels to stay at because of the beautiful roof deck, outdoor pool and poolside bar (even in September Madrid an be very hot). The hotel is centrally located and has beautiful modern rooms that are slightly larger than some other hotels in the area. From around $150 a night, this hotel offers great amenities at this price point.
Room Mate Macarena - This fun hotel is all about the vibes. It’s modern interior is impressively decorated. This property also offers a fun outdoor pool and roof top deck where you can lounge and enjoy a beautiful view of Madrid. The nightly rate starts at around $160 a night and is a great centrally located hotel.
Granada
Hotel Macià Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites: Hotel Marcia provides a rooftop terrace, a coffee shop/cafe, and full service spa onsite. This along with the modern rooms, make it a great place to stay while in Granada. It is located in the historic city center and within walking distance to all the key sites. The price starts at $120 per night, making it one of the best budget friendly hotels in Granada.
Hotel Boutique Puerta de las Granadas: A hidden gem that promises an extraordinary stay in this captivating Spanish city. This charming boutique hotel seamlessly blends traditional Andalusian architecture with modern comforts, offering guests a unique and authentic experience. You can upgrade to a room with a view and enjoy breathtaking views of the Alhambra. Price per night starts at $180 per night.
Hotel Porcel Navas: This boutique hotel exudes warmth and hospitality from the moment you step through its doors. The tastefully decorated rooms boast a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Spanish accents, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. The hotel's central location makes it a perfect base for discovering the city's top sites. Nightly rate starts at $140 per night.
Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection: For a bit of a splurge, stay at Hotel Palacio. This beautiful hotel is a perfect blend of old Spanish charm with modern amenities. From the detailed tile work in the bathrooms, to the traditional courtyard and arches, you really feel like you are staying in a Spanish gem. It is also a Marriott property, so perfect for those that are part of their rewards program. This hotel is more expensive, with rates starting at $300 a night, but a great option for those with a little more budget to work with.
Seville
Hotel Murillo: This quant boutique hotel is centrally located and one of the best options for those with a tight budget. It offers a beautiful view from the rooftop deck and simple but clean rooms. The nightly price starts at $100 per night and can be even cheaper at times (currently $85 per night).
Hotel Casa de Colón: Historic hotel located near the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar, Hotel Casa de Colón provides a rooftop terrace as well as other amenities like dry cleaning on site and breakfast (for a fee). This hotel has a beautiful Spanish courtyard and has been decorated to capture the historic architecture of the hotel. Nightly rate from $200.
Halo Boutique Hotel: This boutique hotel is one of the best bougie on a budget hotels in Seville. The hotel has a rooftop bar and pool to cool off during your stay. The clean and moder rooms are larger than others in the city and offer you more room to spread out. Prices start from $180 per night.
Getting Around Spain
One of the great things about Spain (and most of Europe) is how easy it is to get around by train. I recommend using the train to travel between cities vs. renting a car. I have done it both ways, but it can be hard to find parking near your hotel in some of the cities (and it is quite expensive). Trains are frequent between all of these cities and relatively inexpensive. Check timetables and book through Rail Europe.
Madrid to Granada: $60 per ticket (cheaper options if you are willing to take an early or late train)
Granada to Seville: $55 per ticket (select Sevilla- Santa Justa station as destinatino)
Seville to Madrid: $38 per ticket
Total Cost of Trains: $180 (including some buffer for local trains or taxi’s to get from station to hotel).
Budget Breakdown - $1,250
For those with a very tight budget, you can absolutely do Spain for $1,250 (this includes flights, hotels and transportation). See below for the budget breakdown:
Roundtrip Air Fare: $600
Madrid - Select Sol $225 (2 Nights): $113
Granada - Hotel Marcia $253 (2 Nights): $127
Seville - Hotel Murillo $326 (3 Nights): $163
Madrid - NH Madrid Barajas Airport $105 (1 Night): $53
Transportation: $180
Total Cost $1,236
Budget Breakdown - $1,500
For those with who can afford a little bit more, I recommend the below hotels to fit within your budget (this is usually where I stay when I am in Spain).
Roundtrip Air Fare: $600
Madrid - Hotel Emperador $510 (2 Nights): $255
Granada - Hotel Porcel Navas $270 (2 Nights): $135
Seville - Halo Boutique Hotel $578 (3 Nights): $287
Madrid - NH Madrid Barajas Airport $105 (1 Night): $53
Transportation: $180
Total Cost $1,510