ROOM KEY

One Word: Vamos!

To Spain and Portugal we go with five favorite hotels for family stays via Journese^®.

Is it us or is everyone talking about vacationing in Spain and Portugal? Indeed, the neighboring countries are topping the must-go lists of 2024, with friendly debates over which one to choose for a European family vacation. The answer is simple: both! Now that that’s settled, it’s time to book your stay. For family travel, especially with young children, a quiet hotel with space to spread out is basically a requisite. We’ve narrowed it down to five properties that are just a bit off the beaten path, feature sizable guest rooms, and are as luxurious as can be.

Located in the heart of Montjuic, the InterContinental Barcelona is less than two miles from the city’s center of Plaça de Catalunya and the famed Las Ramblas, so it’s action-adjacent but not smack dab in the middle of it. The hotel overlooks the glorious Montjuic Castle, while the National Art Museum is just down the street. As for the classic guest rooms, they’re considered the largest in Barcelona with 450 square feet of space—ideal for family travel. The same can be said for the Seasonal 173 Rooftop terrace, which has a swimming pool, a Mediterranean menu, and gorgeous views of the whole city. There’s also Quirat, an exquisite Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as Arrel for Mediterranean cuisine, plus a cocktail bar and café.

Perhaps the most exclusive neighborhood in Madrid, the Salamanca District is home to Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá. In good company with upscale boutiques and restaurants, the hotel is steps away from the famed National Archaeological Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and the Prado Museum. The guest rooms are sumptuous and spacious, while the RedLevel suites provide ample amenities, room to spread out, and VIP attention. There are three restaurants on-site, including Zuma (upscale Japanese), Aduana (fusion cuisine), and Fénix cocktail bar.

A stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a magical way to take in the history of Seville. Commissioned by the King of Spain in 1929, the hotel has long been celebrated as one of the city’s grandest sites, hosting notable guests including Ernest Hemingway, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy. While the property, located in the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, has since undergone beautifully modern renovations, the rich Moorish architecture is still on full display with exquisite marble floors, coffered ceilings, and Mosaic tilework. The inner courtyard is divine, as are the gardens and swimming pool—luxurious spaces for the family to unwind after visiting nearby sites like Reales Alcázares and the Seville Cathedral.

A contemporary hotel built on one of the city’s seven hills, the InterContinental Lisbon boasts splendid views. Overlooking the Tagus River and the historic old town of Eduardo VII Park, the property is tucked into an area that’s quiet while still centrally located. Guest rooms are modern and roomy, with premium rooms equipped with extra twin beds for children, while two-bedroom family suites are perfect for multigenerational travel. Kids get the VIP treatment with their own key cards, bathrobe and slippers, and even a stuffed toy upon arrival. The hotel’s restaurants are elegant yet easy for families: Akla features seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, while Eduardo VII is a beautiful way to start the day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast.

A place like no other, Madeira is the largest of the Portuguese four-island archipelago that’s actually located off the northwest coast of Africa. Reid’s Palace is considered the crown jewel of Madeira, built in 1891 atop a cliff over the Atlantic in the city of Funchal. As history has it, Winston Churchill visited the hotel to write his memoirs and paint, and it’s where George Bernard Shaw learned to tango. Today, the glorious property is still the stuff of dreams for creatives in search of inspiration, as well as families that want to get away from it all. Hiking, swimming, boating, golfing, and birding are all within steps, while guest rooms and signature family suites are plush and accommodating. There are also multiple pools on the property, as well as ocean access, a spa, tennis courts, and four restaurants, namely the Michelin-starred William Restaurant.