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Use This Google Maps Trick to Figure Out Where to Stay

Use This Google Maps Trick to Figure Out Where to Stay

You’ve finally narrowed down which city you want to visit.

You’ve even decided between booking a hotel versus a private rental.

You’ve lined up your dream list of activities, museums, restaurants, bars, and beyond.

You’re ready to go—except you still need to book your lodging.

Here comes the hard part: narrowing down where you should stay. If you’ve been reading my travel tips, you might already know that I put a lot of emphasis on the neighborhood I stay in.

Neighborhoods have a strong influence on your impression of a city; the better the neighborhood and the more aligned with your interest, the more likely you are to come back.

Usually, budget dissuades travelers from booking their dream rental in their favorite neighborhood. But even when pricing isn’t a concern, you might still be wondering how to find the right place. That’s doubly true when there isn’t a clear pick in terms of neighborhood, with no standouts for street art, history, or other common factors.

If you want to do a bit of research, you can find the perfect neighborhood using features like Priceline’s new AI-powered tools. But that’s hardly the only way to figure out where to stay.

If you’re heading out on a short trip with lower stakes, you can pull out your phone and click on Google Maps, then start zooming in.

Sometimes life is really that easy.

How to use Google Maps to figure out where to stay

Like I said, all you need to do is open up Google Maps and zoom in on your destination. (This trick works best for cities, but you can try it out on smaller towns and villages.)

You should notice areas that are highlighted in a pale yellow color, which indicates popular areas, especially for foot traffic. Usually, this is where to stay if you’re totally new to an area.

Google Maps uses real-time data to highlight these zones as ‘Areas of Interest’, meaning they’re commercial areas where people spend a lot of time. Keep in mind that Google is always updating its features, so this could change.

At the time of writing, light yellow is used to mark high-traffic areas with popular sites, while a darker yellow (sort of brown) usually indicates high foot traffic using real-time data.

Zoom in on those light yellow areas to figure out which parts of the city locals spend the most time in. By searching for hotels and rentals in these zones, you’ll be putting yourself in the action, and nearby restaurants, shops, and more.

Or, on the flip side, if you want to avoid those crowds, you can book lodging outside the high-traffic yellow zones, along with those darker yellow zones that experience a busy rush. You’ll know where to find all the action while staying just outside it.

Don’t forget to save your map offline

Google Maps also offers an offline and downloadable map feature. You can save portions of the map in the app so that you can use it even if you don’t have service. That’s handy because even large cities with solid service can get a little iffy at times.

Here’s how to save a map:

  • Go to the ‘more’ tab
  • Hit ‘download offline map’
  • Select ‘download’
  • Then use the zoom feature to finalize which part of the map you want to download

You should be able to access your downloaded portion of the map using Google Maps like normal. As in, just open the app and start zooming in. However, if you notice any issues, just click on your profile picture and head to ‘offline maps’. You should see your downloaded map saved there.

Riviera Maya vs Riviera Nayarit: Key Differences About the Mexican Rivieras

When we’re talking about famous coastlines in Mexico, nothing tops the Riviera Maya.

That being said, it’s far from Mexico’s only riviera. Riviera, which is Italian for coastline, can cover any long stretch of sandy beach… but we usually use the word to talk about popular and well-known coasts.

Home to major destinations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, it’s been a hotspot for Americans for well over a decade now.

But what about Riviera Nayarit?

Just as unspoiled and gorgeous as its Caribbean counterpart, Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit has become a sleeper hit for fans of surfing, water sports, and private vacations. Still, famous towns like Bucerias, San Blas, and Sayulita are under the radar for thousands.

To make things more complicated, neither the Riviera Maya nor Riviera Nayarit are actually part of the Mexican Riviera, which was a term first used by a famous American cruise company. The Mexican Riviera covers around twenty cities covering the country’s Pacific Coast—but that’s the last time you’ll hear me mention the Mexican Riviera in this article, as its overly general.

For now, let’s zero in on the differences between Riviera Maya vs Riviera Nayarit. Here’s what you need to know.

Riviera Maya vs Riviera Nayarit: main differences

Caribbean vs Pacific coasts

People enjoying the sunset over a beach in Tulum with palm trees and waves (Getty)

The main difference between these rivieras is their coastlines; the Riviera Maya opens to the Caribbean and the Riviera Nayarit faces the Pacific Ocean. That means you can expect big differences in terms of climate, culture, and overall vibe.

Riviera Maya is wetter, hotter, and more humid—meaning you’ve got access to gorgeous jungles and lush tropics. Cenotes are a common feature, too. By contrast, Riviera Nayarit has a drier climate. Though just as warm, the humidity isn’t as intense—and the ocean is a bit cooler, too.

Culturally, you’ll notice that the Riviera Maya has a very Caribbean feel. From music to meals to overall lifestyle, it’s very relaxed. Riviera Nayarit, by contrast, is better geared toward active travelers who want to do more than lounge by the pool or beach. In fact, some of its beaches are unswimmable. (More on this below.)

Riviera Maya has more jungles and ruins

Tulum holds the honor of being the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya (Getty)

Like the name suggests, Riviera Maya is home to dozens of archaeological sites and ruins from the Mayans. These are a near-constant backdrop in places like Tulum, letting you add a dash of historic intrigue without much effort. Or, if you do want to dig into the past, you can take tours of major ruins like Chichen Itza, Coba, and Muyil.

Many of these ruins have sat untouched for centuries thanks to the area’s jungle coverage. Along with ruins, you can explore large tracts of unspoiled jungle and wetlands. There’s the Punta Laguna Reserve, along with the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Just reconsider those ATV tours—they’re really destructive to the jungle and dangerous for tourists.

Riviera Nayarit is better for seafaring adventures

Chacala beach landscape in the Mexican Pacific within the state of Nayarit

No matter what you want to do on the water, the Riviera Nayarit has a surprise in store for you. While it’s beaches aren’t quite as tropical as the Riviera Maya’s, they’re still pristine and luxurious. But that’s just the start of the fun.

Surfing is huge on the Pacific Coast, including in places like Sayulita. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also available in areas where the waves are a bit calmer. Snorkeling and diving is also world-class in places like the Marietas Islands.

Lastly, Riviera Nayarit is also home to more harbors and marinas. It’s much, much easier to go boating on the west coast of Mexico, and is a great choice for those who own a boat and want to keep it docked for vacation.

Riviera Nayarit is home to Huichol culture—which you might not have heard of before

A Wixarika man is watching the impressive view of the Sierra Madre Occidental dressed with traditional cloth nearby the town of Tateikie, Jalisco.

Riviera Maya is renowned for its Mayan ruins and Aztec sites. Thanks to the fact that Chichen Itza landed on the New World Wonders list, millions around the world have had a basic introduction to both Mayan and Aztec cultures. But Riviera Nayarit is home to Huichol culture, which you probably haven’t heard of unless you’ve visited.

When you visit Riviera Nayarit, you’ll get a first-class introduction to Huichol dress, ceremonies, and especially art. Galleries and artisan shops dot Riviera Nayarit, letting you learn more about their beliefs and traditions while supporting their craft.

Just like you can sign up to explore Mayan villages in the Riviera Maya, you can visit Huichol villages and attend shows.

Riviera Maya is trendier, while Riviera Nayarit is more luxurious and secluded

The Riviera Maya is more likely to attract young travelers who are looking for trendy destinations, major parties, and scenic spots for photos. In fact, Riviera Maya is home to a handful of world-famous clubs, many of which are in Tulum.

Riviera Nayarit, by contrast, is usually for the more discerning tourist who’s willing to pay more for a luxurious and more private experience. Anyone hoping for a more secluded and quiet getaway should go to Riviera Nayarit. Though you can find quiet, private rentals and resorts on the Riviera Maya, they’re harder to find.

FAQs: Riviera Maya vs Riviera Nayarit

Which Mexican Riviera has the best beaches?

Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya both have world-class beaches. Usually, Riviera Maya takes the cake when it comes to tropical beaches with crystal clear water and lush greenery.

However, Riviera Nayarit is also home to pristine, white-sand beaches where you can snorkel and dive. Additionally, if you want to surf, the Caribbean Sea (Riviera Maya) isn’t the best spot to go.

Is Riviera Maya or Riviera Nayarit more expensive?

You can find cheap, mid-range, and luxurious lodging options in both the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. That being said, the Riviera Nayarit is usually more expensive because its resorts, hotels, and rentals are designed to be more luxurious and private. Travelers also tend to be a bit older and more financially stable, meaning upscale locations are more abundant.

When is the ideal time to visit each?

The best time to visit the Riviera Maya is between January and April, when temperatures are cooler, the chances of rain are smaller, and seasonal issues like sargassum algae aren’t likely to wash up on shores. (Or if you want to save, brave the short rainstorms and spots of sargassum!)

The best time to visit the Riviera Nayarit is between April and June, when temperatures are milder, there’s not too much rain, and fewer crowds. However, if you want to minimize the chances of rain, go during the dry season from October to April.

8 Beachside Hotels in Sardinia for a Sun-Soaked Italian Escape

Sardinia is one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets.

While tourists flock to Croatia and Greece for seaside adventures, Italy is home to one of the most quietly stunning and peaceful places to unwind in summer. (It also has Sicily, which is one of my favorite summer spots—but I’m talking about Sardinia for now.)

Sardinia is where Italy’s socialites and glitterati vacation, along with local families, honeymooners, and small groups that are on the hunt for world-class downtime.

Whether you head to a large city like Olbia or head straight to a quaint village like Budoni, you’re in for a treat. Or several treats, if I know anything about Italian islands.

If you’re daydreaming about a Sardinian escape, you’ll need a great place to stay. More specifically, you need a great beachside hotel to get you started on the right foot. (Looking for full-scale resorts? Start here.)

Best beachside hotels in Sardinia: at a glance

  • Baia del Sole Resort
  • Bagaglino I Giardini Di Porto Cervo
  • Hotel La Bitta
  • Hotel Cala Caterina
  • Hotel Castello
  • Acqua di Mare Resort
  • PedreAmare Suite
  • Hotel Dei Pini

Best beachside hotels in Sardinia

Baia del Sole Resort (Olbia)

Don’t want to wander far from the airport? Fly into Olbia and head straight to Baia del Sole Resort. Take a dip in the pool, then head to the private beach to dip your toes into the Tyrrhenian Sea. When you’re ready, head to one of the hotel’s yoga classes or grab a bite from the on-site restaurant.

Bagaglino I Giardini Di Porto Cervo (Porto Cervo)

Soak up the wonders of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast at Porto Cervo’s Bagaglino I Giardini. This hotel includes private villas with gorgeous balconies that overlook the ocean. You can also enjoy kite and wind surfing, beach volleyball, direct beach access, and order in from the hotel’s a la carte menu.

Hotel La Bitta (Arbatax)

Give yourself the give of total downtime at Hotel La Bitta. The on-site spa offers a near full-service list of treatments, along with two highly rated restaurants. But the real star of the show is the infinity pool that overlooks the rocky coastline. You won’t know where the crystal clear pool ends and the sea begins.

Hotel Cala Caterina (Villasimius)

Listen closely: cala is the Italian and Catalan word for bay or cove, and in my experience in Spain and Italy, beaches with the name ‘cala’ in them are the stunningly gorgeous. If you see one, check it out because it might be a lesser-known and private beach like the one at Hotel Cala Caterina. Just wander down the stone steps from the gorgeous hotel grounds and you’ll find yourself in a small, dreamy cove. Plus, Cala Caterina also has an outdoor pool and an a la carte menu.

Hotel Castello (Golfo Aranci)

Nearby the hotspots of Porto Rotondo and Olbia, Hotel Castello is an affordable and family-friendly hotel that gives you the keys to the Tyrrhenian Sea. There’s direct beach access with plenty of cabanas for you to rent, along with a standard Italian breakfast. Some rooms also come with a sea view—which is worth spending more for.

Acqua di Mare Resort (Marina di Sorso)

This large and classic resort hotel has a massive pool, access to Bau Bau beach (and its cabanas), and tennis courts to boot. There’s also a great on-site restaurant so you don’t need to wander off the grounds. Like Hotel Castello, it’s great for kids and offers a separate kid’s club and outdoor play area. (Plus, it’s rooms and villas are larger, which is great if you’re traveling with four or more people.)

PedreAmare Suite (Alghero)

Unlike the other hotels in Sardinia, this spot feels like a private rental. Still, it comes with hotel amenities that you’ll actually use. All rooms come with beachfront access and private terraces, letting you enjoy the view and greenery. There’s also an on-site restaurant that’s great for midday meals or nighttime drinks. Just know that this spot is a little off the beaten track, located just outside Alghero.

Hotel Dei Pini (Alghero)

If you’d rather stay closer to the action in Alghero, head to Hotel Dei Pini. It’s located near the village’s action without putting you in a high-traffic zone. In fact, it’s surrounded by the Porto Conte Regional Park, one of Sardinia’s greenest spots. You’ve also got a gorgeous pool and beachside cabanas to soak up. The cherry on top? Hotel Dei Pini runs mostly on solar, making this an eco-friendly stay.

The 5 Best Transatlantic Cruises & Companies

The idea of cruising across the Atlantic Ocean has always sounded a little counterintuitive to me.

Isn’t the Atlantic Ocean massive and subject to Mother Nature’s whims? Also, what about all those icebergs—I remember what happened to Rose and Jack. And wouldn’t it be a waste to lose precious vacation time to a multi-day cruise that could be a short plane ride instead?

Here’s the short of it: the Atlantic Ocean has a hurricane season, which cruises and voyages avoid. Plus, if any icebergs in the Northern Atlantic haven’t melted by now, maritime technology allows captains to sus them out before contact.

Lastly, you aren’t wasting precious vacation time by crossing the Atlantic on a grand cruise ship if the transatlantic cruise is your vacation. Or, at least, a major part of it.

And while this might seem like a very fringe travel sector, it’s growing quickly. The proof? You can book an ocean crossing from Costco, my friends.

Ever wondered about cruise ships that take you across the Atlantic? Here’s a closer look at five of the best cruise companies that offer transatlantic journeys, including a few of the offers that you’ll see on that Costco page.

Who runs the best transatlantic cruises?

I’m including some of the most popular options from these well-known cruise brands, but they’re far from the only offers on the table. Along with these cruise companies, you can find transatlantic offers from major names like Disney, MSC, Norwegian, and more.

  • Cunard
  • Virgin Voyages
  • Viking
  • Azamara
  • Seabourn

Best transatlantic cruises

The Crème of the Crop: Cunard Queen Mary 2

  • Duration: 7 days
  • Ports: New York City and Southampton, UK, both ways

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the first name you need to know. This gorgeous and grand vessel is one of the most upscale in the business, while also remaining affordable.

With almost two centuries of transatlantic journeying under its belt, Cunard runs a tight ship with all the right features and amenities. (It’s also a subsidiary of Carnival Cruises, interestingly enough.)

The Queen Mary 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to cross the Atlantic for transportation purposes, as there are no stops along the way. (That makes this a voyage and not a cruise.) It’s also one of the best options for taking a large dog across the pond, as the Queen Mary 2 has a pet program.

A close second: Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady lets you take on a transatlantic cruise at your own pace.

The company offers three transatlantic cruises, offering transportation between the East Coast and Europe: a 14-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona, a 14-night cruise from New York to Barcelona, and a reverse 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Miami, in case you want to head home in style.

A little more upscale than other heavy-hitting cruise companies, Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady transatlantic voyages come with a few bonus perks. There are stage acts, speaker sessions that let you learn more about local culture, bridge tours, weekly spa treatments, game clubs, and specialty dishes.

Adults only pick: Viking Cruises, Viking Mars

  • Duration: 15 days
  • Main ports: Fort Lauderdale and Barcelona, both ways

This adults-only journey from Viking Cruises takes you from Florida down into the Caribbean before crossing the Atlantic toward Barcelona.

On the way there, you’ll also stop in Madeira, one of Portugal’s most popular islands (and the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, if you’re a sports fan). That makes this classic journey great for anyone who wants to toss in some Caribbean and Mediterranean flair to their journey.

Here’s where you stop along the way: Fort Lauderdale, St. Martin, Madeira, and Barcelona. Each stop includes optional excursions. Plus, there are also amazing lectures available along the way, from pirate history to exploring Europe’s first oceanic explorers.

(Just a small warning about Viking Cruise excursions: I live in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella where Viking Cruise offers day trips to its passengers in groups of 15. On weekend mornings, Viking Cruise will take up to five groups with15 people each through some of the city’s smallest streets. Avoid these very general tours and strike out on your own—you’ll have more fun, learn way more, and locals won’t stare hatefully as you pass by.)

Small ship, upscale features: Azamara Cruises, Azamara Quest

  • Duration: 13 days
  • Main ports: Miami to Lisbon, Portugal

Looking for a more upscale experience? While popular cruise liners like from Disney to MSC to Celebrity offer fantastic transatlantic journeys, they’re usually geared toward families looking for budget-friendly, grand adventures. Azamara Cruises, like Seabourn (below), is better for adults who want a quieter and more lux transatlantic journey.

Just keep in mind that the Azamara Quest doesn’t offer many transatlantic journeys. The next option is scheduled for March 2026 with stops in Bermuda and the Azores.

Luxury options: Seabourn

Like Virgin Voyages, you have multiple choices for a transatlantic journey with Seabourn. Considered one of the most luxurious cruise options that’s still within reach, you’ll be treated to tasteful décor, fantastic lounges, and top-tier entertainment on each voyage.

Best of all, you can choose from 28 different transatlantic options, some of which run for close to six weeks. That’s tons of variation for the more discerning cruise fan.

Road Trip 101: How to Read Road Maps & Mile Markers

I have a secret navigational skill that nobody will care about until a survival situation rolls around.

I can read a road map. A physical road map. An analog road map, if you will.

While this skill might seem a little unimpressive to older Americans, it’s a flex here in Western Europe.

I grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri, where people still give directions using the cardinal directions—which I never thought twice about until moving to Barcelona and telling someone to head north.

I was met with stunned silence. Soon after, they wanted to know if I actually knew where north was… and I felt a similar suspicion.

Did this person actually not know which way was north? How does someone lose track of the cardinal directions? And what other inherent knowledge are they missing?

As it turns out, you’re more likely to know the cardinal directions if you grew up driving longer distances and living in a more sparsely populated area. (Also, you’re more likely to know the cardinal directions if they’re part of your language, culture, and cosmology—but that’s another very intriguing story.)

This short exchange about knowing which way is north led to another novel idea about directions and navigation.

I blurted out, “So do you not know how to read a road map?”

They, in fact, did not.

If you don’t know how to navigate, consider this your short-and-sweet introduction on how to read road maps and mile markers. Even if you don’t have any plans on abandoning your Google Maps app, you might want to know a thing or two in case of emergency.

Road maps & mile markers in the United States

Maps probably sound like they’d be uniform, but every country has a different way of mapping roads and marking them. In the United States, our road maps designed to help us find interstate highways, state boundaries, and principal roads.

You can find national maps, state maps, and regional maps—and you might need all three for more dynamic road trips that take you onto side streets and byways.

That being said, they all come with one uniform feature: a key.

Every road map in the United States comes with a key—that will tell you about key features, landmarks, cities, and roads listed on the map. The key will also list all interstate highways and state abbreviations, along with a back-of-map gridded guide to finding cities. If you want to find Reno, Nevada, for example, you’ll be given a letter and a number, which correlate to a grid on the map.

Additionally, the key includes a scale so that you can measure the distance between locations and estimate how long it will take you to get there.

If you’re using a road map, you’re also probably using mile markers to gauge your progress. Mile markers are listed on either side of a road, telling you how far from the state border you are. They increase as you head north and east, decreasing as you head south or west.


How to read road maps in the US

Reading road maps sounds and looks more complicated than it is. Here’s how you can read a US road map.

  1. Orient yourself. Use the compass rose on the map to start in the right direction.
  2. Get familiar with the key. Make sure you understand the symbols on the map; your main priority is to find the interstates. You also need to know the map’s scale.
  3. Plot your route from where you are to your destination. If you know where you’re going, just mark the spot. If not, use the map’s town index to find your destination using the grid. As mentioned above, the grid includes letter and number lines, which you can cross-reference to find any town or city.
  4. Find the fastest way to get there. Interstate highways are your best friend; they’re almost always listed in bright red color and start with I-XX, such as I-75. Even numbers indicate the highway runs east-west, and odd numbers indicate north-south.
  5. Map out your journey. The further into the boonies you’re heading, the more militant you need to be about planning out stops. Remember: in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions, fuel stations can be few and far between.

How to read mile markers for road trips

The best way to stay on track while using a physical road map for navigation is mile markers. Mile markers were created to help drivers know how far they’ve made it and how long they’ve got to go.

As mentioned above, mile markers are listed separately in each state. When you cross over the border into a new one, you’ll start see a new set of mile markers start.

Almost all mile markers are written on green signs with white lettering. In most states, mile markers also correlate to exit numbers for even easier navigation. For example, Exit 317 sits at mile marker 317.

Like interstate highway numbers, they run differently depending on your direction:

  • Mile markers increase as you travel north and decrease as you travel south. If you’re on a north-south interstate, you’ll know you’re heading north when the mile markers increase.
  • Mile markers increase as you travel east and decrease as you travel west. If you’re driving on an east-west interstate, you can tell you’re heading west if the numbers decrease.


8 Fantastic Spanish Hotel Brands for Your Next Trip

Whether or not you lost a great Airbnb rental for your upcoming trip to Spain, the writing is on the wall: you need to have a backup hotel in mind when you visit the country.

I sincerely doubt that Airbnb, Booking, and VRBO will lose their footing in Spain. While the Spanish government nixed 66,000 rentals in mid-May, tens of thousands more remain on the market. And many of them have legitimate licenses.

That being said, so long as private rental platforms allow anyone to register their home or apartment without verifying licenses, the problem is likely to recur.

More Airbnbs will be uploaded, then taken down by authorities—meaning your favorite rental in Barcelona or Malaga might not be there forever.

Here’s the good news: Spain has a handful of fantastic hotel brands, including three that you’re always aware of, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. But let’s kick off the list with a few Spanish hotel brands that will set you up for a great vacation.

Best Spanish hotel brands for your next trip

H10 Hotels

When my family visits me in Barcelona, they usually stay at H10 Hotels. This popular chain has 63 hotels in 222 destinations around the country, along with others in Europe and the Caribbean.

These four-star hotels offer a comfortable and familiar setup, with added extras like rooftop lounges and other similar features. Staff have always been very helpful with my family, as well, offering suggestions and information anytime they needed.

That being said, it looks like H10’s reputation internationally isn’t the best. For that reason, I’d recommend sticking to H10 Hotels only when booking in Spain.

Eurostars

Eurostars is the most famous hotel brand of the bunch, and is owned by Hotusa Group. The company runs over 250 properties around the world, from three to five-star locations.

Its properties run a pretty large gamut, so I suggest reading reviews closely before booking a location. Because it’s such a popular hotel chain, you can also search for Eurostars Hotels in cities easily, like in Madrid.

Meliá Hotels

Meliá is the champion of Spanish hotel brands, with the largest number of resort properties and urban hotels. It runs almost 350 unique locations around the world, but I’d suggest looking into their resort properties in Spain. They’re renowned for their luxury resort stays, making them a great pick for beachside vacations.

RIU Hotels

With less than 100 properties, RIU Hotels is a smaller, more boutique brand—one that’s focused on sustainability efforts, in particular. If you’re looking for more elevated and unique hotels for your vacation in Spain, look at RIU hotels first.

While you still need to comb through reviews to avoid dud properties, some of RIU’s hotels have landed high on US travel lists.

Silken Hotels

Silken Hotels runs 35 hotels in Spain, which are designed to be unique, boutique, and geared toward hosting international visitors. That makes Silken Hotels a fantastic pick for any tourists who want a bit more care and assistance throughout their trip.

First-time visitors to Spain will do well at Silken, similar to H10. While all Spanish hotel brands strive to make the landing process easier for visitors, Silken has baked it into their overall mission and programming.

Best American hotel brands that operate in Spain

Marriott

Marriott International operates a few different hotel brands in Spain, including AC Hotels, Sonder, Design Hotels, Moxy, Autograph Collection Hotels, and more. AC Hotels will offer a basic setup, which makes it perfect for anyone who’s part of Marriott Bonvoy.

If you want to pay a bit more for a more boutique and stylish experience, book one of the Sonder or Autograph Collection rooms.

Hyatt

Hyatt operates six locations in Spain—and I’d recommend any of them. The Grand Hyatt Barcelona is the most impressive of the bunch, along with La Zambra Resort in Marbella and the Thompson Madrid. But you also have one Centric and two Regency hotels to choose from, if you want to stay more casual.

Hilton

Like Marriott, you can shop around dozens of different hotels from the Hilton brand in Spain. From luxury Tapestry Collection properties to budget DoubleTree locations, there’s a Hilton in reach in all major Spanish cities.

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