Luxury Stays in Northern Spain: Three Hotels I'd Recommend

Stayed in Asturias & Cantabria, Spain

One of the things I enjoy most about planning a road trip is choosing where to stay. A great hotel isn't just somewhere to sleep. It becomes part of the experience, whether that's waking up to incredible countryside views, enjoying a leisurely breakfast before setting off for the day, or returning somewhere comfortable after hours of exploring.

As I made my way across northern Spain, I wanted each hotel to reflect the destination I was visiting. That meant spending a week surrounded by the peaceful Asturian countryside before moving on to the Cantabrian coast and finally finishing the trip in one of Santander's most iconic luxury hotels.

Each property offered something completely different, yet all three played an important role in making this part of my road trip so memorable.

If you're planning a similar journey through Asturias and Cantabria, these are the three 5-star hotels I'd happily recommend.

1. Palacio de Luces: A Peaceful Countryside Retreat in Asturias

Image courtesy of Palacio de Luces.

Luces, Asturias, Spain | Stayed July 7–14

After several weeks of moving between different towns and cities, arriving at Palacio de Luces felt like taking a deep breath.

Located in the tiny village of Luces, just outside Lastres, the hotel sits among rolling green hills overlooking the Asturian coastline. The drive up immediately gave me the feeling that I'd escaped the crowds. Instead of traffic and busy streets, I was surrounded by open countryside, grazing cattle and some of the most peaceful scenery I'd seen during the entire trip.

The hotel itself occupies a beautifully restored country estate that perfectly blends traditional Asturian architecture with modern luxury. From the outside it feels elegant without being flashy, and inside the atmosphere is warm, quiet and incredibly relaxing.

Walking into my room, the first thing I noticed wasn't the furniture or the décor.

It was the silence.

Images courtesy of Palacio de Luces.

Opening the windows revealed uninterrupted views across the countryside, making it easy to forget I was only a short drive from the coast. The room felt spacious, beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, with a comfortable bed, quality linens and everything I needed for a week-long stay.

Because I stayed for seven nights, the hotel quickly started to feel less like accommodation and more like a temporary home. Returning each afternoon after exploring Asturias became something I genuinely looked forward to.

One of the highlights every morning was breakfast.

Served in a bright dining room overlooking the gardens, it offered an excellent selection of fresh pastries, local cheeses, seasonal fruit, eggs cooked to order and excellent coffee. Rather than rushing through breakfast before heading out, I found myself slowing down and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

The location worked perfectly for exploring eastern Asturias. During my stay I visited charming fishing villages including Lastres, drove through spectacular coastal scenery and spent time discovering beaches, viewpoints and mountain roads that became some of my favourite memories of northern Spain.

Although the hotel feels wonderfully secluded, everything remains easily accessible by car, making it an ideal base for a road trip.

If I had to describe Palacio de Luces in one word, it would be peaceful.

It isn't a hotel that tries to impress with extravagance. Instead, it focuses on comfort, exceptional service and creating an atmosphere where you immediately feel relaxed.

For me, that's exactly what made it special.

Stayed: July 7–14

Best for: Couples, road trips, countryside escapes and anyone looking to slow down.

Would I stay again?

Without hesitation.

If I return to Asturias, Palacio de Luces would be one of the first hotels I'd look at booking again.

2. Hotel Costa Esmeralda Suites: A Relaxing Stay Close to the Cantabrian Coast

Image courtesy of Hotel Costa Esmeralda Suites.

Suances, Cantabria, Spain | Stayed July 15–17

Leaving the countryside behind, my next stop brought me to Suances, one of Cantabria's best-known seaside towns.

Hotel Costa Esmeralda Suites immediately felt different from my previous stay. While Palacio de Luces was all about tranquillity and open countryside, this hotel had a lighter, coastal atmosphere that perfectly suited its location just minutes from the beach.

The property is modern, welcoming and surprisingly intimate. Rather than feeling like a large luxury resort, it offers a more boutique experience where everything feels relaxed and personal.

Checking in was quick and friendly, setting the tone for the next two nights.

Images courtesy of Hotel Costa Esmeralda Suites.

My room was bright, spacious and beautifully presented. Neutral colours, plenty of natural light and a comfortable bed made it an easy place to unwind after long days exploring Cantabria. Everything felt fresh, clean and well maintained without trying too hard to be overly luxurious.

One thing I particularly appreciated was how quiet the hotel remained throughout my stay.

Even during breakfast and around the common areas, there was never a sense of overcrowding. It felt like the perfect place to recharge before continuing my road trip.

Breakfast offered an excellent variety of fresh fruit, pastries, breads, hot dishes and locally sourced products, giving me plenty of choice before setting off each morning.

Its location was another major advantage.

Within minutes I could reach Suances' beaches, coastal viewpoints and restaurants, while Santander and Santillana del Mar were both easy drives away. It made an excellent base for exploring this part of Cantabria without needing to constantly change accommodation.

Although my stay here was shorter than in Asturias, it left a lasting impression because everything simply worked. Friendly service, comfortable rooms and an excellent location combined to create exactly the kind of hotel I enjoy finding during a road trip.

Stayed: July 15–17

Best for: Beach holidays, couples and exploring the Cantabrian coastline.

Would I stay again?

Absolutely.

Its location and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy hotel to recommend.

3. Eurostars Hotel Real: Classic Luxury Overlooking Santander Bay

Image courtesy of Eurostars Hotel Real.

Santander, Cantabria, Spain | Stayed July 17–20

My final stop brought me to Santander, and I couldn't have picked a more fitting hotel to end this part of my journey.

Perched on a hill overlooking Santander Bay, Eurostars Hotel Real immediately feels grand. Originally opened in the early twentieth century, the historic building has welcomed royalty, politicians and notable guests for generations, and it still carries that timeless elegance today.

Driving through the entrance, you immediately understand why it has become one of Santander's most iconic hotels.

The first impression is all about space.

Images courtesy of Eurostars Hotel Real.

Beautiful gardens surround the property, while many areas of the hotel enjoy spectacular views across the bay. Even before reaching my room, I found myself stopping several times simply to admire the scenery.

Inside, the hotel combines classic architecture with modern comforts. High ceilings, elegant lounges and wide corridors create an atmosphere that feels refined without becoming intimidating.

My room continued that experience perfectly.

It was spacious, exceptionally comfortable and offered everything I'd expect from a five-star hotel. After several weeks on the road, finishing the trip somewhere with this level of comfort felt like a well-earned reward.

Breakfast quickly became another highlight.

Served in an elegant dining room overlooking the gardens, it featured everything from fresh pastries and fruit to cooked breakfast options, local cheeses and excellent coffee. It was exactly the kind of leisurely breakfast you hope for when staying somewhere like this.

The location also worked incredibly well.

Although set away from the busiest streets, it remained only a short drive or pleasant walk from Santander's beaches, restaurants, marina and cultural attractions. It offered the perfect balance between peaceful surroundings and easy access to the city.

What stood out most, however, was the hotel's timeless character.

Unlike many modern luxury hotels that rely on trendy interiors, Eurostars Hotel Real embraces its history. It feels elegant in a way that's increasingly difficult to find, making it one of the most memorable hotels I stayed in during my entire road trip.

Stayed: July 17–20

Best for: Luxury city breaks, couples and travellers looking for classic five-star elegance.

Would I stay again?

Absolutely.

If I ever return to Santander, I'd happily book here again.

Three Hotels, Three Completely Different Experiences

One of the things I enjoyed most about this part of my road trip was how each hotel perfectly matched its destination.

Palacio de Luces gave me the chance to slow down and experience the peaceful countryside of Asturias. Hotel Costa Esmeralda Suites offered a relaxed coastal base for exploring Cantabria's beaches and charming seaside towns, while Eurostars Hotel Real provided the perfect luxurious finale overlooking beautiful Santander Bay.

None of these hotels tried to offer exactly the same experience, and that's precisely why I appreciated them.

Each complemented its surroundings, allowing me to experience northern Spain in a different way.

If you're planning a road trip through Asturias and Cantabria, I'd happily recommend every one of them.

Together, they helped transform an already unforgettable journey into one I'll remember for a very long time.