Hotels in Almería: Where to Stay in 2025

Almería sits at the driest corner of Europe, where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet a coastline of volcanic rock and near-transparent water. It is not a city that performs for tourists: it simply gets on with life, which is exactly why visitors who find it tend to come back. The Alcazaba, one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain, rises above a whitewashed old town that still holds a genuine neighbourhood pulse, while the natural park of Cabo de Gata begins fewer than twenty kilometres to the east.

Accommodation here covers a wide range without the inflated prices of Málaga or Seville. You can choose a boutique room inside the ancient walls, a seaside resort facing the Mediterranean, or a mid-range city hotel with easy access to the train station and the rambla. The choice of base shapes the experience considerably, so it is worth thinking about what kind of Almería you are actually looking for.

• Historic Centre (Centro Histórico): The natural base for first-time visitors. Narrow streets, the Alcazaba, cathedral, and the legendary tapas culture (free tapas with every drink is still the local rule here) are all on foot. Hotels like the Crisol Almería (3★, 92 €/night, 4.4/5), Murallas de Jayran Hotel Boutique (3★, 151 €/night, 4.9/5), and Exe Almería Centro (4★, 219 €/night, 4.2/5) put you at the centre of the action.
• Almería City (Paseo de Almería and surrounds): The main commercial boulevard and its adjacent streets offer a slightly more modern feel while still being close to the old town. The Sercotel Avenida Hotel Almería (4★, 103 €/night, 4.5/5) is a solid choice here, well connected to the train and bus stations.
• Retamar: A quiet coastal suburb roughly ten kilometres east of the city, acting as the practical entry point to the Cabo de Gata natural park. Low-rise, car-friendly, and genuinely beachside. The Barceló Cabo de Gata (4★, 110 €/night, 4.4/5) and Cabogata Beach Hotel (5★, 91 €/night, 4.4/5) both sit here, making it a strong choice for families or beach-focused stays.
• Peripheral and spa retreats (9 km radius): Hotels such as Hotel Moon and SPA (4★, 116 €/night, 4.8/5) sit just outside the city in quieter surroundings, well suited for couples or travellers who want calm and wellness with day trips into the centre.
• Nueva Andalucía area: A more local, residential pocket of the city. Hotel Sol Almería (2★, 83 €/night, 3.9/5) offers a budget foothold for travellers who are mainly using Almería as a base to explore the wider province.

• Rent a car for Cabo de Gata: Public transport to the natural park is limited, especially to the most dramatic coves like Monsul and Los Genoveses. If you are staying in Retamar or planning beach excursions, a car makes the difference between seeing two beaches and ten.
• Visit between April and June or in September: July and August are genuinely hot (regularly above 38°C) and accommodation fills fast. Spring offers wildflowers in the natural park and comfortable temperatures. September keeps warm sea water with thinner crowds.
• Book the Historic Centre early for festivals: The Feria de Almería in late August and Semana Santa draw visitors from across the region. Central hotels sell out weeks in advance during these periods.
• Use the bus network within the city: The urban bus system is reliable and inexpensive for getting from the centre to the beach at El Zapillo or to the RENFE station. Taxis are also metered and affordable by Spanish standards.
• Free tapas is not a gimmick: Almería is one of the last cities in Spain where ordering a drink still comes with a free tapa, often generous. Factor this into your food budget as it genuinely reduces daily costs.

Plan your stay in Almería

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