Megan Heng (@megnheng) is a content creator and entrepreneur driven by a passion for travel, seeking new connections, and immersing herself in diverse environments. Here's Megan's wishlist for her upcoming trip to Spain.

These hotels are the top recommendations from the Safarist community and have been personally vetted and endorsed by our team of hospitality experts.

The Madrid EDITION

If you visit Madrid as a tourist, you will eventually find yourself here. The area between Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía is the heart of the city’s cultural life...Gran Vía, the pedestrian-friendly street, has theaters, cinemas and exclusive boutiques, many housed in architecturally significant buildings from the early 20th century.

Gran Via is a nearly mile-long retail paradise where shoppers can expect to find a mix of luxury boutiques and mainstream brands nestled among some of the city's architectural gems. Retailers along the Gran Via include H&M, the Real Madrid Official Store, the Atletico Madrid Official Store, and the largest Huawei store in Europe.

Puerta del Sol and its surrounding areas take a deserved place near the top of the list of places Madrid newbies want visit. As well as being the true centre of the city (and the starting point for all the motorways in the whole of Spain), this is a great meeting place for locals and tourists alike thanks to its location smack-dab in the middle of the Madrid and great public transport links.

Centro

These hotels stand out for value, hospitality, and/or design but are generally under the radar.

Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila

Madrid

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

Seville

These hotels have been recommended by industry-leaders including but not limited to Condé Nast, Goop, Travel + Leisure, and more, and have been featured in "Best of Lists" by travel experts we trust.

Hotel Mercer Sevilla 5 GL

Almanac Barcelona

Broad boulevards, courtyards, ample trees, and excellent shopping and dining options make Eixample a wonderful home base when visiting BCN. You'll find Gaudí's classics like Casa Battló, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Familia in this neighborhood, alongside other great works of both traditional and modern architecture.

[Eixample] is 2020’s coolest neighbourhood in the world. The Spanish neighbourhood achieved the coveted first spot based on its tight-knit community, great local businesses and LGBTQ+-friendly culture.

Eixample

Ohla Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter is an old medieval center with a plethora of historical landmarks. Walk around to get a sense of its incredible architecture, which has lasted through centuries. Explore the Roman walls, and visit the Roman Temple of Augustus."

…a stroll through the medieval alleyways and lovely squares of the Gothic Quarter is the best possible introduction to Barcelona and the starting point for most visitors upon arrival in Barcelona. The Barri Gòtic is busy by day with local businesses and shops buzzing, and at night it is slightly quieter.