7 Best Hotels in Gibraltar for 2024

The Rock of Gibraltar is a unique place to escape to, a little bit of Britain in Spain. Here’s our pick of the 7 best hotels in Gibraltar to lay your head!

If you are already traveling to Estepona or Seville, then Gibraltar is an excellent day trip destination, but it is well worth spending a little more time in the British enclave to soak up the history, the spectacular scenery, and the culture on the Rock.

Fought over for centuries, the Rock of Gibraltar was seen as the end of the known world by the Romans.

The Moors built a stronghold here that remains today, however, since the 1600s the territory has been fought over many times with cannons and guns. Today democratic tests have kept the Rock firmly in British hands.

Why Visit Gibraltar?

The Rock

We could mention the cable car, installed in the 1960s by Swiss engineers, that gets you to the outlook at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar in fifteen minutes.

From here you can see across the Straits to Africa and witness the junction between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

On top of the Rock, you can meet the famous Gibraltar monkeys at their special reserve.

There is an app that comes with the cable car ticket that gives an audio tour at the top, where you can also get a pot of English tea!

Other Attractions

Under the jutting limestone cliffs, tunnels run, begun hundreds of years ago as defensive works against sieges by French and Spanish forces determined to wrest control from the British.

They were added to during World War Two and are now open to the public.

Gibraltar is also home to pioneering conservation work in the Alameda Wildlife Park which rescues illegally trafficked animals as well as taking care of endangered local species.

The Beaches

It’s not all history, scenery, and cups of tea in Gibraltar. The territory is also home to several spectacular beaches, each with its own particular character.

Catalan Beach, is scenic, and peaceful, having resisted overdevelopment as it had remained principally a fishing village until very recently. 

The Playa de Levante is closest to all of Gibraltar’s best eateries, and facing East, it gets the most sun too.

At one end is the international airport, ideal for plane spotters, or those simply enjoying the novelty of sunbathing that close to a runway!

It’s also the top spot for fans of fish and chips and a cold pint of English ale.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Gibraltar

Here’s our breakdown of the seven best hotels in Gibraltar to suit any budget, from boutique luxury to backpacker’s utility.

1. Sunborn Gibraltar for a unique tip-top luxury experience.

Guests are promised celebrity service on board the Sunborn Gibraltar, a luxury yacht hotel moored in the heart of town. 

• With views of the harbor and marina, this five-star hotel also boasts an infinity pool, spa, gym, and restaurant.

• Its central position means that it is just a short stroll from all of Gibraltar’s attractions, including the glitz of Main Street, the cable car, the tunnels, and the conservation center.

• You can book a room, apartment, or an entire suite. The restaurant can cater to a wide range of dietary requirements too, such as kosher, halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. An ideal location for those wanting a little luxury, fine dining, and exclusivity of a cruise, without the heavy seas.

2. Rock Hotel for old world charm and those views.

For a taste of old-school Britishness, the Rock Hotel is unsurpassed for its hospitality.

A favorite spot for famous British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the elegance of this 1930s art deco building is a marvel, while its modern facilities will be just what the discerning traveler ordered.

• Relax in the exclusive saltwater pool set in the hotel’s own private garden and enjoy the views across the Straits to Morrocco’s Rif Mountains (possibly the best views from any hotel in Gibraltar). 

• The botanical gardens are right on the doorstep, while the town center is a short hop away.

• The Rock Hotel books up very quickly and is popular with couples wanting a little luxury away from the excitement of the city center, but still within reach of all the tourist attractions and beaches.

3. Eliott Hotel for classic modern facilities, and that superb roof terrace.

The Eliott Hotel is one of the newest, four-star establishments in the heart of Gibraltar, with an excellent rooftop bistro and pool, and just a few minutes walk from the city center and marina.

• It’s a popular spot for families and has a car parking facility located nearby for those road-trippers.

• The solarium is a great spot to watch the sun go down across the old town of Gibraltar. At the Rock Salt Restaurant on the top floor, the menu is surprisingly well-priced and won’t leave you going hungry on small portions either. Choose a full English or Irish breakfast in the morning too, and make a change from tapas!

• On the ground floor, the Verandah bar hosts jazz evenings where you can sit back, relax, and watch the world go by on the streets of Gibraltar’s old town.

4. Bristol Hotel for being right in the middle of a romance.

The Bristol Hotel is great value and brilliantly situated just moments from the cable car, the Gibraltar Museum, and Main Street. 

• If you are traveling by car it also offers free parking on a first come, first served basis. At reception, you can book dolphin-watching boat trips too.

• This three-star hotel has a pool, is close to a highly recommended beach, and has a 24-hour reception desk too. The hotel was opened in 1894 and still retains much of its vintage Victorian charm, although the facilities have been updated since then!

• Popular with families, it also hosts an express wedding facility. In case you are feeling romantic and want to follow in the footsteps of the Beatles’ John Lennon, or Bond actor Sean Connery, it can furnish you with the correct documentation so that you and your partner can get married at the adjacent registry office.

5. E1 Suites and Spa for a little more independence with your luxury.

The E1 Suites and Spa boast proper modern luxury in a block right on the Eastern Beach, where you can enjoy the sunsets from your private balcony before heading downstairs to the Spa. 

• In easy reach of one of the best beaches in Gibraltar, it is a top spot for families wanting four-star hotel facilities, but with perhaps a little less of the fuss.

• The pool is located within the spa, which is strictly for adults only, however, kids will no doubt love the beach, which is minutes from the front door. The Freska Restaurant is open to residents for breakfast, with a traditional English or Irish option, brunch, lunch, dinner, and high tea and there is also a cocktail hour to look forward to.

• The apartments offer kitchen facilities for those who prefer to take care of themselves, or those with small children, or with particular dietary needs. There are also washing machines, a drying rack, and an iron. Private parking is available and must be reserved in advance.

6. Emile Youth Hostel for backpackers, bargain hunters, and dreamers.

The Emile Youth Hostel provides possibly the least expensive place to lay your head in the entire city and best of all, it is located right in the heart of town.

It’s a great spot for groups, and rooms can be booked up with exclusive kitchen use too, if required.

• Solo travelers are welcome too, but you will have to be prepared to share with up to five other travelers, but that’s always been part of the fun of staying in youth hostels, meeting new people from around the world.

• The award-winning hostel is privately owned and comes highly rated. It has a left-luggage facility, so you can dump your stuff and go and check out the sights and sounds of Gibraltar knowing your kit is being looked after.

• Family rooms can be booked, but it is best to contact the hostel direct, and well in advance of your trip. Note that the hostel is not suitable for those children aged under five years.

7. Jasmine Coral Jay Boatel for the water sports enthusiasts.

The Jasmine Coral Jay Boatel is set right in the middle of the famous marina, the Ocean Village in Gibraltar, and it is a perfect choice for those for whom sitting still is not an option.

If you are into water sports, then this is your ideal spot.

• The boatel is not big, converted from a Canadian trawler it offers just five luxury rooms and a shared kitchen and lounge, however, it is well situated close to many waterside eateries, a spa, and other facilities.

• If you have ever walked past the old port, or marina in a seafront city like Gibraltar, and wondered how the glitterati on their yachts live, then this is the ideal opportunity to enjoy that experience.

• Be aware that bathroom facilities are not found on board the boatel, due to marina water quality regulations, and are in a separate quayside location, but they come highly recommended by guests.

AUTHOR BIO

Lucia is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations, hidden gems and stunning historical sights on her travel blog Viva La Vita.