Spain’s Hotel Reopenings Amidst COVID-19 Relaxation
On 11 May, Spain began tentatively easing its COVID-19 lockdown, with around half the country entering phase one of the four-stage desescalada (de-escalation). This allowed many hotels to officially reopen; however, most remain closed due to ongoing travel restrictions and uncertainty about international air travel. Nonetheless, some Spanish hotels are cautiously optimistic that domestic travelers will soon explore their own country again.
Phase One Reopening Guidelines
Phase one permits hotels to open rooms, but communal spaces such as pools, gyms, and spas must remain closed. Restaurants can operate at 50% of terrace capacity, and museums may open with one-third of their usual capacity. Recently, Spain announced a 14-day quarantine for all international arrivals until the end of its state of alarm, currently expected to last until mid-June.
Hotel Reopening Plans in Major Cities
While many Spanish hotels are prepared with new safety measures, setting reopening dates remains challenging. In Barcelona, for instance, the boutique Praktik Hotels chain plans to reopen its flagship Praktik Rambla on 1 July. Their Vinoteca and Bakery branches were among the first converted into hotels salut for recovering COVID-19 patients. Marketing Director Laura Águila mentioned that flexibility is now paramount for travelers, prompting Praktik to offer free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
In Andalucia’s Málaga province, David Matthews and Myles Gregson are set to reopen their five-room boutique hotel Almohalla 51 on 8 June. As the province is expected to move to phase three on 15 June, they anticipate that nearby cultural sites will welcome visitors again, with restaurants operating at almost 50% capacity. To ensure safety and rebuild confidence in travel, Almohalla 51 will implement measures like removing unnecessary fabrics from rooms and providing disinfection dispensers at the entrance.
Reopening in Less Affected Regions
Cádiz province, one of the areas least affected by COVID-19, is also preparing for a cautious return to business. In the white town of Vejer de la Frontera, James Stuart is planning a staggered reopening, starting with a couple of restaurants in June, alongside the six-room Las Palmeras del Califa hotel. The two main hotels, La Casa del Califa and Plaza 18, will follow shortly after. Despite challenges, James expresses hope that domestic tourists will be eager to explore following the lockdown.
In Córdoba, José Fabra runs two boutique hostels—Bed & Be and Option Be—which typically attract young international travelers during this season. He believes that until movement restrictions ease, reopening makes little sense but is considering catering to the domestic market by transforming some rooms into living spaces for digital nomads.
Challenges Ahead for Hotel Chains
The Barceló chain, which has hotels across Spain, faces difficulties in reopening while travel restrictions are in place. They emphasize a commitment to enhancing health and safety measures. Meanwhile, the Room Mate chain will continue to serve self-isolating medical staff and care home residents until late May, with guest reopenings anticipated for June.
Hope remains for the Canary Islands, with El Hierro, La Gomera, and Isla Graciosa allowing hotel reopenings since 4 May. Sustainability advocate Michelle Braddock from Lanzarote Retreats confirms that her resort Finca de Arrieta is prepared to welcome guests in individual holiday homes, allowing for social distancing and privacy.
For those able to travel in Spain, a markedly different experience awaits. Pablo Carrington of MARUGAL hotels, which includes luxe properties such as Formentera’s Gecko Beach Club, believes this could be an excellent time to visit. Major attractions like the traditionally crowded Museo Picasso in Málaga will be implementing visitor limits, offering a more serene experience.
