The hotels we use in Barcelona and Madrid are all within a short walk of a well-connected Metro stop, and all three are close to good restaurants and the heart of the city. We look for quiet and comfy rooms, good service and a bit of personality. We like some luxury touches, but not necessarily luxury for the sake of luxury. More expensive doesn't always mean better. We think we're onto a winner with a combination of these:

Located by the Motjuic hill in Barcelona, Hotel Brummell is perhaps our favourite hotel in the city. With just 20 rooms, it's one of the smaller and more intimate hotels, with a real community feel and an informal, laid-back vibe. The staff are super friendly and happy to help out with anything you need. Rooms are full of natural light, some cosy but very comfy with views to the pool in the inner courtyard, others more spacious with leafy views to the Montjuic hill. 

Downstairs there is an honesty bar with free tea/coffee facilities, plus there are two vending machines dispensing treats such as artisan chocolate, craft beer and Cava wine. Our kind of vending machines! Whilst there are lots of very good restaurants and tapas bars within a short stroll, the hotel also has its own restaurant if you want to dine in, with Andalucian-meets-Catalan cuisine. There's also a small spa with a sauna, free yoga lessons, bike rental and each Tuesday at 20:00 the local Montjuic running club meets there for a jog, should that be your idea of fun.

In Madrid, our favourite hotel is called Only You Boutique. Bit of a silly name, but a bit of a great hotel. Most importantly, you are wonderfully located here. If you are arriving by train, as soon as you come out of the station the hotel is right there in front of you, so it's maybe 10 minutes from the train pulling in to you dropping your bags. From the airport, the bus drops you off right outside the hotel, so that's easy too. When you leave the hotel, you have the metro in front of you to reach anywhere in the city, whilst the Retiro Park and the museum district are a leisurely stroll away. But it's not just about location... 

The hotel oozes personality and the staff are so friendly. Rooms are very well equipped and the beds are so comfy you'll struggle to get up in the morning. When you do, you'll be heading up for the most abundant breakfast imaginable with everything from fresh smoked salmon to indulgent chocolate truffles and fresh eggs cooked to order. From up here you have views over Madrid as the city wakes up. Downstairs is a very stylish but relaxed bar/cafe area with a cracking restaurant if you don't want to venture out again. Oh, and there's also a barbers if you need a trim. Seriously, you can get your hair cut here. A gem of a hotel

In Seville, the Casa de Indias sits snug up against the Setas walkway. All around you there are bars, restaurants and flamenco tablaos and all the main sights are within walking distance.

We chose this hotel partly for its location, its great value and the views from the rooftop (which also has a swimming pool to cool off in). The hotel is a restored mansion with original features such as the façade, staircase and courtyard. Rooms are light and airy and a decent size for a city hotel. There's lots of space to spread out and relax in the communal areas, including a café and bar area. We also found the staff to be particularly helpful and attentive, so you're in good hands here.