Best places to stay in Gibraltar at a glance
Best luxury hotel: The Sunborn (modern) or the Rock Hotel (historic)
Cheapest option: Emile Youth Hostel (room in a dorm)
Best budget hotel: Bristol Hotel (Gibraltar) or Ohtels (across the border)
Best for a romantic stay: Sunborn; E1 Spa or the Rock Hotel
For a longer stay: Holiday apartments in the Hub, Devil’s Tower Road
If you’re wondering where to stay in Gibraltar, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the best hotels and neighbourhoods to budget options just across the border.
After spending several weeks exploring Gibraltar, I fell in love with its quirky mix of old-town charm and waterfront luxury. Whether you want views of the Rock, a romantic escape, or somewhere affordable with quick access to the Rock of Gibraltar, here’s my complete guide to the best places to stay in Gibraltar in 2025.
What’s in this blog:
best areas to stay in Gibraltar (Neighbourhood Guide)
Gibraltar is only small – but there are still lots of accommodation options, and several neighbourhoods with distinct feels. To help you decide where to stay, I’ve split it into 5 key neighbourhoods, each offering something slightly different.
A summary of Gibraltar’s Neighbourhoods
- Old Town & centre (purple on map): The best Gibraltar neighbourhood to stay in to be in the thick of the action, with easy access to the main attractions as well as plenty of shops, cafes and pubs.
- Ocean Village (yellow on map): Gibraltar’s modern marina, the best area to stay for a vibrant dining & nightlife scene, to be by the water, and for luxury stays.
- Southern District (pink on map): The large area south of Gibraltar’s town centre – a peaceful, largely residential area, home to the beautiful & iconic Rock Hotel – one of the best places to stay.
- Devil’s Tower Road (green on map): A small area close to the airport filled with modern apartment blocks & hotels. It’s not the most scenic part of Gibraltar (a main road in and out), but home to some of its best, most convenient (and best value!) hotels.
- La Línea (red on map): The small town on the Spanish side of the border – a great budget option when Gibraltar’s prices hike up in the Summer.
Old Town & Centre – Best Area to Stay for History & Sightseeing
The beating heart of Gibraltar, home to many of its key attractions, bustling streets & squares, and most important buildings.
Best for: first-time visitors; sightseeing; atmosphere & local charm
Why stay in Gibraltar old town
Stay in Gibraltar’s old town if you want to feel in the thick of life on the Rock. It’s by far the best place to stay to soak up Gibraltar’s unique atmosphere and charm.
It’s also a great place to stay if you want to be close to all major attractions. The hotels in this part of Gibraltar are some of the closest places you can stay near the Rock. The old town is also home to most of Gibraltar’s historic and important buildings, as well as its museum and shopping district.
For attractions that are further afield (such as Europa Point or Catalan Bay), Old Town is well connected by bus.
Highlights of Gibraltar Old Town
- Easy access to all of the top things to do in Gibraltar
- Bustling Main Street, popular for its duty free shopping
- Casemates Square – Gibraltar’s social hub, surrounded by restaurants & pubs
- Close to the Rock of Gibraltar
- Beautiful architecture & history – such as the Cathedral and the Convent. (Read my guide to architecture & history in Gibraltar)
Pros & cons of staying in Gibraltar’s old town
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super central & walkable | Can get busy, especially in peak season |
| Full of charm & character | Some hotels can feel a bit dated – limited modern options |
| Great for sightseeing & exploring |
Best hotels to stay in Gibraltar’s old town
The Elliot Hotel: Stunning 4* hotel in an excellent location, in the heart of town, with a swimming pool & sun terrace. The Elliot Hotel is also one of the best hotels in Gibraltar for families. Rooms usually start about £180. Book here.
Bristol Hotel: More basic 3* hotel but in an excellent location, and with a swimming pool. Rooms from about £100 – book here.
Emile Youth Hostel: A basic youth hostel with rooms in a dorm starting from about £30 – one of the cheapest places to stay in Gibraltar, and excellently located. Book here.
Aside from these two options, there are a few self-service apartments in Gibraltar’s old town, which offer an excellent opportunity to stay in one of its historic buildings.
A few of the best options are:
- This utterly beautiful apartment in a historic building – about £150 a night
- Engineer Lane House – a comfortable guesthouse in a great location from £95
- Governer’s Inn Apartments – a comfortable, affordable guesthouse – around £86
Ocean Village – Best Area for Nightlife & Waterfront Hotels
Gibraltar’s modern marina, with a vibrant nightlife and food scene.
Best for: nightlife, modern hotels & luxury, romantic getaways
Why stay in Ocean Village, Gibraltar
Ocean Village was one of my favourite places in Gibraltar, and I’d definitely recommend it as a place to stay. Based around the marina, it’s filled with some of Gibraltar’s best restaurants and bars, and a stunning waterfront. It has a lovely modern feel, and at night especially has a lovely vibe. It would make an excellent base for a romantic getaway.
It’s also well-located, a short walk from the town centre as well as to the Spanish border.
The downside (for me, at least) was that it has more of a ‘Brits abroad’ feel than much of Gibraltar – probably because it’s home to the Admiral Casino, a few British-style pubs and chain restaurants. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for me it was the only downside.
Highlights
- Some of Gibraltar’s best restaurants & bars – I especially recommend Little Bay Indian! (read my guide of the best restaurants and bars here)
- The luxurious Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel
- Dolphin-spotting tours leave from here – find out more
Pros & cons of staying in Ocean Village
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful waterfront setting | Slightly further from historic sights (but still walkable) |
| Excellent food & drink scene | Bit more of a ‘Brits abroad’ feel |
| Modern hotel options | |
| Lively and vibrant area |
Best hotels to stay in Ocean Village
There’s not much space in Gibraltar – and so in Ocean Village, you’ll find a pretty cool solution. Instead of building hotels upwards, they built them outwards – floating on the water. From a luxury super-yacht to boutique boat hotels, this is your chance to stay on the water.
Sunborn Yacht Hotel: The most unique hotel in all of Gibraltar, calling itself the world’s first 5* floating hotel. A sprawling yacht, perfectly located moored in Ocean Village, with bars and restaurants and a swimming pool. It’ll set you back about £250 a night – but if you have the budget, it’s the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway or upmarket holiday. Book here.
Jasmin Coral Jay: A boutique floating hotel with a spa, and without the Sunborn price tag. The cheapest rooms are about £130. Book here.
There are also a number of private apartment boats. The most luxurious option is this two-bed luxury yacht, about £350 a night.
If you prefer to stay on land, this 4* two-bed apartment is perfect, with two swimming pools.
Another option: West Gibraltar
Just to the south of Ocean Village is a quieter, peaceful part of Gibraltar, still conveniently in walking distance from the town centre (and also home to the Morrisons!).
There have been a number of modern developments in this neighbourhood, resulting in some excellent places to stay, often with access to a swimming pool. A more luxury two bed apartment can be found in Eurocity (around £250), with a mountain view. If you just need a one-bed, check out this one-bed 4* apartment (about £100).
Devil’s Tower Road – for Modern Hotels & Airport Access
Modern towers with some of Gibraltar’s best hotels.
Best for: convenience to the airport & Spain, modern value & comfort
Why stay on Devil’s Tower Road, Gibraltar?
It’s not a destination in itself – and it’s certainly not a looker. But hear me out, Devil’s Tower Road is a great place to stay. This main road in-and-out of Gibraltar has changed a lot in recent years, with modern towers popping up all along it – meaning that some of Gibraltar’s most modern and comfortable hotels can be found, ranging from mid-range to upscale.
It’s also a convenient location – walkable to the town centre and airport. Unlike the other options in this blog, it’s also close to the peaceful Catalan Bay – a quiet, hidden gem of a beach and fishing village on the East side of the Rock (also 15 minutes).
A final point about Devil’s Tower Road is the views. Staying in the Holiday Inn Express, for example, depending on your room, you might have views across to the sea; an incredibly dramatic view of the sheer north side of the Rock, or across the airport runway.
Pros & cons of staying on Devil’s Tower Road
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of modern hotels for different tastes & budgets | About 15 minutes walk to the Old Town |
| Convenient for airport & Catalan Bay | Not Gibraltar’s prettiest street – a main road in and out |
| Unreal views of the Rock | |
| Some hotels offer sea views |
Best hotels to stay in Devil’s Tower Road
There are two main hotels along Devil’s Tower road, both excellent value, modern, clean and comfortable:
Holiday Inn Express: Arguably the best value hotel in Gibraltar, with clean, modern rooms, many of which have excellent views. Rooms start at £130, depending on the season. Book here.
E1 Suites & Spa: If you can afford an extra £20 a night, I’d highly recommend staying at E1. It’s a 4* aparthotel, so all the rooms are stylish and comfortable with access to a kitchen. Again, some rooms have great views. It also has access to the luxurious (adults only) pool, spa and gym, and has an onsite restaurant. Book here.
Devil’s Tower Road is also probably the best part of Gibraltar to stay for a self-service holiday apartment, with many new apartment blocks in the area. A few of the top rated options include:
- Holiday apartments in the Hub. We stayed in this block, and it’s perfect for a longer stay, conveniently located and with a small gym. Depending on what side you’re facing, you might have a sea view. You can book studio apartments here.
- For access to a pool, and a slightly more luxurious studio, this is a great option.
South District – Best Area for Relaxed Stays & Views of the Rock
Gibraltar’s more spacious, peaceful southern district.
Best for: staying at the iconic Rock Hotel; relaxing longer stays
Gibraltar can feel pretty cramped (it has one of the highest population densities in the world!). But once you go a little south of the old town, it suddenly feels like there’s a lot more space. Welcome to Gibraltar’s peaceful, (slightly) greener southern district.
This is a great place to stay if you want somewhere a bit quieter. The best place to stay is undoubtedly the iconic Rock Hotel, for old-school glamour and unbeatable views. It overlooks Gibraltar’s lovely Botanic Gardens, which can be found to the south of the old town.
Elsewhere, accommodation can be slim pickings, but there are a few Air BnBs and apartments dotted about. The Rock Hotel is well located – walkable to the old town. But if you’re staying much further south, make sure you’re prepared to rely on buses to get into town.
Highlights
- Gibraltar’s Botanic Gardens & wildlife park
- Europa Point and Gibraltar Mosque
- Little Bay beach
Pros & cons of staying in Gibraltar’s southern district
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quieter and more peaceful | Limited accommodation options, aside from the Rock Hotel |
| Home to the iconic Rock Hotel | Depending on where you stay, you could be a fair distance from the town and main attractions |
| Feels more spacious and greener | Not many shops or restaurants |
Where to stay in Gibraltar’s southern district
The best place to stay: the iconic Rock Hotel
There’s only one clear favourite here, and if you can find a room and afford the £160+ a night, it’s arguably the best place to stay in Gibraltar: the Rock Hotel.
A 4* hotel built in the 1930s, it’s Gibraltar’s most iconic and historic hotel, utterly beautifully located at the foot of the Rock, with views to the ocean, surrounded by the greenery of the Botanic Gardens.
Built nearly 100 years ago, it’s not the most modern hotel facility wise, but it’s perfect for a bit of old-timey class and luxury. And if all this isn’t enough to convince you, its outdoor pool is the largest in Gibraltar, surrounded by the towering trees of the Botanic Garden.
It is a bit further out – but still walkable to the town centre, about 20 minutes to Casemates Square. You can book the Rock Hotel here.
Elsewhere in southern Gibraltar
Other than the Rock Hotel, apartments in Southern Gibraltar are slim pickings – and I’d advise against them just because they can be pretty far from the action, especially when you go further south. If you do want to explore options in this part of Gibraltar, Air BnB is your best bet.
La Línea: Best Budget Area Near Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s neighbouring town, just over the Spanish border.
Best for: budget stays
Why La Línea is a good place to stay
Staying just across the border in Spain can be a smart move, especially if you’re on a budget or staying in peak seasons. La Línea is a short walk from Gibraltar – about 15-25 minutes into the old town, depending on where you’re staying – and hotels here tend to be cheaper.
La Línea itself is a pleasant small Spanish town. It gets a bit of a bad rep, but in our experience it felt safe and friendly, with a cute walkable town centre and some excellent restaurants. It’s also home to a couple of excellent beaches (there’s much more space here than in Gibraltar!) and waterfront restaurants.
Especially if you don’t mind the walk across the border or if you’re staying a little bit longer, La Línea is a great base!
Important note: Make sure you bring your passport every time you cross the border. You may also be asked to provide proof of your accommodation and flight home – the border officials ask more questions since Brexit! In our experience, they only tended to ask for these things if you crossed just after a plane had landed.
Highlights
- Excellent sandy beaches
- Lively Spanish tapas scene – the food is excellent, and such good value.
Pros & cons of staying in La Línea
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be much better value than staying in Gibraltar | Faff of crossing border every time you go to Gibraltar – this can take time |
| Excellent tapas (food is also better value!) | 15-25 minute walk to Gibraltar town centre (depending where you’re staying) |
| Quicker access to the rest of Spain |
Where to stay in La Línea
If you’re on a tight budget, La Línea is your best bet for mixing price with quality. There are plenty of hotels & apartments.
Your best budget option – Ohtels Campo De Gibraltar: A comfortable 4* hotel very close to the border, with its own swimming pool and restaurant and close to the beach. Compared to hotels of a similar quality in Gibraltar, it’s extremely affordable, with rooms from £75, and it’s a great place to stay for families. Book here.
Best luxury option – Boat Haus: La Línea’s answer to Ocean Villages floating hotels is Boat Haus, offering a number of classy boat houses in the town’s pretty marina – close to the border – at a range of prices. Book here.
If you prefer self service apartments, you can also get more bang for your buck in La Línea. This popular option is well located in the town centre (£85 a night). And if you want to be as close as possible to Gibraltar, this cosy (small) studio claims it’s the closest available to the border – £73 a night.
If you’re planning to visit Gibraltar, make sure to read my travel guides:
Where to Stay in Gibraltar: FAQs & Traveller Tips
Is Gibraltar a good place to stay?
Yes, Gibraltar’s a great place to stay. It’s only a small peninsula, but it packs a lot in, and in all our time there we never got bored. It’s safe, with good weather (usually!), and has a unique blend of British and Mediterranean culture, as well as a fascinating history, great restaurants and not to mention the Rock!
It also makes a handy base for exploring the wider Andalucía region – as long as you don’t mind the occasional faff of crossing the border.
That said, Gibraltar isn’t for everyone. The beaches are small – as is Gibraltar itself. You can do most of the main sights in a few days. And if your main interest is travelling around Spain, or experiencing an entirely unique culture, I’d recommend staying elsewhere.
If you need more help deciding whether to visit, read my guide of the top things to do in Gibraltar.
Is Gibraltar expensive to stay in?
It can be! Especially in peak season (summer, public holidays, etc.), hotel prices in Gibraltar tend to shoot up, especially because it’s so small and there are only a finite number of options.
But there are budget-friendly options. The cheapest is the Emile Hostel, for rooms in a dorm, or for budget hotels I’d recommend the Bristol Hotel.
Staying just over the border in La Línea can also be a great way to save money. You’ll often find better value there, and there are some excellent hotels at lower prices – such as Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar.
Should I stay in Gibraltar or La Línea?
If you want to be super central, close to attractions, and not have to cross a border every day, it’s better to stay in Gibraltar. But if you’re on a budget – or for a longer stay – La Línea is a great alternative. It’s still walkable to Gibraltar, with great beaches and tapas bars, and some good value hotels, such as Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar.
What’s the best area for a short break or weekend trip?
For a short break, I’d recommend staying either in the Old Town or Ocean Village. Both of these options will be close to all the main attractions, and provide you with lots of options for eating out.
There are several excellent hotels in the Old Town, such as Elliot Hotel, or Bristol Hotel for something more affordable. Ocean Village is home to the superyacht Sunborn Gibraltar for a luxury weekend!
Is Gibraltar walkable?
Yes! Gibraltar is very walkable. It’s a tiny place, and most of the areas mentioned in this blog are within easy walking distance of each other. If you’re staying on the East Side or further south near Europa Point, you’ll need to use the local buses, but otherwise, you can walk to almost all the main sights, shops, and restaurants without much hassle.
Where should I stay for views of the Rock of Gibraltar?
The Rock totally dominates Gibraltar – you can see it from just about anywhere. The hotels around Devil’s Tower Road have especially dramatic views, such as Holiday Inn Apartments or the apartments in the Hub. Hotels in La Línea, like Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar also have lovely panoramic views of the Rock.
If you want to be as close as possible, the Rock Hotel is literally on the slopes of the Rock itself! It has excellent views too, facing out to the Bay of Gibraltar.
My final thoughts
Overall, Gibraltar is a small space. Wherever you stay, you’ll be well placed to have a lovely holiday and experience its unique charm – but as outlined in this blog, each area offers something slightly different. If you’re still deciding where to stay in Gibraltar, you can explore all of the options for accommodation on booking.com.
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And if you’re planning your holiday to Gibraltar, check out my other guides below.
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