Despite its compact size, Gibraltar offers a variety of accommodations to suit all types of travellers. Whether you’re after luxurious five-star hotels, cosy mid-range options, or budget-friendly stays, Gibraltar has something to offer. Wondering where to stay in Gibraltar? Keep reading for a breakdown of the best options for every type of traveller.
If you’re curious about the best area in Gibraltar to stay, then don’t fear! As a local, I can recommend all the best areas to stay in Gibraltar and all their advantages and disadvantages.
From bustling Main Street to the breathtaking views from Catalan Bay, this guide will help you decide the best place to stay based on your travel style and preferences. Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit your needs in this unique destination!
- Ocean Village & Marina Bay
- Main Street & Town Centre
- Eastside & Catalan Bay
- Northside
- Westside
- Nature Reserve
- Where to Stay Near Gibraltar: La Línea
- How to Decide Where to Stay in Gibraltar
- FAQs
- Where do tourists stay in Gibraltar?
- Where should I stay in Gibraltar on a budget?
- Where should I stay in Gibraltar if I’m looking for nightlife?
- What is the nicest area in Gibraltar?
- Where to stay in Gibraltar for the first time?
- Where to stay in Gibraltar with family?
- Is it easy to get around Gibraltar without a car?
- Where should I stay in Gibraltar near a beach?
- How do I get to my Gibraltar hotel from the airport?
- How do I get to Gibraltar from Malaga airport?
My #1 choice of where to stay in Gibraltar is the 5* Sunborn Yacht Hotel
A five-star floating hotel offering unparalleled luxury and marina views, this hotel is the peak of luxury in Gibraltar.
Book Here!
Ocean Village & Marina Bay
Ocean Village is one of the liveliest areas in Gibraltar, with a wide range of dining options, bars and cafes right on the water! The most popular and best-known hotel in the Ocean Village and Marina Bay is the luxurious Sunborn Yacht Hotel.
If luxury is a priority, where to stay in Gibraltar is simple – Ocean Village is the place! You can also find a variety of apartment rentals here, with beautiful marina views and amenities like rooftop pools.
Staying in Ocean Village or Marina Bay (which is the northern section past Ocean Village, towards the runway) is ideal for being close to Gibraltar’s nightlife, making it a great choice for travellers who enjoy a vibrant social scene.
Best for:
Nightlife Lovers
Luxury Travellers
Couples
The disadvantages of staying in Ocean Village include the noise level—certain locations in Ocean Village can be somewhat noisy given that it’s the location of most of Gibraltar’s bars. Accommodation here is also usually more expensive than in other areas of Gibraltar, mainly because this is where the more expensive houses and apartments are for locals!
Best hotel: Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Gibraltar
- 8.6 rating
- £££
- Most popular among my followers
Best Places to Stay in Ocean Village & Marina Bay:
- Sunborn Yacht Hotel (5*): Luxurious accommodation with fine dining, a spa, and a casino. Rooms for two people from £200 per night.
- Marina Club Luxury Apartment: Ideal for longer-term stays with waterfront views. One-bedroom apartment from £178 per night.
- Luxury Yacht Boatel “White Dove”: If you’ve ever wanted to try out boat life, then this is for you! Sleeping up to six people, this ‘boatel’ is located in the marina and starts from £300 per night.
- Jasmine Coral Jay Boutique Boatel: A more affordable option ‘boat life’ option is the lovely Jasmine Coral Jay Boutique Boatel in Marina Bay! Rooms for two people from £117 per night.
My #1 choice of where to stay in Ocean Village is the 5* Sunborn Yacht Hotel
A five-star floating hotel offering unparalleled luxury and marina views, this hotel is the peak of luxury in Gibraltar.
Book Here!
Main Street & Town Centre
Staying in the heart of Gibraltar means you’re just steps away from shops, restaurants, cafes and major attractions like Gibraltar’s two cathedrals, the Gibraltar National Museum, and Casemates Square.
The entire area of Main Street and the town centre is extremely walkable, making it ideal for those who enjoy being able to get places on foot. If you’re wondering where to stay in Gibraltar to be in walking distance for almost everything, this is the area to choose!
The main hotels located in the town area are the Bristol Hotel, located close to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Eliott Hotel, located in Gibraltar’s Old Town (known as Upper Town), by the Garrison Library. For travellers to Gibraltar on a budget, there are great options when deciding where to stay in Gibraltar, such as the cosy Emile Youth Hostel, located right next to Grand Casemates Square.
There are also a variety of apartment rentals available on or near Main Street, such as the beautiful Gibraltar Stay apartments on Engineer Lane.
Best for:
First-time Visitors
History Lovers
Families
Best Places to Stay in Town:
- The Eliott Hotel (4*): Elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and Mediterranean dining. Rooms from £135 per night.
- Bristol Hotel (3*): Centrally located hotel, although many reviewers say it’s a bit dated. Rooms from £99 per night.
- Gibraltar Stay Grand Central House: Stylish apartments located just off Main Street, with a beautiful rooftop for a view over Gibraltar. Two-bedroom apartment from £118 per night.
- Gibraltar Town Centre Flat with Roof Terrace: A property right on Main Street with a balcony and roof terrace. Two-bedroom apartment from £140 per night.
- Emile Youth Hostel: Gibraltar’s only hostel, rated a great 8.1 on Booking.com! Bed in a 6-person dorm from £24 per night.
My #1 choice of where to stay in Town is the 4* The Eliott Hotel
A beautiful, centrally located hotel with modern design, rooftop pool, and stunning views of Gibraltar.
Book Here!Eastside & Catalan Bay
Staying on Gibraltar’s Eastside—particularly in or near Catalan Bay—offers a wonderfully relaxed seaside vibe. Catalan Bay, with its colourful fishing village charm, is perfect if you’re seeking tranquillity and the beach on your doorstep.
Accommodations such as Gibraltar Stay’s Catalan Bay apartments provide a unique, local feel right on the seafront. When choosing where to stay in Gibraltar in summer, you definitely want to consider if you want easy beach access!
Best for:
Beach Lovers
Families
Couples
The downside of staying on the Eastside is that there are fewer dining and entertainment options nearby, meaning that you’d need to travel into the centre for more variety, or—if you are staying in a holiday rental—purchase groceries to cook yourself.
Since the Caleta Hotel was demolished in 2022, there is currently no hotel located on the Eastside. There are plans for a Hilton Hotel to be built on the site of the old Caleta Hotel, with a theoretical 2025 completion date, but this currently seems unlikely given the lack of progress so far!
The other downside of staying on the Eastside is the lack of transport links. Compared to other areas of Gibraltar, this area has fewer transport links to other places. Only buses 4 and 8 run here, and the 4 runs only every 45 minutes and ends at 18:30. The 8 runs half-hourly and runs from 07:00 until 21:00.
However, you can find some holiday rentals available—such as this stunning beachfront duplex for up to six guests located at Catalan Bay—that come with parking. This is excellent if you are planning an extended trip from Gibraltar to locations in Andalucia and will want a car for exploring!
Alternatively, you can walk from Catalan Bay to the centre of town, which takes around 30-40 minutes each way.
Best Places to Stay in Eastside and Catalan Bay:
- Gibraltar Stay Catalan Bay Cosy Duplex: Cosy beachfront rental with sea views. One-bedroom apartment for up to four people from £150 per night.
- Gibraltar Stay Catalan Bay Duplex: Roomier beachfront apartment with room for up to six people. One-bedroom apartment from £187 per night.
- Beachfront Apartment at Both Worlds: Located overlooking Sandy Bay, this apartment has a balcony with beautiful sea views. Two-bedroom apartment for up to four people from £125 per night.
My #1 choice of where to stay near Catalan Bay is the Gibraltar Stay Catalan Bay Duplex
A beautiful beachfront apartment located in beautiful Catalan Bay, this is perfect for families and beach lovers.
Book Here!Northside
Northside of Gibraltar pretty much consists of everything along Devils Tower Road (generally shortened by locals just to DTR). This is the area of Gibraltar next to the airport and near the border. There are no hotels located between the border and the airport, but once you are across the runway then you’ll find holiday rentals and a hotel on Devils Tower Road.
For example, you’ll find the 3-star Holiday Inn Express located on Devils Tower Road, which is about 15 minutes by foot to the border across the airport runway (which you’ll find more information about in my article on awesome things to do in Gibraltar!).
Northside is closer to the town centre than areas like Eastside, being around 15-20 minutes on foot from Casemates Square.
Staying in the Northside of Gibraltar is particularly useful if you’ll be leaving early from the airport, or arriving late via the border or the airport.
Best for:
Budget Travellers
Leaving Early
Beach Lovers
The area has seen significant redevelopment in recent years, with new apartment blocks and hotels springing up. You can find a variety of holiday rentals here, such as Key to the Straits’ Luxury Sunrise Oceanview Apartment in the E1 development. The accommodation options in Northside tend to be more affordable than those located in Ocean Village or the town centre.
Staying in the Northside also provides handy access to Eastern Beach (10-15 minute walk) and Catalan Bay (15-20 minute walk), which is ideal if you’re looking to add some beach days to your holiday!
Best Places to Stay Near the Border
- Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar (3*): Spacious rooms in a pleasant hotel with an attached restaurant. Double rooms from £150 per night.
- CP Top Floor Luxury Studio with Spa & Pool Access: Ideal for longer-term stays with waterfront views, pool and spa access. One-bedroom apartment from £97 per night.
- CP High Floor Luxury Studio at The Hub: Luxury studio apartment with a balcony, gym access and only 600m from Eastern Beach. One-bedroom apartment from £90 per night.
- Luxury Sunrise Beach and Oceanview Room with Balcony: Holiday rental perfect for longer stays, located in the E1 development. Ocean view room and pool and spa access included. One-bedroom apartment from £115 per night.
My #1 choice of where to stay near the border is the 3* Holiday Inn Express
A modern hotel located very close to the airport and the border with an all-day café/bar and an on-site restaurant.
Book Here!Westside
Westside runs all the way from just south of Ocean Village all the way to the beautiful Queensway Quay. This area covers an extensive part of Gibraltar that is actually all built on reclaimed land!
This area is much more residential, as well as being the location of office blocks (such as Europort) and the hospital. You’ll still find lots of great options for food and drink, such as Hustle & Flow (great for brunch), Lek Bangkok (delicious Thai food), and all the excellent food options down at Queensway Quay.
Westside is still close to the town centre, with blocks such as WestOne (where you can find holiday rentals) only a 5-minute walk to Main Street.
There aren’t any hotels located in Gibraltar’s Westside, so you’ll only find holiday rentals here.
Best for:
Long-term Stays
Larger Groups
Families
The options range from the luxurious at King’s Wharf (close to Queensway Quay), such as this 1-bedroom flat with access to a gym and rooftop pool (starting at £140 per night), to the slightly more affordable developments of Eurotowers and WestOne, such as this 1-bedroom flat with pool access (starting at £110 per night).
This area offers a more local experience of Gibraltar, but I would only recommend it if you are staying for a longer period. If you are only staying for a few days, I recommend staying in a hotel rather than a holiday apartment!
Best Places to Stay in Westside:
- Kings Wharf Large Studio Apartment: Luxurious holiday rental with a balcony and access to multiple pools and a fitness centre. Studio apartment for two people from £120 per night.
- Bentley Holiday Apartment WestOne: Affordable studio apartment with views of the Rock of Gibraltar. One-bedroom apartment from £102 per night.
- Luxury Kings Wharf One-Bed Apartment: Beautiful one-bedroom apartment with a balcony and sea views in the upscale Quay29 development in Kings Wharf. Access to rooftop pools and a fitness centre. One-bedroom apartment for two people from £143 per night and for four people from £163 per night.
My #1 choice of where to stay in Westside is the Luxury Kings Wharf One-Bedroom Apartment
Beautiful one-bedroom apartment with a balcony and sea views in the upscale Quay29 development with pool and fitness centre access.
Book Here!Nature Reserve
While you can’t stay in the Nature Reserve itself, you can stay right on its doorstep.
The Rock Hotel is located close to one of the walking paths into the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, making it a perfect place to stay if you are looking to do some hiking adventures while you’re in Gibraltar!
My favourite walking route of the Rock starts relatively near here, which takes you up Engineer Road to the bottom of the Mediterranean Steps, where you’ll find the Pillars of Hercules Monument.
A stay in this area offers beautiful views and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to explore the nature reserve on foot!
Best for:
Nature Lovers
Couples
Luxury Travellers
The Rock Hotel is the only accommodation option in this area, so if you’re looking for a large variety of accommodation options, this is not the area!
There are also minimal dining and entertainment options here, but it is only a short bus into the town centre for more options to choose from. Buses 2 and 3 both run close to the Rock Hotel, and you can also walk to and from town in around 10-20 minutes, depending on where you’re heading to. The walk back up to the Rock Hotel is all uphill though, so I personally prefer walking down and getting the bus back!
The buses only run until 21:00 on weekdays, with a night bus running every hour from around 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays only. If you plan on experiencing the bars of Gibraltar, then this is probably not the ideal location for you!
Best Places to Stay near the Nature Reserve:
- Rock Hotel (5*): This historic hotel is located on the foothills of the Rock of Gibraltar with a restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine as well as afternoon tea. They have an outdoor pool for guest use and all rooms have a beautiful sea view. Double rooms from £160 per night and Suites from £250 a night.
My #1 choice of where to stay near the Gibraltar Nature Reserve is the 4* Rock Hotel
A magnificant landmark hotel located on the edge of the Nature Reserve, which was built in 1932 and famous past guests include Winston Churchill!
The hotel’s restaurant also has panoramic views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of Morocco.
Where to Stay Near Gibraltar: La Línea
Another popular option is to stay across the border in Spain, in the border town called La Línea de la Concepción (known just as ‘La Línea’). This was a particularly popular option before Brexit as the hotels in La Línea are much more affordable compared to those in Gibraltar. When my parents first visited me in Gibraltar they stayed in the Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar!
Post-Brexit, this option is a little more complicated for non-EU passport holders. Every time you cross the Spain-Gibraltar border as a non-EU passport (or residency) holder, you will need to get your passport stamped and show proof of accommodation in Spain or a departing flight from a Spanish airport.
Best for:
EU Passport Holders
People Also Looking to Explore Andalucía
Budget Travellers
This means that you’ll get two stamps in your passport for every visit to Gibraltar, making it less than ideal if you plan on going back to your hotel during the afternoon. However, if you plan on exploring more of southern Spain and only doing one day in Gibraltar, this may be worth the stamps! Just ensure that you have proof of your hotel booking on you when you’re crossing the border as they’re very strict with this.
If you stay in La Línea, it’s also worth being aware that the border queue can get long at peak times, as a lot of cross-frontier workers cross into Gibraltar at the start of a work day and cross back to Spain in the evening. I would avoid crossing from around 8am-9am and 4pm-6pm if you can, as these are the busiest times!
Best Places to Stay in La Línea
- Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar (4*): A pleasant hotel just 500m from the border with views of the Rock and the Bay of Gibraltar. Double or twin rooms from £68 per night or with breakfast included from £78 per night.
- AC Hotel La Línea by Marriott (3*): Located on the promenade and a little further from the border (20-25 minute walk), this beachfront hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and is perfect for beach lovers. Double rooms from £61 per night.
- “Boat Haus” in the Marina: If you’ve ever wanted to try out boat life, then this is for you! These brightly coloured houseboats offer stunning views of the Rock and is located in the marina, just steps from the border. The ‘Boat Haus Mini’ starts from £71 per night for two people, with larger houseboats from £80 per night (Classic), £149 per night (Modern) and £210 per night (Grand Royal).
- RockSide Residences Suites La Línea: A one-bedroom apartment right in the centre of La Línea! From £67 per night for up to four guests. Parking isn’t included, but there are lots of paid parking garages nearby, which is ideal if you want to use it as a base to explore Gibraltar as well as a variety of places in Andalucía!
My #1 choice of where to stay in La Línea de la Concepción is the 4* Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar
An affordable hotel close to the border offering scenic views of the Rock and the Bay of Gibraltar.
Book Here!How to Decide Where to Stay in Gibraltar
Choosing where to stay in Gibraltar is pretty straightforward, but it all depends on your priorities. If you’re after a bit of luxury, places like The Rock Hotel or Sunborn Gibraltar (a yacht hotel!) offer a fancy stay with great views. On a budget? There are affordable options like Emile Youth Hostel, Bristol Hotel or even private holiday rentals. It’s a small place, so you’re never too far from the action!
For even more affordable options, consider staying across the border in La Línea. The hotels there are even more affordable than in Gibraltar, but you will have to include the inconvenience
Staying centrally in Gibraltar is a game-changer. The town area, near Main Street or Casemates Square, is perfect if you want everything within walking distance. You won’t need a car when staying at any of the central locations, which is good because parking here can be a nightmare!
When planning where to stay in Gibraltar, think about how close you want to be to key attractions like the Rock and Nature Reserve or Main Street. Love the beach? Stay near Catalan Bay. Into history? A central spot will keep you close to places like the Gibraltar National Museum. For nightlife, Ocean Village is where it’s at—lots of bars and a buzzing marina vibe.
Wherever you stay, you’ll be close to Gibraltar’s main sights. We might be a small territory but we are packed with variety. So, choose a base that fits your plans and enjoy exploring!
FAQs
Where do tourists stay in Gibraltar?
Tourists typically stay in Ocean Village, Marina Bay, or Main Street for their central locations and variety of bars and restaurants. The most popular hotels are the Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Rock Hotel, The Eliott Hotel and Bristol Hotel.
Where should I stay in Gibraltar on a budget?
Northside and La Línea offer affordable options for budget-conscious travellers, and Emile Youth Hostel is the only hostel accommodation available in Gibraltar.
Where should I stay in Gibraltar if I’m looking for nightlife?
Ocean Village and Marina Bay are ideal for bars and late-night entertainment. Staying at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel, in a holiday let in Ocean Village or on a boat in the marina is ideal if you want to be in the action!
What is the nicest area in Gibraltar?
Ocean Village offers luxury, while Catalan Bay provides a peaceful seaside charm. The Eliott Hotel in the Old Town is also an excellent choice for a centrally located 4* hotel, just steps away from Main Street.
Where to stay in Gibraltar for the first time?
Main Street or Ocean Village provide easy access to attractions and restaurants. The Eliott Hotel or Sunborn Yacht Hotel are perfect hotels to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
Where to stay in Gibraltar with family?
Families often wonder where to stay in Gibraltar to keep kids entertained—areas near beaches and parks are great options.. Catalan Bay and Westside offer family-friendly accommodations, with holiday rentals with space for up to six people. The Rock Hotel also has family suites for up to five people.
Is it easy to get around Gibraltar without a car?
Yes, Gibraltar’s compact size and public transport make it easy to navigate on foot or by bus! The bus network covers the majority of Gibraltar and is ideal for areas too far to walk to (like Europe Point).
Where should I stay in Gibraltar near a beach?
Catalan Bay is the best option for beachfront accommodations, and the Gibraltar Stay Beachfront Duplex is perfect for a seaside stay. Northside is also convenient for staying close to beaches like Eastern Beach, Gibraltar’s longest stretch of sand!
How do I get to my Gibraltar hotel from the airport?
Most hotels are within a 10 to 30-minute walk from the airport. Everywhere in Gibraltar is also within a 5 to 15-minute taxi journey, which is ideal if you have luggage! The Gibraltar Taxi Association is just a phone call away on (+350) 20070027.
How do I get to Gibraltar from Malaga airport?
Regular buses and private transfers connect Malaga airport to La Línea, from where you can walk across the border into Gibraltar. Check out my guide on getting from Malaga to Gibraltar for more information!
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