Hotel Rioja occupies a two-star position on Calle Ejercito Español 12 in central Melilla, Spain's autonomous enclave on the north coast of Africa. Calle Ejercito Español runs through the commercial heart of the modern city and provides easy pedestrian access to the main shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, and the key cultural and heritage sites that attract visitors to Melilla. At rates of €45–€65 per night, Hotel Rioja is one of the most economical options in the city's two-star category with private en-suite bathrooms in all rooms, making it a natural choice for budget-conscious travellers, visiting traders, commercial visitors, and day-trippers staying overnight to catch the morning ferry. The property offers a practical mix of double and single rooms, all with air conditioning and flat-screen television. The inclusion of private en-suite facilities distinguishes it from hostal alternatives at similar price points in the city that may offer only shared bathrooms. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant or bar, but the surrounding streets on Calle Ejercito Español and adjacent avenues provide a dense selection of cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants serving the blend of Melillense, Spanish, and Moroccan-influenced cuisine characteristic of the city's multicultural population. The port ferry terminal for sailings to Almería and Málaga is a 10–15 minute walk, and the Beni Enzar border crossing into Morocco is accessible by local bus or taxi from the neighbourhood. The Art Nouveau and Modernista buildings of the heritage district are within easy reach, as is the fortified old town of Melilla la Vieja. Hotel Rioja is a no-frills option that delivers clean, air-conditioned accommodation with private bathrooms in a genuinely central location at a competitive price, making it a reliable starting point for exploring one of Spain's most culturally diverse cities.
Room types
- Double
- Single
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- TV
Location
Calle Ejercito Español 12, 52001 Melilla
35.2931, -2.9397 View on map
Highlights
- Budget two-star hotel on Calle Ejercito Español in the commercial heart of central Melilla
- Private en-suite bathrooms in all room types at rates from €45/night
- Air conditioning in every room, suited to Melilla's warm Mediterranean climate
- Walking distance to Melilla la Vieja, the Modernista heritage district, and the ferry terminal
- Surrounded by cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants within the immediate neighbourhood
Tips for visiting
- Rooms facing the street can carry daytime commercial noise; request a courtyard-facing or upper floor room for a quieter stay
- The hotel does not serve breakfast — try the cafeterías along Calle Ejercito Español for a typical Spanish tostada with café con leche
- Book in advance for summer and Semana Santa when budget rooms in central Melilla fill quickly
- A Melilla Modernista heritage map from the tourist office on Calle Fortuny makes a useful companion for a walking tour starting near the hotel
- Taxis from the hotel to the port ferry terminal typically cost under €6 and take five minutes
Accessibility
Hotel Rioja is located in a city-centre building on Calle Ejercito Español; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel before booking to confirm lift access and room configuration, as adapted facilities may be limited in older Melilla properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Hotel Rioja have a restaurant or bar on site?
The hotel does not have its own restaurant or bar. A range of cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants is available within a short walk along Calle Ejercito Español and the surrounding streets.
Do all rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes, all guest rooms at Hotel Rioja include private en-suite bathrooms, which sets it apart from some budget hostals in Melilla that offer only shared facilities.
How far is the hotel from the ferry terminal?
The Melilla ferry terminal, with regular sailings to Almería and Málaga, is approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from the hotel, or a short taxi ride.
Is parking available near Hotel Rioja?
The hotel does not have dedicated parking. Municipal car parks and street parking are available in the vicinity of Calle Ejercito Español.
What types of rooms are available?
The hotel offers double rooms and single rooms. All room types are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen television.