Madrid makes for the ideal getaway. Less than a three-hour flight from London, and with all the culture and food you could hope for, the city is constantly buzzing. And while it may have historically come as second choice for most after Barcelona, the capital city is having a moment, with some of the coolest bars, restaurants and hotels in Spain opening in the past few years.
Hotels in Madrid are certainly worthy of applause. The city is home to grand palaces that have been restored to their former glory and converted to palatial escapes, and city centre hotels that overlook the busy streets below. Whether you’re in the market for a cheap and cheerful escape, or you’re looking for a bouji stay to remember, we’ve selected the very best hotels in Madrid to help you choose.
Best hotels in Madrid at a glance:
How we chose the best hotels in Madrid:
When selecting hotels, we consider the things we know you’ll care about: location (and proximity to main tourist attractions), service, food and drinks offering and – of course – hotel design. We look for all the little things that make a trip memorable, from exceptional service to extras like a drink on arrival. We also consider the facilities a hotel might have, such as a spa or free bike hire. Lastly, we look at what other travellers think of the hotel, to make sure your experience will be as wonderful as possible.
Which area of Madrid is best to stay in?
The Centro district is where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and museums. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, you might want to consider basing yourself in Sol, where everything is walkable and you’ll have easy access to many hotels and bars. Malasaña is also located in Sol, but is its slightly cooler neighbour, with vintage shops and locals milling around. For a quieter break, or if you’re travelling with a family, Retiro is home to parks, the city’s botanical garden and plenty of memorable restaurants.