Ernest Hemingway once said of Spain’s capital: “I have never been to a city where there are fewer reasons to go to bed and… if I did go to bed, to sleep.” He spoke true. Madrid pulsates with activity day and night and there aren’t enough hours in a day to experience everything it has to offer. And when it’s time to sleep, there’s no shortage of fine accommodation in the city in which to lay your head. But the best hotels in Madrid, Spain, offer more than just a spot for slumber. With award-winning restaurants, decadent spas, and world-class service, they’re a big part of making a vacation as memorable and pleasurable as possible.
Are you planning a business trip? Many of Madrid’s hotels have meeting rooms and other facilities to accommodate you. And whether you’re looking to splurge or save euros, you’ll find a wide array of lodgings to suit your budget.
Also, if you’re an LGBT traveler, you’ll feel right at home in one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. And since it hosts one of the world’s biggest Pride parades, it’s no surprise to find an abundance of gay-friendly hotels in Madrid.
Where To Stay In Madrid
The city center (Centro) holds many of the top things to do in Madrid. Here, you can marvel at architectural wonders like the Royal Palace and shop ’til you drop at Gran Vía. Dining options abound near Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Sol, from elegant restaurants to crowded fast-food joints. All sorts of hotels populate Centro, including hostels, B&Bs, and 5-star properties.
Luxury accommodation is a staple in the exclusive Salamanca neighborhood. Upscale boutiques make this a popular place among discerning shoppers. Likewise, sophisticated bars and restaurants are plentiful here.
For some of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain, where the rooms don’t cost an arm and a leg, consider the La Latina district. This is a great place for bargain hunters. Besides budget accommodation, the neighborhood also hosts the city’s biggest Sunday flea market.
Finally, if you’re all about the nightlife, you might enjoy staying in Malasaña. This gritty neighborhood teems with live music venues and lively nightclubs. Chueca, a neighborhood east of Malasaña, is also ideal for night owls. It’s the hub of Madrid’s gay nightlife. When the sun sets, the bars and clubs come alive. So bring your dancing shoes and prepare to party like there’s no mañana.
Hotel Regina
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We kick off our list of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain, with the superb Hotel Regina. It’s a 3-star property; however, it’s anything but mediocre. Opened in 2018, it boasts upwards of 100 elegant rooms and suites equipped with the necessities for a pleasant stay. But for something more special, we recommend booking one of the attic rooms. Each comes with an expansive private terrace overlooking Madrid’s old town.
When it’s time for a meal, head to the hotel’s cozy restaurant and bar. Here, treat your taste buds to Mediterranean cuisine and your palate to fine wine.
Hotel Regina doesn’t have a spa, but don’t worry if you’re in need of some pampering. An 8-minute walk from the hotel will bring you to the Hammam Al Ándalus. Here, you can soak in a luxurious Arabian bath and de-stress with a 45-minute massage.
Axel Hotel Madrid
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If you’re thinking of a romantic city break in Spain’s capital, consider a room at the Axel Hotel Madrid. This 4-star hotel is an adults-only property, so it’s perfect for intimate moments between you and your significant other. And whether you’re a hetero or same-sex couple, you’ll get stellar service from the staff of this LGBT-friendly hotel.
The accommodation options here are bright and spacious. Each room boasts a large double bed or single beds, and many have balconies where you can drink in sweeping city views. If you’re the type who prefers plenty of space, book one of the suites. They have separate sitting areas where you can relax in front of the fireplace.
Are you a fan of the performing arts? If so, you can walk to the Figaro Theatre and other theaters for a fun night out. Or, head to the rooftop for a romantic soak with a drink in your hand. You’ll see why the Axel is one of the top hotels with a rooftop pool in Madrid.
7 Islas Hotel
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Staying at the 7 Islas Hotel is a feast for the senses. A family-run 4-star property, it’s a seamless combination of art, design, and gastronomy. Without a doubt, it contributes to the artsy vibe of the Malasaña neighborhood in central Madrid.
The rooms, with their light and earthy hues, promote a feeling of relaxation. Air-conditioning keeps the room cool in warm weather. Meanwhile, the marble bathroom provides an elegant space for you to refresh yourself. The penthouse suites offer private terraces with sunbeds where you can work on your tan.
An art gallery in the lobby is one of the things that makes the 7 Islas among the best hotels in Madrid, Spain. Here, you can admire exhibitions by Spanish and international artists. What’s more, the hotel restaurant serves up culinary works of art and exotic cocktails.
ICON Wipton by Petit Palace
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The 4-star ICON Wipton by Petit Palace ranks with the best of them when it comes to gorgeous boutique hotels in Madrid. With plenty of wood paneling, potted plants, and beautiful lighting, it emits a welcoming and relaxing vibe.
The same vibe greets you when you enter your room. You can fix a cup of coffee or tea and use the loaner iPad to browse the Internet. In your private bathroom, spoil yourself with a hydromassage while taking a shower.
Start the morning with a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Later, enjoy a glass of complimentary wine before your meal in The Captain restaurant. And on Sundays, you can savor an English-style brunch. Located in the Salamanca area, the hotel sits next to the Golden Mile’s best shopping district. Also, attractions like the National Library of Spain are a short walk away.
Preciados
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Occupying a restored 19th-century building in Centro, Preciados is a striking sight. A cream facade, sky-blue awnings, and teal wrought-iron balconies make it one of the elegant hotels in the area. The beauty isn’t only skin deep; it extends to the hotel’s living quarters and public spaces.
The rooms boast tasteful decoration and many of them have their own balcony. Feel pampered with the luxury pillow menu and binge-watch a show on the satellite TV. Meanwhile, the Ernest Hemingway Room faces the building where the famous author used to eat when he visited Madrid.
The historic Restaurant Cafe Varela, dating from the late 19th century, also helps make Preciados one of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain. Here, enjoy Galician cuisine prepared with fresh meat, vegetables, and fish.
Barceló Imagine
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Created with glass and steel, the 5-star Barceló Imagine embodies avant-garde design. Set in the fashionable Chamartin neighborhood, it’s a stone’s throw from Plaza Castilla. Likewise, the Chamartin train station is within walking distance.
Each of the hotel’s 156 rooms features a music theme like pop, rock, jazz, and flamenco. Some have furnished terraces where you can sit back with a cup of coffee in the Spanish sun. Also, the hotel accommodates families with the Family Deluxe room. It features two separate but connected bedrooms.
The outdoor steel swimming pool is one of the hotel’s top draws. Surrounding it are sun loungers and Balinese beds. On top of that, the bar service will supply you with your refreshing drink of choice. And when you’d like to fill your tummy with something more substantial, take your pick from the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol
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Not all the best hotels in Madrid, Spain, are posh luxury establishments. The B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol, for example, is a 3-star property with a whole lot going for it. No wonder it receives thousands of wonderful reviews!
For one thing, its position in the city center makes it an ideal base for sightseeing. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to attractions like the Muñoz Seca Theatre. Likewise, the bustling Puerta del Sol public square is within easy walking distance.
For another thing, each of the hotel’s 74 rooms is a cheery combination of light and color. Some have terraces or balconies where you can sit and relax. A floating Airbed makes for an attractive and comfortable place to sleep and the rainfall shower in the bathroom revitalizes you. And should you hanker for a cuppa, head to the lobby lounge for complimentary coffee and tea.
The Pavilions Madrid Hotel
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A serene location that’s still close to the action is what The Pavilions Madrid Hotel offers. This 4-star property is in the stately Chamberí neighborhood, close to Almagro’s nightclubs. Likewise, the Sorolla Museum and the Teatros del Canal are within easy reach.
Choose from among the modern rooms and suites equipped with the comforts of home, and then some. You can enjoy high-tech gadgetry like smart tablets, mirrored LCD TVs, and Bluetooth sound systems. And when you need to freshen up, you’ll do so in the elegant marble bathroom. Indulge in a monsoon shower and check that you’re looking your best in the magnifying mirror.
At the Pavilions Madrid Restaurant, drinking and dining are delicious and elegant affairs. Whether you’re having breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoy local and Mediterranean flavors. Also, choose a drink from the expertly crafted cocktail menu.
Francisco I
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Combine an ideal location, stellar accommodation, useful amenities, and an inexpensive rate, and what have you got? One of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain, that’s what. Specifically, the highly popular Francisco I hotel. Housed in a 19th-century building, the hotel is set in the sought-after Asturias neighborhood. Close by, famous landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace await exploration.
For a 2-star hotel, the Francisco I boasts stylish, recently renovated rooms. Some have brick walls and wood ceiling beams, giving them a retro vibe. Choose a room with a Juliet balcony and you can pass the time watching the busy pedestrian street below. Of course, you can also opt to spend your time watching a show on the wall-mounted TV.
You can begin your day with a light buffet spread in the breakfast room. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but there’s no need to fret. Close by, you’ll find a slew of restaurants, cafes, and bars, some of which are open 24/7.
Only YOU Hotel Atocha
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Occupying a 19th-century building, the 4-star Only YOU Hotel Atocha is by no means a dry and dusty relic from the past. On the contrary, it exudes a youthful vibe because of its stylish design. Each of the 205 rooms and suites, for example, evoke an Art Deco feel with their brick walls, wooden floors, and leather upholstery. Some rooms offer balconies overlooking Calle Alfonso XII and Paseo Infanta Isabel.
A sunlit space on the seventh floor is where breakfast is served. The same space sometimes hosts DJ sessions at night. Meanwhile, the expansive lobby also serves as a restaurant, bar, and cafe. As you dine on one of the selections from the fusion menu, you can enjoy watching jazz musicians perform live.
When it comes to health and wellness, the hotel steps up to the plate. It offers a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Technogym machines. What’s more, the Caroli Beauty Room is set to spoil you with pampering treatments.
VP Plaza España Design
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There are plenty of reasons why the 5-star VP Plaza España Design is one of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain. One thing’s for sure, it lives up to its name with eye-catching architectural and design details throughout the property.
Each of the 214 rooms and suites, for instance, is luxurious without being garish. Floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies in some instances, ensure plenty of natural light. Besides Nespresso machines and minibars, the suites also offer sitting rooms and/or exercise machines. And if you book the Presidential Suite, you’ll have the option of hiring a personal butler.
Also, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself occupied. You can swim a few laps in the heated outdoor pool or work out in the gym. Meanwhile, at the Biloba Spa, you can indulge in a massage or a facial treatment. And when it’s time to dine, the Gingko Restaurant & Sky Bar will wow you with great food and drinks, live music, and magnificent views.
Finally, the hotel’s location in the city center places it close to many of Madrid’s top attractions. Plaza de España and the Gran Vía are steps away. Likewise, the Royal Palace is within walking distance. And if you wish to explore further, you can head to the metro station just outside the hotel and ride to other landmarks. The Museo Nacional del Prado, for instance, is an 18-minute journey via the metro.
Recommended Food Tours / Restaurants in Madrid:
- Madrid Tapas Experience Walking Tour – Sample a tasty range of tapas in three of Madrid’s traditional tapas bars. You’ll also get to enjoy Asturian cider and Andalusian Rebujito cocktails.
- Restaurante Botín – Founded in 1725, this is the world’s oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of Records. Here, you can savor tender meat dishes roasted in a 300-year-old oven. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant sits close to some of the best hotels in Madrid, Spain.
Recommended Activities In Madrid:
- Madrid Custom Private Tour with Optional Prado Museum Skip the Line Ticket – Absorb history and culture in some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks! A local guide will bring you to must-sees like the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and the El Rastro flea market.
- El Retiro Park – Thousands of trees cover acre upon acre in this city-center park. Here, you’ll find gardens and monuments, fountains and sculptures. The annual Book Fair also takes place here.
- Madrid is one of the most unique places for Christmas around the World. Do visit this city for the ultimate holiday season!
