The Best Hotels in Madrid

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Hotels in Madrid

• 5-star: Four Seasons
• 4-star: Westin Palace
• 3-star: Room Mate Alicia
• For couples: URSO
• For families: SmartRental
• Near train station: NH Atocha
• Near Prado museum: Mercure

The incredible view from the rooftop brasserie of the Four Seasons, our favorite luxury hotel in Madrid.

Madrid Hotels – My Advice

• Best Luxury Hotels in Madrid: Four Seasons (location & luxury) • Mandarin Oriental Ritz (classic luxury) • URSO Hotel & Spa (best spa retreat) • Orfila (outstanding service) • Rosewood Villa Magna (great for families) • Palacio de los Duques (best romantic escape) • Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel (best boutique hotel) • Barceló Emperatriz (upscale local flair)
• Best Cheap Hotel in Madrid: Room Mate Alicia.
• Smoking is still allowed in some Madrid hotels, so if you’re sensitive to tobacco smoke or smell, be sure to request a non-smoking room. Smoking is not allowed inside bars and restaurants, but people can still smoke on attached outdoor terraces.

The 16 Best Hotels in Madrid

• Our Madrid Hotel Map
• Our Favorite Areas to Stay in Madrid

1. Four Seasons

Hotel phone: +34 910 88 33 33
The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city near major attractions like the Prado Museum. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with beautiful views of the city. The service is excellent with an attentive and professional staff that caters to your every need. The on-site restaurant is superb.

2. Westin Palace

Hotel phone: +34 913 60 80 00
Built over 100 years ago on the king’s orders, this elegant 467-room hotel is steeped in history, and located within a stone’s throw of both the Prado and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Classic decor, antique furnishings, original mahogany details, custom-made beds, and spacious marble bathrooms feature in all the rooms; try to book a corner room overlooking the Plaza de Neptuno. Baby cots and children’s beds provided for a fee. The light-filled Rotonda, with its beautiful stained-glass dome, is a memorable dining venue and excellent place for Sunday brunch. The other three on-site restaurants serve sophisticated Asian dishes, sushi, and bistro fare, and the tapas bars of Plaza Santa Ana are just a short walk away. Facilities include a good gym, spa, and sauna; and the multi-lingual service is polished and efficient. The location is ideal for exploring the ‘Golden Triangle’ and the nightlife of La Latina.

3. Mandarin Oriental Ritz

Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Classic 5-star luxury, ideally situated in the heart of the Retiro district, and popular with visiting dignitaries, aristocracy, and celebrities. The Ritz’ grand 1910 building (purchased by the Mandarin Oriental brand in 2015) has been thoroughly renovated, and its 125 rooms and 42 suites all differ in decoration and design; many are furnished with antiques and original artwork, some come with silk canopies or chandeliers over the beds, some have balconies overlooking the garden. Interconnecting rooms, cots for babies, child-minding service, and bathrobes for children are a few of the family-friendly perks. Facilities include a spa and fitness center, and on-site Goya restaurant is one of the best in the city; the Sunday brunch is legendary. Great location for visiting the Retiro park and the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Madrid’s top art galleries.

4. URSO Hotel & Spa

Hotel phone: +34 914 44 44 58
A true urban oasis, this contemporary boutique hotel is one of the best spa retreats in Madrid, and convenient to the dining and nightlife of the nearby Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods. Large windows flood the 78 sizable rooms and suites with natural light, with neutral tones and Japanese prints contributing to the tranquil ambience. Nice touches include marble bathrooms with custom-made toiletries, and the service is attentive and professional. On-site dining consists of buffet breakfast in The Conservatory, light meals and imaginative cocktails at the Urso Bar, and creative local fare at Media Racion. The Natura Bissé spa is superb, with a wide range of treatments, hydromassage pool, steam room, and sauna. Though URSO is geared more towards romantic retreats, cots and children’s beds are provided on request.

5. Barceló Emperatriz

Hotel phone: +34 913 42 24 90
Surrounded by the boutiques of the upscale Salamanca district, the decor at this ultra-stylish hotel is inspired by the 19th century empress, Eugenia de Montijo. Expect undulating metalworks, marble, and colorful upholstery, glass sculptures of her favorite Violeta sweets, and violet tones throughout. A multi-lingual staff checks in guests at individual desks, and the 146 rooms come equipped with memory foam beds, and rain showers and Agua de Loewe toiletries in marble-clad bathrooms. There’s a gym and a small rooftop pool, and hairdressing and massages are made available in guest rooms, courtesy of a local beauty salon. Apart from an extensive breakfast buffet, Mutis restaurant serves imaginative Mediterranean dishes; the Eugénie bar is renowned for its cocktails. Conveniently located for shopping and the Sorollo Museum; a short ride away from major attractions.

6. Palacio de Los Duques

Hotel phone: +34 912 76 47 47
This luxurious, remodeled palace in the heart of Madrid blends opulent historic surroundings with cutting-edge design and superb dining. Midnight blue, gold, champagne, and charcoal hues feature prominently in the decor inside this 19th century duke’s palace, with a Velázquez theme running throughout the hotel and reproductions of the Master’s paintings in all the rooms. There are three outstanding restaurants: Dos Cielos (traditional Catalan and Madrileño cuisine) in the former stables, Montmartre (bistro), and Coroa (breakfast buffet, informal meals); in summer, drinks are served in the courtyard garden. This hotel is popular for weddings and romantic getaways, and apart from the panoramic rooftop pool, there’s the Thai Room spa, with a full range of treatments, steam room, sauna, and gym. The hotel is three blocks away from the Royal Palace, and near the bars, restaurants, and shopping of Sol and Gran Vía.

7. Gran Hotel Inglés

Hotel phone: +34 913 60 00 01
This intimate 5-star property is Madrid’s oldest luxury hotel, dating back to 1886. You wouldn’t know it, though, from the chic contemporary styling and modern comforts that include plush textiles, luxury amenities, and tech-forward services like Bluetooth connectivity and complimentary Pressreader app access. Rooms and suites sleep 2 to 4 guests; many featuring in-room claw-foot tubs, and one boasting a jacuzzi terrace. Their swanky lobby lounge features live music on weekends (including at brunch), and a delightful English tea service is offered daily in the afternoon. A wellness spa and fitness center are also on site. Great central location in hip Huertas, between the Prado and Plaza Mayor.

8. Santo Mauro

Hotel phone: +34 913 19 69 00
Spread across three buildings and an elegant private garden, this gorgeous 5-star stunner and onetime home to nobility now houses 49 luxurious one-of-a-kind rooms and suites. Also on site are a fine dining restaurant, intimate wine bar, and terrace cocktail bar. Decor throughout is impeccable, with public spaces furnished in traditional palatial style and guest rooms getting a comfortable contemporary upgrade. Located just west of the glamorous Salamanca district, ideal for boutique shopping at the posh Milla de Oro boutiques.

9. Hotel Atlántico

Hotel phone: +34 915 22 64 80
Historic 4-star that’s a great value for its prime position, right on the Gran Via. Rooms and suites are comfortable and traditionally styled, with spacious bathrooms. Breakfast is great. The hotel’s crowning jewel is its rooftop terrace bar with amazing views. Excellent central location, walkable to many sites and with the Callao Metro Station just in front of the hotel.

10. Hotel Único

Hotel phone: +34 917 81 01 73
Combining 19th-century elegance with dramatic modern design and Michelin-starred dining, the Único sits on one of Madrid’s most exclusive streets in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. Some of the 44 monochrome, wood-paneled rooms and suites come with balconies, and the marble bathrooms are stocked with Gilbert & Soames toiletries. Facilities include a basement gym, tranquil garden and guest library, and the on-site dining is some of the best in Madrid: Ramon Freixa’s 2-Michelin-star namesake restaurant is a magnet for serious foodies. Family-friendly amenities include cots, free beds for children under 11 in deluxe rooms, and child-minding services arranged on request. Ideally located for shopping and dining, with Retiro park, the Prado, and other major attractions a short ride away.

11. Riu Plaza España

Hotel phone: +34 919 19 33 93
Views for days at this 27-floor hotel with a rooftop pool and Sky Bar with 360° observation deck. Sitting directly across from one of Madrid’s main squares, Riu Plaza España offers comfortable and well-dressed rooms and suites that sleep 2-4 guests. There’s a great gastrobar on site, as well as a fully-equipped gym. Perfect location to explore the city on foot, with a metro station just outside.

12. CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

Hotel phone: +34 910 88 77 80
This oasis-like property houses 34 beautiful and spacious rooms and suites within a gorgeously restored 1852 palace. There’s a tidy outdoor pool garden on site, and a cozy patio restaurant that features local products and artisanal preparation of local fare. The two-bedroom suite is ideal for families. Great central location, walkable to just about everything.

13. Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel

Hotel phone: +34 911 19 14 94
A former coaching inn turned 4-star boutique hotel, Posada del Leon de Oro is located in the oldest part of town on lively Cava Baja, a street renowned for its tapas bars. Sensitive restoration has retained many of the original features, while the excavated remains of Madrid’s 12th century wall are visible beneath the glass floor of the restaurant. Each of the 17 large rooms is uniquely designed and decorated: heavy wooden beams, chrome walls, funky wallpaper, and wall-length cityscape prints are some of the features that guests might encounter. The restaurant serves excellent traditional cuisine (including one of the best versions of Madrid’s hearty garbanzo bean stew in town) and plenty of vegetarian dishes. Personalized service and proximity to museums and the nightlife and restaurants of Sol and La Latina make this a great mid-range pick.

14. Urban

Hotel phone: +34 917 87 77 70
A centrally-located chrome-and-glass cube full of Papua New Guinean artifacts, Hotel Urban is the most interesting 5-star hotel in town. The design is Art Deco meets anthropological collection, with wooden ancestral figures and carved spirit house pillars standing sentry in the lobby courtyard. The sparsely-furnished rooms are a study in stylish urban sophistication, done in neutral colors, and livened up with carvings and prints from far corners of the globe. Bathrooms boast green Guatemalan mosaic marble; all with rain showers, some with free-standing tubs. Apart from the superb rooftop pool, compact gym, and sauna, the hotel has a basement museum showcasing more Papua New Guinean treasures – a must for anthropologically-inclined guests. Cebo Restaurant serves creative Mediterranean dishes, while the semi-subterranean Glass Bar is all about cocktails, Japanese-inspired tapas, and champagne. A children’s menu, babysitting services and interconnecting rooms are all family-friendly perks.

15. ME Reina Victoria

Hotel phone: +34 912 76 47 47
This buzzy, stylish hotel overlooks one of Madrid’s tapas bar hotspots – Plaza Santa Ana – and boasts a rooftop bar complete with its own DJ. The Reina Victoria used to be a classic luxury hotel, popular with top bullfighters, but an ME makeover brought in blond-wood Scandinavian chic design with trademark purple touches. Bright, modern rooms come with great beds, hydromassage showers, and ‘hangover kits’ for those who take full advantage of Madrid’s nightlife, while suites come with Nintendo Wii consoles and Nespresso machines. You don’t have to look far for nightlife and dining options: Radio cocktail bar is extremely popular with guests and non-guests alike, the on-site Ana La Santa restaurant is renowned for its innovative international cuisine, and Plaza Santa Ana is lined with bars and restaurants. Guests can use the excellent gym and spa next door. Located in Huertas; an easy walk from the Prado, other major art museums, and most major attractions, as well as the nightlife of La Latina.

16. Hospes Puerta de Alcalá

Hotel phone: +34 914 32 29 11
Opposite the Retiro park and overlooking the Alcalá Gate – this is a well-located business luxury hotel with a great spa. Inside this 19th century townhouse, 37 guest rooms and five suites all differ slightly in design, though they’re all done up in neutral greys and cream tones. Bathrooms come with rain showers and Korres toiletries; deluxe rooms and suites have tubs. Dining options consist of the on-site Independencia restaurant (tapas and creative Mediterranean dishes), with numerous other dining options on the doorstep. The intimate on-site bar serves cocktails, wine and champagne. With original stone arches, a basement pool, and a hammam, the Bodyna spa is one of the hotel’s best features. Ideally located for shopping and dining in Salamanca, and for visiting the major art museums.

17. Rosewood Villa Magna

Hotel phone: +34 915 87 12 34
Villa Magna isn’t much to look at on the outside; inside, it’s a jaw dropping mix of cutting-edge design, antique-style furniture, and bold contemporary art. The wood-paneled guest rooms in purple and grey are more subdued than the common area, but come with Art Deco lamps, spacious grey marble bathrooms, and numerous modern conveniences. There’s a full range of amenities aimed at families; from children’s menus, games, cots, and playpens provided on request to family-friendly restaurant recommendations. Three on-site restaurants: Tse Yang (Cantonese, dim sum), Restaurante Villa Magna (fine dining, seasonal menu), and The Lounge (light meals, cocktails). Apart from an extensive list of individualized spa treatments, there’s a sauna and steam room for guest use. Located near designer stores and numerous restaurants; a short ride from main attractions.

18. Posada del Dragón

Hotel phone: +34 911 19 14 24
This funky 3-star boutique hotel was once a 16th century grain store, then a 19th century inn for visiting merchants. Now, its individually-styled, sparsely-furnished rooms come with memory foam beds, Moorish-style alcoves, and retro phones. Walls are colorfully done in lime-green, crimson, mustard-yellow, or azure. Rooms towards the front of the building are brighter and more spacious, but also come with more street noise. The historic design of the building means that there’s little room for amenities, but there’s an excellent tapas bar on the ground floor. The staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful and the location, a couple of blocks from the Plaza Mayor, couldn’t be more central; numerous tapas bars and restaurants are nearby, and museums and other attractions are a short walk away.

19. Orfila

Hotel phone: +34 917 02 77 70
On a quiet residential street in Alonso Martínez, this revamped 19th century mansion is an intimate, 32-room boutique hotel. There are plenty of theatrical flourishes, including a grand lobby used to stage plays in the 1920s. Spacious rooms are traditionally styled, and come with upholstered bedheads and heavy drapes. Creature comforts are not overlooked: expect hydromassage tubs, his and hers sinks and Relais & and Chateaux toiletries in bathrooms. Service is discreet and personal, and staff go out of their way to be helpful. Amenities include a rooftop terrace and beautiful garden, and the on-site Jardín de Orfila restaurant serves sophisticated dishes made from seasonal produce. The hotel is conveniently located both for exploring the ‘Golden Triangle’ and for shopping in the upmarket districts of Serrano and Goya, and is just a short walk from the lively bars and restaurants of Chueca.

20. Only You Boutique Hotel

Hotel phone: +34 910 05 27 46
This fashionable little adults-only hotel in the heart of the lively Chueca district is a blend of the historic with hip interior design. A converted 19th century palace, Barcelona-based designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán has transformed the space with retro sofas, oversized lamps, and art books livening up the common spaces. Navy-blue walls, map prints of old Madrid, giraffe-print bathrobes, and rain showers are some of the features found in all the rooms; for a private terrace, book the Only You Secret room. Geared towards busy urbanites, Only You boasts no established check-in time, 24-hour service, and a 24-hour gym. There’s a good hotel restaurant and a wood-paneled bar serving classic drinks, with plenty more drink and dining options right out the door. Perfect location for boutiques, bars, and clubs of Chueca and Malasaña; walking distance to main attractions.

21. Room Mate Alba

Hotel phone: +34 910 80 64 71
Fantastic and well-priced 4-star hotel in Huertas, central to everything. Rooms are cozy, comfortable, and well designed with a tasteful use of vibrant colors and bold prints. Blackout curtains and great soundproofing ensure an excellent night’s sleep. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Great walking-distance location from El Retiro park and the major museums.

Madrid Travel Tips

• Spanish food is famous for its tapas, and Madrid has an excellent dining scene. With the exception of San Sebastián in the Basque Country and parts of Andalusia, Madrid has the best tapas scene in Spain; La Latina and Huertas are two of the best neighborhoods for tapas-bar hopping. Apart from traditional Spanish restaurants, Madrid’s dining scene now features a slew of contemporary Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as great Mexican, Japanese, Italian, Peruvian and other cuisines. Vegetarians and vegans are now also well catered to.
• Central Madrid is compact and very walkable, and I find it’s often faster to walk than take the metro if a short distance is involved. The public transportation system is excellent and the Metro system runs to pretty much every corner of the city. A single trip to most destinations costs €1.50-€2.00 (a Metro ticket to the airport costs €4.50-€5.00), but if you’re looking to use the Metro a lot, it’s worth buying a 10-trip ticket (€12.20) to save money. Both of Madrid’s main train stations, Atocha and Chamartín are attached to metro stations, making transfers easy. It’s worth downloading the Citymapper app to help plan your route. Public transport runs roughly between 6am and 11:30pm, with the exception of late-running night buses. Uber is cheaper than regular taxis, but official taxi drivers know the city better. Driving in central Madrid is not recommended due to the proliferation of narrow, one-way streets.
• Madrid is a 24-hour city. People dine out late (typically, many restaurants don’t open until 8:30pm), and in nightclubs, the scene kicks off around midnight and continues until dawn. Those who choose to go out earlier will miss the action, but will be more likely to get a seat in a bar.

Best Madrid Apartment Rentals

SmartRental Collection Centric II

Hotel phone: +34 910 71 49 82
Good value apartment units with kitchen and dining room. Small rooftop pool and central location. Great for families.