Spain's vibrant, cosmopolitan capital, Madrid promises fabulous cultural attractions, a fascinating heritage and a famously lively foodie scene. This is a city which travellers return to again and again, dazzled by a fusion of old-world charm, contemporary design and superb nightlife. Whether you’re dreaming of savouring Spanish wine in a magnificent heritage hotel or kicking back at a hip boutique pad, our pick of the best places to stay in Madrid offers something for everyone.

Some of our Madrid Collections:

• Where to stay in Madrid — A neighbourhood guide
• The Best Hotels on the Gran Vía
• Best Hotels in Centro Madrid
• 6 of the Best Hotels on the Paseo del Prado
• The Best Places to Stay around Madrid de Los Austrias
• Some of the Best Hotels in Salamanca
• The Best Hotels in Chueca and Salesas
• 4 of the Best Hotels in the Barrio de las Letras
• Madrid Hotels with Pools
• Best Spa Hotels in Madrid
• Best Boutique Hotels in Madrid
• Luxury Hotels in Madrid
• Madrid Hotels with Balconies
• Best Central Hotels in Madrid

Madrid’s compact centre has no shortage of architectural highlights or marvellous museums. Admire the impressive collections of the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia museums, pop into the designer boutiques of the Calle Gran Vía, or stroll along the forested footpaths of enormous El Retiro Park.

You’ll find grand and graceful buildings at almost every turn — many of which house superb eateries, fragrant bakeries and buzzy bars. Some also play host to the best places to stay in Madrid, which in turn have Michelin-starred restaurants aplenty. Madrid’s expert blend of old and new is perhaps best showcased through its food, which treasures the traditional whilst embracing the avant-garde. We have no doubt that you’ll be back for more!

The Best Places to Stay in Madrid

For Boutique Chic

• Totém exudes simple elegance. With 64 rooms and suites, it's smaller than a lot of Madrid's big hitters, but it packs a punch when it come to style and atmosphere. Gather at the buzzy cocktail bar and restaurant in your glad rags before heading out to see the city by night. Guest rooms are understated yet thoughtfully decorated. A lovely boutique choice.
• CoolRooms Atocha has 35 rooms and suites in the city's lively Literary Quarter. Think art deco with a modern twist: brass accents, clean lines, marble bathrooms and moody blue-grey tones. Book a suite with a hot tub for a romantic escape! Madrid's highlights are right on your doorstep.
• Hotel Orfila feels like a private home, with discreet staff ready to anticipate your every whim. Opulent interiors feature antique furnishings and original artwork, much of which is from the collection of the family who own the hotel. A luxurious boutique spot for romantics and those seeking privacy. The Jardin de Orfila restaurant is exceptional.
• Hospes Puerta de Acala Madrid is a Bourbon Restoration red-brick building, cleverly positioned on the edge of the Salamanca district. The 31 stately rooms are clad in soothing white and grey tones, and the spa — with Turkish bath — encourages further relaxation. Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to explore the city, returning to dinner at Senzone, where the sommelier can recommend some excellent Spanish wines. Very romantic.

For Historic Grandeur

• The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, set on the Paseo del Prado, is a stunning city landmark. Completed in 1910 to create additional space for Alfonso XIII's wedding guests, this sumptuous hotel continues to offer the best of the best. Think antique furnishings, embroidered bedsheets and marble bathrooms. The elegant restaurant spills out onto a marble terrace and pretty gardens. A luxurious gem.
• Gran Hotel Inglés is proud to be the oldest hotel in Madrid, having opened in 1886. In its current incarnation, it is a beautiful blend of old and new, with striking Art Deco spaces, David Rockwell-designed fabrics and a sense of timeless sophistication in guest rooms clad in white, grey, warm red and gold. The spa is sensational, too.
• AC Palacio de Retiro was built in 1908, and its Edwardian façade hides a fascinating history; the original owners once exercised their horses on the roof! Now, interiors are chic and comfortable, with lots of natural light, crisp white linens and Belle Epoque architectural details. The basement spa with sauna, hot tub, steam room and cold shower is not to be missed.
• AC Santo Mauro, a former duke's palace, is another luxury landmark. The architecture, which dates back to 1894, feels very French, with a wonderful glass entrance, elegant windows and a sense of sophistication reminiscent of belle époque Paris. Spacious rooms and suites feel much more contemporary, and there's a swimming pool and fitness centre in the basement. The library-restaurant is a highlight.

For Families

• Rosewood Villa Magna is a Madrid icon. Its 154 indulgent rooms and suites keep travellers coming back again and again. That includes families, who will appreciate the seasonal children's activity programme, the multiple dining options — which make an effort to cater to little ones — and the flexible accommodation options. An absolute delight.
• Eric Vökel Madrid Suites are housed in a restored townhouse in trendy Malasaña. Families and groups will love the multi-bedroom contemporary apartments, which offer private kitchens, sitting rooms, dining spaces and terraces. Pets are welcome upon request, too. Very chic.
• Barcelo Torre de Madrid is amongst the city's most iconic buildings. Transformed into a design-led hotel, this spot welcomes families as well as couples to spacious rooms and suites with bright furnishings and lovely city views. The indoor swimming pool will be a sure-fire hit with guests of all ages, and grown-ups will love the spa.

For Foodies

• Hotel Unico is a restored 19th-century palace with chic, contemporary interiors. Foodies will be thrilled to experience two-Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa’s fusion of between the traditional and the avant-garde in the smart dining room. Expect the freshest regional produce, and superb tasting menus.
• Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid is another big-hitter, with 171 rooms and suites and a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Sip cocktails at the Mery Bárbola Bar before savouring Spanish haute cuisine at the Smoked Room Restaurant, which has been awarded two Michelin stars and seats just 14 guests for 15 course tasting menus curated by chef Dani Garcia.
• Posada de Léon de Oro is a charming restaurant-with-rooms, famed for offering some of the best traditional fare in the city. Tuck into hearty Spanish cuisine at Enotaberna, paired with well-chosen regional wines, before retreating to one of the 17 simple guest rooms.

For Hip City Style

• Hotel Urban has a slick air, with angular, more art deco-influenced interiors in dark woods and neutrals, with plenty of chrome. Owner Jordi Clos, a Barcelona-based archaeologist, has an impressive collection of artefacts, which are showcased throughout the 100 rooms and suites. There’s a lively cocktail bar, which is all monochrome and marble, and the restaurant and rooftop plunge pool are superb.
• Room Mate Oscar, a 1970s building on a busy city square, has bold interiors conceived by famous designer Tomás Alía. Expect a white colour scheme with pops of orange, lime and candy floss pink. The Chueca location is great for shopping and nightlife. The restaurant, roof terrace with incredible skyline views and the cocktail bar's eclectic playlist make this a very special spot.
• Dear Hotel has airy, minimalist rooms and suites with pale furnishings and striking city views. Guests tend to congregate on the dazzling rooftop, where you'll find the restaurant, bar, and refreshing swimming pool. A favourite of design-minded visitors to Madrid.
• VC Plaza España Design is a trendy central hotel with a particularly buzzy roof terrace. The bold tropical furnishings, plants and a statement floor of the restaurant stand out too, but the contemporary rooms are calmer, with white and cream interiors. A big city hotel for well-heeled travellers.

For Great Value

• Hotel Mayerling is a simple townhouse conversion close to the Plaza Mayor, within 15 minutes' stroll of many of Madrid’s headline attractions. The 22 rooms are white-on-white, with touches of black and green. There’s no breakfast or bar, but guests are welcome to help themselves to snacks and breakfast pastries throughout the day. Well placed and well priced.
• The Hat is a lively, centrally located hostel with a mix of shared and private rooms. Great for budget-conscious sociable travellers, this spot has an inviting terrace restaurant and lovely rooftop bar for sundowners. Families are very welcome, too.
• Posada del Dragón offers 27 compact yet well-appointed rooms within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor. An affordable choice, the hotel also promises excellent homecooked breakfasts and easy access to Madrid's vibrant street life. Great fun.
• Artiem Madrid is a smart eco-hotel with soothing, Scandi-inspired interiors featuring pale wood, pastel tones and minimalist decor. The long tables of the open-plan lounge and dining area are great for remote working, too. The gym and in-room yoga mats reflect the hotel's active ethos. Rates are very reasonable.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Adolfo Suarez Madrid Bajaras Airport, just seven miles from the centre of the city. Hop aboard the metro, or take a fixed-fare taxi to your destination from there. Alternatively, you can arrive by train, usually via Barcelona and Paris depending on your point of origin.
• You won't need a car to explore the city, but it will be useful if you plan to head further afield -- into the Sierra de Guadarrama, for example. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Madrid is a year-round destination. It's one of the hottest cities in Europe, with temperatures rising above 30°C during the day in July and August, but it's also one of the least humid, so evenings are much cooler. The city does feel particularly busy during the summer months, and many Madrileños head off to the beach or the mountains for the whole of August. All things considered, autumn is our favourite time to visit, as there are a lot of cultural events and the days are still warm, but most of the visitors have left.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in the Madrid region.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Spain.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.