Look at a map of the Spanish capital, and you might end up wondering where to stay in Madrid. It’s a dizzying maze of wide avenues and picturesque plazas. One of the largest cities in Europe, it is made up of several neighborhoods. It’s also a wonderful base for exploring the rest of the country, including the beauty of Bilbao, the wilds of the Spanish countryside, and vibrant Valencia. Explore them with our Bilbao design guide, Valencia Old Town tour and wine tasting, or a 2 day hiking and camping tour in Pedriza. We also offer a comprehensive guide on the best things to do in Bilbao.
As wonderful as it all is, Madrid can still be overwhelming. It’s also filled with incredible accommodation options, from social hostels to luxury 5 star stays. But which are the best for tourists, and what does each offer? We’ll guide you through the most important neighborhoods, and provide a list of recommended places to stay too.
Where to Stay in Malasaña
Busy with students because of its proximity to university faculties, the Malasaña neighborhood is one of the capital’s creative districts. Well served by public transport options, it is also very central. Vibrant day and night, there is an endless choice of bars and restaurants.
7 Islas Hotel
Exquisite design is high on the reasons for booking a stay at 7 Islas Hotel. Rooms here have a cool and modern décor, making lots of use of woods and other natural materials. Also very spacious, they include a desk area, and en suite bathrooms finished in marble. There’s a business center for anyone who needs to keep in touch with the office, and the chance to rent bicycles.
Calle de Valverde, 14, 28004, Arguelles – Moncloa, Madrid
Ac Santo Mauro
The AC Santo Mauro offers a modern take on classically-furnished rooms. Guests will therefore find rooms furnished with comfortable chairs in plush materials, alongside the latest coffee machines. Wooden parquet floors and plaster moldings add an extra touch of class to both the public and private spaces. There’s a lovely planted exterior terrace, gym, and indoor swimming pool too.
C/ Zurbano, 36, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
This central hotel provides guests with well-designed rooms with plain white walls. Color and atmosphere are instead created by bright fabrics. But good-sized rooms are not the limit for guests here. The ground floor lobby is a quirky space with welcoming seating. There is also a roof terrace with great views of the city. A complimentary gathering of guests is hosted each day at the Barceló Torre de Madrid, while facilities range from an indoor pool to a spa.
Plaza de España, 18, 28008, Gran Via – Plaza de España, Madrid
Gran Meliá Palacio De Los Duques
There are more than hints of years gone by at the Gran Meliá Palacio De Los Duques. Large rooms are sumptuous, from the high-end bedsheets to the comfy armchairs. Flashes of gold add to the otherwise muted color palette. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool, and a full-service spa for those seeking further indulgence.
Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 5, Sol – Opera, Madrid
Hotel Meninas
One of Madrid’s grand terraced buildings, the Hotel Meninas is very centrally located. Balconies allow guests to make the most of the street views from many of the rooms. These are decorated in a generally subtle style, which allow the original art deco features to shine through. There’s also a modern sauna and a well-equipped gym on site.
Campomanes, 7, Sol – Opera, Madrid
Where to Stay in Salamanca
Northeast of central Madrid, the Salamanca neighborhood is typified by a neat grid of streets. One of the wealthier parts of the city, it is home to a number of embassies. Despite this, it has a definite authentic Spanish feel, and hotels here have many of the city’s high-end stores as neighbors.
Bless Hotel Madrid
Bless Hotel Madrid has personality in bucketloads. Wooden floors create a feeling of warmth, as do the unique headboards and feature wallpapers. This is paired with furniture made from natural woods. Inside, there’s a wood-lined bowling alley, while the roof boasts an attractive terrace area. There’s also an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa with a range of body treatments and massages on offer.
Velazquez, 62, Salamanca – Serrano, Madrid
Hotel One Shot Fortuny 07
Crisp, contemporary style meets guests at this hotel. White walls are matched with dashes of color, which come from rugs, cushions, and even wall hangings. The polished wood floor reflects light even at the dullest times of year, and connects the various public spaces. Hotel One Shot Fortuny 07 also has a gym which is open daily.
C/ Fortuny, 7, 28010, Madrid
Where to Stay in Cortes
Cortes is a subdivision of Madrid’s Centro neighborhood. One of the city’s oldest districts, a stay here puts you within reach of most of the capital’s delights. It is also one of the most culturally diverse areas of Madrid, with people living and working here from right across the globe. It features many of the sights from our Madrid design guide.
CoolRooms Atocha
There’s a definite art deco look to perfectly-named CoolRooms Atocha. Light wood floors mingle with spaces banded with thin ribbons of black typical of the era. The 34 rooms have been individually decorated to make the most of each specific space. Close to a number of Madrid’s major attractions, there are also two restaurants on site.
Calle de Atocha 34, Prado, Madrid
Gran Hotel Inglés
Large windows allow natural light to fill the rooms at the Gran Hotel Inglés. While subtle, none are short of design, and are largely finished in a range of sophisticated grays. Fun pieces of art hang from the walls, perhaps to show that spaces don’t have to be serious to also be luxurious. Among the public spaces, there’s a very tempting bar, rich in polished metal and leather sofas.
Echegaray, 8, Prado, Madrid
Hospes Puerta De Alcalá
This delightful stay manages all the opulence of former ages within a more modern interior space. As a result, rich wooden doors rub perfectly alongside modern painted versions of Louis XIV furniture. Guests are able to take advantage of an indoor pool, as well as a fitness center. What’s more, there’s also a steam room and an excellent spa at Hospes Puerta De Alcalá.
Pza. de la Independencia, 3, Salamanca – Serrano, Madrid
Marvelous Madrid
Having explored the top neighborhoods of the Spanish capital, you should no longer have any questions on where to stay in Madrid. Whether you opt for Malasaña, Salamanca, or Cortes, you’re sure to find their hotels an excellent base for urban exploration. Once you’ve settled on a great hotel, it’s time to immerse yourself in the best experiences Madrid has to offer. A Spanish cooking class, a wine and tapas experience, or a sightseeing running tour are all great and diverse ways to get to know the city. If you didn’t find quite the right fit for your stay in Madrid, check out our full list of hotels in Madrid. Our tours and packages in and around Madrid will complete the perfect Spanish journey.
