The Best Hotels to Book in Madrid, Spain

The Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques combines a former convent with a 19th-century duke’s palace, all brought up to date with plenty of five-star polish. There’s a lovely secluded garden at its centre where you can enjoy a summer tipple and tapas. Guest rooms are appropriately plush and draw on the works of Spanish master Diego Velázquez. A Thai-themed spa and fine-dining restaurant complete one of the most impressive hotels in Madrid.

The beautiful neoclassical facade of the URSO Hotel and Spa certainly sets the tone for the elegance within. An art nouveau mahogany lift is wrapped in an ornate white marble stairwell, and calming contemporary tones combine with floral Japanese prints. It’s all rather gorgeous. Add a sleek wood-finished wellness centre and sunny, flora-filled conservatory and the result is a Madrid hotel that certainly transcends the norm.

Overlooking the leafy Paseo del Prado, and neighbouring the eponymous museum, addresses don’t get much fancier than this. The Madrid outpost of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz offers unadulterated old-school glitz – from palatial architecture to meticulous white-glove service. Belle-époque-style rooms combine luxury and light with oak and marble, with most offering views of pretty Plaza de la Lealtad. The spa is off-the-scale swish, dining is among the finest in the city, and a champagne bar pairs fizz with oysters and caviar.

The Eurostars Madrid Tower occupies the first 30 floors of one of the Cuatro Torres – four shimmering skyscrapers that dominate the La Paz business district of Madrid. Inside it’s all polished chrome, gold accents and velvet upholstering, giving a sleek, corporate feel. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows to take full advantage of the elevated views – some can be enjoyed from deep-soaking tubs. There’s great vistas from the luxe spa, too, but for the most impressive head to the fine-dining restaurant on the 30th floor.

Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, this former palace is one of the most historic landmarks in the Spanish capital. It became the cultural centre of Madrid in the early 20th century, when luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí frequented the still-running 1912 Museo Bar. Now, each bedroom exudes old-school glamour and is decorated with opulent antique furniture and plush decor. It sits in the Golden Triangle of Art, which mean the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza are within walking distance.

In the lively La Latina neighbourhood, this contemporary hotel sits moments from the flea market El Rastro and countless tapas bars and cafes. Should you want to sightsee further, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace are all within walking distance. The hotel sits within a 19th-century building, but the bedrooms have been updated with contemporary and fashionable furnishings. The restaurant, La Enotaberna, entices people from far and wide by serving the best cocido madrileño (chickpea-based stew) in the city.

Opened in 1886, Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid. It’s in the Barrio de las Letras, so it’s a gateway into a culturally thriving district once home to some of the most prestigious writers and playwrights in Spain. Inside, you’ll find 1920s charisma with old-school touches, such as a cosy fireplace in the library. For dinner, choose between the Mediterranean restaurant Lobo 8 or tapas outlet LobByto.

This former 19th-century palace was designed by Juan de Villanueva, the same architect who created the Madrid icon Plaza Mayor. It had a modern facelift in 2012 from designer Ramón Esteve, who brought it in line with his modern vision; you can still see the remains of the historic city canal system in the foyer, should you yearn for more history. Rooms are modern, sleek and spacious, with hardwood floors and neutral, calming tones. It all sits in the literary quarter, in the Plaza del Angel neighbourhood.

On Gran Vía, this Hyatt Centric is perfect if you want to be in the heart of the city. Set in a beautiful art deco building, the hotel merges traditional Spanish influences with modern decor. Although the contemporary bedrooms are located in the busiest part of town, each room is soundproofed, so you’ll be sure to rest easy. A particular highlight is the rooftop bar, El Jardín de Diana, which is popular with guests and madrileños thanks to sweeping views over the city.

Neighbouring the Golden Triangle of Art, Hotel Urban is ideal if you’re hoping to explore the major galleries in Madrid. Or should you wish to stay closer to home, this boutique hotel has an impressive collection of Papua New Guinea artworks and artefacts in the basement-level museum. Rooms – decorated with modern furnishings, wooden floors and East Asian artworks – are comfy and stylish. For dining, how about the in-house Michelin-star Mediterranean restaurant CEBO?

If you want to stay in the heart of the LGBTQ neighbourhood in Madrid, Only YOU in Chueca is the ideal spot. Set in a 19th-century mansion, this boutique hotel has won multiple design awards for the stylish and chic decor. Try the book bar El Padrino (the Godfather) for tapas and wine while losing yourself in its extensive collection of literary classics.