What Are the Best Five-Star Hotels in Madrid?

If you like your luxury old school, there are few hotels in Madrid with a more prestigious pedigree than the Hotel Wellington. Open since the early 50s, just steps from Retiro Park, previous guests include a roll-call of A-listers, from Graham Greene to Matt Damon. Rooms are suitably palatial, with plenty of heavy drapery, crushed velvet and elegant antiques. Lounge with a cocktail by the outdoor pool or head to the huge spa for a hot soak. To top it off, dining is Michelin-starred.

While occupying a stately edifice on the corner of the Gran Vía, inside The Principal is of more boutique-style proportions – albeit with an unmistakably five-star vibe. Finished in calming tones, rooms all add high-end perks such as Egyptian cotton sheets, media hubs and hydromassage showers. The rooftop terrace is a fine spot for lunch with views, while the plush Ático restaurant is helmed by Ramón Freixa, a chef with Michelin-star heritage.

Set on a swanky tree-lined street, the Hotel Único certainly looks at home in the affluent Salamanca district. It was once a grand private residence and still has the feel of a stately urban home, albeit jazzed up with contemporary art pieces and sleek modern design touches. With double Michelin star dining, gastronomy is a highlight, including an outstanding breakfast service that can be taken in the secluded garden. Top-notch spa and fitness facilities complete an impressive deluxe package.

A black stone and mirrored glass frontage certainly gives the Hotel Urban an imposing presence in the cultured Literary Quarter. Inside, the darkly atmospheric mood continues, though softened with glowing lightboxes, gold mosaic and – rather randomly – a collection of South Pacific artefacts. Deluxe in-room offerings include free minibars, coffee-pod machines and 24-hour room service, while suites add the option of deep soaking tubs. For an al fresco dip, head to the rooftop pool, before a bite in one of the hotel restaurants – both considered among the finest in the area.

It’s a surprisingly discreet entrance that leads into this rather lavish slice of five-star luxury. Setting the tone, rococo-style seating, gilded antiques and shimmering silk tapestries coalesce into a scene of timeless elegance in the lobby. Hand-painted wallpapers and rich fabrics make guestrooms to swoon over; treat yourself to an upgrade and your marble bathroom will feature a hydromassage tub. When you’re adequately de-stressed, head downstairs for a meal at Haroma for Michelin-starred dining to die for.

As soon as you spot the door staff decked in top hat, saddle shoes and long tails, you know things are done a little differently at CoolRooms Atocha. Located in the Literary Quarter, this grand 1850s townhouse was beautifully restored in updated art deco – and more than a little touch of theatre. In-room gadgetry includes Bang & Olufsen speakers, Nespresso machines and GHD hair straighteners, while suites add private bars. After a dip in the sun-dappled pool, treat yourself to some of the finest tapas in the city.

Inspired by turn-of-the-century French architecture, the main building of the Hotel Santo Mauro could have been airlifted from a Parisian arrondissement. As you step inside, the lofty ceilings and ornate decoration might have you stifling a gasp. Calming guest rooms dial down the decor, and extend to marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and designer bath products. Take an aperitif in the shaded garden next to centuries-old chestnut trees, before dinner in La Biblioteca – one of the most renowned restaurants in the Almagro district.

Opened in 1886, Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest luxury hotel in the capital. It’s tucked away in the literary neighbourhood of Las Letras, and proudly stays true to its Madrid roots. Outfitted with a stylish library and a welcoming fireplace in the lounge, this property exudes a warm, cocooning atmosphere. It has an elegant spa, while each room has a claw-foot bathtub; book the suite and soak in a private jacuzzi on a balcony. The distinguished hotel bar, LobByto, offers an authentic tapas and vermouth experience rivalling that of any bar in the city. Round everything off with a bartending class.

This 19th-century palace was created by the same architect that designed Plaza Mayor. And upon arrival, you’ll notice the city history at your feet, with an ancient canal system on display under the glass floor in reception. Rooms are spacious and modern, and filled with plenty of natural light. The hotel is also just a five-minute walk to the Puerta del Sol, and a short stroll to the Michelin-stared La Terraza del Casino restaurant.

VP Plaza Design has a show-stopping pool with a transparent floor as part of a spacious rooftop lounge. And thanks to the prime location in Plaza de España, the in-house 12th-storey Ginkgo Restaurant and Sky Bar offers 360-degree views of the city, from the Palacio Real to the Almudena Cathedral. You can savour the dynamic nightlife of Madrid here, too, enjoying live music over a cocktail or three.

Designed by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon, this modern hotel combines the bravado of Madrid with a sophisticated globetrotter influence. Stay in one of the elegantly designed rooms, with stylish mid-century furniture and large comfy beds. At the hotel restaurant, Somos, chef Juan Rioja serves Madrid-specific dishes with a twist. If that’s not enough, the Garra Bar brings together local musicians for unforgettable evenings of live music.

Once a neo-classical palace, this hotel has sophisticated and refined decor with hardwood flooring and cool neutral tones throughout. Although the cosy dining room and sleek champagne bar are particularly popular, it’s the modern spa that steals the spotlight here. With a eucalyptus hammam and upscale products, it’s the place to wind down after a day of sightseeing. Try one of the curated experiences, perhaps a seasonally inspired facial or a hot basalt stone massage.

Built in 1908 as a private residence, this impressive property has been careful restored into an elegant 50-room boutique hotel. With original features on display, including arched windows with stained-glass details, wrought-iron staircase railings and a Talavera ceramic fountain, the hotel offers you the chance to stay amid historic surroundings. This remarkable building is now protected by National Heritage status, while the location on the edge of Retiro Park – near the Golden Triangle – also makes it the ideal base from which to explore the world-class museums and galleries nearby.