Where to Stay in Madrid: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Madrid? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Madrid very well, I have created this guide of:

• Madrid’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

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My favorite hotels in Madrid

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Madrid, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Madrid for the first time: Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid, located in the historic center
• Best 5-star hotel in Madrid: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, right in the city center
• Where to stay in Madrid on a budget: TOC Hostel Madrid
• Where to stay in Madrid with family: Novotel Madrid Center
• My favorite hotel in Madrid for a romantic stay: UMusic Hotel Madrid or URSO Hotel & Spa

In Madrid Historic Center (El Centro)

The historic center of Madrid, or El Centro, is the heart of Spain’s capital.

This neighborhood is a lively area with an authentic atmosphere.

It’s the best area to discover the city’s must see attractions easily.

You should stay in this district:

• For a first time stay, especially if you want to explore Madrid’s best places to visit on foot
• If you love going out at night, with all the Spanish tapas bars and traditional restaurants
• For a culture-filled trip.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Palacio Real (Royal Palace), an impressive royal residence with historic armories and gardens
• Plaza Mayor, the city’s main historic square, surrounded by traditional cafes
• Puerta del Sol, the famous central square where all Spanish roads begin
• Mercado de San Miguel, the perfect place to taste classic Spanish tapas
• Almudena Cathedral, an iconic religious building located right next to the palace
• Plaza de Oriente, a scenic square with gardens and statues of Spanish kings.

Where to Stay in Madrid Historic Center?

• B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol: Located a few steps from Plaza Mayor. Cozy and quiet double rooms from 140€. Strong points: super comfortable beds, free coffee all day, central location.
• Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid: Set right on the Plaza Mayor. Spacious and bright double rooms from 220€, breakfast at 25€. Strong points: outdoor rooftop pool, historic building, perfect location. My top recommendation for a first time stay!
• UMusic Hotel Madrid: This 5-star hotel is located just a few steps from Puerta del Sol. Modern double rooms starting from 350€. Strong points: outdoor pool, rooftop with beautiful view, historic theater integrated into the building, exceptional breakfast with live music. This is an excellent choice for a romantic stay!
• Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques: This 5-star hotel is located near the Royal Palace. It offers luxurious rooms and suites from 460€. Strong points: rooftop pool and jacuzzi with city views, historic garden, top quality service.
• Four Seasons Hotel Madrid: This 5-star hotel is located just off Puerta del Sol. It offers elegant rooms with luxury details. From 750€. Strong points: large indoor pool, exceptional spa, highly professional staff. This is simply the best luxury hotel in central Madrid!

In Malasaña and Chueca Districts

Malasaña and Chueca, just north of the historic center, are Madrid’s most trendy areas.

These neighboring districts are filled with chic boutiques, modern restaurants, and a lively vibe.

Staying here lets you enjoy a vibrant side of Madrid while still being close to the main attractions.

You should really stay in Malasaña or Chueca :

• If you’re looking for a modern experience
• If you love food, with some of the city’s most famous brunch spots and international dining
• If you are addicted to shopping
• To enjoy the local nightlife, as these streets are packed with popular bars.

This district is perfect to discover:

• Gran Vía, the city’s main avenue for shopping and theater
• Mercado de San Antón, a modern food market with a great rooftop bar
• Plaza del Dos de Mayo, a historic square filled with cafe terraces
• The stunning façades (the Metropolis, the Carrión, or the Real Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia)
• Calle Fuencarral, a pedestrian street packed with fashion boutiques.

Here are my favorite hotels in Malasaña and Chueca

• B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Fuencarral 52: Located right on the famous shopping street. Clean, well-equipped double rooms from 110€. Strong points: free snacks and drinks, helpful staff, great soundproofing.
• Room Mate Oscar: Right in the heart of Chueca. Modern, stylish double room from 150€. Strong points: rooftop pool with city views, cool room design, great breakfast. Excellent value for money!
• Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid: Just 5 minutes from Gran Vía. Spacious, tastefully decorated double rooms starting at 220€. Strong points: very warm welcome, stylish decor, ideal location.
• URSO Hotel & Spa: This 5-star hotel sits right between Malasaña and Chueca. Elegant rooms from 300€. Strong points: relaxing indoor pool, luxury spa, top quality bedding. My favorite hotel for a romantic stay in Madrid!

In Salamanca District

Salamanca is Madrid’s most upscale area.

This district features wide avenues filled with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants.

Staying in Salamanca lets you enjoy a sophisticated side of Madrid in a very safe environment.

You should stay in Salamanca:

• If you’re looking for a luxury shopping experience
• For a quiet stay, far from the crowds of the historic center
• If you love high-end restaurants.

Best things to see and do in Salamanca:

• Calle Serrano, Madrid’s most famous street for luxury brands and designer shops
• National Archaeological Museum, a great place to discover Spain’s ancient history
• Puerta de Alcalá, an iconic stone gate
• Plaza de Colón, a large central square with gardens and monuments.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Salamanca

• H10 Puerta de Alcalá: Located just steps from the Retiro Park border. Bright, modern double room from 180€. Strong points: amazing rooftop pool, excellent breakfast, very clean.
• NH Collection Madrid Colón: In the center of the shopping district. Spacious double room from 200€. Strong points: outdoor pool, central location, rich breakfast buffet.
• Hotel Wellington & Spa Madrid: This 5-star hotel is a true classic in Salamanca. It offers classic, sophisticated rooms from 350€. Strong points: large outdoor pool, welcoming staff, exceptional setting.

In Retiro District

Retiro is a quiet, residential district built around Madrid’s most famous park.

Just a short walk from the center, it’s the perfect spot to combine cultural visits with relaxing moments.

You can stay in Retiro:

• If you want a peaceful stay while remaining close to the city center.
• For a family holiday, as the park is totally suitable for children.
• If you love art, as it is right next to the famous Golden Triangle of Art.

Best things to see and do around Retiro:

• El Retiro Park, a huge green space with a boating lake and tree-lined paths.
• Prado Museum, a world-class art gallery featuring masters like Velázquez and Goya.
• Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass pavilion located right in the middle of the park.
• Royal Botanical Garden, a relaxing spot filled with plant species from around the world.

Where to Stay in Retiro?

• NH Madrid Nacional: Located on the edge of the district near the botanical garden. Comfortable double room from 190€. Strong points: view of the park, close to the museums, great bedding.
• Only YOU Hotel Atocha: Located right opposite Atocha Train Station and a short walk from Retiro Park. Stylish, industrial-chic double rooms starting at 200€. Strong points: great rooftop terrace, excellent breakfast, very welcoming staff.
• Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid: This 5-star hotel sits exactly between Retiro Park and the Prado Museum. Luxurious double rooms from 800€. Strong points: indoor pool, prestigious spa, legendary service. This is my recommendation for an ultra-luxury stay by the park!

Where to Stay in Madrid on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Madrid without spending too much:

• TOC Hostel Madrid: Right next to Puerta del Sol. Dorm bed from 30€. Strong points: unbeatable location, very clean, great communal areas.
• The Hat Madrid: Located just a short walk from Plaza Mayor. Dorm bed from 40€ or private double room from 80€. Strong points: popular rooftop bar, eco-friendly design, very central location. A fantastic choice if you want to stay in central Madrid on a budget.
• Hostal CC Atocha: Located near the train station and Retiro Park. Simple, clean double room from 80€. Strong points: budget-friendly, convenient location, helpful staff. This is definitely a great choice if you want to stay in Madrid for cheap.

Where to Stay in Madrid with Family

• Eurostars Madrid Gran Vía: Located just a few steps from the lively Gran Vía. Modern and spacious family rooms starting at 130€. Strong points: excellent soundproofing, central location, very clean.
• Novotel Madrid Center: Located in the Salamanca district, just a short walk from Retiro Park. Comfortable, fully equipped family rooms from 160€. Strong points: rooftop pool, close to the park, fantastic breakfast. You should really consider this place if you’re traveling to Madrid as a family.
• Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII: Located right across from Retiro Park. Modern and large family rooms from 180€, breakfast included. Strong points: spacious family rooms, free bikes for exploring the park, great breakfast.

What is the best hotel in Madrid?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Madrid, I recommend you the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at UMusic Hotel Madrid or URSO Hotel & Spa

Where to stay in Madrid: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Madrid, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Where do you plan to stay during your trip to Madrid?

You’re traveling in Spain? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Spain: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

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