Madrid is a metropolis and wonderland in equal measure, especially for tourists who are on the hunt for museums, architecture, history, and some of the world’s best eats.
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From El Prado to Retiro Park to La Casa Encendida, Madrid has wonders that will keep you busy for weeks. Whether you want historical landmarks or hubs for contemporary arts, you’re in luck. Best of all, you can pull off a fantastic trip even on a shoestring budget thanks to Madrid’s free sites.
That being said, challenges abound—such as figuring out where to stay in a city so large.
Take a shortcut here with this list of some of the best hotels in Madrid. I’m not just listing out great options located around popular neighborhoods; I’m also recommending the city’s most picturesque hotels. After all, if you’re flying all the way to Spain, why not invest in a little style? It’s the Madrileño way.
Hotels in Madrid that feel like they’re off a Hollywood set
BLESS Hotel Madrid
Located in Salamanca, right in the heart of the Golden Mile, BLESS Hotel Madrid showcases the city’s classic, lush architecture. The rooftop pool looks like something out of a Bond film, while the lounges look simply palatial.
Wellington Hotel & Spa
Founded in 1952, Wellington Hotel & Spa transports you to a world of mid-century opulence. The location is fantastic, near both Retiro Park and the Art Triangle, while the staff are renowned for their excellent service. Expect velvet accents at the buffet breakfast.
Hotel Villa Real
This hotel isn’t the oldest or most prestigious on the list, but it oozes the type of Old World charm that Madrid is known for. Think: leather couches and handwoven rugs beneath palm plants. Even the more modern lounges and rooms feel effortlessly stylish thanks to their wood features.
The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid
Given the brand, you expect a pure-lux experience at The Palace—and you get it. The hotel’s neoclassical lounges and rooms just went under a major renovation, meaning the 19th-century décor and accents are shining like new. When you stay at The Palace, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a gilded Madrid memory.
Relais & Chateaux Heritage Madrid Hotel
Lush, upscale, and effortlessly chic, this Relais & Chateaux hotel is a boutique stay with austere, gastronomic dining on the grounds at Haroma, headed by a two-Michelin-star chef. You could spend hours just soaking up the details—the grounds offer a perfect balance of classical décor with modern accents and materials.
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila
What makes this Relais & Chateaux property different than the former? It’s housed inside a transformed palace that dates back to the 1800s. It’s a small property with fewer than 100 rooms, and has another restaurant that’s headed by the same two-Michelin-star chef who manages Haroma at the Heritage Madrid Hotel.
Santo Mauro
You’ll feel like you’re staying in a work of art at Santa Mauro. While the rooms are comfortable and modern, the lounges and sitting areas are a sight to behold. On top of its luxurious trappings, Santo Mauro is renowned for its high quality of service. Staff are prepared to treat you like royalty.
Brach Madrid
Full of personality, Brach Madrid is described as ‘entering a private home’. Instead of the large-scale design common to luxury hotels, Brach Madrid has been painstakingly outfitted. Every detail and material has been chosen for its placement as part of the whole. I’d describe it as high design, but that doesn’t do Brach Madrid’s interior justice.
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá
Located near the Royal Palace and the Opera House in Madrid’s highly exclusive Habsburg neighborhood, this Gran Meliá property is more like an urban resort. The grounds include a palace that dates back to the 1800s and a convent from the 1200s, which is pitted with an oasis-like courtyard.
Hotel Fenix Gran Melia
Like BLESS Hotel, Hotel Fenix is located in the heart of the sought-after Salamanca neighborhood. The interior combines Spanish charm with Old World accents that create an opulent and rich ambiance. The spa is also particularly lovely, with gilded claw-foot tubs and Thai woodworking.
Gran Hotel Ingles
Meet Madrid’s first-ever luxury hotel, which opened its doors back in 1886. Since then, the grounds have been carefully maintained and restored. You’ll notice modern accents and amenities that are perfectly balanced with classical pieces.
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