15 Best places to stay in Madrid

This character-packed hotel, with its striking interiors and relaxed social spaces, is just as refreshing as its name suggests.

Located on downtown Madrid’s main street, the Gran Vía – just steps away from the buzzing, bar-filled district of Chueca – it feels slightly removed from the main touristy areas of Madrid, but you’re only a 10-minute walk to the Prado Museum and Retiro Park.

Rooms are comfy and soothing in teal and gold, the suites have terraces with great city views, and the rooftop bar is a favourite hangout, with food and drinks served from an urban food truck. Even checking in is fun — the front desk is a bar.

With switched-on staff who know the best non-touristy hotspots to go to, it’s a good bet for couples and first-timers who want to dip into the local scene.

Steps away from Madrid’s lush Retiro Park and the city’s main Atocha train station, and within walking distance of the Prado Museum, this industrial-chic boutique hotel is a stylish and local-feeling base for sightseeing and mingling in Madrid.

The glassed-in courtyard, now a lounge and library, is a fun hangout, and you’ll meet plenty of locals at the 7th-floor Septima restaurant and bar – which has arguably the best views of any Madrid hotel (a cocktail here at sunset is a must).

Rooms are a mix of trendy exposed and painted brick and polished woods, with flashes of pretty Spanish tiling. Premium ones overlook the city skyline, while others face the courtyard – and all are well soundproofed.

It’s a great hotel for anyone who wants to feel the pulse of this contemporary city.

One of the city’s grandest hotels, originally opened in 1919, the Reina Victoria was gutted and transformed to create this glitzy, glamorous ‘lifestyle’ urban playground in the heart of the buzzy Santa Anna neighbourhood.

The interior, preserving many of the original architectural features has plenty of wow factor, from the beautiful Ana La Santa Restaurant on the ground floor, to the Radio ME rooftop bar – a notable hotspot for Madrid’s well-heeled, frequently hosting DJs and live events – with giddy panoramic views.

Rooms are white, minimalist cool with hardwood floors and maxi minibars that are hard to resist; those on the fifth and sixth floors have balconies with rooftop views.

Guest are offered special priority access and rates at the Palacio Santa Ana Metropolitan Club gym and spa next door to the hotel: all in all, a glamorous base for sightseeing or diving into the city’s legendary nightlife.

In the lively Barrio de las Letras, midway between key sights the Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor, this hip hotel makes an appealing base for couples and groups of friends exploring Madrid.

Cool, current rooms in smooth woods, smart tiles and bold prints make a gorgeous home away from home, and the buffet breakfast is served until noon – a huge plus if you’ve spent a night on the tiles with los gatos – ‘the cats,’ as the Madrilenos are known, for their nocturnal habits.

It’s close to the sights, and any lack of frills (pool, spa, gym) are made up for by both location and the relaxed and helpful staff, who give great local recommendations.

Originally built as a lodging place for the aristocratic guests of King Alfonso XIII, the Ritz has been the place to stay in Madrid since it opened more than a century ago.

Located next door to the Prado, recent renovations have seen the 167 rooms upgraded with modern facilities, without this grand old dame losing any of her opulent old-school charm and aristocratic flair.

You have five restaurants and bars overseen by top chef Chef Quique Dacosta, and the lovely outdoor terrace for lunch and dinner, and the fitness and wellness facilities are exceptional. The antique furniture, deep hand-woven carpets and first-class service combine for a sense of privileged luxury the moment you walk through the door.

This dazzling design hotel is located in Madrid’s ritzy Salamanca district, home to chic boutiques and upmarket apartment buildings – a location that’s reflected in its smart, glossy, monochrome interiors.

Glamorous lounges and bars make it a relaxing oasis to return to after a day out; locals love the cocktail bar with its blue velvet, mirrored bar and luscious palm plants – and there’s a luminous Basque restaurant, El Pimiento Verde.

The excellent staff can organize a personal shopper, massage or whatever you need. Staying here makes you feel like a part of Madrid’s high society.

The Prado Museum and other central sights are a 20- minute walk, and it’s close to convenient metro stops.

For anyone interested in delving into Madrid’s art and culture, this new boutique hotel is hard to beat: located right on Plaza Mayor and set in a charming 17th-century building from Spain’s Golden Age.

Open your window and you’re looking out over the grand square (or there are quieter rooms facing the courtyard); there’s a rooftop pool for blazing Madrid days, as well as a beautiful, brick-vaulted indoor pool in the cellars – where coal to heat the building was once stored.

With flashes of cobalt, navy and exposed red brick, the colour scheme in the rooms recalls paintings by local art legends Velazquez and Goya.

There’s a courtyard restaurant, and you’re in walking distance of scores of others, along with all the main sights of Madrid.

Founded in 1886, Madrid’s oldest hotel has been brought back to life as a cutting-edge luxury design hotel. Located in the arty, bar-filled neighbourhood of Barrio de las Letras (a 10-minute walk from the Prado Museum) this is a suave, urbane hotel with fine hardwood floors, leather sofas and bronze fittings.

There’s a welcoming, vintage-feel bar with a showpiece circular bar and comfy seating; a library with a fireplace; and plenty of photos illustrating the hotel’s illustrious past, when everyone who was anyone slept here.

Factor in an excellent spa and a slick fine-dining restaurant, Casa Lobo, – not to mention warm and efficient service – and the Ingles will knock your socks off.

In the heart of Madrid’s swanky Salamanca district, this chic boutique hotel is set in an aristocratic 19th-century townhouse.

The refined, monochromatic interior is scattered with bold, contemporary art, with high thread-count sheets and expensive sound systems in the rooms, as well as wow-factor design pieces from light fixtures to bathtubs.

There’s a secret garden for guests with a delightful bar and glassed-in pergola, where you can enjoy one of the best breakfasts in Madrid. Two Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa runs the famous restaurant, arguably the best in a Madrid Hotel.

Faultless, personalised service keeps regulars coming back, and the cream of the city’s boutiques and galleries are on the doorstep, making it an ideal base for some serious shopping.

The price tag is considerable, but you absolutely get what you pay for.

On a quiet street near the Royal Palace, this elegant 19th-century duke’s palace is now one of Madrid’s most luxurious hotels.

Set in manicured gardens, the hotel’s modern interior is full of references to the artist Velázquez’s masterpieces – and there are plenty of bells and whistles, especially if you book one of the VIP ‘Red Level’ rooms.

Perks for this tier of guest include a personal butler and access to the private lounge with day-long champagne, drinks and fancy snacks.

But everyone can enjoy the rooftop plunge pool, hot tub and cocktail bar, and the exotic Thai spa. Restaurants include the prestigious Dos Cielos, run by the Michelin-level Torres brothers.

Typical of the Radisson chain, this 54-room hotel is comfortable, smart and reasonably stylish, with good four-star facilities including a small but stylish spa with pool. There’s also a (tiny) fitness centre, and a good restaurant specialising in locally-sourced, organic produce.

It’s not stacked with local design touches or connections to authentic culture, but the Radisson scores highly for its location, opposite the Prado Museum and close to the other top two galleries, the Reina Sofia and Thyssen.

It’s also handily close to green spaces such as Retiro Park, and the lively tapas bars around Plaza Santa Ana.

A safe, good value choice – especially if you’re coming to Madrid for the art.

Situated on Plaza Santa Ana, in the heart of Madrid’s restaurant and nightlife district, the Alicia is a hip boutique hotel where it’s virtually impossible not to have fun.

Pascua Ortega, one of Spain’s most coveted interior designers, has turned an early 20th-century industrial building into a dramatic space that’s full of light and life, retaining many original features.

The 34 rooms and suites contrast bold colours with pale wood, and many have large windows with views over the square. The excellent breakfast buffet is available until noon, and has good non-gluten and vegan options.

If you want to join the late-night crowds, the friendly young staff offer great insider tips. It’s a stylish, affordable pad right in the buzzing heart of the city.

Striking, bohemian design and a central location a minute’s walk from the Plaza Mayor and San Miguel market put this affordable hotel head and shoulders above the competition.

Based on the adage, ‘Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home’, it’s a welcoming, characterful base with a wide choice of sleeping arrangements – from dorm rooms to smart white doubles – all with raw pine furniture and a minimalist aesthetic.

There’s a scenic rooftop bar surrounded by Madrid’s signature russet tiles and white domes, and a tasty breakfast buffet to start the day, with bikes available to rent. A fine choice for anyone visiting Madrid on a budget.

In the heart of Madrid de Los Austrias – Madrid’s charming old centre – and just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor, this former fabric warehouse does the basics with flair.

Great design often means extortionate rates, but not here: the sleek, minimalist rooms have all you need – beds, showers and clever space-saving storage – with the sharp design you’d expect from a four-star hotel.

There’s a petite roof terrace with sun loungers, help-yourself snacks and drinks, and the location is brilliant for both sightseeing and dining. This bargain boutique is one of Madrid’s best affordable stays.

Madrid’s Hostal Gala provides exactly what many modern, urban travellers are looking for – well-designed, no-frills accommodation in a central location, at a reasonable price.

It’s situated on the second floor of a 19th-century building, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor and main avenue Gran Via.

The hostal’s 22 rooms have a chic black-and-white colour scheme, modern throws and furniture, small bathrooms and free wi-fi.

There’s no restaurant or breakfast room, but lovely cafés, restaurants and bars are right on your doorstep.

It’s the city’s best budget choice – and ideally positioned for sightseeing.