The best hotels in Madrid, Spain, that you will definitely want to return to
The capital of Spain is in demand among travelers from all over the world who choose a vacation in Europe. Madrid is known for its authentic art scene, cultural and historical monuments, excellent restaurants, and eclectic shops, as well as excellent hotels that fill your vacation with the desired comfort. You can stay in historical palaces, designer boutiques, ultra-modern skyscrapers, and new-generation hostels, and the capital is constantly adding new hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental or Four Seasons. The following selection contains the best hotels in Madrid, so it will be easy to find an option that suits your travel style and taste.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Inaugurated in 1910 with great fanfare by King Alfonso XIII, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Madrid. It was here that Grace Kelly celebrated her honeymoon, and Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, and countless other celebrities spent time. After an extensive renovation, the Spanish Ritz reopened its doors to the public in 2021 and became even more luxurious with Mandarin Oriental. The rethinking and transformation of the hotel were entrusted to the renowned architectural firm Rafael de La-Hoz in collaboration with French designers Gilles & Boissier (Baccarat Hotel New York), who emphasized the spirit of the famous establishment and put new meanings into it.
The Palm Court remained the main attraction, with much effort put into restoring its authentic glass vault, as the large atrium had been hidden for 80 years. However, the Ritz is full of other treasures, including:
- The Beauty Concept spa, which includes an indoor pool and fitness trainers;
- Pictura cocktail bar, decorated with works of art in gilded frames;
- a fantastic garden, etc.
Special attention should be paid to the artistic Deessa restaurant, which is run by two Michelin-starred chef Kike Dacosta. Be sure to order the signature and perfectly cooked paella while enjoying your meal under the bright blue Spanish sky.
JW Marriott Hotel Madrid
The founder of the Marriott brand, J. Willard Marriott, is convinced of the importance of an individual approach to service. This is exactly what is embodied in the newest hotel opened in Madrid. Wherever a guest steps, they will find attentive staff and the best amenities. The elegant rooms are decorated in neutral colors to maximize relaxation after walking around the vibrant capital.
The highlight of the complex is the restaurant run by the famous Sandoval brothers. The restaurant perfectly combines local products with modern cuisine, and the perfect breakfast is worth noting. There are also public areas such as a lobby, a cocktail bar, and even a bookstore where locals like to gather.
Ze Madrid Edition
The list of the top 16 hotels in Madrid includes The Madrid EDITION. This is a unique establishment, created by Jan Schrager and architect John Pawson. The hotel is located on a quiet picturesque square, boldly modern among historical buildings. The atmosphere is set by a long vaulted corridor that leads to the building from a carved granite portal of the 18th century. Inside, there is a playful eclectic style: an antique tapestry adorns an all-white billiard table, and a minimalist bench draped with a traditional Spanish shawl can also be seen. In the dazzling white rooms, plate-glass windows overlook historic buildings, such as the 16th-century royal monastery.
The hotel has a club bar, the Punch Room, decorated in dark colors, which is contrasted by the Jerónimo restaurant on the ground floor, decorated with bright pink and lime details. The restaurant is run by Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. On the fourth floor, there is a swimming pool with a bar nearby, with comfortable lounge areas hidden between olive trees and lush greenery. Also on the roof, you can find another restaurant, Oroya, with small but ambitious tapas designed by the masterful Diego Munoz.
Westin Palace Madrid
This luxury hotel in Madrid owes its creation to the brilliant idea of King Alfonso XIII before the First World War. The establishment is located opposite the famous art museum, El Prado, and the fountains of Plaza Neptune, so it's a great choice for tourists visiting the capital for the first time. Even if you stay overnight elsewhere, it's still worth stopping by for cocktails at the elegant La Rotonda lobby bar under the fantastic stained glass dome. The complex even includes a small museum that charts the history of the hotel over the past century, revealing important names such as Picasso, Hemingway, and Dalí.
The rooms feature understated elegance with an emphasis on details such as the most comfortable huge beds, superfoods on the room service menu, white tea-scented toiletries, treadmills, and more.
Rosewood Villa Magna
Located in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood, this hotel occupies a prominent position among exclusive shops and designer boutiques. Rosewood Villa Magna occupies a 1972 Art Nouveau building that has been carefully restored and refined by expert architect Ramon de Arana. In particular, the exterior of the building is now harmoniously decorated with brass and aluminum. Inside, a special atmosphere awaits guests from the moment they open the large floor-to-ceiling glass doors in black frames. There is also a large number of intricate works of art, and the carefully designed lounges have something for everyone.
Several dining options are available for guests, including the hotel's own Flor y Nata patisserie with its tempting baking smells. Traditional Spanish dishes can be enjoyed at Las Brasas de Castellana, while the three Michelin-starred Amós restaurant under the direction of Jesus Sánchez offers a Northern Spanish menu. An underground spa with a uniquely shaped Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna is also available for guests of this good hotel in Madrid.
If you want to get the maximum amount of space, we recommend booking the luxurious Royal Anglada House. The penthouse includes a separate work area, dining room, indoor and outdoor kitchen on a magnificent terrace with enough space for a corporate party. In addition, it offers breathtaking views of the mountains beyond the cityscape.
Santo Mauro, Luxury Collection Hotel
The classic Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is among the best hotels not only in Madrid but also in the whole world. The complex, located in a wealthy corner of the Almagro district, occupies the majestic Dukes of Santo Mauro Palace, built between 1898 and 1902, and still belongs to a respected family. The building includes 49 luxurious rooms that are part of Marriott's Luxury Collection. The high-ceilinged public spaces have been renovated by designer Lorenzo Castillo, who added shine and lightness and managed the difficult task of playing with antiques and numerous historical prints. La Biblioteca Gresca, clad in wood paneling, has been transformed into a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant with Rafael Peña, a Barcelona-based chef, at the helm. Here you can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes while looking at the spines of colorful books on numerous shelves.
The French-style garden, designed by landscape designer Fernando Valero, is also worthy of attention. Here you can see a labyrinth of hedges and fountains, ivy-covered fences, and gravel paths that are so pleasant to walk along under the tall horse chestnuts.
Unico Madrid wanted to
At first glance, Hotel Único Madrid may not attract attention because its facade is very unpretentious, and the establishment itself is hidden behind sliding doors on the exquisite Salamanca Street. Nevertheless, this place undoubtedly deserves the attention of travelers. The spacious, bright rooms are accessed by a magnificent marble staircase, and the large windows of the rooms overlook the main street or a cozy courtyard with a garden. However, what really sets this hotel apart is the two Michelin-starred Ramon Freixa Madrid restaurant. Here you will find a creative menu; for example, you can order a doe loin with pomegranate demi-glace and blueberries or steamed sea tongue in a special cava wine. The main thing is to book a table as early as possible, as the restaurant is in great demand among locals and gourmets from all over the world. If you can't find a free seat, don't worry, because the chef Ramon Freixa Madrid is also responsible for breakfast, so guests can enjoy his masterpieces.
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila
The list of the highest-rated hotels in Madrid invariably includes its pearl - Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila. The famous classic interior has been reinterpreted by Lorenzo Castillo while preserving its essence. Spacious rooms are decorated in traditional style and feature unique antique furniture. The hotel's chef is the famous Mario Sandoval of Coque, so the first priority for guests is to try his special Mediterranean and local cuisine at El Jardín de Orfila.
Gran Hotel Ingles
The oldest hotel in the city, founded back in 1886, has reopened its doors to guests. The Gran Hotel Inglés is located in the popular Barrio de las Letras art district, so there are numerous galleries, museums, and fine restaurants nearby. In particular, we strongly recommend visiting Chuka Ramen Bar and La Venencia, a favorite among locals. The interiors are decorated in Art Deco style with references to the rich history of the building, and a thoughtful renovation integrates the hotel into the present with all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay in the Spanish capital.
Thompson Madrid
The main feature of the best hotel in Madrid is its location, and the choice is really impressive. The Thompson Madrid is located on the small picturesque Plaza del Carmen, not far from Gran Via and Calle Montera streets (the latter is a notorious sex worker's haven). Nevertheless, the hotel, owned by the global hospitality brand Hyatt, does not lose from such a neighborhood and was opened here to shed light on this dark corner in the heart of the city. The interior design was created by Madrid-based experts Penelope Tena and Ignacio Lopez, who managed to channel mid-century glamor in the right direction with smoked glass, copper, and black marble textures.
On the upper floors of the hotel, there are luxurious suites with spacious terraces that offer breathtaking panoramas of the rooftops of downtown Madrid - from the neon Tío Pepe advertisement on Puerto del Sol to the fantastic views of the Almudena Cathedral and the city's surroundings. The love of Madrid's art is reflected through the lenses of photographers, the talents of artists and fashion designers, who work under the guidance of curator Luisa Olazabal. The Omar restaurant and bakery, owned by Nino Redruello, is recognized as one of the best in the city, and the basement bar Hijos de Tomás allows you to immerse yourself in the typical local atmosphere, staying open until three in the morning.
Ze Principe Madrid Hotel
The popular Madrid hotel is located near the bohemian Chueca district, but outside one of the busiest stretches of Gran Via, so you can count on peace and quiet and proper conditions for relaxation. The Principal Madrid Hotel also offers the most classic views of the capital. In particular, from the rooftop terrace, you can perfectly see the dome of the iconic Metropolis building with a statue of the winged goddess Victoria on top, designed by Spanish sculptor Federico Culo-Valera Mendigutia. All rooms, regardless of configuration, are decorated with custom-made leather furniture, but the most desirable suites are those located at the front of the hotel.
"7 Islas"
"7 Islas" is one of the best hotels in Madrid, located next to the Gran Via, a popular location for shopping enthusiasts with numerous shops and designer boutiques. This is not just a place to stay in the center of the capital but also a real gallery. The lobby, decorated in an industrial style with whitewashed walls and concrete floors, showcases works by contemporary local and international artists, and the exhibition is open to both guests and passers-by. The rooms successfully combine Bauhaus minimalism with creative furniture in the style of Picasso sculptures, made from natural and recycled materials.
NH Collection by Madrid Palacio de Tepa
With a majestic facade designed by the famous Juan de Villanueva, this building looks more like a diplomatic enclave or embassy. But, in fact, guests will find a modern and bright space inside. Hotel NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa is decorated with minimalist furniture and bright lamps, and through the glass panels on the lobby floor, you can see the ruins of a canal system dating back to the 16th century.
A special feature of this beautiful hotel in Madrid is its serious attitude to sleep. It is difficult to find a similar establishment that provides two sets of internal doors that prevent unwanted noise, allowing you to have a sweet sleep after a long exploration of an interesting city. If you have the opportunity, we recommend staying in one of the few two-story suites with magnificent bedrooms upstairs and spacious living rooms downstairs, which offer exceptional views of the San Sebastian Church.
Hyatt Centric Gran Via
Radio and music play a special role in this hotel (there's even a simulcast radio station in the lobby!), as a tribute to the broadcasting headquarters that used to be located opposite. Hyatt Centric Gran Vía is located along the Gran Via, so some of the rooms offer views of the capital's vibrant life, and some of the rooms have balconies. Locals love to visit the Latin American-style restaurant and lively rooftop terrace. Breathtaking views and craft cocktails are more than enough reason to visit the Hyatt, even if you don't plan to stay here. In the rooms, guests will find playful touches like pillows with cats wearing headphones and functional amenities like USB ports where they are needed.
Bless Hotel Madrid
Among the famous hotels in Madrid is the luxurious Bless Hotel Madrid, located near Gran Via, the Prado Museum, and the beautiful El Retiro Park. Among the facilities available to guests:
- pool bar with sun loungers;
- rooftop terrace;
- conference rooms
- bowling alley;
- Magness Soulful Spa, which includes facials, pedicures, manicures, massages, etc.
There are two restaurants on-site, where you can taste Japanese cuisine or enjoy traditional Spanish dishes in the main establishment El Albéniz.
Accommodation options include more than one hundred rooms. Some of the retro-style apartments have terraces with panoramic views.
Hospes Puerta de Alcalá
Hospes Puerta de Alcalá, part of Design Hotels, is located in a lively place that never sleeps. The hotel is housed in a 19th-century building designed by José María de Aguilar, with a balcony overlooking Independence Square. Behind the historic facade lies a style of designer chic that can be traced in each of the more than 30 rooms of the cozy boutique. The locals love to spend time in the street café, which serves reimagined tapas such as shrimp croquettes or cod fritters with apple aioli.