Madrid is the biggest city in Spain, and it’s absolutely packed with hotels. Finding the perfect place to stay can be quite a challenge, with thousands of accommodation options scattered across several different neighborhoods – each of which has its own distinct personality.
To help you sort through the options, we’ve put together this detailed guide to the best hotels in Madrid.
Read through our recommendations for various neighborhoods and their corresponding boutique hotels. Then, click into a hotel and if you like what you see, click on 'Check Prices' to check availability and pricing.
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Puerta del Sol & Madrid de los Austrias
Right in the center of Madrid you’ll find the bustling plaza of Puerta del Sol: a hub for both transport and tourists. Go up to Gran Vía for some of the city’s best shopping, or head west to historic Madrid de los Austrias.
- Metro stations: Sol (1, 2, 3, Cercanías), Gran Vía (1, 5), Ópera (2, 5, R), Callao (3, 5)
- Safety: Pickpocketing is more common here, but it can also feel safer at night since there are always people around.
- Nearby sites: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Gran Vía, Teatro Real (opera house), Mercado de San Miguel (gourmet food market)
- Where to eat: Casa Toni, a classic tapas bar that’s still going strong against all odds.
Opened in 2020, the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is the perfect place to splurge on a truly luxurious stay. It’s set in seven of the capital’s grandest old buildings, just steps away from Puerta del Sol. The rooftop restaurant is run by the acclaimed Spanish chef Dani García and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, and the rooms are elegant and modern.
Hotel Francisco I offers a great combination of comfort and a central location within walking distance of Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. This beautiful boutique hotel is set between Sol and Ópera, putting you right in the middle of all the action. The decor is chic and modern, and many of its rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking Madrid’s most iconic sites.
Located right next to Plaza Mayor, The Hat offers both private rooms and shared dorms – but it feels a bit more upscale than your average youth hostel. There’s a lovely rooftop bar that’s worth visiting even if you’re not staying here, a simple breakfast buffet, and a super helpful staff. If you’re looking for an affordable option with a more social vibe, this is a solid choice.
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La Latina
La Latina is legendary for its endless array of bars and restaurants, as well as its storied history. Staying here will put you in a prime position for exploring Madrid’s tapas culture; just try to book an interior room to avoid street noise.
- Metro stations: La Latina (5), Puerta de Toledo (5)
Safety: This area is relatively safe, but keep a close eye on your valuables – especially while you’re eating or drinking.
- Nearby sites: Calle Cava Baja, Calle Calatrava, Mercado de la Cebada,El Rastro (Sunday flea market), Basílica de San Francisco
- Where to eat: Taberna La Concha for vermouth and a bite to eat before continuing your tapas crawl.
Posada del León de Oro is housed in a 19th-century building right on Calle Cava Baja. This boutique hotel has just 17 rooms organized around a traditional interior courtyard, each of them with its own unique decor. There’s also an on-site restaurant – but since some of Madrid’s best cuisine is just steps away, we suggest venturing outside to eat instead.
If you’re looking for a quiet and comfortable option in the heart of La Latina, Apartamentos Cava Baja is ideal. Each apartment is newly renovated and outfitted with everything you need, including a full kitchen, central heating, and air conditioning. This is a great choice for families or friends traveling together – or anyone who just wants a bit more space and privacy.
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Malasaña
Malasaña is Madrid’s trendiest neighborhood. It’s full of quirky boutiques, vintage shops, international eateries, and classic nightclubs from the 1980s Movida countercultural movement – all against a backdrop of picturesque historic buildings.
- Metro stations: Noviciado (2),Tribunal (1, 10), Ventura Rodríguez (3), Plaza de España (3, 10)
- Safety: The only real concern here is late-night partiers and alcohol-fueled mischief.
- Nearby sites:Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Plaza de España, Parque del Oeste
- Where to eat: Bodega La Ardosa, a traditional tapas bar with a legendary tortilla.
If you want the traditional luxury of a hotel without splurging too much, book a room at Hotel Atlántico. This elegant spot is on the Malasaña side of Gran Vía, with a classy vibe to match its ornate facade. Don’t miss the roof terrace, where you can have a drink with a fantastic view of the city center.
For more modern style, check out 7 Islas just north of Gran Vía. This family-run hotel leans into the trendy vibe of Malasaña with chic design, rotating art exhibitions, and a restaurant serving contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails. Choose from basic rooms, deluxe rooms, or penthouses with private terraces, hammocks, and yoga kits. It’s also pet-friendly.
Hostal Lauria provides simple rooms at affordable prices, with a prime location on the southern edge of Malasaña. Although the decor is a bit basic, you’ll have all the necessities (Wi-Fi, heating and air conditioning, kitchenette, etc.). Note that in this case “hostal” doesn’t quite mean “hostel” – it’s more like a no-frills guest house.
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Chueca
Right beside Malasaña you’ll find Chueca: an equally trendy but slightly more chic area. This is Madrid’s LQBTQ neighborhood and the heart of its annual Pride celebration. It’s also full of restaurants, bars, and stylish shops.
- Metro stations: Chueca (5), Alonso Martínez (4, 5, 10), Tribunal (1, 10)
- Safety: Similar to Malasaña, the only potential issue here is the late-night party crowd.
- Nearby sites: Mercado San Antón (food hall), Plaza de Chueca, Barrio de Las Salesas
- Where to eat: VinotecaVides, an outstanding wine bar with a wide selection of tapas.
This is pretty much the hotel in this area, with beautifully eclectic decor that’s even won some awards. Only YOU is technically in Las Salesas, a slightly fancier area just east of Chueca. It’s housed in a 19th-century mansion and boasts three different culinary spaces: a swanky cocktail bar, a gluten-free café, and an upscale restaurant that doubles as an art gallery.
Located on the Chueca end of Gran Vía, Vincci The Mint is a unique hotel with a colorful vintage aesthetic. The roof terrace is especially inviting, decked out with comfy couches and a mint-green food truck where you can get drinks and snacks. Most of the rooms are simple but cozy – or you can book a suite with a private terrace and sun loungers.
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Huertas/Barrio de las Letras
The literary quarter is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Madrid, full of narrow streets and postcard-worthy architecture. Although it’s becoming increasingly popular among tourists, it still has a nice laid-back and local vibe.
- Metro stations: Tirso de Molina (1), Antón Martín (1), Sol (1, 2, 3, Cercanías), Sevilla (2)
- Safety: This is a very safe neighborhood; just watch your belongings in crowded areas.
- Nearby sites: Plaza de Santa Ana, Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Royal Botanical Gardens, Retiro Park, Mercado de Antón Martín
- Where to eat: Triciclo, a high-end tapas restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.
Turn back the clock a few hundred years at Catalonia Las Cortes, set in an 18th-century mansion that’s been carefully restored. History lovers will be in their element here: think original architecture, stained-glass windows, and even restored ceiling frescoes in some of the rooms. The hotel has also been fully updated with modern amenities, of course.
Room Mate Alba is right in the heart of this neighborhood on Calle Huertas. It’s full of luxurious details and pops of color, creating an incredibly comfortable atmosphere. Its sleek central courtyard is a nice place to relax when you need a break from sightseeing, and there’s also a gym in case you want to get some exercise during your trip.
This vibrant bed and breakfast has just six rooms, each decorated in bright jewel tones and intricate patterns. The overall vibe is warm and homey, with plenty of personal touches throughout, and the staff is clearly dedicated to making each guest’s visit memorable. Keep in mind that the building has a few flights of steep stairs and no elevator.
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Lavapiés
Lavapiés is Madrid’s most multicultural neighborhood, and its hilly streets are always buzzing with energy. It’s also full of historic buildings and innovative cultural spaces – a captivating combination that makes it one of the city’s most interesting areas.
- Metro stations: Lavapiés (3), Tirso de Molina (1), Embajadores (3, Cercanías)
- Safety: Pickpocketing is a bit more common here, so stay alert – especially at night.
- Nearby sites: Reina Sofía Museum, Mercado de San Fernando, Atocha Train Station
- Where to eat: La Fisna, a wonderful wine bar with rustic tapas and homemade bread.
Just a bit south from Lavapiés, the Only YOU Hotel Atocha is set right next to Atocha Train Station. It’s also extremely close to Retiro Park and the Golden Triangle of Art (Madrid’s three main museums). The rooms are decorated with understated earth tones and exposed brick, and many of them have spectacular views of the city.
Located right in the Tirso de Molina square at Lavapiés’ upper end, MH Apartments offers recently renovated and soundproofed studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. They’re furnished in a clean, contemporary style and outfitted with washing machines, dishwashers, and full kitchens. It doesn’t get much more central or convenient than this.
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Barrio Salamanca
Barrio Salamanca is by far the fanciest neighborhood in Madrid. Its wide avenues and grand buildings give it an old-money feel, and it’s mostly residential and business-oriented – although there are also plenty of posh stores and restaurants.
- Metro stations: Goya (2, 4), Príncipe de Vergara (2, 9), Manuel Becerra (2, 6), Lista (4)
- Safety: This area is very safe and quiet, and pickpocketing isn’t as common.
- Nearby sites: Calle Serrano, Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles, Paseo de la Castellana
- Where to eat: Mercado de la Paz, a gourmet market where you can enjoy wine, charcuterie, and the famous tortilla from Casa Dani.
Luxury
Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
If you want to splurge on some classic Spanish luxury, the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá is for you. This five-star spot lives up to the reputation of its surroundings, with lavish furnishings and exclusive perks. There’s a fitness center, a spa, and even the option to rent a high-end electric car for a day. The on-site Zuma restaurant serves contemporary Japanese cuisine.
The Wellington Hotel & Spa boasts a unique blend of historic grandeur and state-of-the-art facilities, from the opulent lobby to the extensive wellness center. If you’re looking for glitz and glamour in Barrio Salamanca, consider following in the footsteps of the many celebrities who have stayed here – including both Ernest Hemingway and Matt Damon.
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Chamberí
Chamberí is a nice halfway point between the upscale feel of Salamanca and the younger energy of more central areas. It’s less trendy than nearby Malasaña and Chueca, with lots of classic local restaurants and elegant boutiques.
- Metro stations: San Bernardo (2, 4), Quevedo (2), Iglesia (1), Canal (2, 7)
- Safety: This is a super safe and mostly residential area, similar to Salamanca.
- Nearby sites: Museo Sorolla, Plaza Olavide, Paseo de la Castellana, Parque del Oeste
- Where to eat: Mercado de Vallehermoso, a truly authentic market with local vendors and excellent tapas.
BNBHolder offers dozens of apartment rentals all over Madrid, but we’ve heard especially good things about Chamberí in Love. It’s a fully equipped apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a prime location in the southwest corner of the neighborhood. This is the perfect choice if you want to prioritize privacy and live like a local.
Líbere Madrid Chamberí is a collection of four apartments right in the center of this barrio. There are two studios, a 1-bedroom, and a 2-bedroom with room for up to six people. Neutral colors and light wood lend the apartments a refined and relaxing vibe, and there’s a 24/7 reception in case you need anything during your stay. It’s also dog-friendly.
Fuencarral II is a luxury apartment designed for both short-term and long-term stays, so you’re sure to have everything you need for a comfortable visit. It’s full of light and colorful details, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. As indicated by the name, it’s located on Calle Fuencarral: a lively shopping street that extends down into Malasaña and Chueca.
Hello, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we live in Madrid. Our passion is helping people experience Spain as if they were locals! We'll help you explore the country more fully as a tourist, and can even help you move here! Tapas, history, hidden Spanish villages, and vibrant Spanish cities – you'll discover it all here!
