Where To Stay In Madrid

You could throw a dart at the map of Spain and not hit a more central location than Madrid. Deep in the interior of the country, the city serves as the capital and governing body but also boasts the best of the country’s museums, stunning architecture and rich cultural history.

When you first arrive and start to explore the city streets, the magnificent buildings, large pedestrian areas and stunning parks make you feel like you are in the Spanish version of Paris. If you head in any direction from Plaza del Sol you will encounter a distinctly different neighbourhood filled with interesting and unique sites to discover.

You can go from royal splendour to hip and trendy in just a few minutes and then take a quiet stroll in one of the most beautiful parks in the city all in one day. Since the best neighbourhoods of Madrid surround the city centre, it’s easy to select one that suits your interests and spend your day wandering the streets. The city caters well to people of all ages and since there are so many things to see here, it’s very easy to stumble on hidden gems as you go along.

Where To Stay In Madrid

Puerta del Sol

As the emblematic centre of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol or “Gateway to the Sun” serves as the bustling heart of the city and the access point to the surrounding neighbourhoods

As you first enter the plaza you will quickly notice crowds gathered around the Statue of the Bear and Strawberry Tree which symbolises Madrid’s coat of arms.

The beautiful building that overlooks the plaza, the Casa de Correos, first functioned as the city’s main post office in 1768, but now houses the government of the Comunidad de Madrid.

In 1856, the clock was added to the tower, and on New Year’s Eve, people fill the square to watch the countdown.

In the seconds before midnight, the clock chimes 12 times, and for each one, they eat a grape representing another month of the year.

If they manage to eat all 12 of them before the new year begins, they are granted one wish.

This national tradition is more difficult than it sounds!

While you are in the plaza don’t forget to get your picture next to the kilometre zero sign.

Puerta del Sol serves as the starting point for the six national highways in the country.

The placard is on the ground and it can be a little tricky to find but makes for a great treasure hunt.

Where To Stay In Puerta Del Sol

UMusic Hotel Madrid

Just a couple hundred metres from the Puerta del Sol, this hotel puts you in the centre of Madrid.

The classy rooftop bar and pool overlook the city in style.

The decor of the rooms and common areas perfectly combines modern and trendy designs in an elegant form, and at the bottom of the building, you can catch a fantastic live performance at the newly renovated Teatro Albéniz.

Francisco I Boutique

Situated right in between the Puerta del Sol and Los Austrias neighbourhoods, this hotel gives you the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.

During the day visit the city’s historic buildings, and at night, wander with the crowds looking for the next great bar or restaurant.

The rooms are chic and welcoming, while the common areas feature eye-catching modern styles with brilliant contrasting colours, creating an abstract atmosphere great for enjoying the included breakfast.

Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid

Conveniently right off of the Gran Via, this premier hotel boasts the only 360° panoramic views of the city from the rooftop pool and patio.

Throughout the entire building, you get a cool retro vibe from the furnishings and decorations.

On the first floor, try some authentic Brooklyn-style Italian pizza for dinner.

With Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the owners, you know this is one of the best hotels in the city!

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Los Austrias

If you would like to indulge in Madrid’s rich architectural history, head to the Los Austrias neighbourhood.

The name “Austrias” comes from when the Habsburg dynasty came from Austria to rule over Spain.

Back in the 16th century, Charles I decided the city needed more of a grand appearance, and built the impressive squares and monuments we see today.

Between the Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace, you will find Madrid’s most famous square, Plaza Mayor.

Originally constructed in 1617, it has hosted bullfights, processions, tournaments, and even executions!

After a pleasant stroll through the beautiful gardens of Plaza de Oriente, you reach the spectacular Palacio Real de Madrid and the Catedral de la Almudena on your left.

Built to resemble the Louvre in Paris, the imposing façades of the Royal Palace of Madrid tower over a large courtyard, galleries, and parade ground below.

The interior contains over 3,000 handsomely decorated rooms, including the Throne Hall which features a marvellous ceiling painting by Sabatini.

Along the tour, you will visit the Guards Room, the Royal Chemist’s Room, and the Royal Chapel, which is home to a collection of string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari.

The Royal Armoury and Painting Gallery houses the most significant collection of weaponry and armour worn by the kings of Spain and other royal family members since the 13th century.

Take time to admire paintings by Velázquez, Goya, and Federico Madrazo.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays see the changing of the Royal Guard, or just admire the picturesque views of the Campo del Moro Gardens and Park from the Mirador de la Cornisa Observation Deck.

Be sure to wander through the Jardines de Sabatini on the northern end of the palace before you go.

In the Cuartel de la Montaña Park, you will find one of Madrid’s most curious sites, the Egyptian Temple of Debod.

Donated and shipped to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods after the creation of the Aswan Dam, it was built at the beginning of the 2nd century BC to worship the God Amun and Goddess Isis.

While you are in the area, you can also explore other attractions such as the Teatro Real, Plaza de España, Muralla Árabe (Muslim Walls) and if you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine, Las Austrias is the place to be.

Where To Stay In Los Austrias

Oriente Palace Apartments

Overlooking the Royal Palace of Madrid and the gardens of the Plaza de Oriente, these apartments offer pure elegance during your stay in the city.

With the perfect location in the centre of the Los Austrias neighbourhood, you have easy access to the Palacio Real de Madrid and the other historic buildings in the oldest part of the city.

The walls of the rooms are adorned with gold decorations and stunning stained wooden floors and ceiling beams, showcasing the best of traditional Spanish architecture and making you feel right at home.

Ocean Drive Madrid

From this simple but tastefully decorated hotel, you can walk right out the front door and discover Madrid’s oldest buildings or hop on the metro and explore the entire city.

It’s up to you!

The budget-friendly Ocean Drive Madrid features a beautiful rooftop pool and patio that overlooks the plaza and the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), Madrid’s finest venue for operas and other live performances.

The rooms and lounge areas are warm and cosy with small splashes of the ocean’s blue hues mixed with wooden decor.

Despite the crowds outside passing by, the interior contains a calm and quiet setting perfect for relaxing after visiting the sites nearby.

Room Mate Mario

Not far from the Palacio and Parque del Oeste, this affordable hotel puts you near the historic centre and provides access to the metro as well.

In the uniquely designed bedrooms, you will find dramatic wall paintings bursting with colour and flair, while the cool ambient lighting adds a calming tone.

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Chueca

Known for its bustling atmosphere and lively nightlife, Chueca draws impressive crowds eager to take part in the fun.

In the daytime, people flock to this neighbourhood to explore the various museums, and at night taste the local tapas or have a drink at one of the many hip and trendy restaurants and bars.

In the former palace of the Marquis of Matallana, the Museum of Romanticism showcases Madrid’s Romantic period with a diverse collection of paintings by Goya, Madrazo, Esquivel, and Alenza, as well as furniture and decorative objects from the 19th century.

Nearby you will find one of the few modernist buildings in Madrid, the Longoria Palace, with its spectacular stained glass dome and cast iron frame.

On the border of Chueca and Malasaña, the History Museum exhibits a collection of over 60,000 pieces of art including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

See the complex scale model of the city created by León Gil de Palacio in 1830.

In this neighbourhood, discover the Casa de las Siete Chimeneas (House of Seven Chimneys) which was thought to be built by King Felipe II to disguise his hidden love affairs.

The legend goes that after his secret lover Helen became pregnant and she married an officer to hide this fact, but later he died in the war.

Some say her attachment to him grew stronger than the king had anticipated and when news came of his death, she died of sorrow and grief.

Others believe the king himself ordered her death to conceal his infidelity.

In the summertime, Chueca also hosts the famous Madrid LGTBIQA+ Pride Festivals.

Flags and banners cover the neighbourhood, and parties and events roll on for days.

If you’re in the city near the end of June, join the thousands of people celebrating this event known worldwide.

Where To Stay In Chueca

Room Mate Oscar

If you’re looking for one of the most unique and fashionable places to stay in Madrid, this hotel offers furniture and room decorations that look like they came directly from a modern art museum.

The rooftop patio and pool with a glass cover allow you to swim during the cooler months in the city and still bask in the sun.

The Principal Madrid, Small Luxury Hotels

As one of the most luxurious hotels just outside of the centre of the city, this hotel’s charm comes from its classic decor and original architecture from 1917.

The rooftop bar and terrace provide exceptional views of the city while relaxing in style.

The rooms are equally impressive with touches of modern elements.

Petit Palace Chueca

Near the entrance to the neighbourhood and the Gran Vía, the Petit Palace Chueca has the feel of a hotel you would find on a street in downtown Manhattan.

Set inside a 19th-century mansion, the simple yet elegant rooms provide ample comfort for a good night’s sleep after having great fun times exploring the streets below.

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Barrio de Las Letras

In many large cities in Spain, extensive art museums showcase the works of the great painters, sculptures, and architects of the country, but in Madrid, an entire neighbourhood pays tribute to its most famous writers.

During the Golden Age of Spanish Literature authors such as Cervantes, Quevedo, Lope de Vega, and many others made their home in the Las Letras (Literary Quarter) neighbourhood.

If you look carefully you can see inscriptions and small texts from these famous writers and more on the cobbles of many streets.

In the past, Las Letras welcomed droves of writers and lovers of literature to enjoy open-air theatre shows at Del Príncipe, De la Pachea, and De la Cruz.

Nowadays, the narrow cobblestone streets are lined with small shops, cafes and bars.

Make your way to the Plaza de Santa Ana and have a drink in one of the most pleasant squares in the city.

Later in the night, listen to some live jazz music at a club or catch a flamenco show.

Where To Stay In Barrio de Las Letras

CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

Rated as one of the top hotels in Madrid, this hotel housed inside an exquisite building from the 1900s puts you in the centre of the trendier neighbourhoods in the city.

With a classy art nouveau style, the warm inviting colours draw you in, and the chic tapas restaurant and outdoor pool begs you to stay longer.

Vincci Soho

Just 100 metres from the lively bars in the Plaza de Santa Ana, enjoy the charm of unique merry-go-round decor in the lounge and bar areas before getting a good night’s sleep in your plush room coloured in deep red and black.

In the dining areas, the array of plants gives off earthy vibes and is complimented at night by strings of old-fashioned lights hanging all around.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria by Meliá

When you see this hotel lit up at night from the plaza, the outer facade is reminiscent of the impressive architecture of Paris.

Inside you are met with more of a minimalistic refreshing style in the rooms and lounge areas.

The spacious rooftop patio and bar supply spectacular views of Madrid glowing at night.

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Retiro

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, the Parque del Retiro also known as the “Landscape of Light” features spectacular monuments and gardens enclosed in 125 hectares of land.

Inside this park with over 15,000 trees, you will find the Jardins de Cecilio Rodríguez with its Andulsian-inspired roots, as well the Roseleda Rose Garden which is home to a 400-year-old Mexican conifer.

In one of the meadows near the Gate of the Fallen Angel, look for Madrid’s oldest tree.

It’s an olive oil tree planted around 1396.

This vast green area just outside the city centre also boasts the Veláquez and Glass Palaces which function as exhibition halls.

You can also rent a row boat and paddle around the large pond, or rent a bicycle and see the features of the park more easily.

As Madrid’s favourite area for outdoor activities, you will see plenty of locals and tourists taking a stroll or jogging.

Various playgrounds throughout the park are also available to entertain the kids.

Where To Stay In Retiro

Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XIII

Adjacent to the enormous Parque del Retiro, this hotel blissfully combines elegance with chic decor and provides you with sweeping views of the park.

It’s perfectly near the most popular points of interest inside Parque del Retiro such as the Grand Pond and Velázquez Palace.

To make exploring all of Parque del Retiro a bit more fun, the hotel also offers free bicycles for daily use!

NH Collection Madrid Paseo Del Prado

This glamorous 5-star hotel set inside a 19th-century Neo-Baroque palace features rooms and a terrace overlooking the Neptune Fountain.

The aqua blue and green decorations throughout the interior of the hotel create a calming atmosphere, similar to relaxing by the sea.

The nearby Atocha train station provides easy access to the airport and other regional destinations.

H10 Puerta de Alcalá

Set on the far corner of Parque del Retiro, this hotel offers breathtaking sunset views overlooking the city from the rooftop patio and bar and a one-of-a-kind sunbathing pool with transparent sides.

The sleek and modern interior decor boasts vibrant colours.

The rooms are refined and elegant, but also spacious and comfortable.