Where to Stay in Madrid – 8 Best Areas and Top Hotels
Madrid. A capital of Spain since 1561 when Philip III moved the capital from Toledo to Madrid. It is the 2nd highest city in Europe and the 5th largest. Madrid has a population of 3.223 million people which is why it is important to choose your hotel base close to main attractions because it is actually a pretty walkable city when you stay central. In this blog post we will cover 8 best areas in Madrid and top hotels in each of them for your ultimate stay in the Spanish capital.
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Short on time? Here are my top 3 choices:
- Sol-Gran Via: Perfect for first-time visitors
Recommended hotel: Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid - La Latina: Perfect for Foodies
Recommended hotel: Porcel Ganivet - Argüelles: Perfect for Budget-Friendly Options nearby Main Attractions
Recommended hotel: Principe Pio
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Madrid Best Areas to Stay and Top Hotels
Here are Madrid’s best areas to stay based on what type of traveller you are and 3 top hotels in each neighbourhood.
Sol-Gran Via: Perfect for first-time visitors
Sol is a perfect place to stay, especially for first-time visitors. You basically can’t stay more central than this. It’s a great neighbourhood because practically all the main sights in Madrid are within a walking distance, so you won’t really need public transport at all. The only con of staying at Sol-Gran Via neighbourhood is that it can be noisy or busy at times, but most hotels handle this hustle and bustle quite well!
Its main site is Plaza Mayor, a major public space which was once the centre of Old Madrid. It’s a large square with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars. A perfect place for people watching.
In Sol you will also find Gran Via, the main shopping street in Madrid (something like the 5th Avenue in NYC or Regent Street in London).
It is the busiest street of Madrid, but also the most beautiful one. I recommend you to get to Azotea del Circulo, a rooftop bar and restaurant for food and drinks and to enjoy the views of Gran Via and Madrid.
Top 3 Hotels in Sol-Gran Via
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Sol-Gran Via:
Pestana CR7 Gran Via is a partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pestana Hotel Group. What’s perfect about this hotel is that it is the only one in Madrid that has rooftops of 360 degree views of Madrid from multiple platforms. They even serve breakfast at the rooftop, which is a perfect way to start a day if you ask me! Also, Madrid gets really hot in summer and there’s no sea nearby, but Pestana CR7 has an infinity pool where you can refresh while enjoying the views. 😍
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.7 Fabulous 💰 £152+ per night 🏩 Book it
Vincci The Mint is a beautiful boutique hotel designed in 50 shades of green, therefore the name. There’s a gorgeous terrace outside, so you can relax while sipping cocktails (it gives away the beach vibes and drinks are served from a green American van!). It’s a really great value for money.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.1 Superb 💰£152+ per night 🏩 Book it
3. Preciados
Preciados is a beautiful luxury hotel in a refurbished 19th century old building. It’s in a very central location – 600 m (1968 ft) from Mercado San Miguel (a must stop for foodies!), 10 minute walk from Royal Palace and 5 minute walk from Puerta del Sol. You have to have a coffee in their Cafe Varela.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.0 Superb 💰£132+ per night 🏩 Book it
📖 Planning a trip to Madrid? Read my 4 Days in Madrid Itinerary – Things to do in Madrid blog post.
Barrio de las Letras (Huertas): Literary Quarter Perfect for Bookworms
Barrio de las Letras, shortly Huertas, is a Literary Quarter in the centre of Madrid. It’s mostly famous of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra who lived in a house in the quarter and died there. His house is still there with an inscribed monument, which you can visit from the street. Many writers from the 17th Gold Century of Spanish Literature lived right there beside Cervantes, such as Lope de Vega, Quevedo and Gongora.
Its main square is Plaza de Santa Ana full of bars, cafes and restaurants. You will also find 2 monuments there, one dedicated to Calderon, a famous writer of operas and plays also from the Spanish Golden Age. The other one is dedicated to Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet who belonged to the surrealism movement.
Huertas is very close to the Prado Museum, which makes this neighbourhood a perfect choice for anyone interested in cultural heritage.
📖 Want to know what to read before visiting Spain? Then check my 16 Best Books to Read Before Visiting Spain: Fiction & Non-Fiction blog post.
Yet when you get to know it [Madrid], it is the most Spanish of all cities, the best to live in, the finest people, month in and month out the finest climate.
Wrote Ernest Hemingway in Death In The Afternoon who also lived in Madrid in the late 1920’s.
📖 Are you a Hemingway fan? Read my Hemingway in Madrid: The Essential Books and Must-See Spots for Fans blog post. You will even find the hotels where he stayed or used in his books.
Top 3 Hotels in Barrio de las Letras
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Barrio de las Letras:
NH Collection Madrid Paseo is a 5 star hotel in Huertas, only a 5 min walk from Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It is also a 10 minute walk from El Retiro Park. It’s a great central location close to many Madrid’s attractions.
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.5 Very Good 💰£219+ per night 🏩 Book it
Let’s just say this: You will stay in an 18th century palace if you choose to stay at Catalonia Las Cortes! And the best part? It is super affordable!
The hotel is only a 10 min walk from Prado Museum and very close to Plaza Mayor and Mercado San Miguel.
All rooms are elegantly decorated, but if you book a suite, you will get a room with original ceiling frescoes. Some rooms have French balconies too.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.2 Superb 💰£133+ per night 🏩 Book it
P. S. This is inside the Royal Palace, but you can expect something like that, just more simple 😉
3. ME Madrid Reina Victoria by Meliá
Guess what?! Another palace!
ME Madrid Reina Victoria by Meliá is an avant-garde design hotel set in a 19th century palace.
The hotel is very close to Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Prado Museum.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.4 Very Good 💰£177+ per night 🏩 Book it
Argüelles: Perfect for Budget-Friendly Options nearby Main Attractions
Arguelles is a perfect location for many reasons. It is close to main attractions like the Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and Plaza de España which makes it great for first-time visitors. Also, there are many beautiful hotels there that are very budget-friendly, my recommendation is Principe Pio which I will share in more details in the next chapter.
Plus, there are many universities there, therefore the prices for bars and restaurants are often cheaper than elsewhere because of the students.
And my favourite thing about this neighbourhood is that you will find the best Flamenco show there: Las Tablas. I cannot recommend it more to you guys. Even if you’re not staying in Arguelles, definitely come there just to see this exact Flamenco show.
Top 3 Hotels in Arguelles
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Arguelles:
Hotel is literally a 5 min walk from the Royal Palace and Plaza Espana. We didn’t have to use the public transport at all, only once when we were doing a day trip to Toledo, then we took Uber to Atocha train station because it was a 45 min walk and we didn’t want to risk it. Otherwise, everything is within a walking distance. The rooms are beautiful, clean and the breakfast was good too. Highly recommend it.
I stayed there and loved it a lot! Do I have to mention that I could see the Royal Palace from my room?! 😍
⭐️ 3 star ❤️ 8.9 Fabulous 💰£71+ per night 🏩 Book it
Melia Madrid Princesa is one of the first 5 star hotels that opened in Madrid. The location is great and what’s great is that most restaurants and bars nearby are visited mainly by locals rather than tourists, so if you’d like to have a sneak-peek into the locals life, this is a great location.
Plaza Espana is within a 5 minute walking distance, and you can also walk about 20 minutes to Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol.
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.4 Very Good 💰£128+ per night 🏩 Book it
A family-friendly hotel that is within 20 minutes walking distance from the Royal Palace. It’s a perfect choice if you’d like to stay outside of the main hustle and bustle while still being close to main attractions.
⭐️ 3 star ❤️ 8.8 Fabulous 💰£69+ per night 🏩 Book it
La Latina: Perfect for Foodies
If you’re a Foodie (like me!), this is definitely a great neighbourhood to stay in. There are many great restaurants in the area, but you absolutely have to stroll through Calle Cava Baje, a 300 m (984 ft) long street with 50+ tapas bars!
The best tapas bar there is Casa Lucas.
La Latina is very close to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor which makes it another great central location to stay.
Top 3 Hotels in La Latina
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in La Latina:
Porcel Ganivet is a beautiful boutique hotel in Madrid, only about 15 min walk from Mercado de San Miguel (my favourite street food stop in Madrid) and Plaza Mayor. There’s a rooftop swimming pool which is a great refreshment if you’re in Madrid during summer.
It’s a really good value for money.
⭐️ 3 star ❤️ 8.5 Very Good 💰£94+ per night 🏩 Book it
2. Posada del Dragón Boutique Hotel
La Latina has some of the best boutique hotels and cute apartments in Madrid, so another beautiful boutique hotel is Posada del Dragon. What I really love about this hotel is its design. On each floor you can see the inspiration of Spanish history in the design of each room, from their Arab and Castilian origins to the most retro and groundbreaking Madrid.
The hotel is on Cava Baje, which is a perfect location. It is only about a 10 min walk from Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.4 Very Good 💰£68+ per night 🏩 Book it
3. Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel
Posada del Leon de Oro is also a boutique hotel right on the Cava Baje, so definitely can’t get better than this!
The hotel is in a 19th century old building which has been renovated carefully to keep as much of the original design as possible. Under the glass floor in the restaurant you can see vestiges of the 12th-century city wall, which is pretty cool!
It is about a 10 min walk from the Royal Palace.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.0 Superb 💰£111+ per night 🏩 Book it
Salamanca: Perfect for Luxury Travellers
Salamanca is the most elite and luxurious neighbourhood of Madrid. The neighbourhood was developed in the second half of the 19th century as an expansion planned under Queen Isabella II’s rule. The designer was Málaga-born José de Salamanca y Mayol, Marquis of Salamanca.
Historically, Salamanca has been a residential area inhabited mainly by Spain’s financial and political elite. It has remained a business district famous for luxury shopping.
Salamanca is close to El Retiro Park, some 15 min walk.
Top 3 Hotels in Salamanca
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Salamanca:
Wellington Hotel in Madrid was inaugurated on 19th of April 1952 and is located in a listed and protected building, which is part of Madrid’s architectural heritage. It’s a 5 star luxury hotel very close to El Retiro Park, only a short 4 minute walk.
It has beautifully decorated rooms and there’s also an outside swimming pool.
Many famous people stayed there, such as Ernest Hemingway (one of my favourite writers), Matt Damon, Graham Greene as well as the Spanish royal family.
It’s a perfect combination if you like history and luxury!
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 9.0 Superb 💰£270+ per night 🏩 Book it
2. Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel
I fell in love with Relais & Chateaux Heritage Hotel the moment I saw it. It’s a gorgeous luxury hotel which was designed by Lorenzo Castillo, one of Spain’s most respected designers. The building belongs to the Belle Epoque style and still keeps some of its original features. The interior is designed in blue and grey palette and some green tones too with artworks and objects from the 18th and early 19th centuries that you can see throughout the property.
The hotel is a little bit further away from the city centre, about 25 min walk to El Retiro. However, it is also a less busy part of the city where you can truly experience the local life (luxurious ofc!).
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 9.2 Superb 💰£188+ per night 🏩 Book it
3. BLESS Hotel Madrid – The Leading Hotels of the World
Pure luxury. Especially the Penthouse with Terrace. You get your own suite, 48 m2 (516.668 square foot) big terrace, private outdoor pool, separate salon and bedroom. But even the “standard” room is gorgeous and rest assured there’s an amazing swimming outdoor pool for everyone.
Bless Hotel is closer to the city centre, about 14 min walk to El Retiro Park, on a famous Velazquez Street.
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.7 Fabulous 💰£246+ per night 🏩 Book it
Malasaña: Perfect for Nightlife
Malasana was the epicentre of the countercultural Movida movement in 1975 after Franco’s dictatorship ended. The neighbourhood is still known for its creativity, hipsterish and bohemian culture with many hip shops, bars and clubs, especially at Plaza del Dos de Mayo. Therefore, if you’re into nightlife, this area is for you.
Top 3 Hotels in Malasana
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Malasana:
Vincci Via 66 Hotel is just on the border with Gran Via and Malasana, which makes it a perfect location. It is about 10 min walk from both the Royal Palace and Temple of Debod.
The hotel has a gorgeous rooftop terrace perfect for sunset.
Also, the most instagrammable place there is the marble staircase. 😍
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.5 Very Good 💰£76+ per night 🏩 Book it
7 Islas is a gorgeous hotel in the Malasana district and one of the very few that is still run by the family that opened it. It was designed in collaboration with studio Kikekeller. What I really like about this hotel is that it exhibits an art gallery which is free for guests. Every 3 months they exhibit a collection of some new emerging artist.
It is also one of the very few hotels on this list that is pet-friendly. While all rooms are really beautiful, some of the suites are penthouse with a private terrace. 😍
The location is right in the middle of Madrid, so that both the Royal Palace and Prado Museum are within a 17 minute walking distance.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.0 Superb 💰£110+ per night 🏩 Book it
Dear Hotel Madrid is a perfect choice, especially if you’re there during summer. It has an amazing rooftop pool that offers 360 degree views of Madrid. 🤩
It is about 5 min walk from Plaza Espana and 12 minute walk from the Royal Palace and just on Gran Via and at the very edge of Malasana, so it’s right in the middle of everything.
P. S. I don’t remember if I’ve ever seen a hotel with so many reviews and such a great score (12k+ reviews!!).
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.8 Fabulous 💰£132+ per night 🏩 Book it
Chamberí: Perfect for Families
Chamberi is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Madrid. It is also mainly a residential area very close to the city centre which makes it a perfect choice for families or if you’d like to truly experience the local life.
Top 3 Hotels in Chamberi
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Chamberi:
InterContinental Madrid is a former Duke’s palace, so you know the interior is going to be gorgeous! Even though it’s a little bit further away from the city centre, the Ruben Dario metro station is just a 5 min walk and after 3 stops, you are at Gran Via. The interior is a combination of neo-gothic and French Palace style. 😍
⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.6 Fabulous 💰236+ per night 🏩 Book it
2. Avani Alonso Martinez Madrid
Avani Alonso Martinez has a cool, eclectic design. It is only a 17 min walk from Gran Via, but it is on a calm tree secluded street.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.3 Very Good 💰£86+ per night 🏩 Book it
3. NH Collection Madrid Abascal
NH Collection Madrid Abascal Hotel was once home of one of Madrid’s wealthiest families. Even though it’s a little bit further away, it is easy to reach both the Royal Palace and Gran Via because Gregorio Marañón metro station is only a 5 min walk from the hotel. Some suites have a gorgeous private terrace.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.7 Fabulous 💰£106+ per night 🏩 Book it
Lavapiés: Perfect for Art Lovers
If you’re into art, then Lavapies is a perfect neighbourhood for you! Museum Reina Sofia is located there where you can find Picasso’s most famous painting, Guernica. I don’t know about you, but to see this painting was probably one of the main reasons why I always wanted to visit Madrid (it is not a first time I am visiting a place because I know there’s a piece of art that I love there 🙊).
Beside art, Lavapies is a cool, trendy neighbourhood with lots of tapas and bars + international cuisine because a lot of immigrants live there. El Retiro Park is literally just a few min walk. It’s a really great location.
Top 3 Hotels in Lavapies
Here’s my recommendation for the top 3 hotels in Lavapies:
Catalonia Atocha is a gorgeous hotel just a few steps away from the Prado Museum and very close to Reina Sofia and El Retiro. It has a rooftop pool, so you can refresh and enjoy the views. Really good value for money.
⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.7 Fabulous 💰£163+ per night 🏩 Book it
2. Artrip Hotel
Despite only having 2 stars, Artrip Hotel is a great choice for anyone who loves and seeks simplicity, comfort and accessibility. It is in a trendy area which offers authentic and local experience all while being close to Madrid’s best museums.
⭐️ 2 star ❤️ 9.0 Superb 💰123+ per night 🏩 Book it
Hotel Mediodia is another simple hotel 200 m (656 ft) from the Reina Sofia Museum. It also offers a very good value for money.
10k+ reviews definitely speak of high quality and great guests’ satisfaction!
⭐️ 2 star ❤️ 8.5 Very Good 💰£80+ per night 🏩 Book it
And this concludes our list of Best Areas and Hotels in Madrid.
Which one will be your choice? Let me know in the comments below.
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