Are you heading to Madrid?  Here are some of the best hotels for any budget. 

Madrid is the capital and the largest city in Spain. The city center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and for good reason. The food, the art, the culture, and the nightlife are some of the most legendary in the continent and with the metro area having upwards of 6.5 million residents, the fun in Madrid essentially never stops.

Looking around Madrid it’s easy to see its royal past, present in a lot of the architecture, streets, and establishments. Palatial buildings with ornate décor that take up city blocks align with the grandiose Gothic churches and cathedrals lining the streets. Although this style of old-school architecture exists within the city, the modern Madrid of skyscrapers, steel, and glass also gives the city a modern flair reminiscent of other European cosmopolitan cities like Berlin or London. 

While the city was once the seat of a conservative dictatorship, modern Madrid has shed that idea of the past and has the most bars per capita in Europe, a nightlife that extends until 7 am sometimes, and a very queer-friendly attitude.

If you’re going to be exploring the capital, check out these amazing hotels in Madrid.

Budget-Friendly

Cat’s Hostel

If you’re looking to stay somewhere cool, unique, and on a budget, Cat’s Hostel is the spot. Being a hostel, the clientele tends to run on the younger backpacker side of things but what’s cool about Cat’s Hostel is the location. The hostel is located in a refurbished 17th-century palace with surrounding buildings and the neighborhood from the same era. Despite the building’s age, the hostel is loaded with cool amenities such as an interior patio, rooftop lounge, indoor café, and bar. The hostel offers room varieties with 2, 4, and 6 beds, and Wi-Fi is free.

Los Amigos Backpackers Hostel

Located in Huertas and Santa Ana, this centrally located hostel is again a great spot for the young traveler. The hostel is set in a revamped 18th-century building giving the place tons of class and character while also hosting modern amenities and features. The hostel features an on-site pool, central location, English-speaking staff, and free Wi-Fi. For 20€ guests can book a bed in a shared room with air conditioning and TV or for 50€, you can book a private room also with air conditioning, TV, and towels. Breakfast is offered in the morning and there is also a bar on-site so you can chill out and mingle with your fellow guests. 

Generator Madrid

Located right off the illustrious Gran Via, Generator Madrid is cool, hip, affordable, and literally near all the hotspots, Madrid has to offer. The spot offers rooms with 2, 4, or 8 beds and industrial-modern décor with exposed metal and hardwood floors. The on-site bar is always happening. Its rooftop location means you’ll get some amazing views of the cityscape and likely make some new friends.

Mid-Range

Urso Hotel & Spa Madrid

The Urso Hotel & Spa Madrid is the type of place that might fall a little under the radar but that just makes it so much better because this hotel has all the love and class of a high-end hotel without the price. The hotel is off the beaten path but still located between public transport so it’s easy to get to, and those who know it, are usually return guests. The hotel retains a lot of its old-world charm which is noticeable both inside and out. The ornate and splendid façade leads into the interior where you’ll immediately notice the stained glass panels, original azulejo tiles, and other original features. While the building and the neighborhood evolved, guests can take a gander at the hotel’s display of pictures from the area and see what it looked like before. 

The guest rooms are tastefully decorated while not overdoing it. But it’s the little details that count. The tartan headboards add a pop of color to the beige and brown rooms, while the large windows offer splendid views and tons of natural sunlight. The Spanish leather-topped desks are gorgeous and ideal for those traveling on business while those looking to splurge can get a four-poster bed and private terrace. On-site dining options include The Conservatory where you’ll be able to get a daily breakfast in a bright and colorful dining room or the Media Racion if tapas and wine are what you’re looking for. 

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid

The Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid is a tourist favorite but that is not a bad thing. The hotel is located right inside of the Plaza Mayor (which is to say the Main Plaza). What was once the beating heart of Old Madrid, the entire hotel, given its historic significance, is entirely a brick and stone structure. If you’re lucky enough to get one of the 34 rooms that overlook the plaza, you’ll immediately know you’re staying somewhere special. Looking out from the balcony onto the square this is one of the only few hotels in Madrid with direct views into a local landmark. Despite the centuries-old walls the hotel offers new and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, while the dining atrium offers quintessential Spanish fare like Manchego cheese and Iberico ham. The rooftop plunge pool and terrace offer fantastic views and a chance to cool off while the central location of the hotel means you’ll be close to all the palaces and cathedrals. 

Hotel Santo Mauro

This 19th-century hotel was once the home of the Duke of Santo Mauro so if you’ve ever wanted to live like a 19th-century aristocrat, this is the closest you’ll get. The property is divided into three sections with guests’ accommodations being offered in the former (but obviously renovated) stables, or the Duke’s daughter’s former mansion. Everything at the hotel feels like a work of art and the tall ceilings and lavish ballrooms are still the talk of the town. Staying here will have you looking at every minute detail and trying to decide which antique you like the most. 

The 49 rooms available are all uniquely designed but if there’s one thing they all have in common, it is they are all very elegant. Wall sconces, contemporary art, rugs, and wood flooring are all welcome choices but the pillow menu, walk-in closet, and marble-clad bathrooms make it feel luxurious. 

The on-site restaurant, La Biblioteca (the Duke’s former library) serves traditional Spanish fare, however during the summer months don’t hesitate to dine in the gardens outside. 

High-End

The Westin Palace

The Westin Palace was built in 1912 and takes up an entire city block. This hotel is easily one of the most iconic and impressive places to stay in, so if you’re looking to break the bank, you won’t go wrong. The place is the brainchild of King Alfonso XIII and was designed to be a modern and luxurious experience even more than over 100 years ago. That concept hasn’t changed and even though it is more modern, the century-old grandeur hasn’t changed. 

The Westin Palace takes up the whole block and when you walk in, the regalness of the lobby, the stained-glass cupola, and refined hallways will make it obvious why people from Salvador Dali, to Christina Aguilera, to the Clintons have all decided to stay here once upon a time. 

Stroll down the marble hallways to your room where you’ll encounter the spacious bed, walls filled with art, and large windows allowing for plenty of sunlight and amazing views. Fog-free mirrors in the bathrooms are an added bonus while some premium accommodations also come with views of the Neptune Fountain or Prado Museum across the street. 

No luxury hotel experience is complete without checking out the food. La Rotonda lounge beyond the lobby is a great place to grab a drink but if you’re into some old-world charm the 1912 Museo Bar was once a favorite of Dali and Hemingway. Asia Gallery serves some of the best Peking Duck in the city along with other Cantonese-style fare.

The Principal Madrid Hotel

The Principal Madrid Hotel is one of the coolest upscale hotels in the city that it sort of feels like you need to be a secret club member to even know about it. Located in a residential part of the city, the hotel’s entrance is on a quiet side street but once the dapperly dressed doorman lets you inside, you’ll feel like you’re an accepted member of an exclusive club. Dating back to the early 20th century the hotel has been lovingly restored and with its rooftop terrace and modern guest rooms, the hotel is anything but old and stuffy.

Elegant furnishes and rich décor make the rooms a wonderful place to stay while black-subway-tiled bathrooms with ample vanity space, relaxing rainfall showers, and soothing hydro-massage tubs will make any trip to the washroom worthwhile. Deluxe and Superior rooms have views of the Metropolis building and free access to the sauna. 

The on-site restaurant At Atico, from Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa, is located on the rooftop and offers breakfast served in the morning and Spanish delicacies for dinner such as flame-grilled sea bass, Iberian suckling pig, and grilled venison, just to name a few mouth-watering options.

Gran Hotel Inglés

The glamor of the Gran Hotel Inglés is only preceded by its history. Allegedly the hotel is the oldest in Madrid and when it first opened the local newspapers declared the mere existence of “a lift, bathroom on each floor, lighting, steam heating, and all of the advances that make life more comfortable”. Truly a marvel of its day and it hosted everyone from prominent politicians to renowned bullfighters. 

Despite its age, once you walk into the lobby, you’ll notice its contemporary flash and pizzazz. Leather-covered armchairs and barstools with cool hanging liquor shelves look modern but not too ostentatious. Given the history and glam of the location, it feels perfect. 

Guest rooms follow the same design ideas. Modern and cool while still keeping the spirit of the historic building alive. Original structures and features blend with modern amenities like free-standing, soaking baths with bronze taps will make you want to sit and soak forever. The onsite bar F+B offers creative cocktails with mixology flair while the Lobo8 restaurant takes a spin on Spanish classics.

Villa Magna

Located on the famous Paseo de la Castellana, the Villa Magna is like a gem hiding in plain sight. The exterior of the hotel does little to showcase the beauty, but once inside you’ll be taken aback by the glamor and elegance of this hotel. Stepping past the luxury cars and dressed-up bellmen outside, each room is masterfully designed and offers a pillow menu, Nespresso machine, silk lamp covers, and ornate bathrooms. Of course, if you’re looking to elevate your experience the deluxe and prestige rooms offer more space, better views, a private shoe-shine, and spacious living rooms. 

The dining lounge caters to an international palate but you’d be amiss if you skipped out on chef Tse Yang’s crispy duck. If you’re looking for a drink, grab a cocktail at the on-site Magnum Bar.

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