BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here
ForbesForbes Vetted
Edit Story
Madrid Spain on Gran Via

The 15 Best Hotels In Madrid

Madrid, Spain cityscape at Calle de Alcala and Gran Via getty
Jessica Benavides Canepa
Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more

All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Jessica Benavides Canepa, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital city, beckons travelers with a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. From historic architectural icons like the Plaza Major and the Royal Palace to thrilling flamenco performances and world-class art museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, inviting cultural experiences can be found here at every turn. On the culinary front, a wide selection of tapas bars, bustling food markets and Michelin-starred eateries will tantalize all palates. The best hotels in Madrid are equally diverse, whether you're looking for vibrant nightlife or a leisurely stroll through El Retiro Park.

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, it won’t be difficult to find accommodations that fit your taste and style. The design-forward Madrid Edition is a great spot to experience the heartbeat of the city, while Urso Hotel & Spa is a winner for those seeking an urban spa escape. For fashionable, upscale surroundings, you can’t go wrong at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid or the luxe Rosewood Villa Magna. And if you’re seeking local cuisine, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid will have you covered. Below, we’ve selected the best hotels in Madrid to book in 2024.

Best Hotel In Madrid Overall: Rosewood Villa Magna

Rosewood Villa Magna

Who Will Love It: Well-heeled leisure and business travelers
All-Star Amenities: Afternoon tea; a choice of outdoor dining spaces; a sublime spa
What Not To Miss: Cocktails at Tarde.o and fine dining at Amós
Location: Salamanca

The posh yet beguiling Villa Magna relaunched as a Rosewood property on the swank Paseo de la Castellana in 2021, and if the daily gathering of cosmopolitan guests and well-coiffed residents in the sublime, chocolate-colored lounge spaces is any indication, a perfect pairing was born. Although opulence abounds, common areas inhabit a subdued, open-plan setting with plush seating and ambient lighting that begets visitors to lounge and linger. The Sense spa offers innovative hair treatments and a standout Turkish marble hammam. At meal times, guests can choose between Flor y Nata’s traditional afternoon tea, grilled Spanish cuisine at Las Brasas de Castellana, Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez’s signature Cantabrian cuisine at Amós, or light tapas and cocktails at Tarde.O—the latter three offering stunning al fresco seating options.

Relaxed luxury can be found in the property’s spacious rooms, which feature white interiors and linens offset by headboard feature walls in greens, grays, or reds, king-sized beds, lacquer-trimmed furnishings, marble baths and dark wood chevron-patterned flooring with matching monochrome rugs. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the top signature houses, Salamanca or Anglada—two mammoth modern residences that offer wrap-around terraces and all the creature comforts.

Best High-End Hotel In Madrid: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Who Will Love It: Gourmands; art enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities: Glass-encased 46-foot swimming pool; Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa; Dani rooftop restaurant
What Not To Miss: A signature cocktail at Isa
Location: Between Puerta del Sol and Barrio de las Letras

The spectacular bi-level lobby of the Four Seasons Madrid, with its neutral-hued furnishings and eye-catching curated artwork, exudes understated elegance. Built within seven classic buildings seamlessly melded together, the hotel houses a high-end shopping gallery, an expansive wellness area and 200 elegantly adorned rooms and 22 residences, many with unique elements that make extended stays feel more home than away. At Michelin-star chef Dani Garcia’s namesake Dani, elevated Andalusian cuisine complements the brasserie-style setting. Isa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar offers award-winning mixology and an amalgam of Mediterranean and Asian flavors while people-watching, art stalking (the hotel has over 1,500 pieces) and sweet snacks are the order of the day at the fabulous El Patio lobby bar.

Rounding out the extravagant offerings, spa services include a fitness center, hair salon, glass-covered heated and cold water pools, eight plush treatment rooms and a gold-dusted relaxation area. Indulge in the 60-minute El Retiro treatment, a de-stressing, deep-tissue massage journey that includes a foot-washing ritual, personalized pressure and a choice of oil scents and sounds, followed by a mini-slumber in the cocoon-like relaxation room.

Best Boutique Hotel In Madrid: CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

Who Will Love It: Couples; solo travelers
All-Star Amenities: Poolside cocktails; ensuite massages; period details
What Not To Miss: CoolSuite with large terrace and private hot tub; fusion cuisine
Location: Barrio de las Letras

Palacio de Atocha, the one-time lavish home of a high-ranking navy official, is now a retro-modern 34-room boutique stay in Madrid’s literary district, Las Letras. The building, constructed in 1852, retains glamorous vintage touches: a winding staircase, a granite garden fountain, wrought-iron courtyard detailing and the former carriage entrance, which mixes curiously well with the neon signage and contemporary artwork sprinkled around the premises. The restaurant, El Patio de Atocha, serves a creative fusion of international cuisines and regional products in an airy, blue canopy space with views of the property’s chic pool and garden area. For local flavors, try the El 34 tavern next to the entrance, offering local meats, tapas, and cheese served with wine or the denizen favorite, vermut.

The bedrooms at Palacio de Atocha offer a real taste of palatial living: high ceilings, unique layouts, roomy beds, antique moldings, modish velvet furnishings and wall covers and black and white marble baths in rooms ranging from a generous 366 square feet to a monumental 1120 square feet. For special occasions, we suggest booking the CoolSuite, a top-floor tower room boasting sweeping terrace views, a large bath with duo shower heads, a stylish living room, and a private outdoor hot tub.

Best Value Hotel In Madrid: 7 Islas Hotel

7 Islas Hotel

Who Will Love It: Urban Art Lovers; budget-conscious travelers
All-Star Amenities: Curated art gallery; pet-friendly services; BIO amenities
What Not To Miss: Botanical workstation with fountain; craft cocktail bar
Location: Malasaña

Family-run since its inception in 2002, Madrid’s industrial-hip 7 Islas Hotel combines creativity, craft cocktails and a plant-infused patio in a trendy gallery-style reception area in the urban art enclave of Malasaña. The hotel’s curated artwork rotates every few months, though one piece from every exhibition becomes part of its burgeoning private collection. The 7 Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean bites with a twist and made-to-measure artisan cocktails.

Accommodations, from cozy single-use Easy rooms to penthouse suites with luxe terraces and yoga kits, share a clean, minimalist aesthetic comprising natural wood floors, metal trunk storage, printed throw rugs, and weaved leather and metal headboards. All rooms feature minibars with artisan products, quality bedding, biodegradable Malin+ Goetz amenities and full bar menu room service for an exceptional homestay at a competitive price.

Best Hotel For Couples In Madrid: Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid

Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid

Who Will Love It: Romantics; honeymooners; couples
All-Star Amenities: Al fresco garden dining; lavish lounge spaces; curated music selections
What Not To Miss: A historical tour of the palace
Location: Chamberí

Grand and aristocratic best describe Santo Mauro, the 19th-century neoclassical Duke’s residence-turned-luxe-hotel in Madrid’s quiet Chamberí district. The property rests on three buildings surrounded by enchanting manicured gardens with robust trees, wrought-iron and marble patio sets with fringed parasols—the perfect spot for a magical afternoon promenade and tete-a-tete with refreshments. High-ceilinged antique-filled banquets and sitting rooms, each more striking than the next, occupy the lounge area, while room names such as The Red Room match their themes. After drinks at La Coctelería bar, guests can choose between the refined La Biblioteca restaurant, the former library featuring head-to-heel bookshelves, Gresca, an ornate Madrid society hotspot or the charming garden terrace when the weather warms.

Bedrooms, split between the palace, former stables, and the annex, are a touch more modern, with grey and pewter tones, ultra-luxe bedding, hardwood floors, marble baths and Natura Bissé amenities. For couples celebrating an extra special event, opt for one of the suites decorated with vintage flair, some with canopy beds and eye-catching wallpaper patterns.

Best Hotel For Families In Madrid: Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza

Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza

Who Will Love It: Families looking for a cultural break
All-Star Amenities: Kid-style healthy breakfast menus; multi-media devices
What Not To Miss: Playtime zone; A day at Retiro Park
Location: Paseo del Prado

Elegant and understated on the outside, Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza’s vividly-painted lounges, eye-catching wall art and prime location near many of Madrid’s most family-friendly attractions make it a solid choice for kids of all ages. With complimentary strollers for the little ones, a stay here makes it easy to experience all that the city has to offer, like the Botanical Gardens, El Retiro Park and the Prado Museum.

At check-in, your youngest family members will immediately feel at home with a selection of toys from a collaboration with UNICEF and a dedicated play area to give parents a breather. Depending on the size of your brood, family rooms with bunk beds, cribs, extra beds, and multimedia devices are available to keep children entertained. At breakfast time, high chairs and special kid menus complete the hotel’s kid-friendly initiative.

Best Design Hotel In Madrid: The Madrid Edition

The Madrid Edition

Who Will Love It: Design buffs; urbanites
All-Star Amenities: Billiards table socializing; top-notch Latin restaurants
What Not To Miss: Guest-only pool zone with private entrance
Location: City Center near Puerta del Sol

The Madrid Edition’s design aesthetic embraces you from the moment you enter the dark oak-paneled reception area, where you’re greeted by a magnificently sculpted spiral staircase, your guide to the sleek spaces awaiting inside. The 200 rooms, including 23 suites, are all dressed in fashionable white and cream, with backlit headboards inspired by the 18th-century baroque portal out front and glam elements like faux-fur throws and head-to-toe drapery.

The Lobby Bar, the nucleus of the hotel, is offset by a pool table made with a slab of white marble and a cobalt blue top, a U-shaped sofa, brass stools, three-tier ornament shelving, bespoke furnishings and a copper-tinted bar adorned with a caged bottle display. A pink-kissed corridor leads to the first of two restaurants, Jerónimo, where Mexican-inspired cuisine is served in four distinct settings. Design notables include a double-long green bar, canary yellow banquettes, and specially designed light fixtures. The rooftop houses Oroya, a Peruvian fusion restaurant housed in a gorgeous vertical garden space boasting a shock of bold colors. The eatery leads to the wisteria-filled pergola pisco bar terrace and the double-size swimming pool with in-water loungers and majestic sunset views.

Best Hotel For Foodies In Madrid: Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

Who Will Love It: Haute cuisine lovers; tastemakers; gourmands
All-Star Amenities: Ultra-luxe spa zone; Palm Court Champagne Bar; Pictura Coctelería
What Not To Miss: Historic Menu at Michelin-star Deessa
Location: Retiro

Situated in Madrid’s tony Golden Triangle of Art, home to the famed Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums and just a short jaunt to El Retiro Park, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid seamlessly displays all the glitz and glamour that typifies the Belle Epoque era. All 100 rooms and 53 suites ooze sophistication with leather headboards, white marble bathrooms, ultra-comfort beds, a maxi bar and a neutral color palette. The spa continues the opulence with indoor swimming and vitality pools surrounded by wall-to-wall marble and striking chandeliers.

The on-site dining, all conceptualized by Michelin-star chef Quique Dacosta and his team, is retro-fabulous, with dandy-dressed doormen and a grand reception area that leads to the glass-domed Palm court, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served alongside a Champagne bar serving first-rate bubbly and caviar. Pictura, the hotel’s cocktail bar, pours drinks as creative as the space, a gold-hued salute to the Prado Museum, while the Ritz Garden offers paellas and barbecue in a verdant, relaxed setting. Deessa, the Michelin-star jewel of the epicurean crown, takes diners on a gourmet journey through Dacosta’s signature creations. For a splurge-worthy, multi-sensory experience, don’t miss the indulgent, three-hour Historic Menu with masterful plating so exquisite it's like eating works of art.

Best Hotel With A Rooftop In Madrid: The Principal Madrid

The Principal Madrid

Who Will Love It: Leisure seekers; theatre aficionados
All-Star Amenities: Menu by Michelin-star chef Ramón Freixa; wellness suite
What Not To Miss: 360 degree terrace views over the city
Location: Gran Via

Classic in look and essence, the intimate 76-room The Principal Madrid welcomes guests in a multifunctional space designed for comfort and leisure. Built in 1917, the building is filled with artwork, furnishings, and knick-knacks that pay tribute to the turn-of-the-century architecture that inspired it. The color scheme—a fusion of muted greens, golds, taupes and splashes of red—alongside Ramón Freixa’s plush Ático restaurant and a private-use wellness suite add elegant touches of splendor.

The star of the show, however, is the grand rooftop terrace, offering arresting panoramic views over the city’s main thoroughfare and the Broadway of Madrid, Gran Via, and emblematic buildings Círculo de Bellas Artes and the Bank of Spain. Guests can opt for a traditional cocktail at the olive-tree-lined La Terraza or enjoy a bite at the bistro-inspired La Pérgola.

Best Hotel With A Pool In Madrid: Bless Hotel Madrid

Bless Hotel Madrid

Who Will Love It: Travelers who enjoy eclectic surrounds
All-Star Amenities: On-site bowling alley; rooftop sky lounge with swimming pool
What Not To Miss: Balinese day beds, a swim in the emerald-tiled pool
Location: Salamanca

Bless Hotel Madrid is located in the elegant Salamanca district, neighboring the city’s most exclusive shops and restaurants. Inside, the vibe is flashy: the Pinzelada Bar is an art deco mishmash of posh velvet seating, a colorful glass-stained bar, mood lighting and oriental rugs that greet guests with inviting vintage flair. In contrast, bedrooms are bright with hardwood floors, oversized beds, patterned rugs and a hint of whimsy from the nature print wallpaper.

Public spaces continue the eclectic feel with a cozy spa, virtual training room, and the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Fetén, complete with a bowling alley. Meal options include Japanese fusion cuisine at SLVJ restaurant and seasonal Spanish bites with a cultural twist at the rooftop eatery Picos Pardos Sky Lounge by Martini, helmed by chef Victor Cuevas. The lounge shares the generous space with an uber-posh, elevated emerald-tiled swimming pool surrounded by luxe Balinese beds and privileged views over the city.

Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Madrid: Urso Hotel & Spa

Urso Hotel & Spa

Who Will Love It: Visitors seeking optimal rest and relaxation
All-Star Amenities: Breakfast in the Conservatory; pet-friendly suites; champagne menu
What Not To Miss: Signature spa treatments
Location: Chamberí

Neoclassical on the outside and modern on the inside, Urso Hotel & Spa preserves its rich architectural history with elements like stained glass windows and a fully functional antique elevator. The 78 rooms here are bright and inviting, with hardwood floors, full-length curtains and comfy deluxe bedding. Guests are spoiled for choice at meal times: Casa Felisa serves Spanish dishes with a pinch of quirk; the swank Lobby Bar encourages a champagne break; and The Conservatory with its lovely nature wallpaper screens and skylight lined with vertical garden strips presents a most memorable breakfast and brunch venue.

The wellness area is the true standout here—an intimate space highlighted by a rectangular circuit pool fitted with paneled woods and neutral patterned walls. This tranquil facility comprises a tiny techno gym, a Turkish hammam with aromatic eucalyptus scents and four treatment rooms. Premium spa brands Natura Bissé and Comfort Zone are used for all services tailored for him, her or for couples, and treatments are made-to-measure and can be purchased in packs of up to 15 for future use. For a wondrous experience, try the Complete Diamond, a 120-minute head-to-heel face and body treatment designed to exfoliate, moisturize and rejuvenate.

Best Hotel For Nightlife In Madrid: Only You Boutique

Only You Boutique

Who Will Love It: Nightlife lovers; trendsetters
All-Star Amenities: 24-hour breakfast; gluten-free bakery; restaurant w/art space
What Not To Miss: Lounging in the quirky public areas
Location: Chueca

Only You Boutique Hotel sits near the heart of the bustling Chueca district, home to buzzy bars and clubs. Inside, the atmosphere is at once eccentric and sumptuous, with its maze of kooky sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and offbeat décor (think: a faux rhino head and a suitcase wall). Bedrooms in this former 19th-century mansion are a touch more subdued, quietly echoing the grandeur of common areas with framed vintage Madrid maps, velvet headboards, geometric rugs and divine giraffe-print robes.

The unconventional feel continues with Asian-inspired massages at Thai Room, a 24-hour gym and the whimsically white Patio of Platos, a courtyard spot stacked with chinoiserie-print plate wall displays that triple as a lounge, dining area and event space. Meal options include Younique Restaurant Arts Club, serving inventive Mediterranean cuisine alongside a rotation of art exhibits and Celicioso, a “bakery” featuring gluten-free sweet and savory treats. For signature tipples and weekend entertainment, try the chic Padrino Cocktail Bar, while the 24-hour à la carte breakfast is always a good idea—dancing ’til dawn can work up quite the appetite, after all.

Best Historic Hotel In Madrid: Westin Palace

Westin Palace

Who Will Love It: Traditionalists; executive business travelers; lovers of the finer things
All-Star Amenities: 24-hour fitness room; premium guest experiences; breakfast at La Rotunda
What Not To Miss: Opera & Brunch Sundays
Location: Barrio de las Letras

Inaugurated in 1912, the Westin Palace exudes timeless elegance and grace. From the classical façade facing the mythical Neptune Fountain to the 17th-century tapestries in common areas to La Rotunda Restaurant’s crystal chandelier hanging down from the ornate stained glass Art Nouveau cupola, guests here are transported to a world of regal sophistication. Typical Spanish bites are served with old-world flair in this storied setting and are accompanied by seasonal live opera performances on Sundays. For unwinding and socializing, the Museo Bar, styled after a typical British gentleman's club, serves all the classics in a wood-paneled space with posh seating in dark green leather.

The 470 rooms, of which 50 are suites, have been meticulously remodeled to celebrate the hotel’s storied heritage and are bathed in ivory with period wallpaper art, bespoke furnishings, marble fireplaces and a pop of modern color. To feel like nobility in these opulent surroundings, book a private visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, work out when it suits at the 24-hour fitness studio or order an ensuite wellness treatment by R’difusión.

Best Hotel For Art Lovers In Madrid: Gran Hotel Inglés

Gran Hotel Inglés

Who Will Love It: Art connoisseurs; first-time visitors; stylish couples
All-Star Amenities: Afternoon tea and creative cocktails
What Not To Miss: Swing and Rock & Roll Nights
Location: Barrio de las Letras

At 138 years young, the Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid and has hosted no shortage of legendary names, including Henri Matisse and Virginia Woolf. The property’s central location is steps from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts, as well as the popular Paseo del Arte. Then there’s the décor, particularly the splendid LobByto Bar, a design marvel boasting Art Deco furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar with a hanging liquor cabinet. This generous space multitasks as a discreet guest check-in area, themed live music host, afternoon tea service and a weekend brunch hot spot. Guests and denizens can also stop by for traditional tapas and signature cocktails like El Retiro, a heady mix of vodka, limoncello, grenadine and vanilla syrup topped with lemon foam.

The 48 rooms are crisp, airy (some street facing) and modern, with sprinkles of snazzy 1920s deco detailing on walls, lamps and textile motifs. That period theme carries on to the cozy Le Max Wellness Club where visitors can freshen up with a Sisley facial or take in a jacuzzi soak while recalling the day’s marvelous masterpieces.

Best Hotel Near Shopping In Madrid: Hotel Unico Madrid

Hotel Unico Madrid

Who Will Love It: Shopaholics; foodies
All-Star Amenities: Secret garden; luxurious spa treatments; personal trainers
What Not To Miss: Seasonal tasting menu by Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa
Location: Salamanca

A short distance from Calle Serrano, the city’s most exclusive shopping street and a 20-minute strut to Gran Via’s fast fashion favorites, the 44-room Único Madrid’s refined elegance—including a common area library and classic winding staircase spotlighting a vividly red sculpture—welcomes visitors looking for a quiet respite in a boutique setting. Rooms, fixed with classic furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflect a sophisticated style reminiscent of the property’s aristocratic backstory. At the spa, luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé spoils guests with indulgent face and body treatments, while the well-equipped gym can provide personal trainers to keep fitness schedules up-to-the-minute.

The kitchen is led by star chef Ramón Freixa, whose two Michelin-star namesake restaurant fuses traditional flavors with leading-edge techniques. Try the multi-course Temporality tasting menu in the stylish slate-hued space preceded by a wander to the property’s serene secret garden where manicured lawns and shrubbery present a perfect spot for a sun-kissed break. Fashioned after a proper English pub, The Bar completes Único’s first-rate services with snacks and creative concoctions in velvet and leather surrounds, an excellent spot to review the day's fashionable finds.

About Jessica Benavides Canepa, Your Madrid Guide

I am a luxury lifestyle journalist based in Barcelona and specializing in travel, gastronomy and wellness. Traveling the world since I took my first flight at the tender age of six months, I have so far visited over 50 countries on 4 continents. Madrid has long been a favorite destination of mine since the day I spent hours wandering the Prado and El Retiro Park only to get lost in a maze of colorful side streets that led me to some of the best tapas I’ve ever tasted. That's Madrid for you, offering visitors a storied cultural heritage paired with a vibrant vibe fueled by its art museums, street life, and districts so varied they offer something for all tastes. Along with contributing to Forbes Vetted, my digital and print work has been featured in top-tier publications including Robb Report, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, TIME, Marie Claire, BBC Travel and more.

Jessica Benavides Canepa
Jessica Benavides Canepa