Where to stay Madrid: best hotels and districts for every budget

Where to stay in Madrid when you come to spend a few days? What are the best districts in which to make the most of your stay? Ideally, you want a hotel that is well placed for visiting the capital. Then a hotel that fits your budget. And if necessary, a kid-friendly hotel. To help you in your search, we’ve selected a few hotel addresses by district!

Where to stay in Madrid? Our selection of hotels by district!

We’ve divided Madrid into 7 main districts. So you can choose your accommodation according to what you want to visit during your stay. Madrid is very well served by public transport, bicycles and electric scooters. It’s very easy to get around.

In fact, we invite you to re-read our article on public transport in Madrid. You’ll find all the practical information you need. Don’t forget that there aren’t really any areas to avoid, as the centre of Madrid is very quiet.

1. El Centro: the historic heart of Madrid

When we talk about the historic centre, we really mean the hypercentre. This is where you’ll find Madrid’s main tourist attractions: the Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol, Plaza España and Plaza Mayor. There’s a vibrant atmosphere here, thanks to the many restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, with everything so close by, accommodation can be more expensive. The prices quoted depend very much on the season and the different types of room chosen. This is for information purposes only.

Our picks

• Hotel RIU Plaza de España: This hotel, completely renovated in 2019, is of exceptional quality. Of course, we’re starting at the top end of the market, as the RIU is a 4-star hotel, but you’ll have one of the best rooftops in the city, a location in the heart of the city and a metro station just a stone’s throw away. Expect to pay a minimum of €300/night for a basic family room, less for a double.

• B&B Hôtel Puerta del Sol: This famous French hotel chain is very well established in Spain. Having tested it on many occasions, I can only recommend this chain, which offers excellent value for money. This is a family-friendly hotel. You’ll also find the B&B Plaza Mayor, B&B centro Calle fuencarral. Expect to pay around €150/night for a family room.

• Petit Palace Arenal: We tried out this hotel chain in Seville and really liked its kid-friendly feel. Spacious rooms and a very hearty and varied breakfast (savoury and sweet, gluten-free). We did find the bathroom a little inconvenient for a family, but that depends on the room and the hotel. We recommend it at 200%. You can also find the one in Plaza de España, Petit palace Tribal (Gran Via), Petit Palace Chueca, Cliper-Gran Via. Expect to pay at least €170/night.

• Hotel du Temps Madrid : This hotel is very nice and cosy, perfect for business stays. You will appreciate its location. It is just a few minutes’ walk from La Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the Opera House and the Mercado de San Miguel. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Queen Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum are also within walking distance. Expect to pay around €160/night.

Also in the Centre

• Palacio Plaza Conde Miranda: The super modern flats 200 metres from the Plaza Mayor offer 2-bedroom flats, a 5-minute walk from the Opera metro station. Expect to pay around €150/night.
• Smartrental Collection Gran Vía Centric: This establishment offers flats and studios located 150 metres from the emblematic San Miguel market! Ideal for staying in the city centre on a budget (around €300/night).

• Le Francisco 1: Situated 500 metres from the Palacio Real, this modern hotel offers modern family rooms. The reception is open 24 hours a day! Family rooms from €250/night.

• Apartamentos Mayor Centro: if you’re on a budget and still want to stay in this area, we’d like to share this flat with you. It’s rustic but still has a touch of character. Expect to pay around €130 a night for a 1-bedroom flat for 4 people.

• Bastardo Hostel: This hostel features industrial decor. Dormitories have access to a shared bathroom with shower. Each bed has a locker, nightlight, power socket, USB connection and bedside table. The price is around €140/night.

What to do in Madrid’s hypercentre :

2. La Latina: the historic and festive district

If you want a taste of Madrid’s authenticity, La Latina is the perfect neighbourhood. Known for its famous El Rastro flea market and picturesque alleyways. It’s the ideal neighbourhood for wandering from bar to bar enjoying tapas, drinking cañas on the terrace and discovering local life. La Latina is a little further south. It is reached via the pretty Calle Cava Baja. This district is known as the most festive in the capital.

Here is our selection of hotels/apartments to stay in this part of Madrid.

• Apartamentos Cava Baja: Located less than 900 metres from the Puerta de Toledo, this establishment offers flats for 2 to 4 people. Perfect for families. You can stroll close to the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. You can also enjoy the Mercado San Miguel. Expect to pay around €160/night.

• Posada del León de Oro Boutique Hotel : If you want to try the experience of sleeping in a posada, I recommend this one. It has kept its authenticity in its exterior architecture, while having modern, spacious rooms! The hotel restaurant serves traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist. You can enjoy a varied buffet breakfast in the morning and a selection of wine and tapas at the bar. Situated in the pretty Cava Baja street, the location is perfect. From €130/night.

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• HRC Hotel : With its spacious rooms and attentive service, this hotel is ideal for families. It is located in the historic centre of Madrid, just a short walk from Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Rastro flea market. The Atocha train station is a 5-minute drive away, while the Vicente-Calderón stadium is a 20-minute walk away. Expect to pay around €100/night.
• Posada del Dragón Boutique Hotel: With its colourful rooms and ultra-modern decor, this hotel is just 100 metres from Plaza Mayor and 200 metres from La Latina metro station. The San Miguel Market can be reached in just 5 minutes on foot. Expect to pay around €150 per night.

3. The Retiro (Paseo del Arte) & Atocha

This Paseo del Arte district is so named because it is home to all Madrid’s major museums: the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The advantage of living in this district is that you are also close to the large Retiro Park. It’s a great place to stroll, picnic or take a break from boating! In short, it’s a relaxing place to be (as well as offering a multitude of activities). Note that this is also the embassy district, so it’s not a cheap area :).

• Claridge Madrid: Located on the Plaza Conde Casalen in the heart of Madrid, it is a 10-minute walk from Retiro Park. This is a high-standard hotel offering excellent value for money. The hotel restaurant serves Spanish dishes made with fresh market produce. A family room costs €170 per night.

• San Jerónimos I : Located close to Retiro Park, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Gran Via and Plaza Mayor, this spacious flat is ideal for a couple. You will be able to enjoy the Paseo Del Arte and the activities available in the hyper centre. Approximately €300/night.
• Only YOU Hotel Atocha: Following the renovation of a 19th-century building, this hotel is located 150 metres from Madrid-Atocha station. This can be convenient if you want to get away from Madrid. The hotel overlooks Paseo Infanta Isabel and Calle Alfonso XII. The Prado Museum is 900 metres away. Allow around €150/night.

4. Malasaña and Chueca

If you’re looking for a lively neighbourhood, a haven for artists, small shops with character and not too many tourists, then Malasaña is the place for you. Then head to Malasaña. It’s one of Madrid’s hippest districts, where getting lost in the streets becomes a treasure hunt full of surprising discoveries. As for Chueca, it’s known as the capital’s gay quarter. Located close to the city centre, you’ll find streets full of life and original shops. Where to stay in these areas of Madrid? Here is our selection.

• Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments – Madrid Suites: 1 2-bedroom flat, completely charming and ideally located for visiting Madrid. Close to Noviciado metro station. Expect to pay €300/night.

• Slow Suites Chueca: Just 2 steps from Chueca station, this smart 2-bedroom flat has a really cool decor. It is close to the Retiro, the Reina Sofía Museum and Plaza de España metro station. It costs €180/night.

• B&B Hotel Fuencarral 52: Housed in a carefully restored 19th-century building, all rooms are elegantly designed. They are spacious and soundproofed. There is a rooftop terrace with a relaxation area and stunning views over the city. This is a chic yet affordable address. Expect to pay €130/night.

• Room00 Chueca Hostel: This hostel is located on the border of the trendy districts of Chueca and Malasaña. The dormitories have bunk beds, while the rooms have single or double beds. With its atypical decoration, this hostel is out of the ordinary and is perfect for young people passing through Madrid. The price is around 75/night.

5. Salamanca: the elegant and exclusive district

The Salamanca district is synonymous with elegance and prestige in Madrid. Renowned for its wide, tree-lined avenues, luxury boutiques such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and refined restaurants, it’s the ideal place for an upmarket stay. There are also interesting museums such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Juan March Foundation.

• Petit Palace President Castellana: located 50 metres from the Paseo de la Castellana, this 4-star hotel offers bright, modern rooms. It is just a short walk from the Plaza de Colón and the Cibeles fountain. This hotel is kid-friendly. Allow around 150/night.

• VP el Madroño: This hotel offers rooms that resemble flats. The style is cosy and spacious! A little extra for the private garden. From €130 per night.

• Welcomer Apartments Madrid: These studios can accommodate a family of 4. Well-decorated and with a terrace. From 110€/night.

ICON Embassy by Petit Palace: Another Petit Palace chain, it’s true, but this one has some really pleasant communal areas. The rooms are modern and family-friendly. They offer an airport shuttle. From €250/night.

6. Chamberi:

• Casa Almagro by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts : Located in the cool neighbourhood of Chamberi, this hotel offers modern and stylish rooms just 50 metres from Plaza Colón. It also has a small garden and a bar with terrace. If you want to treat yourself to a beautiful and chic hotel, this one with its family suite and terrace will suit your needs. Depending on the period, rooms are available for €250/night or €400/night.

• Exe Plaza: Located just 2 metro stops from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium (Real Madrid’s emblematic stadium), this hotel welcomes you next to the Kio Towers on the Paseo de la Castellana. You can relax in its SPA to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Expect to pay around €250/night.
• Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center: This hotel offers a peaceful setting in the Chamberi district, 200 metres from San Bernardo metro station. Its modern and comfortable rooms are very pleasant and bright. Expect to pay around €100/night.

7. Where to stay in Madrid near Barajas Airport

The airport is well served by public transport, metro and bus. However, if you have to catch an early morning flight, it’s best to sleep close to the airport.

• Melia Barajas: With its attractive, brightly-coloured decor, this hotel is very close to the airport and has a garden and swimming pool. Ideal for children. The hotel offers a shuttle service to the airport every 15 minutes. From €140/night.

Any other hotels with a swimming pool in Madrid? Read our selection: The most beautiful hotels with a rooftop swimming pool.

• Ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajas: For Ibis fans, at Madrid airport there is one with a very modern decor. A shuttle service is also available. From €160/night.

• Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport

• B&B Hotel Madrid Aeropuerto : This BB hotel offers free shuttle services and very spacious family rooms.

> Read our article on how to get to the city centre from the airport.

Discover also the hotel inside the T4 airport: The Air Room.

Finally

Whichever district you choose, Madrid will captivate you with its unique energy and its blend of tradition and modernity. It is very easy to find out where to stay Madrid. Explore the city according to your preferences and desires, choosing from our top addresses. Don’t forget to check this article every month for new openings and special promotions.

Now you know where to stay in Madrid. I hope this overview of hotels by district in Madrid will help you make the right choice of accommodation. Don’t hesitate to share your good addresses in the comments.

Final tip: Remember to book in advance to take advantage of the best rates and the most popular hotels!

Plan your trip by discovering the means of transport available to reach the city centre. Read our article How to get to Madrid city centre from the airport.