Where To Stay In Madrid, Spain: A Complete Guide To The Best Areas and Hotels

Madrid is the capital of Spain and located in the heart of the country. Known for its drool worthy tapas, bull fights, football, stunning architecture, and for being the hub of Spanish culture, Madrid is a great city to visit in Europe. Read on to discover where to stay in Madrid, Spain - the best areas and hotels!

Madrid was my first trip to Europe, so it holds a special place in my heart. After exploring the city I have narrowed down my favorite areas and hotels in Madrid.

1. Malasaña: Best Madrid Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors

Malasaña is a lively neighborhood located in the heart of Madrid. This trendy neighborhood in Madrid is a great place to base yourself because of its close proximity to some of the cities best attractions, awesome nightlife, trendy coffee shops, unique shopping, and stunning streets.

Malasaña is a great place to stay for first time visitors and the younger crowd!

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Malasaña

Pros

So Much To Do
Stylish and Attractive Neighborhood

Cons

Can Be Loud At Night
Expensive

Best Hotels In Malasaña, Madrid

Luxury Hotels In Malasaña

Barceló Torre de Madrid - Located right next to the stunning Palace of Madrid, Barceló Torre de Madrid is a five star luxury hotel perfect for your Madrid city break. At Barceló Torre de Madrid you will find a bar, a pool, a gym, and more.

VP Plaza España Design - The VP Plaza is a luxury hotel perfect for families and couples. The modern hotel is home to a stunning rooftop pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and more!

Middle Range Hotels In Malasaña

Sonder Malasaña - Sonder is a lovely aparthotel located in the heart of the Malasaña. Perfect for long term stays, you can rent an apartment for short term or long term stays. Sonder is also perfect for families as you can get a multiple bedroom apartment!

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid - Hotel Princesa is a four star hotel located in the northern part of the Malasaña neighborhood (near Chambrí). At The Princesa Plaza you will find a bar, laundry, spacious rooms, a restaurant, and more!

Budget Hotels In Malasaña

Akeah Hotel Gran Via - Akeah Hotel Gran Via is the perfect budget friendly hotel in Madrid. Located in the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood, Akeah offers clean and spacious rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and more.

Fuencarral Rooms - The Fuencarral Rooms are a great option if you are trying to stick to a budget in Madrid. The rooms are basic, but clean, and they are in a great location!

2. Retiro: Best Madrid Neighborhood for Peace, Parks, and Art Lovers

Retiro is a centrally located neighborhood in Madrid most well known for being home to the stunning El Retiro Park, historic buildings, and museums. You will find the world famous Prado Museum in Retiro where you can learn all about European history!

Retiro is great place to stay for history lovers and first time visitors.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Retiro

Pros

The Amazing Attractions
Central Location

Cons

Busy
Expensive

Best Hotels In Retiro, Madrid

Luxury Hotels In Retiro

Hotel Palacio Del Retiro - Situated just outside of El Retiro Park, Hotel Palacio Del Retiro is a five star luxury hotel perfect if you are hoping to have a glamorous time in Madrid. At the elegant Hotel Palacio you will find a spa, a bar, a gym, a restaurant, spacious rooms, and more!

Mandarin Oriental Ritz - Just a few steps from El Retiro Park you will find the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel. This charming five star hotel is home to a pool, bar, gym, spa, pet friendly rooms, and more.

Middle Range Hotels In Retiro

NH Collection Paseo del Prado - Situated just outside the outstanding Prado Museum is the NH Collection Paseo del Prado. At the NH Collection you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city!

Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza - The four star Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza is a lovely option for families, solo travelers, and couples due to there variety in room choices. At the Petit Palace you will find pet friendly rooms, breakfast served daily, room service, laundry, and more!

Budget Hotels In Retiro

Catalonia El Retiro - Located just south of El Retiro Park, Catalonia El Retiro is a great option if you are looking for a budget hotel in Retiro. At the four star hotel you will be met with spacious rooms, a bar, room service, laundry, and more.

Agumar Hotel - Situated just a few steps away from El Retiro Park, Agumar is a great budget option in Madrid. At the small hotel you will find a restaurant, bar, room service, and more.

3. Chamberí: Madrid’s Best Neighborhood for a Local, Authentic Experience

Situated just north of the Malasaña neighborhood, Chamberí is a bit less chaotic than neighborhoods more in the center of the city. Chamberí is a residential neighborhood perfect for travelers staying in Madrid for a longer period of time. It is close to the city center so you will have no issues seeing the sights in the city. There are also plenty of cool museums in Chamberí!

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Chamberí, Madrid

Pros

Less Expensive Than Other Parts Of Madrid
Quiet

Cons

Not Much To See In The Area

Best Hotels In Chamberí, Madrid

Luxury Hotel In Chamberí

InterContinental Madrid, an IHG Hotel - Located in the outskirts of the Chamberí neighborhood (near Salamanca) you will find the timeless InterContinental Hotel. The five star hotel in Chamberí is perfect for families and couples.

Middle Range Hotel In Chamberí

One Shot Luchana - The One Shot Luchana is a trendy boutique hotel perfect for solo travelers and couples. At The One Shot Luchana you will find a restaurant, spacious rooms, laundry service, and more.

Budget Hotel In Chamberí

Hotel Exe Moncloa - Hotel Exe Moncloa is a great option for budget travelers in Madrid. At the Hotel Exe Moncloa you will have access to a pool, bar, gym, and more!

Leonardo Hotel - Located in the heart of Chamberí you will find the Leonardo Hotel. This massive hotel is perfect for any traveler on a budget. You will find all you need at the three star hotel (spacious rooms, full bathrooms, 24/7 front desk service, and more.)

4. Salamanca: Best Neighborhood in Madrid for Luxury, Shopping, and Style

Situated in the northwest part of the city, Salamanca is known for its grand streets, stunning architecture, cool cafes, and lovely boutiques. The high end neighborhood is super safe and perfect for anyone traveling to the Spanish capital.

The Salamanca neighborhood is probably the most expensive area to stay in Madrid.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Salamanca

Pros

Very Safe
Elegant

Cons

Expensive
A Bit Farther Away From Main Attractions

Best Hotels In Salamanca, Madrid

Luxury Hotels In Salamanca

Bless Hotel Madrid - The Bless Hotel is one of Madrid's best hotels! With an incredible rooftop pool, world class spa, amazing restaurant, bar, and beautifully appointed rooms, Bless is a great option for a luxury stay in Madrid.

Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid - The five star Wellington Hotel is located in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood. The elegant hotel is ideal for couples and families looking to splurge in Madrid.

Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá - Hotel Fenix is located in the center of the Salamanca Neighborhood. At the elegant hotel you will be met with an amazing spa, elegant rooms, a gym, a restaurant, and more.

Rosewood Villa Magna - The Rosewood Villa Magna is an eco-friendly hotel in the northern part of the Salamanca neighborhood. At the modern Rosewood you will be met with a spa, bar, gym, pet friendly rooms, and more!

Middle Range Hotels In Salamanca

Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences - The Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences are a series of apartments that you can rent both short term and long term. The apartments are perfect for digital nomads in Madrid.

Relais & Châteaux Heritage Madrid - The Relais & Châteaux Heritage is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood. At the beautifully appointed hotel you will find a bar, a restaurant, and elegant furnishings.

Budget Hotels In Salamanca

ICON Embassy - There aren't many budget friendly hotels in the Salamanca neighborhood, but the ICON Embassy is pretty fairly priced. At the Icon you will find boho chic decor, a restaurant, a bar, pet friendly rooms, and more.

Barceló Emperatriz - Situated on the outskirts of the Salamanca neighborhood, near Retiro, The Barcelò Emperatriz is a bit more affordable than other hotels in the area. At Barcelò Emperatriz you will be met with elegant rooms, a bar, a gym, and more.

5. Sol: Madrid’s Vibrant and Central Neighborhood

Sol, or Puerto del Sol, is the heart of Madrid. Home to the best shopping in the city, stunning winding streets, and so much to do, Sol is the perfect neighborhood to stay in Madrid if you are a first time visitor.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Sol

Pros

So Much To Do
Heart Of The City

Cons

Busy
Expensive

Best Hotels In Sol

Luxury Hotels In Sol

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid - The Four Seasons Madrid is easily the most iconic hotel in the city. The luxury five star hotel is home to gorgeous rooms, a bar, a spa, and is located right in the heart of Madrid.

Thompson Madrid - Located in the center of Madrid, The Thompson hotel is perfect hotel for any traveler looking for a luxury experience. At the Thompson you will find a stunning rooftop pool, a gym, a bar, a restaurant, and spacious rooms!

The Madrid EDITION - The Madrid Edition is a beautifully decorated hotel in the heart of the city. At the luxurious hotel you will find a jungle like bar, a pool, a gym, and more.

Middle Range Hotels In Sol

Hotel Montera Madrid - Located in the heart of Sol, Hotel Montera Madrid is perfect for all travelers! You will be met with a lovely rooftop pool, a chic bar, beautifully appointed rooms, and more at Hotel Montera!

UMusic Hotel Madrid - UMusic Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located in the center of Madrid. At the top notch hotel you will find a pool, live music on the rooftop patio, spacious rooms, a bar, and much more.

Budget Hotels In Sol

B&B Madrid - B&B Madrid is the perfect budget friendly hotel for first time visitor to Madrid. Located in the the center of the city, B&B Madrid offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Hotel Preciados - Hotel Preciados is an affordable four star hotel in the outskirts of the Sol neighborhood. At Hotel Preciados you will find spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and more.